Looking Back at the 2017
High & Low Festival

Fest Review: High and Low Festival at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino

SEPTEMBER 12, 2017 Words & Photos by Joe Calixto | https://newnoisemagazine.com/

As summer’s end is fast approaching, it never hurts to throw one more outdoor festival in the hot hot sun (unless you don’t put sunscreen and you’ll be covered in sunburn; that will fucking hurt). This is where High and Low Festival comes in.

Brought to you by the same people who gave us one of last year’s Chain Fest and the World Famous KROQ, the NOS Event Center was the set for a whole day of good music and comedy.

As I entered the festival grounds I definitely felt that infamous San Bernardino heat, and being the scholar that I am, I wore all black and pants. The best decision I’ve made hands down. (⸮) It was my second time going to the NOS Events Center, I was there for Self Help Fest last year, and if memory serves me right, it was packed once doors opened. Unfortunately, the festival started off slow but through out the day it started to get packed.

The festival featured a lot of different artists of all different genres, from pop rock to punk to indie to Kevin Devine. This show had all corners covered. The festival also featured a comedy stage brought to us by our close buddies and secret lovers, The Hard Times. Which I heard through out the day was packed with people trying to either laugh hysterically or get some of that free air conditioning. (Obviously you were there for the comedy).

So the music side of things were kicked off by Bay Area band, Elder Brother, who played in the indoor stage. I personally have been wanting to see that band for a while now. Shortly after that, the main stage was opened up by the one and only, the magnificent, KevDev (Kevin Devine), I told a friend after watching his set “it’s never too early for the feels.”

In between stages, bands like Bad Suns, Coin, Charly Bliss, Cloud Nothings played through out the day. Unfortunately I didn’t get to shoot a lot of them but you should definitely listen to everyone of those up and coming bands. (Also, I was just hanging out at The Hard Times tent, but you didn’t read that.)

There were a few bands that I was really stoked to see and photograph. Bands like Now Now, Citizen and PUP, who all played the side stage, are on high rotation in my Spotify shuffle. So seeing them live was definitely a treat. Side note: I fuck with PUP so hard! Such a great band!

I don’t even know what to call the main stage bands, they were all headliner material. Andrew McMahon and Best Coast are two acts who are no stranger to the festival circuit. Andrew dropped some major throwback jams, playing Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin songs. As for Best Coast, it’s crazy to think the day after that festival they joined Paramore on their full US tour.

I’m pretty sure I don’t need to say anything about the next two performers – it’s Tegan and Sara & Death Cab For Cutie. Who the fuck doesn’t know these two acts. Like f’real! If you’ve listened to music in the last 20 years, there is no way in hell you haven’t bumped into one or 20 of their songs. Totally different styles of music but watching the crowds vibe for both bands was fucking great

And I think that’s about it for the festival!

Just kidding!

Of course, closing the night was Long Island, New York rock outfit Brand New, who coming into the festival, just put out a new record titled Science Fiction. Getting into the festival grounds you can already tell that 70% of these people were here to see Brand New. From the endless Brand New shirts that people were wearing to the long line of people waiting to purchase new merch, you could totally say this was a Brand New show.

The band came on stage, with a pretty cool LED display in front of them. (Not cool for us in the photo pit, except for those fire photographers who got some sick shots with that on.) The set was a good mix of the old and the very new. Also, they played songs from “Science Fiction” live for the first time ever during the festival. They also brought out their good friend and one of my faves, KevDev, to jam a few songs with the band on guitar. Finally ending their set with a solo performance of “Soco Amaretto Lime.”

If the speculations of a planned break up next year pulls through, this was probably the last chance I would’ve been able to photograph Brand New. So I am stoked to have done that with some of my favorite people in the pit. And for others, probably the last time they’ll see them.

All in all, the festival was a good way to end summer for a lot of us southern Californians. Let’s see what a second serving of High and Low will bring us. Til next time!

More Background On HighAndLowFest.com

HighAndLowFest.com was the official website for the High & Low Festival, a one-day music event that captured a unique moment in alternative and indie rock culture during 2017. Although the festival only ran once, its carefully curated lineup, strong industry backing, and enthusiastic fan response helped it become a memorable chapter in Southern California’s festival landscape.

The website served as the primary source of information for attendees, offering ticket sales, artist announcements, venue details, festival policies, schedules, and promotional content surrounding the inaugural event. Today, the site survives primarily through archived copies, providing a snapshot of a festival that successfully brought together some of the most respected names in alternative music at a time when boutique festivals were flourishing across the United States.

