Day two of Ohana Fest 2024 at Doheny State Beach delivers an unforgettable experience filled with music legends and modern trailblazers.
Day two delivered an eclectic mix of artists, genres, and performances, with Sting’s headlining set being the crown jewel of the evening. Held at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, the festival seamlessly blended its trademark coastal ambiance with musical offerings ranging from indie rock to iconic powerhouses.
One of the first acts of the day was Goldie Boutilier who brought her eclectic blend of pop, fashion, and attitude. Her performance was a swirl of glam rock and electronic pop, clearly inspired by David Bowie and Madonna, with a unique futuristic twist. She brought a sense of drama to the Ohana stage, wearing a larger-than-life yellow sequined outfit that matched the boldness of her music. While some in the audience were unfamiliar with her avant-garde style, Boutilier made a compelling argument for the power of performance art in pop music.
Next up, Ibibio Sound Machine took the crowd on a cultural detour with their Afrobeat-infused electronic funk. Their infectious grooves, driven by the magnetic presence of lead singer Eno Williams, transformed the festival grounds into an impromptu dance party. With their tight rhythm section and pulsating energy, Ibibio Sound Machine’s set was a standout for fans craving something different from the day’s primarily rock-leaning lineup.
Joe Wong + Nite Creatures brought a haunting, cinematic atmosphere to Ohana Fest, blending orchestral arrangements with psychedelic rock. Wong’s lush compositions and introspective lyrics, paired with the band’s sweeping soundscapes, created an otherworldly experience for the audience. The set stood out for its emotional depth and atmospheric textures, offering a compelling contrast to the festival’s more traditional rock acts.
As the cool afternoon ocean breeze arrived, Salt Lake City’s The Moss delivered a sun-soaked, surf-rock set at Ohana Fest that perfectly matched the coastal surroundings. With jangly guitars and laid-back rhythms, the Utah band’s breezy tunes like “Insomnia” brought a feel-good, beachy vibe to the afternoon crowd. Their surf rock performance embodied the festival’s laid back relaxed atmosphere, offering a sonic escape that resonated with the audience under the Southern California sun.
You can always count on Glen Hansard to deliver the most soul-stirring performance at Ohana Fest, blending folk balladry with raw emotional intensity. His heartfelt rendition of “Fitzcarraldo” captivated the crowd, creating a moment of electric intimacy amidst the festival’s energy. Hansard’s impassioned delivery and connection with the audience brought an undeniable depth to the day’s lineup, always making his sets the most poignant of any festival. This afternoon at Ohana was no exception, jolting the crowd and tying his songs to the urgency of our time.
After Glen Hansard gave the crowd his dose of activism and Irish soul, Jenny Lewis brought a breezy charm to Ohana Fest, captivating the crowd with her blend of indie-rock and alt-country. Performing tracks from Joy’All, her witty lyrics and effortless vocals showcased both her sharp songwriting and magnetic stage presence. Lewis’ set felt intimate yet playful, creating a perfect contrast to the festival’s oceanfront setting.
Black Pumas brought their soulful, psychedelic sound to the Tiki stage. With their high-octane live presence, they captivated the crowd, delivering a powerful and hyper-active performance. The band’s genre-blending style, a mix of rock, soul, and blues, stood out as one of the most captivating sets of the day, appealing to fans across generations. Their gritty, yet emotionally charged delivery set the stage perfectly for the evening’s big-name acts.
Sting, performing with his Sting 3.0 trio, brought a nuanced intensity to the stage. The new power trio format, featuring Dominic Miller on guitar and Chris Maas on drums, added a rock-centric edge to Sting’s timeless catalog. His set leaned heavily on both classics from The Police era while weaving in newer solo material, reminding everyone of his enduring musical prowess. The crowd, drawn in by Sting’s effortless stage presence and tight band dynamics, was left in awe, proving that even after decades in the industry, he still has much to offer.
Sting, delivered an iconic performance, showcasing his evolution from the leader of The Police to a solo artist with immense staying power. Opening with “Message in a Bottle,” Sting’s raspy voice carried effortlessly over Doheny Beach. Fans were treated to a setlist that journeyed through his biggest hits, including “Every Breath You Take” and “Fields of Gold.” The enduring artistry of Sting was a reminder of the timeless appeal of his music, and his connection to both classic rock and newer generations resonated throughout the festival.
The day also emphasized Ohana’s deep-rooted connection to activism and environmental awareness. Between sets, festival-goers could attend talks at the Storyteller’s Cove, where topics like ocean health and sustainability took center stage. This year’s focus on preserving marine life and reducing plastic waste was woven seamlessly into the festival’s programming, reflecting Eddie Vedder’s long-standing environmental advocacy.
As the night closed with Sting’s masterful set, the festival-goers were reminded of what makes Ohana Fest so unique: a perfect blend of activism, artistry, and community, all set against the idyllic backdrop of Southern California. With the festival still riding high from Pearl Jam’s fiery headlining performance the night before, day two proved that Ohana’s magic lies in its diversity – offering something for every music lover while staying true to its core message of positive change.
Ohana Festival’s second day was not only a celebration of music but a showcase of the festival’s evolving identity, mixing nostalgic acts with today’s boldest voices. The festival continues to solidify itself as a premier event, where artistry, social responsibility, and pure entertainment collide.
