WRITTEN BY: RACHEL @ GRRRL MUSIC
On August 24th, Out and Abt hosted an unforgettable Queer Music Festival at the Wicked West in San Diego. Out and Abt is an inclusive space and event series designed for the queer community, with roots in both San Diego and Los Angeles. The festival featured an incredible lineup of talent, including Barb, Olivia Henry, Pure XTC, Lyncs, Cayley Spivey, Queentide, Chloe Star, Sasha Allen and the Dogs, and Lauren Sanderson. DJ sets from Von Kiss, JayneGray, and Lotus kept the energy high throughout the night.
The Wicked West venue was the perfect setting for this celebration—a spacious, open-air location that allowed everyone to dance freely under the vibrant San Diego sky. The sunset provided a stunning backdrop as performers took the stage, adding to the already electric atmosphere. The venue was decked out in colorful, vibrant decor, and the stage boasted the best disco ball in town, which only added to the festival’s festive vibe. One of the standout features was the chalk wall, where attendees could write, draw, and express their creativity—such a fun and unique touch!
As someone who didn’t grow up in an inclusive or diverse environment, this event genuinely healed a part of me. I met so many queer individuals of all ages and backgrounds, each one adding to the sense of community and belonging that permeated the festival. The power of music to heal was on full display, and I felt so grateful to share this moment with everyone there. The energy was high, smiles were everywhere, and we all danced the night away.
The importance of celebrating the queer community and uplifting queer artists cannot be overstated, and Out and Abt did this beautifully. Barb, an alternative/indie rock artist from Austin, was one of the highlights of the day. We had the pleasure of interviewing her before her performance, and she is an absolute sweetheart. Even though she’s still early in her music career, it was wonderful to see how many new fans she won over with her music.
The festival was a day full of music, dancing, celebrating, and most importantly, feeling free. Out and Abt showcased their artists in a way that felt both intimate and high-energy, creating a truly unique experience. Lauren Sanderson closed out the night with an explosive set, and the crowd kept the vibes going with the DJs until the very end. This was more than just a festival—it was a celebration of identity, community, and the joy that comes from being unapologetically yourself.
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