The Origins of High & Low Festival

The High & Low Festival was announced in spring 2017 as a new festival experience focused on indie rock, alternative rock, emo, and related genres. Unlike massive mainstream events that attempted to appeal to every demographic, High & Low targeted a specific audience: devoted fans of alternative music who wanted a lineup filled with respected artists rather than commercial chart-toppers.

One of the most important factors behind the festival's launch was its association with KROQ, the influential Los Angeles alternative radio station that helped shape Southern California's alternative music scene for decades. KROQ had long been connected to live events, concerts, and festivals, making its support a significant endorsement within the alternative music community. The festival was promoted as a KROQ-presented event and quickly gained credibility among fans who trusted the station's musical taste.

The event was also connected to promoter Andy Serrao, known for operating the famous Chain Reaction venue in Anaheim and producing other Southern California alternative music festivals. Serrao explained that the festival's name reflected both the emotional range of music and California's varied geography. According to interviews conducted during the festival's launch, the concept centered on artists whose music represented the highs and lows of life experiences and personal growth.

HighAndLowFest.com as the Festival's Digital Hub

During its active period, HighAndLowFest.com functioned as the central information source for attendees. The site contained:

• Artist announcements
• Ticket information
• Venue maps and directions
• Festival policies
• VIP package details
• Frequently asked questions
• Parking information
• Press contacts
• Promotional videos and updates

The site's design reflected the festival's alternative aesthetic. Rather than focusing on flashy technology or complicated interactive features, it prioritized clear information about the lineup and event logistics. Fans could quickly determine who was performing, how much tickets cost, and what to expect upon arrival.

Archived versions of the site reveal a strong emphasis on community, accessibility, and fan experience. The organizers clearly wanted attendees to feel informed and prepared before arriving at the venue.

The Venue: NOS Events Center

High & Low Festival took place on September 9, 2017, at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California. The venue occupies more than 120 acres and has long been one of Southern California's premier festival grounds. The location has hosted numerous major events ranging from electronic dance music festivals to rock concerts, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings.

Situated roughly an hour east of Los Angeles, the venue offered several advantages:

• Large outdoor festival space
• Accessibility from Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Diego
• Established infrastructure for large events
• Extensive parking facilities
• Experience hosting multi-stage festivals

The website described the venue as a "legendary events ground" with a long history of welcoming major artists and large audiences. Organizers emphasized the venue's connection to the surrounding community and its reputation as one of Southern California's most important event spaces.

Its location in the Inland Empire also reflected a growing trend during the 2010s. As Los Angeles venues became increasingly expensive and logistically challenging, many alternative and punk-oriented festivals found a natural home in San Bernardino and neighboring communities.

The 2017 Lineup

The strongest selling point for High & Low Festival was undoubtedly its lineup. The organizers assembled an impressive collection of artists representing multiple generations of alternative music.

The festival was headlined by:

• Brand New
• Death Cab for Cutie
• Tegan and Sara

Supporting performers included:

• Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
• Best Coast
• Bad Suns
• Cloud Nothings
• PUP
• COIN
• Citizen
• Alex G
• Now, Now
• Kevin Devine
• Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas
• Charly Bliss
• Elder Brother

The lineup succeeded because it combined established favorites with emerging artists. Fans could enjoy veteran acts like Death Cab for Cutie and Tegan and Sara while also discovering newer bands gaining momentum within the indie scene.

Brand New's Historic Appearance

One of the most significant aspects of the festival was the appearance of Brand New.

At the time, Brand New had recently released their highly anticipated album Science Fiction, ending an eight-year gap between studio albums. The band's performance at High & Low Festival became especially noteworthy because they debuted material from the new album live for the first time during the event. Critics and fans later viewed the performance as an important moment in the band's final active period.

Festival coverage noted that a large percentage of attendees appeared to be there specifically for Brand New. Merchandise lines were extensive, fans wore band shirts throughout the grounds, and anticipation for the closing performance remained high all day. According to reviews, the set blended classic material with new songs and featured guest appearances from Kevin Devine.

In retrospect, the performance became even more historically significant because Brand New would soon become largely inactive as a touring act.

Death Cab for Cutie and Tegan and Sara

The presence of Death Cab for Cutie and Tegan and Sara elevated the festival's profile considerably.

