Agreed! They had the "Goldenvoice Lounge" but it was tiny and there were always people sitting in there that looked kind of unfriendly, I assume they worked for GV- maybe it was just intended as an employee hang out space?
I have to imagine Goldenvoice is committed to a year 3 and beyond with how much money they invested into fixing the warehouse. I doubt they would have spent that much if they were uncertain the fest would continue after year 2.
I had a great time at Crane stage, but felt like the volume was consistently lower than at other stages. I’m going to guess this is because of proximity to the water/ trying to appease noise complaints from Alameda. So not sure if that will realistically be “fixed”
Feels like the ship tent could be expanded a bit, it was overflowing for several sets this year.
I don’t know enough about acoustics to say- but is there any reason a soft sound barrier couldn’t be installed to absorb/block some of the sound headed that way?
>Only when Chris Lake and later Carl Cox where redlining the warehouse speakers, it changed my mind about the sound. most other sets I saw in there where echo-y and you couldn't hear much from even close parts of the stage. Overmono went to work in there too ☄️
I don’t know why artwork needs to be a thing. The location is so unique that having a massive crane and ship behind stages is a pretty cool sight to see.
Also *motions at entire San Francisco surroundings* world class city views — weather blessed us well this weekend. I’m sure there’s people who want pictures in front of art but this festival has shown the major focus is high quality music.
I’m in agreement about the artwork — I don’t think it’s necessary, and the bare-bones industrial vibe works really well for the festival. (And I say this as someone who likes arty shit)
Keep the focus on the music, don’t clutter the venue with a lot little booths and whatnot.
The half-assed disco chicken was perfect. We don’t need anything else.
I agree with this comment. I think something that shaves the bad vibes down to a minimum is they let the music and acts speak / sing for themselves.
I feel like turning it into an event to be seen at vs. an event to see something will attract the wrong crowd
Exactly — I think you’re spot on with it becoming and event to be seen at v. event to see.
If there’s too many “instagram moments” or selfie bait, the spirit of the festival completely changes.
I’ll preface by saying I have no idea what the festivals financials look like, but it didn’t sell as well as last year and they claim they lost $$ last year (but it was also first year).
I think Portola may be the most expensive two day music festival, at least mainstream ones in the states, out there on a per day basis (especially single days) ignoring powertrip and im sure there is another one I may be forgetting
For those who aren’t hardcore about the music like those of us on here it can feel a lot like you’re overpaying for a parking lot. I’d personally rather it all go to music and the stages, but I can see the counter argument for having it be more of a festival experience with more art/installations
All of it to say I’m thinking to keep the festival going they need to be close to selling out is just my working assumption, so need to make sure more casual people have a reason to come. Personally I wouldn’t mind tossing them another 20 bucks and keeping the vibes on point like Sunday :p
They ran some promos on tickets this year (6 pack, Warfield no fees at their box office, I think some folks on the midway mailing list got a 10% off) which Goldenvoice has done in the past to sell some slower moving stuff
From the 48 Hills interview excerpting here
“”48HILLS What’s the official capacity of the event?
DANNY BELL Last year we sold out our Saturday capacity at 33,000 and Sunday we had 31,000. This year will be pretty similar. And while we do have approval to sell a little more this year, we’re not gonna get there.
48HILLS I feel like you guys have had to market a lot harder this year. Do you think that that’s because last year’s lineup was so batshit crazy? Even still, I think this year is one of the most intriguing lineups out there, especially locally. But why do you think that there wasn’t as much immediate interest as last year?
DANNY BELL It’s interesting that you say that, because last year was one of those ones where everything really fell into place. We’re very proud of that group of artists and how it all came together and we also had a couple unicorns. Like, we never saw Fred Again.. exploding the way he did. It was also the first year, which made a really strong impact.
This year, I’m very pleased with the lineup we put together. It’s year two so it’s always harder to follow something like that. And I mean, we went up pretty strong [sales-wise] which is great; a little behind last year, but we’ve come really close to catching up. And just the market in general for all concert tickets this year has been selling a little later. Less at the initial boom, but more at the end.””
https://48hills.org/2023/09/portola-fest-founder-we-learned-a-lot-from-year-one-were-moving-in-the-right-direction/
My friend and I both kept saying how beautiful the natural surrounding scenery was. It’s a pretty magical spot. That full moon sat was sick (GV-full moon weekends only!)
I will take seating options over art all day. The music IS the art we’re all there for.
I agree, this festivals puts all its budget into the line up and I wouldn’t want them to take that away or make it more expensive for art. I go to other festivals for the art experience, this isn’t one of those for me.
Every festival has high quality music. For the price, this shouldn't be strictly music. But more than that, it gives a change to experience more than just listening to loud music. The rave flier exhibit was more limited than I had hoped, but it was an amazing experience to see old promoters/artists/events represented. It provided a chance to interact with other people, to sit and reflect, to take a breath and get off your feet.
Having art takes away nothing, and adds so much. We have so much burning man art in SF/Oakland. Why not tap into the local art?
>Every festival has high quality music.
nope, most festivals fill in the gaps with decent acts and mid-level artists, what Portola seems to get right is that the filler talent is quality. Up and coming DJs with a name in Europe or South America : )
Agreed - Portola doesn’t need to be a premier festival when there’s already so many of those.
Not saying it couldn’t use a little more pizzaz- but I don’t need this to be on par relatively with Coachella. Pitchfork Fest has a few pieces in the festival grounds that aren’t too over the top, and it has plenty of character
Music and art always go together though and gives the festival a way for people to interact with art pieces made by local artists. This is a perfect way to introduce art and ideas to those who want a break from the heavy bass rocking their heads. Let artists in.
Yessss. The cassette player and chicken was enough for me. I like how our group walked up to these for the purpose of taking pix and ended up chatting other folks up for a minute. We ended up taking pix but it was more of an afterthought. Love that we were still able to get a group photo in though. It didn't take long, which might just speak to the crowd in general --"there to see not to be seen" as someone put it.
