180,000 people were expected to fill Golden Gate Park in San Francisco over a three day period to watch the likes of Arcade Fire, Muse, Ana Tijoux, John Fogerty, Julieta Venegas, Little Dragon, MGMT, and others perform at the Outside Lands Festival. There was an endless streak of gloom in the city throughout the week, but the skies opened up with powering sunshine and set a joyful mood among the thousands of concertgoers and weekend revelers that arrived.

I was there for two artists: Beirut and Julieta Venegas. I’ve been missing both across the country for years (although I remember seeing Julieta at Coachella, briefly, in 2007 before I really knew who she was), so my excitement was almost painful. My priorities were simple: photograph many strangers, kick up some dust dancing, and pray Beirut would play “A Sunday Smile.” I’m spoiled because I got it all.

One of the many highlights were presented by Juxtapoz magazine. They curated a variety of paintings and murals by residents of San Francisco, but I was a bit perplexed by the lack of enthusiasm from the crowd. Apparently the Heineken tents were a bigger draw.

Then, I came across a roving band of horn-blaring revelers while on my way to see Julieta’s set. A young lady slipped a card into my hand. It said “Loyd Family Players.” If you’re reading this, you can have the pictures.

I wasn’t sure if I would even get in with my camera, so I brought a polaroid with a few packs as back up. The security guard didn’t even look at my bag, so I was clear. I tried to decide on a specific theme for the day’s shoot, but I settled on getting as close to people as possible. I asked everyone (almost) below for a portrait, and they either graciously accepted or simply ignored me without denying my request.

The entire day couldn’t have been possible without the kindness of Amanda and Josh. Amanda celebrated her 30th birthday and we all tried our best to make it memorable. With the temperature hovering at 80 degrees, clear skies, a surplus of drink, food and music, the day turned out to be the best I’ve had since moving to San Francisco. I’m looking forward to making every weekend this good.

Finally, while I was catering to the demands of an instant film loving public, my lovely wife took this portrait. As you can see, the taste of Fuji Instax Wide turns me on.

The finish line is Mexico City and I’m three days away.

Unlike the abundance of murals I found in the sleepy town of Fresno, Ca, Albuquerque’s murals and public paintings are few. The Barelas area of Fresno – a place mentioned to me as “the neighborhood where most ‘Cops’ episodes are shot in Albuquerque – showcases some wonderful Aztlan-esque paintings I’ve yet to photograph. For now, I’ll make due showing you a painting located on the Eastern side of the Nob Hill area. The black antelope (maybe Gazelle) on a pink background is simple and gorgeous. Artist is unknown.

Many of Albuquerque’s cafes, including Gold Street Cafe in Downtown Albuquerque, showcase local artists. I’ve yet to find a hub, or arts district in Albuquerque, but the scene is sprinkled subtly throughout most of the java joints in the city.

Seen walking through the Meat Packing District after a Highline stroll.

Shepard Fairey’s newest political installation took over the corner of Houston and Bowery this weekend and NYMAG interviewed the artist during the raising of the piece. The space is a wall formerly occupied by Os Gemeos and made famous by Keith Haring. The Os Gemeos painting is preserved, but who knows how long Shepard’s collage will occupy the space. I’m curious if the artist will weigh in on the Arizona debate. Maybe an Alcaraz/Fairey collaboration?

A Fairey Alights On Houston And Bowery [via NY MAG]

Seat 12A. Aisle.

Mexico City slowly showed itself when the haze began to subside.

Anna told me to gchat immediately after landing and I obliged. I expected to find her staring down at me from the 3rd floor of our apartment building while I exited an Excelente cab. Instead, she was at the airport waiting to jump in.

I left Mexico City and my fiancee on June 28, 2009, and haven’t returned since my departure. I left with the mixed feelings of a visitor knowing he didn’t see enough, do enough or try hard enough to embrace the world around him. I hated being a pocho and it ate me alive.

Today I wanted nothing else but to see Anna, eat some delicious nopalitos con una gringa de pollo, and photograph some of DF’s finest street art. I was treated with a wolf sighting. It’s the city’s way of saying, “Welcome back, cabron. Now let’s kick it.” I promise to try harder this time.

Above, Anna at Fifty24MX, in front of a Wendell Mcshine piece.

I haven’t infiltrated the central nerve of this city, but the kindness of Fresno’s residents is apparent at almost every venue, street corner and establishment. A disheveled couple looked on as I took this photograph, smiled and wished me a great day. It’s the type of experience I’ve encountered almost every single day I’ve been here. Small(er) town charm? I don’t even care. I like your vibe, Fresno.

I didn’t expect to find a rising art scene in Fresno, Ca. Then I drove down Broadway Street toward San Joaquin in Downtown Fresno, hit the breaks and swerved to park. I saw a colorful horse, vibrant, galloping on a giant canvas in a parking lot. I almost dropped my camera after it snagged on my seat belt buckle, but the adrenaline shot from that propelled me to run even faster toward the open gates of the lot.

The beautiful piece above is from artist Robert Amador. There are also murals from artists unknown to me all around Downtown including this one, this one, and this one. Here’s a crop from the last mural, located at Iron Bird Lofts. If you’re in the area, here’s a mural map to guide you.

Now I just need to find the local karaoke dive joint…

Update: Robert Amador describes painting the Downtown Fresno mural.

Fresno’s population is around 400,000 people, but the city is pleasantly sleepy. A large majority of residents are of Mexican descent, but you’ll also find large populations of Basque, Armenian, Central American and Vietnamese in the city.

An unexpected find came last night when I spoke to a gentlemen by the name of Gary. He briefed me on the revitalization of Downtown Fresno and the artists-in-residence in the city, and gave me some names of local galleries. He talked about the urban renewal of the city, which I found to be a direct contrast to what I expected to find in Fresno. There are murals – good murals – everywhere around and I came across a few yesterday. I also came across this guy and reminders of Mexican influence. One full day here and I’ve already forgotten the sneers people were giving me in Los Angeles when I mentioned where I’d be heading next. If only they knew…

P.S. It’s my dad’s birthday. He’s somewhere in San Diego visiting San Judas and playing blackjack. Happy Birthday, Pops!