Ohana Fest 2024 puts a rock ‘n’ roll coda on a successful weekend with a wave of memorable rock performances.
Day three of Ohana Fest 2024 wrapped up a memorable weekend in Dana Point, filled with diverse music and powerful performances. The festival’s closing day brought together artists from different genres but kept the audience engaged with performances steeped in a distinct rock ‘n’ roll flavor.
The day kicked off with a fiery and energetic performance by the English hard rock quintet Bad Nerves, better suited to 12:30 AM than 12:30 PM. It made no difference to the boys in the band as they immediately made a statement with those early attendees who thought they were going to ease into the day. The Brits brought a frenetic punk rock vibe to their Ohana Fest set, making the most of their afternoon slot. Their punchy performance was driven by rapid-fire songs like “Don’t Stop” and “Radio Punk,” energizing the crowd with their signature mix of distorted guitars and tight, fast rhythms. William Phillip’s vocals were sharp and rebellious, embodying the no-nonsense attitude that has earned the band a devoted following.
In sharp contrast to Bad Nerves’ wild rock ‘n’ roll opener, John Cruz’s set was a heartfelt performance steeped in Hawaiian tradition and soul. His rich storytelling and soothing guitar work captivated the crowd, delivering an intimate and genuine connection through songs like “Island Style,” which has become an anthem for island life. Cruz’s compassionate delivery and authentic presence reminded fans why he remains one of Hawaii’s most beloved singer-songwriters.
The energy and spirit kicked right back into gear as Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers brought their fierce punk rock spirit to Ohana Fest with a vibrant and raw performance. The Canberra-based band showcased their rebellious energy with songs like “AHHHH!” and “I Used to Be Fun,” creating a soundscape that merged aggression with catchy hooks. Their set left an impression, proving why they are one of Australia’s most talked-about new punk acts.
La Santa Cecilia’s performance brought a refreshing Latin flavor to the main stage, infusing cumbia, boleros, and bossa nova into the festival’s diverse lineup. Their Latin-swing rendition of “Strawberry Fields Forever” stood out as a highlight, while the band’s celebration of immigrant heritage resonated strongly with the crowd, who responded with heartfelt cheers. Watching the American Sign Language interpreter dance along to their music was a joyful reflection of the band’s infectious energy.
Returning to the rock ‘n’ roll spirit, Kim Gordon’s performance was a mesmerizing blend of avant-garde soundscapes and raw, experimental energy. The Sonic Youth icon showcased her unique artistry, delivering tracks from her solo work with a cool, detached stage presence that captivated fans of alternative music.
Like the tides, the musical spirit receded once more into a cool vibe. The power trio La Lom’s (Los Angeles League of Musicians) set provided a shimmering, instrumental journey that blended Mexican, Cuban, and Peruvian rhythms with funk, jazz, heavy rockabilly and surf rock vibes. Their vibrant guitar melodies and tight rhythms created a laid-back, sun-soaked atmosphere, perfectly complementing the festival’s beachside setting. La Lom musically is akin to Khruangbin in musical style, Indigenous vibes, and rhythms, all served up in a tasty rock ‘n’ roll taco.
The Breeders refocused attention on a heavier rock sound, delivering a set that was both nostalgic and full of punch. Their influence on the alternative rock scene is unmistakable, with hits like “Cannonball” and “Divine Hammer” showcasing the band’s lasting impact. Kim Deal’s charismatic presence, combined with the band’s tight, gritty performance, reminded fans why The Breeders remain a seminal force in indie rock. Much like the calm before a storm, their set felt like the precursor to an incoming tidal wave of unapologetic political activism, rock, and raw energy, setting the stage for the powerful performances to follow.
With the power and fury of a tsunami, the frenetic energy of IDLES broke on the beach when the British group brought an explosive wave of punk fury to Ohana Fest, transforming the laid-back beachside festival into a raucous, chaotic celebration of rebellion. Joe Talbot’s gritty vocals, paired with the band’s brutal guitar riffs, whipped the crowd into a frenzy during standout tracks like “Mother” and “Danny Nedelko.” From the very start of the set, Joe separated the crowd into two halves, then encouraged the two sides to slam into each other. Whipping the middle of the crowd into a wild mosh pit of young and old together, jumping, slamming, bouncing, and pushing into each other. The set was a testament to their uncompromising intensity, blending raw emotion with fierce social commentary, leaving an indelible mark on the festival’s diverse lineup. Idles easily brought the edgiest, wildest set of the weekend.
Pearl Jam closed out Ohana Fest’s final day with a powerful, emotionally charged set that perfectly encapsulated their long-standing legacy. Opening with deep cuts like “Garden” and “Off He Goes,” Eddie Vedder and the band treated die-hard fans to a performance filled with rare gems, balanced with crowd favorites such as “Better Man” and “Alive.” Vedder’s raspy vocals soared over Mike McCready’s blistering guitar solos, which pushed the boundaries of each song to its emotional limits. The encore featured a touching moment when Vedder brought his daughter, Harper, on stage to sing a mashup of “Last Kiss” and Taylor Swift’s “The Best Day,” adding a poignant personal touch to the night. Pearl Jam’s mix of nostalgia, political commentary, and sheer musical prowess proved why they remain one of rock’s most enduring acts.
