BottleRock Napa Valley is a music festival in beautiful Nappa Valley, California. Many bikes with seats in the back to hold 4-6 people zipped down 3rd Street near the festival entrance with colorful LEDs and blasting music from todayβs performers. As one drove past, the driver reassured the passengers, βDonβt worry, Iβve been practicing.β With 120,000 festival-goers, BottleRock is the perfect setting to hear your favorite artists perform live with a laid-back, choose your own adventure. Including multiple stages and artists spanning all genres, some festival-goers spread blankets in the grass to soak up the sun and the vibes of BottleRock while others packed in around the barricade in the hopes of making eye contact with their favorite artists and still others cartwheeled on the lawns. The festival is for all ages with some kids sitting on their adultβs shoulders for a better view and even a baby or two napped in the comfort of the arms of their loved ones.
4 Non Blondes was introduced by front-woman Linda Perryβs son, Rhodes. Perry started by saying, βAnd I say, heyβ¦β to which the crowd immediately completed by singing acapella, βHey-ey-ey / I said βHey, a-what's going on?ββ Perry mentioned that sometimes artists hate the song that becomes their biggest hit, but she will never get tired of βWhatβs Up?β the bandβs classic β90s alt-rock hit. Perry sported her iconic, tall, brimmed stovepipe hat and chunky golden necklaces. Her deep, strong voice and lyrics of needing to start a revolution created a powerful and uplifting wave over the crowd. Her voice and harmonies with the fans along with the bandβs killer rock-and-roll sound provided an unforgettable experience. The band includes bassist Christa Hillhouse, guitarist Roger Rocha, guitarist Nick Maybury, drummer Dawn Richardson and keyboardist Lisa Harriton. The band is starting to perform publicly again after many years of being quiet. Breaking their performance hiatus, they performed earlier this month at the Wonderfront Festival. Having roots in San Francisco, Perry reminisced on playing many of the songs in the Bay. While this is the bandβs first time at BottleRock, they plan to return next year as well.
Ava Maybee recently released the Orange Drive EP and BottleRock is her first stop on her Gold Star Sticker Tour across the US. Maybee skipped onstage in a sheer yellow dress and a blue barret that was the perfect contrast with her red (almost fuschia) hair. Maybee is known for her iconic barrets and this blue one had golden stars, symbolic of her upcoming tour. The band included Rhett Randolph on drums and Danny Spadaro, with leopard print hair, on guitar. She interacted with the crowd and told stories throughout her set introducing the stories behind the music to give the audience a deeper connection to her songs. She wrapped up her set with βColors,β a catchy song that flirts with forgetting the color of your partnerβs eyes after a breakup as a true symbol for moving on. She is known for her dazzling appearance on American Idol Season 20. She comes from a musical background and her father is Chad Smith, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer. She has a deep, rich alto voice unlike many of her peers. Her unique sound pairs beautifully with the bass guitar in her songs.
After her amazing set to kick off the second day of BottleRock, Ava Maybee sat down with Story after her set to discuss her music process and which album sheβs taking with her to a deserted island. Her easygoing personality as well as her kind eyes told the true story of who she is: a vulnerable artist looking to make genuine connections with people and share a common love for music.
Story: Howβs your day going so far?
Ava: Going well! What about yours?
Pretty good. Pretty good, yeah.
We're at the beginning of the day, right?
Yes, yeah, just at the beginningβ¦you really started it off strong.
[Laughs] Thanks.
So how did it feel to open up, you know, first things, Saturday?
It was good. I was nervous that no one would be there, and then people came, and so that was really fantastic. That was amazing.
That's awesome!
But I've never played a show that early [12pm], so it was really, I like starting, we're starting off the day, like you said, strong. [creates a fist]
Yes, definitely, definitely, yeah. So do you have any favorite songs that you like to perform?
My favorite song to perform is this new song I wrote called "Mean.β That's my favorite song to perform.
Oh, okay!
And then I alsoβ¦like playing βColors,β the new version, I like playing for sure.
