KAABOO Festival Highlights
Held on the oceanfront of Del Mar, the debut of KAABOO music festival was a success. We’ve got the highlights of the three-day music extravaganza.
By Samantha Romero
DAY 1
Most Snapchat-Worthy Moment: Gwen Stefani Climbing a 30-foot Beam
Gwen Stefani was a complete riot as she bounced about the stage during her performance. One of the most nerve racking yet exhilarating moments was watching the rock queen climb a 30ft. plus stage beam while performing.
Best Food: Pad Thai and Thai Tea
A day jam packed with musical festivities can definitely work up one’s appetite. But not to worry because the pad thai booth was present to appease one’s hunger with delicious and freshly prepared noodles accompanied by refreshing thai tea to beat the heat.
Most Political Performance:
Foster The People did more than pump up the crowds kicks with their performance as frontman Mark Foster reminded everyone of the importance to register and vote.
Best Instagram Photo-Op:
Throughout the festival were several towering artworks that provided the perfect backdrop for the festival goers #selfie
DAY 2
Best Idea: Pool lounge overlooking the stage
What better way to beat the seemingly never ending summer heat while enjoying the performances by taking a dip in the pool lounge overlooking the Sunset Cliffs stage.
Chillest Performance: Rodrigo y Gabriela
The crowd danced to and fro to the chill tunes by the talented acoustic duo.
Best News: New Album in the works for Young the Giant
Whilst rocking out on stage Sameer Gadhia, lead singer for Young The Giant, announced a new album in the works. I can’t wait to see what is in store in their third album.
Most Memorable Set: Spoon
Nearly crowdless at first the stage became jam packed with fans only a few minutes before Spoon went on stage. The Austin based band delivered a solid performance with all time classics “Don’t You Evah” and “I Turn My Camera On.”
DAY 3
Best Stage: Sunset Cliffs
Whether you wanted to lounge in the grass area, dance in the sand or simply take a seat by the boardwalk, Sunset Cliffs had it all.
Noteworthy: Flushable Toilets
I’ve been to my fair share of music events this past year from Primavera Sound in Spain to SXSW in Texas, however unlike any of these KAABOO had the most well kept and hygienic restrooms. This is a big deal when it comes to hosting a music festival for the masses in which there are typically massive lines for porter potties that typically reek of death. Hats off to KABOO.
Best Festival Location: Del Mar
KAABOO took place at the Del Mar race track, conveniently situated near the beach, boutique apparel stores, and local bars in downtown Del Mar. So whether you simply wanted to take a nap on the beach or enjoy bottomless mimosas at a nearby bar, there was something for everyone.
Best of the Weekend: No Doubt and The Killers
Headlining day one of KABOO, No Doubt put on a stellar hour and a half set for their last show of the year. They played all of the classics from “Don’t Speak” to “I’m Just A Girl.” It was definitely a night to remember for one special fan who was invited by Stefani to join her on stage after Stefani noticed the fan had the singer’s name tattooed onto her arm.
Matching No Doubt’s lively energy was KAABOO’s closing act, The Killers. As the band opened their set with “Mr.Brightside,” the crowd went ballistic jumping up and down in unison. Throughout the performance, Brandon Flowers invited the crowd to sing along. Their performance was definitely the cherry on top of the ice cream, a perfect ending to the three day music extravaganza.
Reach Staff Reporter Samantha Romero here.
