The best and worst of San Francisco's Portola Festival
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The best and worst of San Francisco's Portola Festival
"Magdalena Bay turns up the rock Miami-by-way-of-LA duo Magdalena Bay became an SFGATE staff favorite over the past year for their candy-coated synth pop. At Portola, they expanded into an explosive four-piece live band, bringing an energetic rock edge worthy of its place on the main festival stage. Bonus points for four costume changes from singer Mica Tenenbaum. - SFGATE senior culture editor Dan Gentile"
"Moby delivered a joyful, euphoric performance that brought live instrumentation into Portola's electronic-heavy lineup. Backed by powerhouse vocalists who soared through jaw-dropping high notes, a full band and even guest cellists, he reworked popular tracks with live vocals, experimental guitar riffs and sweeping arrangements. The Crane Stage pulsed as the set built toward its finale. As he closed, with what he introduced as "the fastest song in the world," the beat accelerated to a dizzying pace."
Portola Music Festival returned to Pier 80 for two days of electronic music, pop superstars, and fashionable attendees. Performances spanned energetic synth-pop, electronic sets, live instrumentation, and punk-infused rap. Magdalena Bay expanded into a four-piece live band, adding a rock edge and stage costume changes. Moby integrated live vocals, guest cellists and experimental guitar, building euphoric arrangements that culminated in an accelerating finale. Rico Nasty delivered aggressive, genre-blending rap with pop-punk guitar riffs and intense audience moshing. Attendee excitement and standout sets contrasted with persistent logistical and site issues, and the pier's concrete landscape remained austere rather than inviting.
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