Death Cab for Cutie had spent nearly two decades establishing themselves as one of indie rock's most influential bands. Their set drew fans from multiple generations and showcased material spanning much of their career. Festival attendees were treated to songs from beloved albums such as Transatlanticism, Plans, and Kintsugi.

Meanwhile, Tegan and Sara brought their blend of indie pop and alternative songwriting to one of the festival's prime slots. Having evolved from cult favorites into internationally recognized artists, the duo represented another important pillar of the alternative music landscape. Reviews frequently mentioned the enthusiastic audience response during their performance.

The Hard Times Comedy Tent

One of the festival's most unique features was its partnership with The Hard Times.

The Hard Times, known for its satirical coverage of punk, emo, and alternative culture, curated a dedicated comedy tent at the festival. This addition distinguished High & Low from many other music festivals and reflected the organizers' understanding of alternative music culture, which often embraces humor and self-awareness alongside serious artistic expression.

Reviews suggested that the comedy tent remained busy throughout the day, offering attendees both entertainment and relief from the Southern California heat. The inclusion of comedy broadened the festival experience beyond music alone and helped create a more immersive cultural event.

Ticketing and VIP Experience

General admission tickets were priced at approximately $79 plus service fees, making the festival relatively affordable compared to larger multi-day events. VIP passes cost approximately $259 plus fees and included a variety of premium amenities.

VIP benefits included:

• Dedicated festival entrance
• Special viewing areas
• Private restrooms
• Exclusive lounge access
• Private bar service
• Complimentary craft beer
• Limited-edition festival merchandise

The pricing structure reflected the festival's goal of remaining accessible while also providing premium experiences for dedicated fans.

Audience and Fan Culture

High & Low Festival attracted a particularly engaged audience.

Many attendees grew up during the peak years of emo, indie rock, and alternative radio. Publications covering the event frequently described it as an opportunity to revisit beloved music while also discovering newer artists. The crowd represented a mixture of longtime fans, younger listeners, and music enthusiasts seeking a curated alternative experience.

Unlike some larger festivals that prioritize spectacle, High & Low emphasized musical appreciation and community. Fans moved between stages throughout the day, exploring different genres while maintaining a shared connection to alternative culture.

Media Coverage and Press Reception

The festival received significant attention from music publications.

Coverage appeared in outlets such as New Noise Magazine, Grimy Goods, Treble, Highlight Magazine, and numerous music blogs. Much of the reporting focused on the strength of the lineup and the festival's ability to attract respected artists despite being a first-year event.

Photographers documented performances extensively, producing galleries that showcased the event's atmosphere. Coverage generally praised the organization, artist selection, and overall fan experience.

Several publications expressed optimism that the inaugural edition would become an annual tradition. Unfortunately, future editions never materialized.

Cultural Significance

Although short-lived, High & Low Festival holds cultural significance within alternative music history.

The event arrived during a transitional period. Traditional alternative radio still possessed influence, yet streaming platforms increasingly shaped music discovery. Emo nostalgia was experiencing a resurgence, while indie rock continued evolving into new forms.

High & Low successfully brought together artists representing multiple eras of alternative music. It served as a bridge between established acts and rising performers while fostering a sense of community among fans.

The festival also highlighted Southern California's continued importance as a center for alternative music culture. From clubs and venues to radio stations and festivals, the region remained deeply connected to the genre's development.

Why the Festival Endures in Memory

Part of the reason High & Low Festival remains memorable is its rarity. There was only one edition, creating a sense of uniqueness that many recurring festivals never achieve.

For attendees, it represented:

• A rare Brand New performance during the Science Fiction era
• Strong sets from Death Cab for Cutie and Tegan and Sara
• Discovery of emerging indie artists
• The combination of music and comedy
• A carefully curated alternative music experience

The festival encapsulated a specific moment in alternative culture that cannot be recreated exactly today.

Legacy of HighAndLowFest.com

Although the festival itself never expanded into a recurring series, HighAndLowFest.com remains an interesting artifact of music festival history. The website preserves details about the lineup, venue, ticketing, artist roster, and overall vision behind the event. Through archived versions, fans can revisit a day that many still remember fondly.

The festival demonstrated that a thoughtfully curated lineup could generate substantial excitement even without the scale or budget of major national festivals. It successfully brought together respected artists, passionate fans, and a strong sense of community.

Today, HighAndLowFest.com stands as a digital time capsule documenting a one-day festival that captured the spirit of alternative music in 2017. While the event itself was brief, its impact on attendees and its place within Southern California's festival history continue to be remembered years later.