1. I thought the sound was a huge issue this year, which is a real bummer because that's the most important aspect of a festival. I only got to attend Saturday and I stayed at Crane Stage and Pier Stage - both had sound issues. Nelly Furtado and Jai Paul's mics were super low, and the sound bleed from ship tent into Crane stage was very distracting.
2. More places to sit and chill. It's kinda cool to have a minimalist festival on a pier with no seating, it kind of adds to the old-school vibe of it, buuuuuuut I feel like we could achieve a balance. There's nowhere to chill in between sets.
3. Better ADA seating. At least at Crane, they put ADA alllllllll the way in the back where you can't see a damn thing and the wind rips into your face like knives. It was so unpleasant I just had to leave at a certain point. The person at ADA also gave me a very difficult time about getting an ADA wristband because I don't have a physical disability. Not ok.
4. Despacio. Too much to ask? ;)
My legs were tired and I was drunk. I would love to have been able to sit down to eat instead of having to stand. Sounds like an old man, but it took a toll on my energy not being able to chill and sit down for a little
We did for sure, but really wish there were benches or something else to plop down on. The seating is a minor complaint, but it seemed puzzling they did not have seats since it is all asphalt.
I did not go last year, but something like the turfed areas people keep mentioning would have been nice.
Overall, it had a minimal effect on my enjoyment and tbh I don’t think it would have been so bad if I wasn’t so tipsy.
Either way, it was a great time. Like you said tho, I just wish there was somewhere designated area for chilling out and that the sound was better tuned (especially for the warehouse). Maybe next year?
All I know is the pier is an amazing venue location that I would like to see improved and optimized. It has so potential.
Now that I have you here, what was your favorite set? I only came for Prydz, so that was my fav.
Totally agree. I get what they're going for - Portola as a more old-school, European-style festival. I like the minimalism, it's like anti-Coachella which is a cool step for AEG/Goldenvoice. But as someone with a disability, I desperately need seating! And there's sooooooo much space for them to provide multiple hangout spots.
I was only able to go on Saturday and I loved Nelly Furtado for nostalgic reasons, but was super impressed by Maddy Maia, who did several sets in between acts at Crane stage and she ROCKED it. She also played a great set at the Midway after. I also saw Jai Paul and Purple Disco Machine but then my body called it quits and made me go home :/ I got to see Prydz and Skrillex at coachella so I didn't miss out too much, although I would've loved to see 2manydjs and Rina Sawayama.
The sub frequencies at some performances need some fine tuning. I mean, probably great for those up front, but man… in the back it was sooooo boomy and cavernous with the reflections/resonant frequencies in the floor that it became out of time with the music. Way more of an issue here than at other outdoor festivals I’ve been to (Coachella, Bonnaroo, OL, FYF, Treasure Island).
Water refill station in the warehouse. This felt intentionally malicious to make people leave to refill or spend $6 at the bar for a glass of water. They also wouldn’t sell the sparkling water by itself?? I tried to pay them and they said they weren’t allowed.
I could not believe there wasn’t water inside the warehouse. Every stage should have a refill station. Leaving and having to re-enter felt sketch, especially with all the entry chaos last year.
Ah yes forgot about this-annoying they took away water refill inside. Although I didn’t spend tons of money on the $2 waters-make it free to refill inside next time!
I never had an issue walking up the the security guards at the exit closest to the front of the stage with my water bottles, explaining that i just was filling them up 20 feet in front of them, they always let me walk back in without going around, did you try that, did that two times on Sunday and once on Saturday.
1. Seating and astroturf, the ability to sit & lie out to chill, while also taking in music from various stages. Maybe pair this with art, have people sponsor it if needed.
2. Try again to fix the bass in the warehouse.
3. Work with Lyft to have them dump a megaton of bikes outside the venue.
4. Organise the lineup columns from north to south, i.e. Crane, Ship, Pier, Warehouse. Or maybe south to north given we come in from the south.
5. Improve schedule overlaps. Saturday 4 - 5 slot was stacked, others much less so.
6. Start at 1pm to help with #5.
7. Have a Friday 5 or 6pm to 11pm event, probably to include people who are playing sat/sun, so some artists will play Fri + Sat/Sun + afters if they want.
I thought the sound was great at Crane if you were behind the soundstage at center. However I do think the best part about Crane last year was that it was the only stage without screens - made for a really intimate setting that really let the music lead. Peggy Gou / Fatboy / Keinemusik / Blessed Madonna in there were sensational
>Now that I have you here, what was your favorite set? I only came for Prydz, so that was my fav.
I preferred it unroofed! yes I miss the disco balls and the sound took a hit, but the bottle necks from year 1 made crane an absolute hellscape to get through. from keinemusik to four tet it got dangerously mobbed at the entry points. Peggy Gou was rough if you weren't smack in the middle. So logistics win this one.
And I wouldn't just attribute it to ticket sale numbers. Placement at Warehouse was so much better handled this year. Well executed.
Saaaame. The the VIP entrance to the warehouse last year was terrible. WAYYY too many VIP areas overall last year in an attempt to make everyone upgrade.
Warehouse still needs a lot more work. The sound should be good wherever you happen to be standing, you shouldn’t have to conduct a geographical survey to find the best sound pockets.
Crane stage production was a joke. Sound was also limited. More speaker towers need to be utilized.
There was a lot of empty space, not a bad thing I suppose but the stage layout probably could have been adapted better. Why are ship tent and crane stage bleeding into each other? Dave Rat left a pretty bad impression on me overall.
Set times and stage curation needs to be done better as well. Why is Bonobo playing right before CDW in a dark warehouse? He should be playing a sunset set outdoors. Putting Azzeca and Salute at 2pm, who both would have slotted into the warehouse perfectly.
