Saturday saw the biggest turnout for the Cali Vibes festival in Long Beach as thousands of fans migrated from downtown parking structures to Marina Green Park along Shoreline Drive. The stormy winter weather continued to stay just to the north, with pleasant conditions prevailing at the festival. By the time early acts took the stages during the second day of the annual three-day Cali Vibes Festival, situated upon the grass and stretching onto the blacktop adjacent to the historic Long Beach Arena, the sun poked through the clouds.
Though the day was capped by an exceptional performance by Anaheim’s own Gwen Stefani, Ocean Beach’s Slightly Stoopid, Jamaican rapper Sean Paul, and one of the final shows ever by Sublime with Rome, there was so much great music coming from the trio of stages throughout the day it was overwhelming at times.
The California sun beat down on the Long Beach crowd on the second day of Cali Vibes 2024, but the energy exploded higher when the Mad Caddies took the stage. The ska punk veterans, known for their infectious rhythms and playful stage presence, delivered a performance that had everyone skanking, singing, and grinning from ear to ear.
From the opening notes of "Drinking for 11," the band wasted no time setting the tone. Lead singer Chuck Raney, sporting his mischievous grin, led the charge with his powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence. The band, tight and well-rehearsed, delivered a setlist packed with fan favorites like "Laurel Canyon" and "San Francisco Bay," each song greeted by a roar of approval from the audience.
The Mad Caddies weren't afraid to throw in surprises, treating the crowd to their brand-new song, "Baby," a smooth and soulful number showcasing their versatility. They even surprised everyone with a cover of Green Day's "She," infusing the classic punk rock anthem with their signature ska swagger.
But it was the band's infectious energy and playful interaction with the crowd that truly stole the show. Raney bantered with the audience between songs, keeping the mood light and the laughter flowing. At one point, he even invited a group of fans on stage to join an impromptu dance party, further solidifying the band's connection with their loyal following.
By the time they closed out their set with the iconic "The Monty Python Theme," the crowd was singing along, leaving the stage with smiles and a renewed appreciation for the power of good music and good vibes. The Mad Caddies' set at Cali Vibes was a masterclass in ska fun, proving once again that these veterans still know how to throw a party.
Another well-received early afternoon performance over on the Vibes stage came next. The Cali Vibes Festival 2024 witnessed a remarkable convergence of reggae universes as KBong from Hawaii and Johnny Cosmic from California took the stage in a collaboration that left the audience in awe.
In the ever-evolving world of reggae, KBong and Johnny Cosmic stand out as two rising stars, each bringing unique flavors to the genre. KBong, known for his association with Stick Figure, has carved his own path with a solo career that embodies the laid-back island vibe of Hawaii. His introspective lyrics and melodies, showcased in tracks like "Easy To Love You," "Hopes and Dreams," and "Living In A Dream," transport listeners on a soulful journey through the essence of reggae.
On the other hand, Johnny Cosmic, a renowned producer from California, infuses his music with a distinctive blend of traditional reggae sounds and modern production techniques. Tracks such as "Infinite Summer," "Lazer Beaming," and "Hey Sunshine, Shine Down On Me" reflect his Californian roots while staying true to reggae's timeless allure.
When KBong and Johnny Cosmic join forces, magic happens on stage. Their collaboration represents the fusion of Hawaiian vibes and Californian flair, creating a musical experience that transcends boundaries. Their live performances are not just concerts but immersive journeys where diverse influences and styles coalesce into something extraordinary.
At Cali Vibes Festival 2024, KBong and Johnny Cosmic captivated the audience with their talent and ability to connect profoundly. The energy was palpable from the moment they stepped on stage, and the atmosphere was electric. As they delved into their repertoire, the crowd swayed to the rhythm, enchanted by the synergy between KBong's serene melodies and Johnny Cosmic's infectious beats.
Aside from the music, Cali Vibes was bustling with fans interacting with a myriad of on-site activations and enjoying a wide variety of culinary options, the latter being something for which this particular festival has become famous. The Saturday lineup boasted several female solo artists and female-fronted acts. Gwen Stefani wasn’t the only local female ska hero on the bill. Fans packed the Greens stage for Save Ferris earlier in the afternoon, fronted as always by Monique Powell. There was a time when No Doubt was the opening act on a national Save Ferris tour, but that quickly changed when “Just A Girl” blew up the charts, and by the end of the tour, promoters had to switch the order of the bands' performances. But Powell continues to be a consummate performer. Playing to a backdrop of various Save Ferris band logos and phrases like “Ska isn’t dead!” Powell led her band through energetic anthems that comprised the group’s lone two studio albums from 1997 and ’99. Powell is the focus here as the only permanent member of the band, which changes personnel every few years. Still, the ensemble turned into a cohesive, crowd-pleasing set; nonetheless, many in the audience were more than willing to lose themselves in the moment.
