So today was Earth Day and what better way to experience it than in Golden Gate Park. It was a beautiful day in SF and the wind wasn't strong enough to dampen the spirit of the day, though it was string enough to share the scnts of everything the new and old hippies were smoking.
My friend Whitney and I packed out backpacks and brought a blanket and headed to the park a couple hours after the music started. Brett Dennen was supposed to pay and since he's pretty popular we figured he'd play last and that we could take our time. No dice. we got there for the end of a bluegrass band called Yonder Mountain String Band who were AMAZING. Theres no better place to experience music than in golden gate park on a nice day. Whitney and I both had a lot of homework so we posted up in the very back behind the GIANT group of people. We layed out and just listened to the music as we did our homework and watched the people around us enjoying themselves.
The music festival was called Green Apple Festival and it was dedicated to Earth Day and solar energy and granola and Barack Obama. Sarcasm and speculation aside, it was an amazing thing to be a part of. At one point Whitney said something to the effect that she felt like she was a part of something, like the place just had a vibe that things were happeneing, that in 50 years she could tell her grandkids about the rallie/concert she went to. She was right though. Today was a day that perfectly showcased the spirit of San francisco. Things are happening.
The festival was made up of both music and speakers. There was an old hippie named Wavy Gravy who somehow got put into the program and spent the minutes that he shouldnt have been given on stage ranting about some story im sure an acid trip or two might have helped with. He talked abou this handbag that was a fish and Dave Chepelle and the greatful dead and his adventures with all three. It was NOT entertaining. in fact it was the biggest damper on the wonderful mood that was created by the music. It was wonderful to lay back and listen to musicians create something genuine and wonderful and then Wavy Gravy came on and yelled and ranted in his raspy voice about things no one laughed at. I wonder if Wavy knows what a good bathroom break he supplied for the thousands of people present. He had toured with the greatful dead and, as such, was famous. Makes sense. But really, when the 60s and 70s catch up with the guy and he croaks, I'm not sure there will be very many "NO, not WAVY!"s resonating form SF. Hippir Hill might take a beating, but I think it can do better.
After the old hippie left the stage the music went on and the day continued. Afterwards Karly mentioned something I hadnt noticed: the number of kids present at the festival. I mena yes I can understand one wanting ones kids to grow up being exposed and perhaps cultured, but stoned? Whether you liked it or not, you had to accept that the majority of the people around you were smoking the proverbial reefer. BABIES? really? I mean, young teens and other kids yes i think it would be great for them to experience a day like that in the park, but babies? too far.
Oh San Francisco.
So happy Earth Day everyone. stay fresh, stay clean, stay green!
much love
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