If you’re into music that makes grown men cry, you’ve definitely heard of Noah Kahan.
The New England singer-songwriter is coming to Northern California as a headliner at this year’s BottleRock Napa Valley festival, which announced its lineup on Monday. Kahan is one of three top acts performing at the popular three-day music festival this spring. Also headlining the May 23-25 festival are Justin Timberlake and the Bay Area’s own Green Day. Tickets went on sale today and are expected to sell out well before the event.
The 28-year-old Kahan, who makes emotionally vulnerable music that’s been described as “nostalgic” and “folksy,” has emphasized how his Jewish roots are part of his artistic sensibility, as he told Billboard in 2024.
“Growing up half Jewish and having this face on me … it has kind of been a big part of my identity,” he said. “I’m not going into a song [saying], ‘Let’s get this one extra Jew-y.’ But I think it plays into the cultural aspect of [my music] — into the humor. And down to my diet. Like, I got the acid reflux stomach, just like my dad.”
Kahan grew up in Vermont and New Hampshire. His biggest hit, “Stick Season,” references the leafless bushes that dominate the landscape before and after the winter snows in New England. He first found fame on social media in 2017 and has since seen huge success, selling out large venues for his 2024 tour, including two nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden, as well as appearing on Saturday Night Live.
BottleRock was founded in 2013 and has become a regular part of the large-festival circuit. The name refers to the area’s famous wines, which are showcased at the festival, along with local stars in the gourmet food scene. The festival generally sells out within days. Last year, around 120,000 people attended.