City of Trees was Blink 182’s Last Train Home
City of Trees 2017 in Sacramento was an awe-inspiring event that attracted an impressive turnout of over 13,000 fans. The festival was headlined by the renowned Blink 182, accompanied by an array of talented Sacramento artists.
As the gates swung open at 2 o'clock, eager fans rushed in to secure their spots at Bonney Field. The festivities kicked off on the Sacramento Stage with a powerful performance by local band "The Moans." The crowd fervently nodded their heads, even attempting to create a mini mosh pit. "The Moans" ignited the festival with their infectious energy, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
One of the challenges of music festivals is trying to catch all the artists performing on different stages. Bonney Field hosted both the Sacramento Stage and the Main Stage, situated on opposite sides. Over on the Taco Bell Discovery Stage, the second band, "The Greeting Committee," pleasantly surprised the audience. Despite their young age, all band members displayed remarkable talent. Lead singer Addie Sartino even ventured into the crowd during her performance, earning the adoration of fans. Keep an eye out for "The Greeting Committee," as they are poised to make a name for themselves.
Taking their turn on the Sacramento Stage, local artists "Write of Die" delivered a beautiful and emotive performance led by Autumn Sky's captivating vocals. After their set, fans clamored for autographs and snapped pictures with the band. Once "Write of Die" concluded, it was time for the next act to grace the Taco Bell Discovery Stage.
"New Politics" seized the spotlight, immediately asserting their presence. Their opening song, "One of Us," exhilarated the crowd, with David Boyd delivering a magical performance. In an effort to engage the audience further, Boyd embarked on a daring venture into the sea of fans. Many eagerly raised their arms, lifting Boyd high as he continued to perform. It was an incredible moment that encapsulated the spirit of City of Trees.
Meanwhile, on the Sacramento Stage, Placerville-based band "Element of Soul" took the spotlight. Lead singer Isaac Benjamin Moore electrified the stage, waving his arms and moving about with fervor. Combining guitars, bass, turntables, and drums, Element of Soul showcased a diverse musical palette, making them stand out among the performers at City of Trees.
Just ten minutes after Element of Soul's performance commenced, Los Angeles band "Sir Sly" mesmerized the audience on the Taco Bell Discovery Stage. Landon Jacobs commanded the stage, even scaling the stage bars during their set. Notably, Sir Sly's drummer, Hayden Coplen, faced the side, adding an intriguing dynamic to their setup.
One of the most anticipated artists of the night took to the main stage after Sir Sly. Imagine a blend of the renowned band No Doubt without Gwen Stefani, infused with the mesmerizing vocals of AFI's Davey Havok. The result was the sensational new band, Dreamcar. Their 80s-inspired synth-pop sound resonated with the crowd, and the appearance of Davey Havok on stage ignited wild excitement. Clad in a suit and tie, Havok delivered captivating performances of "Kill to Candy" and "Born to Lie." Notably, Dreamcar was the only act at City of Trees to feature backup singers, adding an extra layer of depth to their performance.
Following Dreamcar, another rising star took the stage. "Bishop Briggs" wowed the audience on the Taco Bell Discovery Stage, with Sarah McLaughlin jumping and exuding infectious energy throughout her set. With their popular hit "River," Bishop Briggs cemented their status as a musical force to be reckoned with, destined for further success in the industry.
The last three acts of City of Trees elevated the energy to new heights, drawing more fans closer to the main stage with each passing set. Excitement and anticipation filled the air. The next act boasted a unique setup with two sets of drums side by side, a keyboard, and a saxophone. The promising band "Bleachers" claimed the stage, led by Jack Antonoff, and delivered an impassioned performance. Their frenetic renditions of hits like "I Wanna Get Better" and "Don't Take the Money" left the audience exhilarated.
Well-known reggae band "Iration" closed out the performances on the Taco Bell Discovery Stage. Hailing from Santa Barbara, their hits "Hotting Up" and "Turn Around" reverberated through the perfectly illuminated stage, serving as the first performance after sunset. Sacramento's deep love for reggae music was palpable, as fans embraced the contagious energy flowing from the stage.
Finally, the much-anticipated headliner, Blink 182, took the main stage. As Travis Barker approached his drum set, the crowd erupted into screams and cheers. Blink 182 had not graced the Sacramento area with their presence since 2011, making their performance highly anticipated. They set the tone for City of Trees with fan favorites like "Feeling This" and "Rock Show," captivating the audience at every turn.
City of Trees marked the final performance by Blink 182 in 2017, and the people of Sacramento wholeheartedly embraced the reigning Kings of the Weekend, leaving the festival with memories to cherish.