100 Nights of Summer has landed in Portugal for the annual NOS Primavera Sound Festival. The smaller sibling of the Barcelona mega-festival takes place in Porto’s lovely Parque da Cidade (City Park). It also happens to be across the street from the beach. Here are just a few of my favorite moments from the weekend. Stay tuned for a more in depth review later on this week.
Friday, June 9
5:30 pm
Welcome to Portugal!
6:17pm
Every seat is a good seat
Kick off your shoes and throw down a blanket. The two main stages at NOS Primavera Sound feel like a picnic at the park and are set on a gentle hill with optimal views of the bands. So comfortable, you may fall asleep.
8:29pm
#festivallove @ Deerhunter
9:05pm
Meet a festival fan: Juan from Portugal (on the left)
“I’m not usually like this, but festivals make me more expressive…and I’ve also had a few drinks.” – In response to my compliment about his sick dance moves during Deerhunter.
10:40pm
Stay weird forever Sigur Rós
12:14pm
Parquet Courts
Saturday, June 10
5:55pm
“The people of Porto live like there’s no tomorrow.”
– Lisbon festie explaining to me the difference between the two cities.
7:35pm
Destroyer and sunny skies
8:03pm
Brian Wilson performs all of Pet Sounds
I know he’s a legend and all that, but I need some more Dinosaur Jr.
8:45pm
Crowdsurfing @ Dinosaur Jr.
9:15pm
Battles blows my mind
I’ve listened to this NYC band online, but sometimes it takes a live experience to really connect with an artist. Battles wins the award for my top set at NOS Primavera with their crazy energy performance.
10:54pm
#ducksofinstagram
Three feathered fans try to find a spot on the grass before legend PJ Harvey takes the stage.
Sunday, June 11
6:50pm
Flower crowns all around
Two festivals in a row have featured these flower crown creation stations. I’m calling it a trend of the season because I’m a self-declared festival expert and can make bold statements like this.
8:04pm
Modern Family cameo
“Our mayor looks just like Phil Dunphy from the show Modern Family.” This was told to me from a fellow reporter during a press conference. I’ll let you decide for yourself. Bonus points to the paparazzi shooting a picture from above the fence.
8:12pm
All festivals should be using reusable cups
This is how you keep a festival clean and lower your environmental footprint. Charge a $2.50 deposit for a reusable cup. The NOS Primavera Sound grounds were spotless all weekend.
10:55pm
“It was great. I liked it a lot and the music was good.”
– Working with fellow press reporters on our reviews.
1:17am
Ty Segall killing it again
12:51am
Late night snacking
Slow roasted pork. Cured meats. Soft cheese. Yum.
