Written by Austin Robert
I recall the first time I saw Phil Lesh play, just where one would expect to find him,- in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco- with many of the remaining Dead in a band called Further, headlining Outside Lands Music Festival. It was like taking a bath in the feeling of the utter simplicity of life listening to some of the most illustriously creative music ever written and played. I remember feeling so lucky that I had the privilege to be there, enjoying an occasion I knew was unique unto its own. While I am a huge Grateful Dead fan and Phil Lesh never disappoints, there are at least 4 other must-see acts, other than Phil, that will basque you in the feeling of awe and luckiness at the Pot of Gold Music Festival.
Pepper
Wow, this band is a pack of dirty thieves,- what better selection for spicing up the pot of gold! Pepper, known for their island reggae vibes and vulgar rowdiness, has toured for years with acts ranging from 311 to Slightly Stoopid and Snoop Dogg, also delivering us beloved albums such as Kona Town, In with the Old and No Shame. If you have not yet seen Pepper, be ready to dance hard and head bang as Pepper will get you movin’ without a doubt. Did I forget to say Rebelution? Wow, Reggae gold. Seeing these two acts on the lineup makes me think Pepper/Rebelution collab in the gold pot is imminent.
Dej Loaf
Deja Trimble, also known as Dej Loaf, is a young American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Detroit. This hip-hop artist has worked with Eminem and toured with Nicki Minaj, let’s just say my my curiosity is officially sparked.
Cool sound, I like it. It’s not very often we get to see 60’s psychedelic rock (Phil Lesh), country roots rock (Sturgill Simpson), Reggae (Pepper, Rebelution), and Dej Loaf (Hip Hop) all on the same fest grounds. But wait… there’s more gold!
Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Truly “Bittersweet”, this band is going strong and going on 35 years as a group. This blues-rock group paved their way in the mid-90s with a platinum album Sister Sweetly and have continued to have a prolific touring career ever since. If you’ve been craving some sweet blues guitar solos in your life, you’re in for more gold in the pot enjoying this class act. Their other hit “It’s alright” will remind you to be present even if there are multiple amazing acts going on at once at this fest. Take a listen…
G Love and the Special Sauce
There are few bands that I have seen more than 5 times in my life, and G Love and the special Sauce are one of them for many good reasons. Break out your dancing shoes, grab an extra drink,- this act is a party. G Love has been clashing hip-hop with blues-rock for over 2 decades, backed by his drummer Jeffrey Clemens and “Jimmy Jun” on stand up bass. You won’t regret staying for this entire act as this set will surely include hits from their wide discography including the stellar albums Lemonade and Philadelphonic. If happen to miss out, know that G Love and the Special Sauce can be caught while on tour with Jack Johnson this summer.
The Pot of Gold Lineup diversity is really unmatched, and it’s likely you will leave this festival feeling as though you have a heart and mind of gold. Having only touched into a small portion of what this festival has to offer, and being totally stunned, I anticipate this festival to continue to see healthy growth after seeing what they’re bringing to the people this year.
Get your tickets HERE!
