Ohana Festival took the OC by storm with its lineup of top-notch artists, including Haim, Foo Fighters, and The Killers. This extraordinary music festival, conveniently located just a short drive away, perfectly embodies its namesake, Ohana, which means family in Hawaiian, by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The festival kicked off on an exhilarating note with a headlining performance by none other than The Killers. With their infectious energy, the band had the crowd on their feet and their spirits soaring. Alongside their iconic hits like “Mr. Brightside,” “Somebody Told Me,” and “Human,” The Killers treated the audience to a couple of surprises. Eddie Vedder, in true Ohana fashion, joined the band on stage for a captivating rendition of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “The Waiting.” And, as if that wasn’t enough, Sammy Hagar made a guest appearance during the band’s encore, adding his magic to their cover of “Why Can’t This Be Love.” The night came to an epic close with the band’s unforgettable performance of “When You Were Young.”
Haim, on their final show of the year and the festival’s first day, celebrated the ten-year anniversary of their debut album “Days Are Gone” in style. Their powerful and dynamic performance left the crowd in awe of their talent and marked yet another highlight of the festival.
Father John Misty, Japanese Breakfast, and many more incredible artists graced the stage on day one, ensuring that the music never stopped and the excitement remained palpable. As if that wasn’t enough, Eddie Vedder returned to the stage, this time with the Earthlings, delivering a breathtaking set that included his own songs like “The Haves” and “I’ll Be Waiting,” as well as remarkable covers like Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “Room at the Top,” The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” and Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
The Ohana Music Festival 2023 set the stage for an unforgettable experience, bringing together legendary rock bands for three days of pure magic. With The Killers, Eddie Vedder, The Pretenders, Haim, and an electrifying closing performance by Foo Fighters, the festival celebrated the enduring spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
Kicking off the festival, Thee Sacred Souls enchanted the audience with their soulful performance, perfectly complementing the setting sun. Their captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics created the ideal atmosphere for the evening. And when night fell, the legendary Pretenders, led by the charismatic Chrissie Hynde, took the stage, taking everyone on a nostalgic journey through their greatest hits.
However, the peak of the festival arrived with the explosive performance of the Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl and his talented bandmates unleashed an unmatched energy that reverberated through the crowd. Classics like “Everlong” and “My Hero” blended seamlessly with tracks from their latest album, captivating both longtime fans and those newly introduced to their music.
But the most emotional moment came when Grohl invited Chrissie Hynde back on stage for a soul-stirring rendition of “I Am the Highway” in honor of the late Chris Cornell. The sense of unity and respect among these rock legends left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance.
Ohana Festival, founded by Eddie Vedder in 2016, has consistently showcased iconic performances by legends such as Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Strokes, Mumford & Sons, and Jack Johnson. Additionally, a portion of the festival’s proceeds support various charities, including the Doheny State Beach Foundation, the San Onofre Parks Foundation, and Surfrider Foundation – South OC Chapter, among others.
The 2023 Ohana Music Festival was a testament to the power of music, community, and the enduring spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. It brought together generations of fans, providing an unforgettable experience that will be cherished for years to come.
The post “Ohana Festival Review: A Music Extravaganza Filled with Legendary Performances” appeared first on the L’Art Magazine.