I loved hearing that! Itβs a great song.
Thaaaanks!
Yes. So, what's your favorite thing about BottleRock so far?
My favorite thing about BottleRock is thatβ¦ Oohβ¦ There's so many things. I loveβ¦that it's outdoors. I love [that] everyone's, like, really happy to be there. You're there from, like, 12 to 10 p.m., and then you get to go home. And I feel like everyone is here, like truly for the music, so that's really refreshing and very cool.
Definitely, yeah. It seemed like a good crowd. I noticed that you, like, pause between songs and talk to the crowd, so, what's your experience, like, you know, being on stage? Because you're both performing, but also talking and interacting and telling stories.
Yeah, yeahβ¦it started because I just could not shut up.
[Laughs]
Truly. Like, honestly, that's how it started. And then no one was stopping me, so then I just, like, kept doing it and that became the set. But I always say it always, um feels like I'm doing like, a comedy bit, like, in between each song, and I'm like, so this song is about my ex, you know, whatever. But it feels right because I feel like the lyrics make more sense when you understand my personality and not everyone obviously knows me in the audience. So I like to have it be like an introduction of like, I am weird and, like, these are the songs about me being weird. And I find that it's more entertainingβ¦I feel like I gravitate towards artists that are vulnerable and share their personalities as well.
I definitely agree. Yeah, and it's very clear on stage that you are very vulnerable because you're talking about breakups, and you're talking about all these experiences that you've been through and how you've become who you are today, because of that.
Yeah, totally.
That's really awesome to hear.
I'm glad you got that, okay, good. Thank God. Because sometimes I feel like I just sound really stupid on there, so I'm glad that you got that. Thatβs good.
Not at all, not at all. Thatβs awesome. So how did you know you first wanted to become a performer or, like, go on stage?
That's a great question. I think I loved attention, to be honest [both laugh]. And then I was like, how can I have a profession that involves that all the time? But, really, it started inβI did Musical theater and I really loved it. And then I wasβ¦journaling a lot inβ¦middle school and high school, and then it just kind of made sense to [claps hands softly] put the two together. I was doing a lot of choir, I was doing a lot of writing, and so then I just put them together and that was it.
That's beautiful. I love this process. So what does it look like when you're writing a song? Do you typically start with, like, writing the lyrics or writing the music part? Yeah, walk me through the process.
I will do music first, melody second, lyrics last.
Ooh, interesting!
That is what I doβ¦That's what I'm comfortable with. Do you know what I mean? So I'm trying to switch them up and do it in different orders to see, like, how it affects the way I am creatively. But that's how I'm most comfortable is that lyrics are always last for me.
Okay. That makes sense. I like to hear it. I feel like I would have said lyrics first, so that's awesome.
Yeah! No, I wish! I wish that I was just like, living my life and doing my thing and being like, ββ¦this would be such a beautiful lyric,β but I'm not like that. It's always like music, and then I will hum something and then just words will come from my subconscious. I don't know, I'm reading this Rick Rubin book where he talks about, like, the art of creativity and he's always just like, it's floating and you're subconscious [with hands swirling around her head]. And when you're thinking about other things, that's when the lyrics come. Because, you know, it's even with any job, you can't force it, you know?
Definitely. That's really beautiful. I love how it comes to you.
Yeah, it just, like, comes to meβ¦And then just like, what am I going to write about? I'm writing about my ex-boyfriends. Do you know what I mean? [Both laugh]
Exactly. Yeah. So, do you ever experience Imposter Syndrome or struggle with that? [Ava nods] And, how do you navigate it?
I experienced it every day. Um, I wake up, and I feel like an imposter [laughs]. Um, I think that.... I find it very strange to be recognized in any way, shape, or form, but I do love when people say like, βOh my God, I like βColorsβ helped me through a breakupβ or like, βI have anxiety, so like when you wrote βPukeββ¦β like that's, you know what I mean? Like, that's what I love is where people can connect to music because that's how I feel about music. So if I can do that for other people, I'm very excited about that. So what that kind of curbs the Imposter Syndrome a little bit.
