Nestled on the stunning shores of Dana Point, California, Ohana Festival blends music, family, and the laid-back coastal vibes of Southern California. Now in its seventh year, the festival—born from a collaboration between Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam manager Mark Smith, and Live Nation—has grown into a beloved annual tradition. Named after the Hawaiian concept of “ohana,” meaning family, the festival has always felt like more than just a concert; it’s a gathering of souls connected by music and the ocean breeze.
This year marked only my second time attending, but the energy was as captivating as ever. On day one, I met a woman who had traveled all the way from Toronto, Canada, staying for three nights just to soak in the experience. The crowd was a mix of locals and die-hard fans, all sharing a love for music against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. You could feel the excitement buzzing through the crowd as we stood on the sand, eyes glued to the stage, while waves gently crashed in the distance.
At 4:45 PM on Friday, September 27, Crowded House took the stage. As they opened with “Distant Sun,” the crowd instantly warmed up, swaying in unison. Neil Finn, the band’s vocalist and guitarist, greeted the audience with a smile, saying, “Hello everybody. So nice to be here with you all with the sea just over there. It’s a very calm day. No one’s surfing; they’re all here listening to music.” His words mirrored the atmosphere—peaceful, yet charged with anticipation.
The energy hit a peak when the band played their iconic hit “Don’t Dream It’s Over.” The crowd joined in, singing along with every lyric as the sunset, casting a golden glow over the beach. Beach balls bounced through the air, one even making it to the stage. Neil Finn joked, “That beach ball is destined to come up on stage. Let’s have Nick kick it off—he’s the soccer champ.” The relaxed, playful banter between the band and the crowd created a feeling of unity that was truly special.
Crowded House delivered a flawless 11-song set, with highlights including “The Howl” and “World Where You Live.” But the real magic happened when Eddie Vedder joined Finn for two incredible duets. The first was a cover of Hunters & Collectors, followed by a stunning rendition of “I Got You” by Split Enz. The crowd erupted, fully embracing the collaboration, and Finn’s voice was so perfect it felt like you were hearing it straight from a studio recording.
As the night wound down and the music faded, the beach remained alive with energy. Ohana Fest is more than just a concert—it’s a moment of connection, where the music, the people, and the ocean come together to create an unforgettable experience.
Devo
If you’re a Gen-Xer, you probably remember the iconic new wave band Devo from the ’80s. They became a cultural sensation during MTV’s golden age, with their unforgettable hit “Whip It” dominating the airwaves. I still recall dancing to that track as a kid, probably 11 or 12 years old. Fast forward to their performance at Ohana Fest, and it’s clear Devo hasn’t lost a beat.
They kicked off their set with “Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man),” and the energy was electric from the first note. The visuals on stage were as quirky and vibrant as ever, immediately drawing the crowd into Devo’s unique world. Before diving into “Jocko Homo,” Gerald Casale took a moment to thank Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam for inviting them. “Great human beings,” he said, “harder and harder to find these days.” He then asked the audience, “How many of you here tonight believe de-volution is real?” After some applause, he added, “Well, I can tell you, it’s more real than ever. You don’t have to look far for the evidence.”
With that, the band launched into “Jocko Homo,” with its iconic chant, “Are we not men? We are Devo!” The song’s biting commentary on de-evolution and society’s flaws. Their 13-song set was a perfect blend of nostalgia and electrifying energy, with their impressive stage visuals heightening the experience.
Despite their age, Devo’s stage presence was undeniable. They performed with the same vigor that made them legends, and their voices were just as powerful in their 70s. The crowd was a mix of Gen-X fans like myself, along with younger festival-goers who were clearly drawn to the band’s infectious energy. I even saw a girl in her early 20s dancing to the music, completely caught up in the moment.
Devo’s signature yellow jumpsuits made an appearance, along with two other costume changes that kept the energy fresh throughout the set. By the end of the show, a millennial behind me exclaimed, “That was really good!”—despite not knowing the lyrics to any of the songs. It was clear that Devo’s music still resonates across generations, proving that even after all these years, they’re still a force to be reckoned with.
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