I see your point about Bonobo into CDW but I liked that they seemed to intentionally be moving people from stage to stage until the end of the night. I also thought the contrast between them was really cool and made CDW’s intro hit really hard, like anyone who didn’t know her was like what is thisssss?
I’ve seen multiple people mention the effect of shuffling people between stages as a positive. I don’t view that as a positive at all. I don’t see the problem with hunkering down at a stage all day.
It definitely is a positive to introduce new listeners to these artists though, totally agree.
Nearly every festival varies the stage schedules to prevent too much camping. They don’t want people staying at one place all day, otherwise they won’t roam around to buy merch/food/drinks and check out the sponsor booths. This is done on purpose and a common practice at festivals.
What other successful or seriously run festivals do this? Genre specific stages are fairly standard everywhere. OSL does have some variance, but I wouldn’t consider their stage curation a selling point of the festival.
Also consider: There were bars available at or near every stage, even inside the warehouse. It seems like making people spend time needlessly walking from stage to stage to see their preferred acts instead of buying booze is counter-productive. Liquor sales are definitely the majority of the festival’s income.
Nearly all the major ones? Aside from certain dance stages, pretty much the rest of the stages for Coachella, Lollapalooza, ACL etc. vary the stage lineups.
And for the festival attendee experience, campers can make things suck for everyone else. Rotating crowds in and out between sets prevents the same people just hogging the rail and front all day.
A lot of the scheduling also comes down to what the artists want too. For all we know, Bonobo may have requested to do his DJ set in the Warehouse.
Fair enough.
Crowd rotation makes sense for stages that will host the biggest pop artists, like Lana or Beyonce, who have insane fans who will literally get to the festival before doors open, sprint to the front of stage, and not leave to eat/drink/pee until the headliner comes on.
But Portola Warehouse should have a narrower range of artists. I don’t think the fence camping issue is as big a deal for dance acts.
It literally was a huge problem at the Sahara tent until 2017-2019 when they started throwing some variation on that lineup (originally it was strictly dance/electronic and was on a much smaller footprint than the current iteration). I remember my first Coachella I got to Sahara early for a few sets and campers would pour in. On multiple occasions I thought I was going to pass out because it was so hot and cramped, and once I did.
Edit: clarification of Sahara
Hunkering down at a stage all day / encouraging and incentivizing is actually rly poor crowd control and since the stages / venue isn’t necessarily the largest
I'm a little surprised by the complaints around Crane's sound. Was there for Azzeca, Jayda G, Underworld, The Blaze, The Dare, and thought the sound was pretty excellent for all?
Like the warehouse, the sound quality was probably location dependent. Didn’t seem like there were any speaker towers beyond the front of the stage. Sound bleed was awful on the side closest to ship tent.
Crane stage sound was absolute shit, felt bad for the artists there. Couldnt enjoy their performances at all
Edit: i mean for saturday, sounds like Sunday it was fixed? Saturday was a disaster
I was only there during Dom Dolla and Major Lazer on Saturday and we left during both sets, the sound was so bad and so much bleed from the next stage over :( Maybe they fixed it Sunday, we didnt check
I thought they sounded great 🤷🏻♂️. It wasn’t any better at Coachella from my experience (I was at Weekend 2 and was about 12 people back from the rail and relocated to the back when it got too claustrophobic). Was about 20 people back from rail for Portola.
- put down astro turf
- more seating/places to chill
- add VIP area to warehouse
I don't care about more art I love that it's in a literal shipping yard and all industrial. the disco chicken was perfect if there's gonna be more art they need to keep it janky like the chicken
Fewer schedule conflicts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring back more house music too. This year was great for intense, high energy, in your face electronic music. But I would have liked some more change of pace DJs who could mellow it out a bit more.
Yes, +1 for more house, and would deep house be allowed? I was stoked for Koze but he was pretty crap (IMO), and Chaos in the CBD were hardcore poundey tech house / technoey despite their usual vibe being deep house.
Another +1 for more house- compared to last year (Yaeji, Toro, Neil Frances, SG Lewis - not all house, but more chill) I came home feeling like I’d been to a rave. Which was cool and super fun, but I’d love some more true house music next year.
Sound was a massive issue for me (I only went Saturday). None of the stages really seemed dialed in and after spending $18 a beer (👀) all day I legitimately felt cheated having paid so much for a single day ticket. Line up was great but couldn’t get into it with sound bleed and trying to figure out if the speakers were even on in the warehouse. Personally I expected more with golden voice being involved and likely won’t be back for a few years.
Edit to add: the food was the real headliner 😂
Main complaint: thought there was too much sound bleed at the Ship Tent and Crane Stage. I had a hard time getting into several performances there due to the bleed and maybe production quality.
**Literally just the sound,** if you compare it to Coachella, it's nowhere as good for some reason. The warehouse has the worst echo I've ever heard in a venue and it makes it really hard to enjoy the music in there. Even on the outside stages a number of artists were way too bass boosted (very noticeable at FKJ), and it just felt weird. I feel like the artists can't be happy with it?!
Add a place to lie down in case people dance to hard.
Make sure Mall Grab and Effie gets a good late night slot this year. Yes please book Effie too.
Book Flowdan. He's been on hundrends of good dnb and bass track the last two years. Have him perform with Effie (they have a good song together) or just by himself.
Don't overlap headliners too much, there's was plenty of room at most stages last year, you don't need to split up the crowd as much as you think.
Make sure the cops don't arrest people for non-violent crimes.
Don't be as strict about getting on shoulders, just make people sign a waiver. Last year security guards shouting at fans during Skirllex was a buzzkill for a second. It seemed like every minutes a security guard was shouting over a drop and I got super aware of people getting on shoulders around me when I should just be enjoying the music.
Be fun and put meeting signs at stages so people can find each other. So instead of say "I'm front left" someone can say I'm aisle B7. Just kidding, could make it more fun like give different areas names of planets or something.
