Bottle Rock Napa Valley dominates the merry month of May, and there are a couple of must-catch Acoustic Sunrise “discovery bands” on the bill: Magic Giant and Nahko and Medicine for the People.
Magic Giant is a group of easy-going neo-hippy cats with precision musicianship and soaring, anthem-like melodies – the perfect festival band. In fact, Billboard called them one of the 10 Awesome Bands playing Coachella 2018. If you can’t get to Napa, catch them at their aftershow at the Chapel on Friday night.
Nahko is an Oregonian of Apache, Puerto Rican, and Filipino heritage. He reclaimed his Native American name, Bear, on his new album. He and his multi-racial band Medicine For the People carry an uplifting, positive message couched in modern folk-rock, reggae, and hip-hop. Make sure your appointment app has you in front of the stage with a go-cup of wine in your hand when they start!
Outside the Valley, Jay Farrar of Son Volt and Uncle Tupelo fame joins up with Johnny Irion May 17th at The Chapel. Johnny, who has strong Bay Area roots, is John Steinbeck’s grandnephew and is married to Sarah Lee Guthrie, daughter of Arlo and granddaughter of Woody Guthrie. Lots of music and literature in this couple’s genes!
U2 brings their spectacle to SAP Pavilion May 7 & 8. The tour has been plagued with ticketing snafus and pricing issues, but once the house lights go down and the intro music swells up, you know you are in for an unforgettable juggernaut of a musical ride. You’ll come out hours later hoarse from singing along all night!
The other beloved festival in May is the Spring 2018 Strawberry Festival (the Fall festival takes place in August)! A very strong lineup this year includes Lukas Nelson & the Promise of the Real, Taj Mahal, Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Anders Osborne & Jackie Green, Ghost of Paul Revere, Todd Snider, Chris Webster & Nina Gerber & Pam & Jeri of Blame Sally and many more! Camping comes with all the conveniences, activities for every age group, and that famous warm and caring Strawberry community vibe this Memorial Day Weekend in Grass Valley.
Great Gigs in May
TRAIN, DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES – May 4 – Oracle Arena
U2 – May 7, 8 – SAP Center
GEORGE EZRA – May 9 – Fox Theater
WEEPIES – May 12 – The Fillmore
JAY FARRAR, JOHNNY IRION – May 17 – The Chapel
LAURA VEIRS – May 21 – The Chapel
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL with Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the Real, Anders Osborne & Jackie Greene, Todd Snider, Ghost of Paul Revere, Duo Quartet with Chris Webster, Nina Gerber, Pam Delgado, & Jeri Jones – May 24-28 – Nevada County Fairgrounds Grass Valley
PAUL SIMON – May 25 – Oracle Arena
MAGIC GIANT – BOTTLEROCK AFTERSHOW – May 25 – The Chapel
BOTTLEROCK MAPA VALLEY – May 25, 26, 27 – Napa Expo with THE HEAD & THE HEART, MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD, LUKAS NELSON AND THE PROMISE OF THE REAL, MAGIC GIANT, MONDO COZMO, ALLEN STONE, SHAKEY GRAVES, NAHKO & MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE, DAVID LUNING, and many more