Pearl Jam, Dogstar, and Devo thrill fans with nostalgic rock and fresh indie sounds at Doheny State Beach’s stunning coastal setting.
The first day of Ohana Festival 2024 at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point delivered a memorable kickoff to the weekend, blending an eclectic mix of indie, rock, and nostalgic new wave performances. The festival’s founder, Eddie Vedder, made an early appearance opening the festival alongside 2015 Big Wave surfing Champion Makua Rothman, his band, and their island-flavored reggae sound setting an intimate tone that would later explode into a full festival experience. So with blue skies, a warm sunny day, and a cool ocean breeze Ohana Fest was off to another spectacular start.
Up next, was Linka Moja. Surfing and music connect the young artist to Ohana Fest. Linka Moja’s performance brought a blend of raw emotion and bold charisma to the stage. Known for her fearless rise in the music scene, Moja captivated the crowd with a setlist that showcased her unpolished yet powerful energy, featuring both original songs and unexpected covers like Harry Styles’ “Kiwi” and Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So.” Her ability to weave between genres left an impression, solidifying her as an emerging talent worth watching.
Dublin’s Pillow Queens delivered a stirring set at Ohana Fest, blending raw emotional depth with an indie-rock edge. Their harmonies and sharp lyricism captivated the crowd, and songs like “Gay Girls” and “Brothers” showcased the band’s ability to craft poignant narratives amidst soaring guitars.
Jaime Wyatt brought a taste of outlaw country to Ohana Fest with a set that felt both gritty and personal. Her powerful vocals and storytelling shone on tracks like “Neon Cross,” blending traditional country twang with a modern, rebellious spirit. Wyatt’s authenticity and undeniable stage presence drew the audience into her world of heartache and resilience.
Ryan Beatty captivated the Ohana Fest audience with a raw, intimate performance that stripped down his emotive songwriting to its essence. Performing tracks from Calico, Beatty’s delicate vocals paired with minimalist instrumentation allowed his heartfelt lyrics to take center stage, creating a deeply personal experience. His introspective set was a quiet highlight of the day, resonating deeply with those seeking connection through music.
When the late afternoon arrived, indie band flipturn took the Tiki stage and brought an infectious energy to their set, capturing the spirit of summer with their upbeat, dreamy rock. Their vibrant sound, paired with tight drumming and shimmering guitars, resonated particularly with the younger audience. The band played a selection of new songs from their upcoming album, giving a glimpse into their evolving artistry.
One of the day’s standout performances came from Dogstar, a rock trio fronted by Bret Domrose and featuring actor Keanu Reeves on bass. The crowd swelled for their set, a mix of genuine fans and curious festival-goers drawn by Reeves’ celebrity. Dogstar leaned into their recent album Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees, offering a tight, guitar-forward performance that evoked comparisons to U2’s anthemic rock.
Devo, the new-wave pioneers, brought a burst of eccentricity to the evening, owning the sunset slot with their synth-driven hits. Tracks like “Whip It” and “Uncontrollable Urge” had the crowd moving, while their quirky stage antics kept things unpredictable and entertaining. The band’s energetic performance, filled with retro vibes, drew cheers from both longtime fans and newcomers.
Maren Morris closed the Tiki Stage with a dynamic set that showcased her powerful voice and crossover appeal. Though rooted in country, Morris flirted with pop and rock elements, covering Generation X’s “Dancing With Myself” and delivering fan favorites like “The Bones.” Her vocal prowess stood out as one of the day’s strongest, and the crowd responded enthusiastically.
The night, however, belonged to Pearl Jam, whose headlining set was nothing short of spectacular. With the Pacific Ocean as their backdrop, the band wove through a setlist that ranged from classics like “Daughter” to a lively rendition of “Leaving Here” performed for the first time on this tour. As always, Vedder’s connection to the crowd was palpable, and the setting enhanced the already immersive experience. The festival’s community spirit was especially evident when Vedder joined Crowded House for a couple of tracks earlier in the evening, a collaboration that delighted the audience and heightened the anticipation for Pearl Jam’s own performance.
Day one of Ohana Fest 2024 proved the festival’s continued strength in offering a wide range of performances, from nostalgic rock to contemporary indie. It set a perfect tone for the weekend ahead, blending heartfelt moments with electric performances, and reinforcing Ohana’s reputation as one of Southern California’s premier music festivals.
