Arroyo Seco Weekend 2018 Was A Breath Of Fresh Summer Air

PASADENA, CA – The easy-going nature of Arroyo Seco Weekend is best described in the subtle nuances seen throughout the festival – Sarah Martin of "Belle and Sebastian" peeling an orange to eat on stage, a couple reading in the shade at Vroman's Books' little libraries, a group of friends applying flower and butterfly temporary tattoos to their arms at the Huntington Botanical Gardens tent, young children running barefoot through the grass in a game of tag, and a balding man in a blue blazer and purple pants flailing his arms to dance as he headed towards the music.

Arroyo Seco Weekend was the perfect start to summer, from the clear blue skies, to the sun that warmed your skin and the slight breeze that cooled it right back down. There was no shoving, no pushing, and no rushing – it was a festival that reminded you to slow down in a world that is constantly demanding you to speed up.

It was so relaxed, in fact, that legendary rocker and headliner Neil Young admitted he came unprepared and without a setlist – in true jam band style, Young and his backing band Promise of the Real busted out a 27-minute-long introduction sprinkled with roaring guitar solos. A black wide-brimmed hat cast shadows over Young's eyes while he performed drawn-out renditions of classics like “Cortez the Killer,” “Powderfinger” and “Down by the River.”

Eventually, he ditched the hat, and in the spirit of embracing the festival's relaxed atmosphere, took a step back and let his band members take center stage to perform their own songs. Yup, Neil Young was a back-up singer.

Pharaoh Sanders played his saxophone with a longing, sadness and intensity that juxtaposed the smiling crowd and breezy day. Standing in crisp white linen, Sanders sang worship phrases such as "the power of God," although he looked heavenly himself.

Jack White rocked out and played lighter White Stripes favorites like "We're Going to be Friends" in a blue suit, and Kamasi Washington stood in a flowing blue robe while preaching to the crowd that diversity should be celebrated, not tolerated, before playing his song "Truth."

The Glenfiddich Experimental Dome made Scotch cool again, with their IPA Cask cocktail and spiked Scotch lemonade. From Toyota's "make your own succulent" tent, to Muir Ranch's "Flowers on your Head" booth (where artistic selfies are encouraged), Arroyo Seco Weekend brought out the best in relaxation and music festivals combined.

Related: 20 Must-See Photos From Arroyo Seco Weekend 2018

Photo of Belle and Sebastian courtesy of Arroyo Seco Weekend; All other photos courtesy of Guest Photographer Matthew Goulding