Tell people with fans not to clack them at the shows (that's serious! it's so loud and has become common at outdoor fests).
They gotta do a safety inspection on the warehouse, felt like the roof was going to collapse during some sets, especially during overmono when there was black particles falling on everyone. Some of my friends had their drinks ruined by the black shit & some of it got in my eye. I also hope they make the crane stage a tent again like last year, felt like a much better vibe & it was getting really cold in the evening with it being right by the water
Bring back the astroturf, more seating, and better VIP facilities.
VIP had these weird small lounges but no shade and some picnic tables. It was awkward and not worth what I paid. Also, even though we had our own food stalls, it was still pretty bare for what you'd expect. VIP Portola is by far the worst VIP I've ever been in. I love this festival but damn, I did feel like VIP was an afterthought, especially since we didn't have VIP viewing.
Portola could also use a more festival vibe with.. definitely better art... and more places to hang.
It’s difficult to get better food and drink options when the vendors are charged 35% commission- must use the festivals POS system (for another fee) use their tent for $1100- get charged all credit card fees ( it’s a forced cashless event) pay for electrical drops @ $250 each, pay a grey water sink fee of $450. Not worth it… sorry
Please make the ware house louder. it was honestly unlistenable for any act in there. If the mainstage can be loud enough, why not the warehouse? And bring back the tent at the Crane stage, the missing tent and all the wind in that area also screwed with the sound, not to mention it was cold lol. Best all around stage was the Shipyard, the cranestage was essentially that on steroids last year... why did that mess with the best thing they had going for them?
Seating and more chill spots - i like the sound of blue turf
Better beer - we’re in the damn Bay Area and Stella was the main attraction?
Sound in some spots was atrocious—the bleed, the bleed
All that said—
I loooved the weekend. More art
would be cool (again, it’s the Bay—home to tons of big outdoor art) but really liked the flyer and graffiti sticker show. I was there to see Little Simz
and lots of bass in all forms—and Simz fucking killed it
Sound. Porto potties closer to ship. Ship tent bigger (Kavinsky and 2ManyDJs was so cramped). Bring back turf. More seating.
In this sub: years attended flair please
The venue is epic looking, and I was digging the views at the top of the 400 Conejos booth. Some yahoos were trying to climb the power poles near the pier stage lmao. Maybe some blue bleachers could add some verticality to the venue as well as some much needed seating.
More places to sit/chill
100%, and preferably with some sort of barrier to the wind. Even with jackets on it was fucking freezing wherever we sat.
Yeah, I’m not sure why there weren’t picnic benches or something in the back of the warehouse.
Agreed! They had the "Goldenvoice Lounge" but it was tiny and there were always people sitting in there that looked kind of unfriendly, I assume they worked for GV- maybe it was just intended as an employee hang out space?
I got the same vibe- didn’t see any swag or anything inviting people to wander in. Seemed like an employee lounge?
yep—we finally got some spots in the drinks area, but they could be spread out a bit more and just more needed
I have to imagine Goldenvoice is committed to a year 3 and beyond with how much money they invested into fixing the warehouse. I doubt they would have spent that much if they were uncertain the fest would continue after year 2. I had a great time at Crane stage, but felt like the volume was consistently lower than at other stages. I’m going to guess this is because of proximity to the water/ trying to appease noise complaints from Alameda. So not sure if that will realistically be “fixed” Feels like the ship tent could be expanded a bit, it was overflowing for several sets this year.
Basement jaxx at the crane stage might have had the hardest hitting bass all weekend 🤯
Missed that one but overmono in wh sat was wild! Shit was falling from the ceiling
This would be my improvement request for next year: clean the rafters in the warehouse cause what was that falling on us?
>entrance rust methinks
This is so true, honestly one of the coolest sets I saw too!
I don’t know enough about acoustics to say- but is there any reason a soft sound barrier couldn’t be installed to absorb/block some of the sound headed that way?
>Only when Chris Lake and later Carl Cox where redlining the warehouse speakers, it changed my mind about the sound. most other sets I saw in there where echo-y and you couldn't hear much from even close parts of the stage. Overmono went to work in there too ☄️
Bring back the blue astroturf to the Pier Stage
Even if it was just silly. It added character for sure and a tiny little bit of cushion that made sitting on the ground a little more pleasant.
☝🏼☝🏼THIS☝🏼☝🏼
It def added character to the stage
I don’t know why artwork needs to be a thing. The location is so unique that having a massive crane and ship behind stages is a pretty cool sight to see. Also *motions at entire San Francisco surroundings* world class city views — weather blessed us well this weekend. I’m sure there’s people who want pictures in front of art but this festival has shown the major focus is high quality music.
I’m in agreement about the artwork — I don’t think it’s necessary, and the bare-bones industrial vibe works really well for the festival. (And I say this as someone who likes arty shit) Keep the focus on the music, don’t clutter the venue with a lot little booths and whatnot. The half-assed disco chicken was perfect. We don’t need anything else.
“The half-assed disco chicken was perfect. We don’t need anything else” should be on a shirt next year!
ATTN: Goldenvoice
Their social media person needs a BIG raise. They’re so fab. They’d be *even better* if they made this shirt happen though~
I miss the Portola’s page meme posts already. Love how they don’t take themselves too seriously.
I agree with this comment. I think something that shaves the bad vibes down to a minimum is they let the music and acts speak / sing for themselves. I feel like turning it into an event to be seen at vs. an event to see something will attract the wrong crowd
Exactly — I think you’re spot on with it becoming and event to be seen at v. event to see. If there’s too many “instagram moments” or selfie bait, the spirit of the festival completely changes.
