It truly felt like the start of H๏τ Girl Summer this weekend, when tens of thousands of fans descended upon the Napa Valley Expo to see Megan Thee Stallion, Stevie Nicks, Pearl Jam and Ed Sheeran at BottleRock. Taking place May 24–26, the Wine Country music festival paired a star-studded, multigenerational lineup with the region’s food and beverage offerings.
On Friday, Nelly served up 2000s hip-hop nostalgia, while St. Vincent serenaded the crowd with indie rock at once operatic, gritty and funky. Megan Thee Stallion telegraphed raw confidence and Sєxual power when she took the stage during her explosive Friday night set. On the opposite stage, Nicks, one of rock ’n’ roll’s all-time greats, had fans of all ages singing and swaying with nostalgia.
Saturday represented a powerful moment of ascension for Vallejo hometown hero LaRussell, whose heartfelt rhymes charmed the crowd right before Pearl Jam headlined at sunset. Later in the evening, Kali Uchis’ pirouetting vocals enraptured the audience as she telegraphed goddess-like feminine power.
BottleRock closed out Sunday with Sheeran, high-octane ’90s rockers Queens of the Stone Age and mellow vibes from Stephen Marley. PH๏τographer Estefany Gonzalez was there to capture all the moments of joy and musical celebration. Take a look at her highlights below.
St. Vincent performs at BottleRock Napa Valley festival on Friday, May 24, 2024.
St. Vincent performs at BottleRock Napa Valley festival on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Nelly performs at BottleRock Napa Valley festival on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
From left to right: Shanaya Stephenson, Crystal Nattoo, and Stephanie Yang wear anime-inspired outfits during the BottleRock Napa Valley festival on Friday, May 24, 2024
Gogol Bordello perform at BottleRock Napa Valley festival on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Jessie Doyle (left) and her husband Caleb Schneider dance as Gogol Bordello perform at BottleRock Napa Valley festival on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Megan Thee Stallion performs at BottleRock Napa Valley festival on Friday, May 24, 2024. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
