Imagine sitting on a soft patch of grass with friends in Golden Gate Park on a beautiful San Franciscan day listening to some of the coolest pop bands of the year. Now imagine being able to get into this concert for free. Well, imagination will meet reality on September 28th, when Radio Alice holds it’s annual ‘Now and Zen’ concert in the park. This free event will feature American Authors, Neon Trees, Matt Nathanson, and Lindey Sterling. The various groups will take turns playing sets from noon to 5 pm, and promises to be a good show. American Authors is a fairly new rock band originating from New York City in 2007, and are best known for their bubbly and uplifting tune, “Best Day of My Life”. Their band members include, Zac Barnett – who takes care of lead vocals and guitare, James Adam Shelley – lead guitare and banjo, Dave Rublin – bass, and Matt Sanchez on the drums. Neon trees is more for those that enjoy the ‘American alternative new wave’ genre. One of their first singles, “Animal” had the priviledge to climb up to number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 list, as well as number one on the Alternative Rock chart. A few of their band members (Tyler Glenn and Elaine Bradley) are particualry talented using a snythesizer and e-drums, and their latest popular single includes, “Sleeping with A Friend”. Matt Nathanson is also a talented ‘one man show’ and is famous for blending folk and rock into his music. He sings, and plays acoustic and electric guitare. His most prominant songs include the sweet ballad of “Come On Get Higher” and a song inspired from his work and recording here in San Francisco called, “Kinks Shirt”. And lasty, the show will feature Lindsey Sterling, who was a quarter finalist on the show America’s Got Talent, and is currently entertaining as a practiced violinist and dancer. So for those of you who don’t like hard core rock, this artist will provide you with a bit of a softer side of music.
So if this list of artists has caught your attention and your jumping at the bit to go, then there are a few things to remember if you want to have a good experience. A couple of years ago, a friend and I tried to go to another free Radio Alice concert, (Summerthing) that featured Ed Sheeran and Sarah Bareilles. To make a long story short, we got to the park a few minutes before noon, and found that the line ran threw all of Golden Gate Park. Opting to not wait in the chilly mist for hours we decided to go to the De Young Museum instead, which was equally as fun. However, if you really want to see ‘Now and Zen’ before it is over, get to the park early! I would suggest probably arriving at 8 am, unless you want a front row seat on the lawn then perhaps line up at 6 am. Also, as the weather can be quite unpredictable in San Francisco, I would advise that you wear layers, or bring a warm coat, and perhaps an umbrella. A few other essentials you may want to bring to enjoy to concert with, is a nice large picnick blanket so you don’t have to sit on damp grass, and perhaps a few snacks and water if you get the munchies. And if the sun does decide the make an appearance then, perhaps a floppy hat and some suncreen would be beneficial as well. All in all, this concert will feature various genres of pop bands for people who enjoy multiple types of music.
Date: September 28th, noon – 5pm in Golden Gate Park.