Yeah, that's awesome. It's awesome to hear. And I love how you're able to connect with your audience, too. Like, fans love you.
Awww, that's so nice! I hope so. I mean, we're all, like, best friends in the audience. [smiling] That's how I feel.
Exactly! So do you have any projects that you're looking forward to? Anything exciting coming up?
I am starting my first headline tour called the Gold Star Sticker Tour, in, like, three days. I guess this is the first stop, technically. [Iβm] very excited about that.
That's awesome. Congratulations!
Thank you. I'm excited. I'm very excited! We'll see who shows up.
Yeah, I think it'll be great. It's awesome to hear. Okay, the last question I have for you is, are there any questions that you wish someone would ask you?
Oh, my Gooooood! Um, a question I wish someone would ask meβ¦if you were stranded on a dessert. On a dessert? On a deserted island, what album would you bring? That's my favorite question. And my answer, in case you were asking meβ¦
Mmm hmm. I'm curious!
Thanks for asking. Would beβ¦[taps fingernails together while thinking] Tapestry by Carol King. That would get me through being stranded on a [laughs] deserted island. She's got some romance, she's got some break up, she's got some life stories. I gravitate towards that type of thing. What would, what about you? What album would you choose?
Ooh, that's a tough one. I think I would have to go with Fine Line by Harry Styles.
Loooove! That's a great choice. That's a really good choice. Harry Styles gets me through anything, so, likeβ¦[shrugs]
It goes through all the emotions. For sure.
For sure.
Awesome. Well, thank you so much for meeting me. I really appreciate you taking the time.
Oh, my God, you too!
Many know Kate Hudson for her acting roles such as starring in the classic romantic comedy How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. She is also a singer with a soft and lovely voice. Hudsonβs father is the eldest of The Hudson Brotherβs trio known for their music in the β60s and β70s. She released her first album Glorious last year and BottleRock is her first festival. She performed songs from the new album such as βGonna Find Outβ and βLove Ainβt Easy.β She covered songs such as βTake a Pictureβ by Filter. She also covered βBitter Sweet Symphonyβ by The Verve and the crowd collectively smiled and swayed along to her sweet voice. Afterwards, she addressed the crowd, βWe all have a memory with that song.β Hudson wore a white dress with large, wing-like sleeves and black boots that rose above the knee. Her dress was the perfect angelic symbol for the sweet sound of her voice.
Lauren Mayberry (of CHVRCHS) is a Scottish artist with an electric energy and voice. Before covering The Verveβs βBitter Sweet Symphony,β Mayberry addressed the audience with, ββ¦you may have heard this an hour agoβ referring to Kate Hudsonβs cover of the same song on the same stage earlier in the day. While the two covered the same song, the interpretations of it could not be more different. Mayberry started off the song slowly at the piano and ended with a hard rock anthem.
Mayberry noted that she had βone political song,β namely, βSomething In The Air.β She commented on how the wrong leaders continue to be elected across the world. Mayberry also made a statement with her attire. She wore a βProtect the Dollsβ shirt, debuted by Connor Ives at London Fashion Show and more recently available for pre-order, where all proceeds will be donated to Trans Lifeline to support trans people. Other artists have worn the same shirt such as Troye Sivan as he joined Charli XCX during her Coachella set. Mayberry called out the shirt directly by telling the story of seeing a βChoke the Wokeβ sign. She used the βProtect the Dollsβ phrase to express solidarity with and a safe space for women, queer, and marginalized people. Mayberry that she was so proud of the crowd for standing in the direct sun, and joked as a native Scot, βI donβt do thatβ¦β. She sang songs such as βSorry, Etcβ with incredible head-banging and energy. She even played drums during a couple of songs.
