This weekend kicks off the 11th ever edition of the awesomely unique BottleRock Napa Valley 2024. You already know what headliners you are going to see though there are definitely some tough choices — Stevie Nicks or Megan Thee Stallion on Friday; Pearl Jam or Kali Uchis on Saturday; and Queens of the Stone Age or Ed Sheeran on Sunday. But we’ve circled a couple of the less known undercard acts that you should definitely check out this weekend. Check out our recommendations below!
FRIDAY, MAY 24
PETE YORN — 2:00 PM at JaM Cellars Stage
One thing I love about BottleRock Napa Valley 2024 each year is that they book quite a few acts that you don’t see booked at every single major festival. Pete Yorn is an indie rock legend from the early 2000s who continues to put out solid music and he’s got quite a few hits under his belt. He had some of his hits in TV and movies like Shrek 2, Dawson’s Creek, Smallville, Me, Myself & Irene and others. “Strange Condition” is still an all-time banger and he’s got a bunch of other songs I really dig. Check him out early on Friday!
SAY SHE SHE — 7:15 PM at Truly Stage
One of my favorite discoveries of the last couple years, the disco sheen of Brooklyn act Say She She can’t be denied. The harmonizing vocals of these three talented women are backed up by an incredible live band whose first album Prism was excellent and quickly followed up by another banger the following year in their sophomore effort Silver from last year. The live show lives up to the awesomeness of the album tracks. They’re later on in the night but definitely worth checking out.
SATURDAY, MAY 25
MONDO COZMO — 1:15 PM at JaM Cellars Stage
It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen Mondo Cozmo but few festival memories stick to me as much as seeing him early on a Sunday at Boston Calling many years ago as the rain came down. I was out of weed by then but a guy next to me lit up a joint and was kind enough to share it as he covered The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” and closed his set with the stoned anthem “Shine”. He’s got such a damn good voice. Light that first joint of the day at 1:15 for his set Saturday — just look around before you do it. This is a family fest, don’t blow any smoke into any kids’ faces.
HOLLY HUMBERSTONE — 2:15 PM at Verizon Stage
Another one of my favorite discoveries of the last several years, the UK pop starlet Holly Humberstone is so immensely talented vocally and in her songwriting that she is can’t miss Saturday at BottleRock Napa Valley 2024. I’ve been a fan since she dropped the first single from her first EP and she keeps getting better and better.
SUNDAY, MAY 26
THE BEACHES — 2:00 PM at JaM Cellars Stage
If you were a fan of The Donnas back in the early 2000s, The Beaches have a lot more where that came from. These rocking bad asses had a big hit with “Blame Brett” last year and they’ve got a ton more to back that up. They are so fun live and they’ll have you tapping your feet along to their guitar-riff driven kick ass tunes.
THE SCARLET OPERA — 5:45 PM at Truly Stage
There’s no other way to describe The Scarlet Opera than a spectacle worth taking in. We caught one of their first ever shows back at the Troubadour in 2022 and they keep kicking ass. This Los Angeles indie five-piece is only just getting started but they’re already high up these kinds of bills. You’ll find out why when you check them out Sunday.
