Wafting through psychedelic clouds of swirling dust and smoke, peering through massive eucalyptus and redwood trees of Golden Gate Park every August, music and art fans swarm to the three-day that is Outside Lands. Surrounded by experimental food, beer, cocktails and art, we set up camp, inviting an international roster of artists who paint live for the crowds.
Along with curating stage decor and art installations throughout the park, we spin visual sugar around every corner.
Continuing the carnie legacy, Mike Shine brought to the forest Dr. Flotsam’s Hell Brew Revue, a variety show that embodies his philosophy to the fullest, as he recruits revelers to come together, be creative, sing your heart out, and drink a hellish cocktail. In a nearby field, artists like Apex, Ken Davis, Amandalynn, Greg Mike and Zio Ziegler crushed the walls that contained the crowd, ensuring an encounter with art at every turn. And then, there’s the music.
This year, Outsider Landers were treated to performances by fresh acts like Glass Animals and SZA, groundbreakers like Kendrick Lamar, and the legends: Billy Idol and Elton John (hold us closer, tiny dancer). The gold standard for us this year was D’Angelo and the Vanguard, killing it in front of a huge crowd on a stage covered in Jux contributor Kristin Farr’s mesmerizingly colorful Magic Diamond pattern. Watching the crowd feel D’Angelo’s signature sweet vibe, as his voice floated through us and into the trees, was about as magical as it gets, assuring our return in 2016 for our sixth year of OSL jams.
Stay in touch with Outside Lands all year at sfoutsidelands.com
All photography by James Pawlish