Feeling hungry for more? Letβs get cooking on the William Sanoma Culinary Stage with brothers and competitive chefs Michael and Bryan Voltaggio, who used power tools to break down an ice tray or, as the brothers laughed and promised the crowd that there was a point to it all, a cool tray or rather a cool TrΓ©. The chefs invited TrΓ© Cool, drummer for BottleRock Friday headliner Green Day, and actor and singer Adam DeVine, known for his comedic performances in movies such as the Pitch Perfect franchise, to learn how to make lobster sandwiches. DeVine recently helped promote Green Day / Punk Bunny Coffeeβs new Kerplunk Slurpee available at 7-Eleven. Green Day also has a few exclusive coffee flavors with Punk Bunny Co. To get started on stage, DeVine exclaimed, βLetβs get BottleROCKED!β The light-hearted on-stage banter included jokes such as using lobster βfrom the Napa River.β After making the sandwiches, DeVine pretended to throw one into the crowd and a fan even said aloud βhe wonβt throw it.β Next thing you know, DeVine tosses the entire loaf into the crowd and then makes an expression that says, βinstant regret!β A fan posted on social media, βthank you @adamdevine for the lobsterβ along with a video of getting covered in lobster sandwich. DeVine reposted the video to his story saying, βVery sorry to the girl I doused in lobster roll. My bad.β
Benson Booneβs βMystical Magicalβ lyric βmoonbeam ice creamβ¦β has fans asking βWhat is moonbeam ice cream and what does it taste like?β The Voltaggio brothers decided to consult the expert, Chef Boone himself. The ice cream included fresh blueberries, a boatload of marshmallows and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Boone gave the background, βWhen you write about moonbeam ice cream, you have to know how to make itβ¦β then shortly later admitted, βya know, Iβve never made this beforeβ¦I donβt know how the hell to make ice cream,β which brought laughter throughout the crowd. He took one spoonful and slowly took off his sunglasses then delighted the crowd with arms raised, βThatβs moonbeam ice cream, baby!β as the song played in the background. He then gave some to fans at the front of the stage.
Then, of course Boone did one of his iconic backflips βLadies and gentlemen, are you ready for a Benson Boone backflip?β as TrΓ© provided a live drum roll to set the anticipation even stronger than it already was. After a countdown, Boone floated through the air as easily as the thousands of bubbles surrounding him. The crowd erupted in cheers.
Before Benson Boone came on stage, fans were cheering for him. Kicking off the set with βSorry Iβm Here For Someone Else,β the crowd screamed and sang along. Shortly after he came on stage, one fan yelled loudly βI love your mustache Benson!β Although recently met with criticism online, the 2025 Best New Artist GRAMMY nominee and 2025 GRAMMY performer provided the audience with a performance like none other. Responding to the recent hate aimed towards him, Boone added to his social media, βIf you hate me or my music at least have a good reason for it. I just read a comment that said βidek why I hate Benson Boone but it feels right.' Like WHAT!!? How am I supposed to improve after reading that?...β The type of online critique is common before any artist becomes well revered in the public eye. Often compared to Freddie Mercury and Harry Styles due to similar on stage presences and fashion, Boone continues to look for ways to take feedback, learn and grow. Yet the relevance of the recent online hate quickly faded as Boone took the stage with full force, flipping, playing piano and singing his heart out. Whether or not youβre a Benson fan, the evidence is clear: his true performance and skills will continue to lead him to be a rising star, especially with his next album American Heart set to release on June 20th and his American Heart Tour across North America starting in August.
Boone introduced βMomma Song,β which he βreleased two days ago,β as the third single from his upcoming album. He also performed the unreleased song βYoung American Heartβ from the album. Boone is set to start his American Heart Tour across North America starting in August. He led a call-and-response with the crowd and then complimented the voices in the crowd noting that, βsome people are just quite frankly tone deaf,β but not those at BottleRock.
