(Photo of Woodstock August 1969)
Forty years ago throngs of people descended upon San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district declaring it the "Summer of Love". In that same summer from August 15th through the 18th the "Summer of Love" culminated with Woodstock. It is now 2009 and the "Haight" is a mix of capitalism, local SF flair and a bunch of kids trying to sell pot and Woodstock is being revisited in Ang Lee's new film, Taking Woodstock. Yet, we still love music and want to see it, but as the economy continues to suck wind it is getting expensive to see all the acts you want to experience. Thank God for the music festival! Across the world there are countless festivals that bring together some of the greatest acts for a pretty darn good value: Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, Hardly Strictly Blue Grass and the newest (2009 is the second go) San Francisco's Outside Lands Music and Art Festival.
(Photo of Outside Land's Music and Art Festival)
What makes any of these festivals different? The line-ups, venues, and the food. This is where San Francisco steps it up in away that few other cities on Earth can do. This city loves food, drink, music and wants it all in one place. Last year Outside Lands brought it all together and it was a smash hit. The festival introduced the Wine-haven, a who's who of California wine and paired it with a Taste of the Bay, a collection of great local restaurants and purveyors. This year I am going and will rock out while slurping down some oysters and enjoying some wine. I am hoping to get to chat with some of the winemakers and get their perspective of their wines paired with Rock n' Roll. So, if you have some time and want to enjoy a beautiful weekend in Golden Gate Park, drink great wine, eat great food, and hear some killer music its time to join us in the "Summer of ______". Call it what you want, it is time for some good ol' outdoor escapism mixed with food and drink.
What: San Francisco's Outside Lands Music and Art Festival
When: August 28th - 30th
Where: Golden Gate Park
Line up: See Link
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