Noah Kahan closes BottleRock with a fall, an apology and a show-stopping encore

San Francisco Chronicle​

4 days ago

Self-deprecation can quickly become a well-worn routine, but for Noah Kahan, it's an art form.
When the folk-pop sensation took the JaM Cellars Stage on Sunday, May 25, for his BottleRock Napa Valley debut — on the final night of the three-day music festival — with braided hair and a ragged floral shirt, he commented that his outfit 'probably costs less than one glass of wine here.'
Then, after delivering a mandolin-backed rendition of 'All of My Love,' Kahan appeared truly stunned by the applause.
'I can't believe you guys are all here for me,' he said. 'I feel like some mistake has been made. I'm incredibly honored to be headlining a festival like this.'
Later in the set, a minor stumble onstage during a lively version of 'New Perspectives' left him momentarily crestfallen. Yet, the moment only endeared him to the crowd.
'Please post that clip on social media and add to my misery,' he quipped.
Despite his ongoing self-doubt, the 28-year-old Vermont singer-songwriter, who gained widespread fame after his 2022 album 'Stick Season,' had the audience listening with hushed reverence. His concert, which included favorites like 'Northern Attitude' and 'She Calls Me Back' felt remarkably intimate, even amidst the mass of diverse festivalgoers.
Kahan's excitement to be back on stage after a year-long break was palpable.
'I haven't played a show in so long, so this is so f—ng cool,' he said.
The emotionally charged performance offered a mix of songs about heartbreak and mental health, all buoyed by Kahan's infectious spirit. Among the highlights was 'The Great Divide,' an unreleased track from his upcoming album that immediately had the crowd singing along.
Kahan also poked fun at the luxurious Wine Country festival's indulgent atmosphere, turning his attention to the VIP section.
'Congrats on the money,' he said with a grin.
After a euphoric rendition of 'Dial Drunk,' Kahan seemed to fully embrace the spirit of BottleRock.
'I'll die for you, Napa,' he declared.
'I almost did earlier,' he added, referencing his earlier fall.
As the set continued, Kahan's characteristic self-awareness persisted.
'Is this the last show of the weekend?' he asked, looking alarmed. 'Talk about leaving on a sad note. Sorry.'
But the night wasn't over. Kahan closed out the three-day festival with a cathartic, all-hands-on-deck performance of his biggest hit, 'Stick Season,' leaving the crowd on a high note.
'If I ever do headline another one of these festivals again, I hope it will be this one,' Kahan said, his voice thick with gratitude. 'We love you, BottleRock. I'd stay out here forever if I could.'
Still, there were plenty of other musical high points on BottleRock's final day. Robby Krieger of The Doors performed two hours of faithful covers of songs by his former band, while Cage the Elephant's energetic set on the Verizon Stage kept fans on their toes.
Earlier, 18-year-old rock sensation Grace Bowers commanded the main stage, and jam band Goose delivered their signature feel-good vibes. Meanwhile, Khruangbin offered their signature, spacey instrumental explorations, creating an eclectic sonic landscape.
On the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage, BottleRock's signature blend of music and food continued to shine, with celebrity cooking demonstrations from San Francisco 49ers stars George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk, MLB Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and Howard Stern show's Gary 'Baba Booey' Dell'Abate, alongside renowned chefs like Bobby Flay, Kristen Kish and Joshua Weissman.