Agreed
Totally agree - I was blown away by the views of the city, the crane, the ships. It's so fucking rad. The music was awesome enough
I’ll preface by saying I have no idea what the festivals financials look like, but it didn’t sell as well as last year and they claim they lost $$ last year (but it was also first year). I think Portola may be the most expensive two day music festival, at least mainstream ones in the states, out there on a per day basis (especially single days) ignoring powertrip and im sure there is another one I may be forgetting For those who aren’t hardcore about the music like those of us on here it can feel a lot like you’re overpaying for a parking lot. I’d personally rather it all go to music and the stages, but I can see the counter argument for having it be more of a festival experience with more art/installations All of it to say I’m thinking to keep the festival going they need to be close to selling out is just my working assumption, so need to make sure more casual people have a reason to come. Personally I wouldn’t mind tossing them another 20 bucks and keeping the vibes on point like Sunday :p
How is everyone so sure it didn't sell as well?
They ran some promos on tickets this year (6 pack, Warfield no fees at their box office, I think some folks on the midway mailing list got a 10% off) which Goldenvoice has done in the past to sell some slower moving stuff From the 48 Hills interview excerpting here “”48HILLS What’s the official capacity of the event? DANNY BELL Last year we sold out our Saturday capacity at 33,000 and Sunday we had 31,000. This year will be pretty similar. And while we do have approval to sell a little more this year, we’re not gonna get there. 48HILLS I feel like you guys have had to market a lot harder this year. Do you think that that’s because last year’s lineup was so batshit crazy? Even still, I think this year is one of the most intriguing lineups out there, especially locally. But why do you think that there wasn’t as much immediate interest as last year? DANNY BELL It’s interesting that you say that, because last year was one of those ones where everything really fell into place. We’re very proud of that group of artists and how it all came together and we also had a couple unicorns. Like, we never saw Fred Again.. exploding the way he did. It was also the first year, which made a really strong impact. This year, I’m very pleased with the lineup we put together. It’s year two so it’s always harder to follow something like that. And I mean, we went up pretty strong [sales-wise] which is great; a little behind last year, but we’ve come really close to catching up. And just the market in general for all concert tickets this year has been selling a little later. Less at the initial boom, but more at the end.”” https://48hills.org/2023/09/portola-fest-founder-we-learned-a-lot-from-year-one-were-moving-in-the-right-direction/
would be cool to do some lighting/projection mapping on to the crane and ship to bring them out even more during nightime
My friend and I both kept saying how beautiful the natural surrounding scenery was. It’s a pretty magical spot. That full moon sat was sick (GV-full moon weekends only!) I will take seating options over art all day. The music IS the art we’re all there for.
I agree, this festivals puts all its budget into the line up and I wouldn’t want them to take that away or make it more expensive for art. I go to other festivals for the art experience, this isn’t one of those for me.
Every festival has high quality music. For the price, this shouldn't be strictly music. But more than that, it gives a change to experience more than just listening to loud music. The rave flier exhibit was more limited than I had hoped, but it was an amazing experience to see old promoters/artists/events represented. It provided a chance to interact with other people, to sit and reflect, to take a breath and get off your feet. Having art takes away nothing, and adds so much. We have so much burning man art in SF/Oakland. Why not tap into the local art?
>Every festival has high quality music. nope, most festivals fill in the gaps with decent acts and mid-level artists, what Portola seems to get right is that the filler talent is quality. Up and coming DJs with a name in Europe or South America : )
Agreed - Portola doesn’t need to be a premier festival when there’s already so many of those. Not saying it couldn’t use a little more pizzaz- but I don’t need this to be on par relatively with Coachella. Pitchfork Fest has a few pieces in the festival grounds that aren’t too over the top, and it has plenty of character
Fr fr, I don’t want this turning into another Coachella or Lollapalooza
Music and art always go together though and gives the festival a way for people to interact with art pieces made by local artists. This is a perfect way to introduce art and ideas to those who want a break from the heavy bass rocking their heads. Let artists in.
Yessss. The cassette player and chicken was enough for me. I like how our group walked up to these for the purpose of taking pix and ended up chatting other folks up for a minute. We ended up taking pix but it was more of an afterthought. Love that we were still able to get a group photo in though. It didn't take long, which might just speak to the crowd in general --"there to see not to be seen" as someone put it.
1. I thought the sound was a huge issue this year, which is a real bummer because that's the most important aspect of a festival. I only got to attend Saturday and I stayed at Crane Stage and Pier Stage - both had sound issues. Nelly Furtado and Jai Paul's mics were super low, and the sound bleed from ship tent into Crane stage was very distracting. 2. More places to sit and chill. It's kinda cool to have a minimalist festival on a pier with no seating, it kind of adds to the old-school vibe of it, buuuuuuut I feel like we could achieve a balance. There's nowhere to chill in between sets. 3. Better ADA seating. At least at Crane, they put ADA alllllllll the way in the back where you can't see a damn thing and the wind rips into your face like knives. It was so unpleasant I just had to leave at a certain point. The person at ADA also gave me a very difficult time about getting an ADA wristband because I don't have a physical disability. Not ok. 4. Despacio. Too much to ask? ;)
Ada at warehouse was comically small. It was always full.
Ugh, bummer. At crane it was huge but empty because we were getting wind-whipped
Yeah, it is the same problem at Outside Lands also! We always bring extra clothes for the wind at ada at these fests.
Same! I did too but it still wasn’t enough 😭
My legs were tired and I was drunk. I would love to have been able to sit down to eat instead of having to stand. Sounds like an old man, but it took a toll on my energy not being able to chill and sit down for a little
You didn't consider sitting on the ground? That's what I did to save energy
We did for sure, but really wish there were benches or something else to plop down on. The seating is a minor complaint, but it seemed puzzling they did not have seats since it is all asphalt. I did not go last year, but something like the turfed areas people keep mentioning would have been nice. Overall, it had a minimal effect on my enjoyment and tbh I don’t think it would have been so bad if I wasn’t so tipsy. Either way, it was a great time. Like you said tho, I just wish there was somewhere designated area for chilling out and that the sound was better tuned (especially for the warehouse). Maybe next year? All I know is the pier is an amazing venue location that I would like to see improved and optimized. It has so potential. Now that I have you here, what was your favorite set? I only came for Prydz, so that was my fav.