Boon performed a variety of songs during his set. Boone mentioned that βPretty Slowlyβ is one of his fav songs. βIn The Starsβ is about his own personal experiences about losing someone, but knows those who listen take it and apply it to their own lives. Recognizing the beauty in the world and the lovely Napa Valley. For this song only, Boone asked the crowd to put phones away and be present. Boone taught the audience the βah oh ah ohβ background vocals to βForever and a Dayβ and then sang the melody as fans continued with the vocals. The combination was a beautiful harmony.
Throughout his set, Boone jumped off the grand piano and flipped midair many times. To wrap up his set, Boone even took a running start and flipped off the stage, then ran along high fiving fans in every direction. Sus Vasquez even played her guitar upside down behind her head. Boone seamlessly helped every audience member feel as if he was singing directly to them. Boon humbly addressed the crowd before playing his last song, βLadies and gentlemen, thank you for coming out today. Thank you for being rowdy. Thank you for being loud [pauses to flip off the piano one last time]...If you havenβt heard any of the songs today, thatβs just fineβ¦β Cue βBeautiful Things.β The entire crowd sang along.
Many fans waited with great anticipation for Justin Timberlakeβs set since the opening of the festival. The fans chanted βJustin! Justin! Justin!β and βJT! JT! JT!β as they anxiously anticipated his set. The fans cheered, danced and sang along as JT kicked off his set with βMirrors.β Timberlake mentioned his Tennessee roots and introduced his band: The Tennessee Kids including vocalist RaVaughn, vocalist Ayana Layli, vocalist Camry, vocalist Jaden B Gray, guitarist Elliott Ives, guitarist Luke Kennedy Aiono, saxophonist Leon Silva, drummer Michael Reid, Regiment Horns on horns and more. Timberlake performed songs from throughout the course of his discography including hits such as βMy Loveβ and βSuit & Tie.β The performance felt like it took place inside a music video. The visuals were a combination of moving designs, pre-recorded footage and live footage of JT and the band. The perfectly timed lighting and choreography led to an outstanding and cohesive performance. JT sported a white t-shirt with his wife and actor Jessica Biel. His precise movements including his classic jump and spin were instant crowd pleasers, emphasized by his plaid sports coat swirling around him with each spin.
Throughout the set, Timberlake often paused to speak to the crowd, packed in like sardines. He asked who was seeing him and The Tennessee Kids for the first time and who had been supporting them for years. He expressed his gratitude for fans both new and old since he has βbeen doing this for a looooong time.β Timberlake mentioned that it was a very special night because ββ¦so much of [his] family is here tonightβ¦β and he was very grateful.
When βCANβT STOP THE FEELING!β came on, everyone screaming and fans took their friends hands and started jumping together. Many fans brought signs and one even brought a jean jacket that they personalized with hand-painted with colorful cassette tapes, Justin Timberlake-themed designs such as song titles. The fan asked Timberlake to sign it and specifically asked him to sign the front pocket. He obliged. A different fan threw a fedora-shaped straw hat on stage that hit Timberlake in the chest. Presumably, the fan thought Timberlake would sign it as well. He clapped back, βI donβt know why you threw this hat at me like Imma wear this sh*t.β He picked up the hat, struck a pose and slowly raised the hat to his head as if he was going to put it on before abruptly stopping to pass it to someone in the pit and away from the stage without signing it. Timberlake took a stand against throwing things at artists on stage since it can be dangerous for the performers.
Towards the end of his set, Timberlake introduced Dj (Andrew) Hypes to βtake us back.β Between songs, the crowd chanted for βHoly Grailβ and βSexyBack.β JT and The Tennessee Kids played both, much to the fans' pure joy. During the intro to βSexyBack,β Timberlake asked βIs this what you were asking for!?β to which the crowd cheered in response. Nearing the end of his set, JT spoke to the crowd βGive a hand for Bensonβ¦β and all the other newer artists because he knows what it feels like to be a new artist. This is Timberlakeβs last show in America before embarking on the European leg of his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
Missed out on BottleRock this year? Make sure to join next yearβs festival May 22nd β 24th, 2026 to soak up the sun, incredible music talent and so much more!