Music Monday: Visual Diary of Treasure Island Festival in SF
Ahhh, Music Festival Season. The adrenaline, blister and hook-filled period that kicks off with SXSW in March - then proceeds through the deserts of Coachella, sweats through the dust fields of Bonnaroo, peaks into the city of Chicago for Lollapalooza, and ferries itself out of NYC to All Points West in New Jersey.
One of the last festivals of the year before we start winter hibernation - and one of the newest in the US is Treasure Island Music Festival in San Francisco. We highly recommend you add this one to your 2010 to-do list because it is as dainty and idyllic as it sounds - held on a palm tree-filled island (and military base) right next to San Francisco.
This year, the event took place on October 17th and 19th and we were there - sneakers on and cameras in hand - swaying to The Decemberists and popping balloons during The Flaming Lips.
Below is our visual diary of the festival, as well as top 10 reasons to go to Treasure Island Festival year.
Photo: June Moon
1) COLORFUL AMUSEMENTS
Treasure island has a glowing ferris wheel as well as several of the radical exhibits from Burning Man (Plus, since it occurs right after Burning Man - the art pieces are fresh from the desert - unlike Coachella and All Points West which show note-worthy pieces from the year prior.)
Photo: June Moon
2) EASY ACCESS.
We know a lot of you hate festivals because you have to trek across a football field-sized area to get from stage to stage or wait in your car for 2 hours to get out of the parking lot. Fear not, Treasure Island has easy and efficient transport from SF to the island (it takes about 20 minutes and shuttles leave non-stop from the venue).
Photo: June Moon
3) NOT TOO BIG NOT TOO SMALL
This year, with MGMT and The Flaming Lips headlining each night, the festival had no problem selling out. However, this didn't mean the lines were insane and toilets were travesties as it does other festivals. The crowd capped out at 12,000 - and while there were definitely PEOPLE, you could still easily sit and relax under trees - and bump into friends - or dance your pants off- without feeling bombarded by others.
Photos: June Moon
4) EPIC VIEWS
See above: The city skyline is breathtaking from the island - as is the water vistas and sailboats. Plus, since SF boasts indian Summers, the weather is typically just about right - not too cold and not too sweaty/warm.
Photo: June Moon
5) GOOD GRUB
SF is a foodie town....so no worries about making your tummy just as happy as your ears while you are at Treasure Island.
Some Top choices? A Cali staple: Garlic Fries, as well as the homemade potato and onion Knishes.
Photos: Faith-Ann Young
6) MAJESTIC SUNSETS
We don't know if it was the lighting or the crowds but each night, as the sun set, it felt as though we were on a carnival film set. Very "kodak moment" friendly.
Photos: Faith-Ann Young
7) IMPRESSIVE MUSICIANSHIP
Treasure Island this year boasted bands like Yo La Tengo....
Photos: Faith-Ann Young
8) DIVERSE MUSIC
While bands like MGMT and MSTRKRFT and GIRL TALK brought in a dance crowd on Saturday, on Sunday night, The Decemberists appealed to more psychedelic and folk-loving patrons.
9) ELABORATE MEMORABLE SETS
Did we mention that The Flaming Lips closed out the festival this year??????!!!!!
Wayne Coyne in his famous inflatable ball that he uses to walk over the audience.
Volunteers in rabbit suits dance on the side of the stage.
Photos: Faith-Ann Young
10) SF Peeps Rock!
Sure - atmosphere, beer, and good music helps but it is the spirit of the crowds that makes a festival stand out. In SF, it is the crowd that makes Treasure island as free and laid-back yet animated as it is. The motto? No pushing, just fun...