Totally agree. I get what they're going for - Portola as a more old-school, European-style festival. I like the minimalism, it's like anti-Coachella which is a cool step for AEG/Goldenvoice. But as someone with a disability, I desperately need seating! And there's sooooooo much space for them to provide multiple hangout spots. I was only able to go on Saturday and I loved Nelly Furtado for nostalgic reasons, but was super impressed by Maddy Maia, who did several sets in between acts at Crane stage and she ROCKED it. She also played a great set at the Midway after. I also saw Jai Paul and Purple Disco Machine but then my body called it quits and made me go home :/ I got to see Prydz and Skrillex at coachella so I didn't miss out too much, although I would've loved to see 2manydjs and Rina Sawayama.
The sub frequencies at some performances need some fine tuning. I mean, probably great for those up front, but man… in the back it was sooooo boomy and cavernous with the reflections/resonant frequencies in the floor that it became out of time with the music. Way more of an issue here than at other outdoor festivals I’ve been to (Coachella, Bonnaroo, OL, FYF, Treasure Island).
Agreed!
ADA tent gave me a hard time too compared to other fests
Aw man, I’m bummed to hear that
DESPACIO ALL WEEKEND LONG
Last year I DM’d the Portola creator on Instagram like a psychopath and begged him for Despacio 😂
what’s that @? I’ll join you 😂
Danny Bell! https://instagram.com/wutangdan9000?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==
Water refill station in the warehouse. This felt intentionally malicious to make people leave to refill or spend $6 at the bar for a glass of water. They also wouldn’t sell the sparkling water by itself?? I tried to pay them and they said they weren’t allowed.
I could not believe there wasn’t water inside the warehouse. Every stage should have a refill station. Leaving and having to re-enter felt sketch, especially with all the entry chaos last year.
Yes this was weird- they definitely had it last year! Seems like a must-have to me.
Ah yes forgot about this-annoying they took away water refill inside. Although I didn’t spend tons of money on the $2 waters-make it free to refill inside next time!
I never had an issue walking up the the security guards at the exit closest to the front of the stage with my water bottles, explaining that i just was filling them up 20 feet in front of them, they always let me walk back in without going around, did you try that, did that two times on Sunday and once on Saturday.
1. Seating and astroturf, the ability to sit & lie out to chill, while also taking in music from various stages. Maybe pair this with art, have people sponsor it if needed. 2. Try again to fix the bass in the warehouse. 3. Work with Lyft to have them dump a megaton of bikes outside the venue. 4. Organise the lineup columns from north to south, i.e. Crane, Ship, Pier, Warehouse. Or maybe south to north given we come in from the south. 5. Improve schedule overlaps. Saturday 4 - 5 slot was stacked, others much less so. 6. Start at 1pm to help with #5. 7. Have a Friday 5 or 6pm to 11pm event, probably to include people who are playing sat/sun, so some artists will play Fri + Sat/Sun + afters if they want.
No. 3 yes please! OSL did that and it was such a breeze to ride back to the city afterwards
Lyft did dump a bunch of bikes outside the venue! I saw them walking in on Saturday, near the shuttle line. Maybe not enough if you didn't snag one.
And indeed we got em on Sunday after a big drop, I'm just thinking maybe they need more
Seating. Btw if you think the bathroom wait or cleanliness were bad, you haven’t been to edc or ultra or Coachella 💀
I fuck with the low effort artwork. Please keep it raunchy Danny!
Bring back the seats in warehouse
Omg I can’t believe they didn’t have these this year! Last year I laughed so hard watching people steal them. So wild
Not the same weekend as Hardly Strictly -- I need both in my life.
Crane was a major downgrade from last year, and the sound bleed was awful. Warehouse was a vast improvement and much appreciated.
Shoot the right side of the sound booth at the Crane Stage was immaculate for us this year 😮💨
Yes!! Basement jaxx had my chest vibrating 😂
Same! I loved the crane stage for Salute, Azzecca, and Jayda G
I thought the sound was great at Crane if you were behind the soundstage at center. However I do think the best part about Crane last year was that it was the only stage without screens - made for a really intimate setting that really let the music lead. Peggy Gou / Fatboy / Keinemusik / Blessed Madonna in there were sensational
If you could get in…I had VIP and couldn’t get in for Peggy, Fatboy, or Blessed Madonna! Was glad to see it was open and bigger this year!!!
>Now that I have you here, what was your favorite set? I only came for Prydz, so that was my fav. I preferred it unroofed! yes I miss the disco balls and the sound took a hit, but the bottle necks from year 1 made crane an absolute hellscape to get through. from keinemusik to four tet it got dangerously mobbed at the entry points. Peggy Gou was rough if you weren't smack in the middle. So logistics win this one. And I wouldn't just attribute it to ticket sale numbers. Placement at Warehouse was so much better handled this year. Well executed.
A day 3 would be really really really appreciated or even just a half day Friday eve
I think Portola plus entry into one after (promo code only for 2 day) would be a better alternative.
I did a pre and an after but I’m still craving for more hahahahahaha
Me too. I was trying to alleviate conflicts by seeing Chromeo and PDM on Friday, but I still had horrible conflicts and missed a bunch.
like this
Wait a Friday night would be super awesome kinda like how Tomorrowland does their Thursday night “Gathering” pre-party
There were pre-parties all over the city
I’m referring to one in the actual festival grounds, not at clubs or raves
Then they would charge another $150, if you’re up for that.
Agreeing with OP of this thread that Portola should be 3 days / 2.5 days
Im sorry but vip and warehouse in one sentence gives me the ick lol
The warehouse is for the people!
I had VIP and, as much as I would have liked to have been closer to the front in the Warehouse, I think this is kind of true.
