It’s a good thing I have something interesting to write about today, because if I’m writing about the news and politics…it’s a complete shitshow. Horrifying, nauseating, discouraging…I could go on. But that shitshow will still be here in a few days, so for now I’ll write about something more positive.

Last night we did something unusual – we went to a San Diego music festival downtown, a festival called Wonderfront. It took place over three days, and we only bought tickets for the Sunday show, as we (I) was only interested in the final band Sunday night, Khraungbin. And, as it turns out, the bands immediately before Khraungbin, Jason Mraz and Gary Clark Jr.

I should start by saying we probably lowered the average age of attendees by showing up – most of the attendees were a good 40-50 years younger. There were a few old codgers like me, but very few. This was a very young crowd, as you can see in these pictures.

The festival was held at beautiful Seaport Village, on the waterfront in downtown SD. Seaport and it’s associated park space made a beautiful venue. The downtown skyline and the waterfront really made it a special setting. Here’s a shot from later that night showing the crowd against the city skyline.

After parking, walking and finding our ay into the festival, our first real event was when Jason Mraz took the stage. I was really impressed by Mraz – his live act is a lot better than his recorded music. His commentary and the hugely positive way he presents his music and life was great. And his live band…superb. With the light of day helping, I got some decent shots of Mraz.

All in, a great start to the evening. Next up was Gary Clark Jr., and I didn’t get any good photos of him. After standing for an hour plus for Mraz, I was off on a hillside sitting and recovering, letting my knees and back rest. (The travails of aged concertgoers is not something you think about when you’re young. But it’s definitely a thing.)

After an hour or so of GCJ rocking the house, it was time for the main event – Khraungbin. And they didn’t disappoint. Powerful music, scintillating guitar, a punch-you-in-the gut bass…they really delivered. We were standing on a knoll quite a bit further back than we were for Mraz – I didn’t want to be as crowded – and that was OK. I can see them up close and in high resolution via Youtube. With this I just wanted to enjoy the music and be in the moment. Given our greater distance and the darkness, my Khraungbin pictures are a little grainy – I couldn’t bring the good camera, so all these photos are done with either an iPhone 14 or my Canon Powershot 740 superzoom camera. Here’s the gauzy, ethereal feel of the Khraugnbin set.

And here’s about the best I could do with the light and the small cameras.

Here’s an unzoomed picture of our actual location, listening to Khraungbin. From this distance the music was perfect – clear but feel-it-in-your-gut. I can only imagine the volume levels right on front of the stage.

It was just a great evening. A bit of a stretch for me, as we were out late, driving the hour back to Fallbrook and arriving almost midnight. But it was memorable, fun, and I got to hear one of my favorite bands on a sound system a helluva lot bigger than my stereos in CA and KY. Mission accomplished.