The third annual OHANA festival, which concluded Sunday night (9/30) and which saw more than 40,000 attendees at the beautiful Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA, was described by the Orange County Register as being "filled with surprises." In fact, "...the three-day event curated by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder" (Orange County Register, 9-27-18) was led by powerful headlining sets from Eric Church (special acoustic set), Eddie Vedder and Mumford & Sons; a mix of standout collaborations throughout the weekend; while also celebrating emerging talent with performances from Plague Vendor, Fantastic Negrito, The War + Treaty, and Pow Pow Family Band, among others.
Vedder fittingly kicked off Friday's performances with a cover of the Beatles' "Here Comes The Sun." On Saturday, he treated early festival attendees to an acoustic version of Pearl Jam's "Porch" (which was also in his main stage set). Vedder showed up throughout the festival joining the John Doe Folk Trio (X's "The New World") on Friday, Johnny Marr (The Smiths' "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out") on Saturday and closing out the weekend by appearing with Mumford & Sons on Sunday for a rocking version of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower." In addition, during his Saturday headlining set, Vedder was joined by Liz Phair on Pearl Jam's "Better Man"; later in the set he was accompanied musically and vocally by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' Scott Thurston on three songs ("Wildflowers," "Room At The Top," and "I Won't Back Down") in tribute to his friend.
Just before the festival's launch, Vedder discussed OHANA's musical camaraderie by saying that "it's been a true honor to work with the community and organizers to create a stimulating vibe and uplifting atmosphere for the great crowds and incredible musicians who come out to play in the park. To have the Pixies, X, Mudhoney, Jack Johnson, etc., etc, etc. play your festival has been so satisfying. Far beyond our initial vision for it all." Click here to read a Q&A with Vedder.