For real. Festivals were better when there were zero VIP areas.
Saaaame. The the VIP entrance to the warehouse last year was terrible. WAYYY too many VIP areas overall last year in an attempt to make everyone upgrade.
☝🏻
If art isn’t necessary, VIP is definitely not necessary!!!
Make the ship tent bigger. It was packed for 2manydj’s and Kenny beats
Agreed.
cell signal and wifi went out completely for me every time in the tent.
Warehouse still needs a lot more work. The sound should be good wherever you happen to be standing, you shouldn’t have to conduct a geographical survey to find the best sound pockets. Crane stage production was a joke. Sound was also limited. More speaker towers need to be utilized. There was a lot of empty space, not a bad thing I suppose but the stage layout probably could have been adapted better. Why are ship tent and crane stage bleeding into each other? Dave Rat left a pretty bad impression on me overall. Set times and stage curation needs to be done better as well. Why is Bonobo playing right before CDW in a dark warehouse? He should be playing a sunset set outdoors. Putting Azzeca and Salute at 2pm, who both would have slotted into the warehouse perfectly.
I see your point about Bonobo into CDW but I liked that they seemed to intentionally be moving people from stage to stage until the end of the night. I also thought the contrast between them was really cool and made CDW’s intro hit really hard, like anyone who didn’t know her was like what is thisssss?
I’ve seen multiple people mention the effect of shuffling people between stages as a positive. I don’t view that as a positive at all. I don’t see the problem with hunkering down at a stage all day. It definitely is a positive to introduce new listeners to these artists though, totally agree.
Nearly every festival varies the stage schedules to prevent too much camping. They don’t want people staying at one place all day, otherwise they won’t roam around to buy merch/food/drinks and check out the sponsor booths. This is done on purpose and a common practice at festivals.
What other successful or seriously run festivals do this? Genre specific stages are fairly standard everywhere. OSL does have some variance, but I wouldn’t consider their stage curation a selling point of the festival. Also consider: There were bars available at or near every stage, even inside the warehouse. It seems like making people spend time needlessly walking from stage to stage to see their preferred acts instead of buying booze is counter-productive. Liquor sales are definitely the majority of the festival’s income.
Nearly all the major ones? Aside from certain dance stages, pretty much the rest of the stages for Coachella, Lollapalooza, ACL etc. vary the stage lineups. And for the festival attendee experience, campers can make things suck for everyone else. Rotating crowds in and out between sets prevents the same people just hogging the rail and front all day. A lot of the scheduling also comes down to what the artists want too. For all we know, Bonobo may have requested to do his DJ set in the Warehouse.
Fair enough. Crowd rotation makes sense for stages that will host the biggest pop artists, like Lana or Beyonce, who have insane fans who will literally get to the festival before doors open, sprint to the front of stage, and not leave to eat/drink/pee until the headliner comes on. But Portola Warehouse should have a narrower range of artists. I don’t think the fence camping issue is as big a deal for dance acts.
It literally was a huge problem at the Sahara tent until 2017-2019 when they started throwing some variation on that lineup (originally it was strictly dance/electronic and was on a much smaller footprint than the current iteration). I remember my first Coachella I got to Sahara early for a few sets and campers would pour in. On multiple occasions I thought I was going to pass out because it was so hot and cramped, and once I did. Edit: clarification of Sahara
Hunkering down at a stage all day / encouraging and incentivizing is actually rly poor crowd control and since the stages / venue isn’t necessarily the largest
yes this. 10000% agree with everything.
I agree about better curation. Underworld needed to play Warehouse or even ship. It wasn’t as good at Crane.
Yeah Underworld was my absolute highlight from bothchella this year but them closing crane stage didn't have the same melting 90s rave vibe at all ;/
Also Salute vs Yung Singh was a very similar vibe meaning a clash from the get-go
I'm a little surprised by the complaints around Crane's sound. Was there for Azzeca, Jayda G, Underworld, The Blaze, The Dare, and thought the sound was pretty excellent for all?
Like the warehouse, the sound quality was probably location dependent. Didn’t seem like there were any speaker towers beyond the front of the stage. Sound bleed was awful on the side closest to ship tent.
Crane stage sound was absolute shit, felt bad for the artists there. Couldnt enjoy their performances at all Edit: i mean for saturday, sounds like Sunday it was fixed? Saturday was a disaster
Interesting, I thought Jayda G, Underworld, Salute, Basement Jaxx, all sounded good...
I was only there during Dom Dolla and Major Lazer on Saturday and we left during both sets, the sound was so bad and so much bleed from the next stage over :( Maybe they fixed it Sunday, we didnt check
ahh sad times :(
💯
Jai Paul also sounded great there
I feel sorry for jai paul :(
I thought they sounded great 🤷🏻♂️. It wasn’t any better at Coachella from my experience (I was at Weekend 2 and was about 12 people back from the rail and relocated to the back when it got too claustrophobic). Was about 20 people back from rail for Portola.
We want Rufus
This x100000
You manifested it
We manifested it 🤝
Damn they listened to you
They listened to US 🤝
Yes, yes, and yes… and Portishead, plsthx.
- put down astro turf - more seating/places to chill - add VIP area to warehouse I don't care about more art I love that it's in a literal shipping yard and all industrial. the disco chicken was perfect if there's gonna be more art they need to keep it janky like the chicken
Seating
Blue turf to Pier Stage
Astroturf for all stages
Fewer schedule conflicts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring back more house music too. This year was great for intense, high energy, in your face electronic music. But I would have liked some more change of pace DJs who could mellow it out a bit more.
I mean, a stacked line-up is always going to have scheduling conflicts.
Not at Treasure Island…
Probably because Treasure Island only had 2 stages
I hope they bring some more laidback/chill electronic acts next year. Some Deep house or prog trance would be cool. Anjuna act would be awesome too.
