Women and Femme Acts Shine at Portola Music Festival: 5 Must-See Performers!
Although fall is approaching, festival season is still in full swing! The Portola Music Festival is set to light up San Francisco’s Pier 80 on September 28-29. Now in its third year, this festival not only features an incredible lineup but also showcases greater diversity with nearly 50% of the performers being women and femme acts. From solo artists to dynamic collaborations, they are set to bring an unforgettable vibe to Portola.
We had a tough time narrowing down our top five must-see acts, especially with the variety of genres on display. Honorable mentions include Nala, a fierce advocate for Riot Grrrl feminism and head of the femme-focused label Mi Domina, the talented techno star Sara Landry, and Rebecca Black, whose transformation from viral teen sensation to queer pop icon is remarkable.
Tickets for Portola are already sold out, but there’s still a chance to join the fun with official resale tickets available. You can purchase yours or join the waitlist for a Sunday pass on AXS. Read on for five incredible acts you won’t want to miss at Portola!
Five Femme Acts You Must Experience at Portola 2024
Honey Dijon
Honey Dijon needs no introduction. Originating from Chicago, she began her DJ career in the ’90s and started producing in the early 2000s. Don’t miss her set if you’re a fan of funky, instrument-driven house music. Honey Dijon’s remarkable talents earned her a GRAMMY for Best Dance/Electronic Album in collaboration with Beyoncé on RENAISSANCE. As a transgender woman, Honey Dijon champions diversity and inclusion in the electronic music scene, advocating for greater representation of POC and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Jessie Ware
If you’re in the mood for some disco-infused, uplifting pop, Jessie Ware is the artist for you. The London-based singer-songwriter has been captivating audiences for over ten years. Her recent album invites you to exclaim That! Feels Good! with empowering anthems and groovy disco beats. Ware’s collaboration with Romy on “Lift You Up,” which premiered at Glastonbury, is another highlight. Don’t miss Jessie Ware’s enchanting set at Portola!
Carlita (Performing B2B with DJ Tennis as Astral Club)
With deep roots in music, Carlita has cultivated a thriving career as a DJ who specializes in soulful house and techno. Her compositions are influenced by her Turkish and Italian heritage, creating soundscapes that tell stories. Whether it’s upbeat tracks for the dance floor or nostalgia-infused melodies, Carlita has a knack for keeping the energy high. This year at Portola, she will join her mentor, DJ Tennis, for a b2b performance as Astral Club. Get ready for an intimate club experience when these two take the stage!
Lava La Rue
Get lost in the soulful, psychedelic indie vibes of Lava La Rue. Their genre-defying music blends R&B, hip hop, funk, and hypnotic sounds while bringing a fresh twist to ’60s and ’70s influences. As a biracial, queer, and gender-fluid artist, Lava La Rue embodies self-expression through their music, rap, singing, and creative design. Their debut album, STARFACE, was released this summer, and they have already made waves being featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and performing at Coachella. Now, they’re set to take the stage at Portola!
Pretty Girl
If you’re in the mood to shed a tear while dancing, Pretty Girl will deliver with her Emotional Dance Music at Portola this year. The talented Australian artist made her debut with the EP Middle Ground in 2021, and followed that with One Night, One Time in 2023, and Get Back To Me this year. Her ethereal sounds and early 2000s influences seamlessly flow through her tracks, creating a moving experience you don’t want to miss.
