This weekend is a very special one. For the first time in many years (since "Street Scene" called it quits), our home-town San Diego hosts a major 3-day music festival -- KAABOO in Del Mar. First time KAABOO live event producers (always an extremely risky proposition) defined their mission as being to build a "truly different adult escape."
So what's the verdict after Day 1?
THEY DELIVERED. Surprisingly delivered at a venue -- the Del Mar Fair Grounds (the horse track) -- which is challenging in all of its asphalt (as opposed to the grassy comforts of Coachella or the green pastures of Outside Lands). The venue (7 stages) had the "feel" of a far more experienced festival -- not one of being a rookie. Especially impressive is the main stage -- Sunset Cliffs -- which sits so close to the ocean that you can smell the salt and feel the breezes (and also see the Coaster train roll by). Sunset Cliffs replaced asphalt with beach sand (really!) and faux (but quality) grass. Stage was massive. Screens matched that. And the weather matched the promoters' ambitions -- it delivered. KAABOO does it right. It showcases San Diego and the magical beach life we are fortunate to live down here (as well as the craft beers and healthy, quality foods that are part of that).
I am an indie/alt music guy who also appreciates EDM and the immersive experiences of the Sahara tent at Coachella. KAABOO is not that kind of festival (although there are a few exceptions here and there). Instead, KAABOO features a healthy dose of ska and straight-forward and frequently folksy rock and roll with some classic baby boomer names and many with Southern California roots. So, for me, the 3-day lineup didn't immediately impress (but, don't think that kind of indie/EDM-driven Coachella-like festival could "work" in San Diego anyhow). I went for the overall festival escape experience. But, I left day 1 having experienced some great sets. Brett Dennen started the day -- Dirty Heads drove it home (great SoCal band) -- and Sheryl Crow (one of our old-time favorites) led us to the headlining promised land ... No Doubt. Listen -- I am not a huge follower of No Doubt (or Gwen), but I appreciate them (and Gwen). Love their energy. And, it was, in retrospect, a stroke of genius by the KAABOO team to slot them as being the first headliner in KAABOO history. They represent everything that KAABOO represents. SoCal (No Doubt is from the O.C.). Sun. Fun. Ska. Beach life. And Gwen Stefani herself -- who literally risked her life for all of us (am not kidding). As the set approached its close, Gwen climbed the massive stage's left metal column almost to the top -- with no net beneath her -- and clutching (and singing into) her microphone as she did it (just check out the picture above). I looked around the crowd as she did this, and we held our collective breath until she completed her descent.
No Doubt -- and Gwen, in particular -- gave it their all. Left it all out there. One of the most surprisingly remarkable and fun music sets I have ever experienced -- and that is saying a lot. I have new respect.
As do I for the KAABOO team. KAABOO is highly ambitious. Frequently audacious. And, a nice dose of quality. Are there any "misses"? Of course. It's a first-time festival after all. My VIP wrist-bands never came (literally got lost in the mail). There could (should) be a better major kick-back lounge for those who are willing to pay much more for that comfort as we get a bit older (Outside Lands, in particular, does a great job there). Many of the vendors accepted only cash (because their credit card processing "didn't work"). And, the festival needs its own instantly-recognizable major defining icon (like Coachella's ferris wheel and Outside Lands' windmill).But, amidst all the things that KAABOO does right, those are relatively small issues.
At the end of the day, music festivals are about great escape -- great energy -- and great music that come together to create unique, unforgettable EXPERIENCES. KAABOO does that. KAABOO is a great new addition to the San Diego lifestyle that already is quite, well, great. Let's hope its creators sell enough ... and are patient enough ... to make it a San Diego institution. Think they are -- and they will.
I was glad to be there. Glad to be there with my family and friends. Glad to hear the great music. And look forward to Day 2 ....