DAVID RODRICK

David Rodrick is the talent buyer for Noise Pop and the Treasure Island Music Festival.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Dinner at State Bird Provisions.

What was the music highlight of your year?

The Sound City Players show at Stubb’s in Austin featuring Dave Grohl, Stevie Nicks, Chris Goss, Taylor Hawkins, Rick Nielsen, Brad Wilk, Krist Novoselic, Alain Johannes, John Fogerty,and Lee Ving.

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

The 20th Street Block Party in San Francisco with music by Mac DeMarco and lunch from Flower + Water.

@noisepopdavid

MATT NORRIS

Matt Norris manages the beverage program at Soluna and 50 Mason in San Francisco.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Food highlight of the year is a toss up between a gorgeously executed anniversary dinner at Quince and a casual, yet delicious night at State Bird Provisions. Both experiences provided an opportunity to enjoy many different tastes and textures. Quince made me feel like royalty, lavishing us with personal touches and excellent wine pairings. State Bird feels as though you have stumbled into an alternate universe where dim sum buns and dumplings have been replaced with unique, fresh offerings showcasing the bounty of our amazing local produce.

What was the music highlight of your year?

Saw some great music this year, but the highlight would have to be the Flaming Lips playing The Soft Bulletin at Bimbo’s. Getting a chance to see a band that now headlines festivals play a seminal album in it’s entirety at an intimate venue can’t be beat. Plus, I got invited to the show the night of, so that spontaneity contributed to the surreal feel of the night. I also got a chance to bond with my brother-in-law and I almost forgot, confetti canons in small spaces are awesome!

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

Day 2 of Treasure Island while sharing a Korrito from the Seoul On Wheels truck with my wife, while watching the Divine Fits, M83, and the sunset. Need I say more?

CHRISTOPHER APPELGREN

Chris Appelgren has run Lookout! Records, handled marketing for Noise Pop and The Bold Italic, and fronted countless bands including The Peechees and The Pattern.

What was the food highlight of your year? 

Arriving in London in April and being able to get an amazing Sunday lunch roast at the Harrison Pub, near King’s Cross. I continue experimenting in the hopes of perfecting my own English Sunday roast chicken but this, and a pint of lager, reminded me just how far I have to go.

What was the music highlight of your year?

It was the realization of a dream that’s been percolating for years - recording the debut single with a project band, Adult Babys, made up of far-flung friends, David Feck from Comet Gain, Dale Shaw from The Lies and Blood Sausage, and Brent Rademaker from Beachwood Sparks, Further, and The Tyde. Adult Babys has been one of those musical ideas that seemed doomed to be more idea than reality but now, we’ve hopefully tipped the scale in the right direction.

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

As a matter fact yes. My wife Jessica and I were sitting down to dinner at Chez Panisse in celebration of our anniversary, and looked up to see Tom Waits walk through the dining room, having just finished dinner himself.

I think in general music and food seem more intimate as of late, at least here in SF. Events like Noise Pop’s Covers dinners with Graffeats, The Bay Bridged’s event The Bay Brewed, and the Huichica Festival are proving that music and food pair incredibly well together as an experience, which I am all for.

PETER ELLENBY

Peter Ellenby’s twenty years of photographing bands like The Flaming Lips, Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, and Bright Eyes in small clubs is the subject of the book, Every Day Is Saturday.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Eating the bone marrow at RN74.

What was the music highlight of your year?

Bob Mould playing Copper blue at Bottom of the Hill during Noise Pop.

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

Noisette was amazing. Watching Ian Marks from the Beast and the Hare butcher half a pig was pretty cool. Eating what he did with the meat was better.

When I was shooting Bob Mould and his band for their Silver Age promos we walked past Olivier’s Butchery in Dogpatch. Bob says “Oh. Is this a butcher?” I confirmed that it was indeed and he proceeded to go inside and buy three or four amazing looking steaks. I’m sitting there thinking to myself “Oh my god, I’m watching Bob Mould buy steaks!”

ROBBY CRONHOLM

Robby Cronholm fronts the band Taxes. Photo: Junior’s Cave

What was the food highlight of your year?

The food highlight of my year was dinner at Atelier Crenn. Chef Dominque Crenn’s tasting menu, even as it constantly surprises, is always inventive and memorable. Also, this year the sommelier at Absinthe introduced me to the wines of Didier Dagueneau. Absolutely stellar. A stellar cellar. (sorry)

What was the music highlight of your year?

This year some of the music that kept me going included Alexander Spit, The Mountain Goats, Fiona Apple, and Every Time I Die. And in the shameless plug category, Taxes having had the opportunity to play with Cursive and touring with Bonnie & The BANG BANG.

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

Noise Pop and Graffeats hosted two Cover Dinners in which Chef Blair Warsham would “cover” well-known dishes by famous chefs and draw his inspiration for each course from a different song.

Keep your ears and mouths open.

JOANIE MCCOLLOM

Joanie McCollom is the founder of Cookooree, an online platform for collecting and sharing recipes.

What was the food highlight of your year?

I enjoyed St. Vincent (San Francisco). My food highlight was various wines served. Here’s why it was memorable: I want a lean-back restaurant experience, and the staff at St. Vincent is prepared to recommend and serve all night, no need to think or make decisions. I love that!

What was the music highlight of your year?

I’d have to say I enjoyed The Flaming Lips at Bimbos for Noise Pop, although I also really enjoyed Father John Misty at Outside Lands.

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

Eating sushi at Blowfish while Thao played a mix of old school hip hop and esoteric indie stuff. Every song jumped to the foreground, grabbing my attention. Yes, it was a Noise Pop event. Yes, I have a crush on Thao. But this event was really special even without that.