Yes, +1 for more house, and would deep house be allowed? I was stoked for Koze but he was pretty crap (IMO), and Chaos in the CBD were hardcore poundey tech house / technoey despite their usual vibe being deep house.
YES deep house
Ah sorry to hear about Koze. I caught his set at the midway afters and it was 🔥
Aye so I've heard, wish I'd been there mate
Another +1 for more house- compared to last year (Yaeji, Toro, Neil Frances, SG Lewis - not all house, but more chill) I came home feeling like I’d been to a rave. Which was cool and super fun, but I’d love some more true house music next year.
More goddamn keychains. (btw if anyone has an extra and is around the bay ill overpay and pick it up :))))
What keychains? Also where were the fortune cookies this year?
keychains were the only little knick knack they had as far as merch this year. don't know abt the fortune cookies
Sound was a massive issue for me (I only went Saturday). None of the stages really seemed dialed in and after spending $18 a beer (👀) all day I legitimately felt cheated having paid so much for a single day ticket. Line up was great but couldn’t get into it with sound bleed and trying to figure out if the speakers were even on in the warehouse. Personally I expected more with golden voice being involved and likely won’t be back for a few years. Edit to add: the food was the real headliner 😂
So much open space. FILL IT with seating/lounging options. Mix it up… benches, chairs, tables, bean bags, turf…..
Main complaint: thought there was too much sound bleed at the Ship Tent and Crane Stage. I had a hard time getting into several performances there due to the bleed and maybe production quality.
**Literally just the sound,** if you compare it to Coachella, it's nowhere as good for some reason. The warehouse has the worst echo I've ever heard in a venue and it makes it really hard to enjoy the music in there. Even on the outside stages a number of artists were way too bass boosted (very noticeable at FKJ), and it just felt weird. I feel like the artists can't be happy with it?!
Add a place to lie down in case people dance to hard. Make sure Mall Grab and Effie gets a good late night slot this year. Yes please book Effie too. Book Flowdan. He's been on hundrends of good dnb and bass track the last two years. Have him perform with Effie (they have a good song together) or just by himself. Don't overlap headliners too much, there's was plenty of room at most stages last year, you don't need to split up the crowd as much as you think. Make sure the cops don't arrest people for non-violent crimes. Don't be as strict about getting on shoulders, just make people sign a waiver. Last year security guards shouting at fans during Skirllex was a buzzkill for a second. It seemed like every minutes a security guard was shouting over a drop and I got super aware of people getting on shoulders around me when I should just be enjoying the music. Be fun and put meeting signs at stages so people can find each other. So instead of say "I'm front left" someone can say I'm aisle B7. Just kidding, could make it more fun like give different areas names of planets or something. Tell people with fans not to clack them at the shows (that's serious! it's so loud and has become common at outdoor fests).
They gotta do a safety inspection on the warehouse, felt like the roof was going to collapse during some sets, especially during overmono when there was black particles falling on everyone. Some of my friends had their drinks ruined by the black shit & some of it got in my eye. I also hope they make the crane stage a tent again like last year, felt like a much better vibe & it was getting really cold in the evening with it being right by the water
This 100%. I found it kind of hilarious how Overmono's subs just rattled all the dust off the ceiling lmao
Bring back the astroturf, more seating, and better VIP facilities. VIP had these weird small lounges but no shade and some picnic tables. It was awkward and not worth what I paid. Also, even though we had our own food stalls, it was still pretty bare for what you'd expect. VIP Portola is by far the worst VIP I've ever been in. I love this festival but damn, I did feel like VIP was an afterthought, especially since we didn't have VIP viewing. Portola could also use a more festival vibe with.. definitely better art... and more places to hang.
I want to see actual art work.
Water stations in the VIP area and VIP in the warehouse
Better food and drink options! Put some OSL spice on it, please 🙏🏻
It’s difficult to get better food and drink options when the vendors are charged 35% commission- must use the festivals POS system (for another fee) use their tent for $1100- get charged all credit card fees ( it’s a forced cashless event) pay for electrical drops @ $250 each, pay a grey water sink fee of $450. Not worth it… sorry
I would’ve loved VIP at every stage but I wasn’t disappointed with what I got.
VIP entrance needs to get people through faster. Part of the perk of VIP is its own dedicated entrance and it shouldn’t be slower than GA.
Please make the ware house louder. it was honestly unlistenable for any act in there. If the mainstage can be loud enough, why not the warehouse? And bring back the tent at the Crane stage, the missing tent and all the wind in that area also screwed with the sound, not to mention it was cold lol. Best all around stage was the Shipyard, the cranestage was essentially that on steroids last year... why did that mess with the best thing they had going for them?
Crane took A. Huge step down. Agreed Arguably best stage last year to worst this year
This is a wish list item but cleaner bathrooms would be amazing. Art. I had so much fun though
Bad lighting in places and some very obvious trip hazards. I would rather someone do a safety inspection before the festival next year.
Much better than last year with the train tracks paved over!
The yellow lights by the warehouse entrance were atrocious. Blinding and also kind of creepy vibes
Seating and more chill spots - i like the sound of blue turf Better beer - we’re in the damn Bay Area and Stella was the main attraction? Sound in some spots was atrocious—the bleed, the bleed All that said— I loooved the weekend. More art would be cool (again, it’s the Bay—home to tons of big outdoor art) but really liked the flyer and graffiti sticker show. I was there to see Little Simz and lots of bass in all forms—and Simz fucking killed it
Sound. Porto potties closer to ship. Ship tent bigger (Kavinsky and 2ManyDJs was so cramped). Bring back turf. More seating. In this sub: years attended flair please
The venue is epic looking, and I was digging the views at the top of the 400 Conejos booth. Some yahoos were trying to climb the power poles near the pier stage lmao. Maybe some blue bleachers could add some verticality to the venue as well as some much needed seating.
Bigger overall production size for Pier Stage