Southern California’s inaugural Ohana Festival 2016 Review

Most of the fest fans I spoke to that rolled up to the Dana Point’s inaugural Ohana Festival last weekend (Aug 28-29) came to see Eddie Vedder and they were not disappointed. Eddie Vedder actually sang with nearly all the acts who played the Ohana Festival. Vedder made an appearance during Elvis Costello’s set to perform “What’s So Funny”; then joined X for “New World” and former PJ and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Jack Irons for a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”. For his own solo performance, Vedder brought out professional surfer Kelly Slater during PJ’s “Indifference” as well took on Neil Young’s “Rockin’ In The Free World” with the help of members of Band of Horses. The festival also included stellar performances by Mudhoney, Band of Horses, City and Colour, Cat Power, Ryan Bingham and veteran O.C. punk-roots musician Jonny Two Bags.

Down to earth Lana Del Rey closed out the second night of the Ohana Festival and simply mesmerized her fans with her music and that smile…OMG that smile. Just 3 days earlier del Rey was one of us dancing at Hollywood hotspot, 1 OAK Los Angeles in support of Erik Morillo’s “Lost in You” release party. I became hooked on Lana very recently when I discovered her at the Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco. Just like at the end of her set at Outside Lands, del Rey took selfies and signed autographs. She kissed fans on the cheek and they kissed her back. She appreciates her fans unlike any other artist I have seen after a show.

Lana Del Rey 1 OAK Los Angeles Thursday, Aug 25

Ohana Music Festival Sunday, Aug 29th

A portion of the proceeds are being donated to the San Onofre Parks Foundation. According to its website, the San Onofre Parks Foundation’s website’s mission is to “provide education, protection, and preservation for the California State Parks at San Onofre and San Clemente State Beaches.” They “work cooperatively with California State Parks to develop and promote a strong image that San Onofre State Beach is a world treasure that must never be compromised.”

FestPop New Music Discovery

It’s without question we all go to music festivals to discover new music. Eddie Vedder and Lana Del Rey were the bait for most but the only artist I wanted to learn more about was Corinne Bailey Rae. Since I’m a rocker by heart who knew she won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance (for “Is This Love)” in 2012.

From Leeds, England, artist Corinne Bailey Rae released her self-titled debut album in 2006, debuting at #1 in the UK and #4 in the USA, featuring the global hits “Put Your Records On” and “Like A Star”. It catapulted Bailey Rae into the spotlight with millions of albums sold and earned multiple award nominations, including Grammy® and Brit Awards.

The second album, ‘The Sea’ released to worldwide critical acclaim, reaching Top 5 in the UK and Top 10 in the USA. It was no surprise that Corinne Bailey Rae found “The Sea” nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. The subsequent EP ‘Is This Love’ was awarded a Grammy® for Best R&B Performance in 2011.

Corinne received a Grammy® Award for her work on Herbie Hancock’s album ‘The River’. Recent recordings have seen her work with Al Green, Claude Kelly, Esperanza Spalding, Herbie Hancock, John Legend, John Mayer, KING, Malay, Norah Jones, Paul McCartney, RZA, Salaam Remi, Stevie Wonder, The Roots, Valerie Simpson and more. Bailey Rae also has written music for films and television shows, including “Venus” (starring Peter O’Toole), “Man with the Iron Fist” and, most recent