The festivities continued on Day 2 of BottleRock Napa Valley, carrying the good vibes from the headliners to the tantalizing array of food selections. This festival showcased Napa’s finest in a celebration of culture, music and flavor. With Justin Timberlake taking over the main stage, and supporting energetic performances from Makua Rothman, Lauren Mayberry and Benson Boone warming up the crowds, anticipation built as festival-goers lined up for each set. Not only were the performance options diverse and exciting, but the delicious eats kept everyone fueled and ready to dance.
Los Angeles’ own Los Angeles League of Musicians, or LA LOM, delivered a genre-blending instrumental set, seamlessly fusing Cuban sonidera, ’60s soul ballads and romantic bolero with touches of Peruvian cumbia and Bakersfield country. This league of musicians’ Latin-infused soundscapes invited the crowd to clap, sway and immerse themselves in a vibrant tapestry of rhythms and cultures.
The much-anticipated Benson Boone then drew fans to the Jam Cellars Stage for an hour-and-a-half journey through warm pop melodies, perfect for sunny afternoons and heartfelt moments. He kicked things off with a dynamic opener, complete with flashing lights and pulsing beats, instantly capturing the crowd’s attention. Cheers erupted as he performed fan-favorite “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else,” showcasing both his impressive live vocals and youthful charisma. As he transitioned into “Cry,” Boone took a poignant turn, opening up about the song’s inspiration and connecting deeply with listeners. He closed his set with a lineup of hits: “In the Stars,” “Beautiful Things” and “Momma Song,” all leaving fans energized and emotional.
As the sun began to set, two legendary artists, Ice Cube and Timberlake, closed out the night with show-stopping sets that paid homage to the golden eras of hip-hop and pop. Representing the 90s-to-early-2000s sound that shaped a generation, both performances brought waves of nostalgia and raw energy to the crowd.
Ice Cube kicked off his set with suspenseful visuals and that unmistakable West Coast grit, opening with his 2000s hit “Hello.” Ice Cube brought out fellow Westside Connection member, or WC (Dub-C), to bring the vibes in, and they did. The crowd erupted as they led back-and-forth chants, throwing up Ws and waving their hands, embodying the spirit of Westside Connection. The energy was electric, and the connection undeniable. Ice Cube smoothly segued into “I Rep That West,” hyping up each section of the audience in a full crowd war to find the loudest side. Toward the end, he took fans back with classics like “No Vaseline” and “Why We Thugs,” channeling his roots and legacy. Fans also witnessed a heartfelt moment between Ice Cube and WC, as WC paid homage to Ice Cube’s days as a founding member of N.W.A. and its impact. Overwhelmed by the energy, Ice Cube grew emotional, receiving a standing ovation that crowned the performance as a true celebration of West Coast pride.
Timberlake followed with an unforgettable headline performance, setting the Jam Cellars Stage aglow in deep blue and red lights. Known for his flawless vocals and magnetic stage presence, Timberlake opened with “Mirrors,” drawing the crowd into a unifying singalong. As the song broke down, the audience clapped in perfect rhythm, in an intimate, almost chilling moment. Justin gave everything you’d expect and more: live background vocals so crisp they could’ve been studio-recorded, choreography straight out of a music video and tightly orchestrated transitions that made the entire set flow like a visual story. He paused briefly to greet the crowd: “Hello, California!” before launching into a seamless run of fan favorites, including “Cry Me a River,” “Suit & Tie,” “Summer Love,” “SexyBack,” “Talk to Me/Rock your Body” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” With his signature showmanship, Timberlake ended Day 2 on a high note, cementing his legacy as a true pop icon and delivering a performance that left the crowd in awe.
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