Whether a solo artist or part of a b2b, women and femme acts comprise almost half the Portola lineup. Here are five that we think you should see!
Fall may be on its way, but festival season is still going! Portola Music Festival returns to San Francisco’s Pier 80 on September 28-29. For its third year, the festival boasts not only an amazing lineup but also progress in diversity. Nearly half of the lineup features women or femme acts. Whether it’s solo, as part of a b2b, or as a member of a group, they are setting the vibes for Portola.
With so many to choose from, narrowing our list of must-see acts to five was tough. Especially with the genre diversity as well, you really can’t go wrong. Some honorable mentions include Nala, who heads up femme-dominated label Mi Domina and pushes Riot Grrrl feminism in today’s context, in-demand techno queen Sara Landry, and Rebecca Black, whose career arc from accidental viral teen star to queer pop icon is pretty inspiring.
Tickets for Portola are sold out, but if you can’t miss the party, official resale tickets are on sale. You can purchase yours or join the waitlist for a Sunday pass on AXS. Keep reading for five acts we think you need to see at Portola!
Five Femme Acts to Catch at Portola 2024
Honey Dijon
Honey Dijon needs no introduction. Hailing from Chicago, Honey Dijon began DJing in the ’90s and producing in the early 2000s. You’ll want to catch her set if you love funky and instrument-driven house music. Her musical prowess extends beyond her dance floor heaters. It has earned Honey Dijon a GRAMMY for Best Dance/Electronic Album in collaboration with Beyoncé on RENAISSANCE. As a transgender woman, Honey Dijon has been a leading champion for diversity and inclusion in the dance music industry, pushing for more POC and LGBTQIA+ representation.
Jessie Ware
If you want to let your hair down to some disco-inspired, feel-good pop, Jessie Ware is your gal. The London-based singer-songwriter has been electrifying crowds for over a decade. Her recent album and set will have you saying That! Feels Good! with empowering singalongs atop swirling disco grooves and the funkiest beats. Ware recently joined up with Romy on “Lift You Up,” which they debuted at Glastonbury. Let Jessie Ware take you to a disco wonderland at Portola!
Carlita (going b2b with DJ Tennis as Astral Club)
From a young age, Carlita’s musical expression was allowed to flourish. This has all culminated in a career as a DJ and purveyor of soulful house and techno. Inspired by her Turkish and Italian roots, Carlita creates sonic narratives through her tracks and sets. Whether club-ready or nostalgia-tinged, Carlita will have you dancing from start to finish. She joins her mentor, DJ Tennis, for a b2b at Portola as Astral Club. Be transported to an intimate European club when these two take to the decks.
Lava La Rue
Float away to the soulful, psychedelic, indie sounds of Lava La Rue. Defying genres, their music incorporates R&B, hip hop, funk, and hypnotic elements and modernizes sounds from the ’60s and ’70s. As a bi-racial, queer, and gender-fluid artist, self-expression lies at the core of Lava La Rue. Whether through rapping, singing, or creative design, they embody living authentically and out loud. Lava La Rue’s debut album, STARFACE, landed this summer, adding to their impressive list of accolades. They were featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and made their debut US performance at Coachella. Now, Portola is ready to welcome Lava La Rue to the stage.
Pretty Girl
Looking to cry in the club? Pretty Girl is serving up Emotional Dance Music at Portola this year. The multi-hyphenate Australian artist released her first EP, Middle Ground, in 2021, exploring the more progressive side of house music. This EP was followed by One Night, One Time in 2023, and Get Back To Me this year. A blend of ethereal sounds with those from the early oughts weave seamlessly through her tracks. You won’t want to miss Pretty Girl as she spins up a moving set.