On the Vibes stage, a young Californian band played an intense set of guitar-driven music with multiple vocal overlays, creating a unique sound. DENM's performance at the Cali Vibes Festival 2024 was electrifying, igniting the stage with a vibrant energy that captivated the audience from start to finish.
As the afternoon sun lit up the band, the festival grounds came alive with anticipation, and DENM took to the stage, commanding attention with his infectious charisma and undeniable talent. Known for his genre-bending music that seamlessly blends electronic, pop, and reggae elements, DENM brought a fresh and invigorating sound to the Cali Vibes stage.
The crowd was swept up in a whirlwind of pulsating beats and infectious melodies when they launched into their set. Tracks like "Lit," "Green," and "Fallin" showcased DENM's versatility as an artist, with each song delivering an irresistible blend of catchy hooks and infectious rhythms.
But it wasn't just DENM's music that left a lasting impression—their magnetic stage presence and genuine connection with the audience set their performance apart. With every lyric sung and every beat dropped, DENM invited the crowd to join on a musical journey where worries melted away, and the only thing that mattered was the moment.
In the end, DENM's performance at the Cali Vibes Festival 2024 was nothing short of unforgettable. Their infectious energy and genre-defying sound left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who were lucky enough to be there.
Up next on the Greens stage was The Pharcyde, the legendary Los Angeles hip-hop ensemble. The group had everyone dancing and vibing, puffs of smoke emanating so frequently that there was a consistent haze above the crowd as they powered through classics like “Passin’ Me By” and “Ya Mama.” Including hip-hop acts like The Pharcyde and Sunday acts Ice Cube and Too $hort added some profound California authenticity to a festival titled “Cali Vibes,” emphasizing the effort put into the makeup of these lineups. It’s a solid complement to the abundant reggae and reggae-adjacent bands, acts on the rest of the bill, and showcases the crossover appeal these genres often have.
This also applies to Wiz Khalifa, who took the stage with a full band later in the afternoon. However, the bulk of Saturday’s programming was big on ska/dancehall — and between Save Ferris and Gwen Stefani, another female-fronted So*Cal ska outfit entertained the masses when The Interrupters emerged onto the Vibes stage. Frontwoman Amy Interrupter let her bandmates do the talking, and they did a great job of pumping up the crowd in the mid-afternoon sun.
The Interrupters have enjoyed an eventful few years, from opening the Hella Mega! Tour with Green Day, Weezer, and Fall Out Boy to headlining their tours, releasing hit singles like “She’s Kerosene” and ramping up to accompany Sum 41 on the band’s farewell tour in late 2024. The Interrupters were well represented throughout the day in terms of T-shirts worn by fans in the crowd, similar to how Stefani’s fans showed up in visible support, and it all helped make the whole day feel like a celebration of female ska-punk.
Wiz Khalifa's performance at the Cali Vibes festival was a testament to his enduring influence in the world of hip-hop and beyond. From his breakout hit "Black and Yellow" to his collaborative success with "See You Again," Wiz has consistently delivered catchy lyrics and impressive production, earning him ten Grammy nominations along the way.
Taking the stage on Saturday in a cloud of sweet-scented smoke, Wiz wasted no time in setting the tone for The Vibes stage. Opening with the high-energy anthem "Black and Yellow," he kept the momentum going with a string of hits that had the crowd moving and grooving as the sun set over Cali Vibes.
Songs like "Work Hard, Play Hard," "The Thrill," "We Dem Boyz," and the nostalgic "Young, Wild & Free" resonated with fans old and new, creating an atmosphere of carefree enjoyment that permeated Marina Green Park. Wiz's easygoing demeanor on stage only added to the relaxed vibe, making for an experience that felt intimate despite the vastness of the venue.
Throughout the performance, Wiz seamlessly incorporated verses from his collaborations with other artists, turning what could have been a distraction into moments of shared excitement and connection with the audience. His infectious energy and interactions with fans ensured that everyone, from the front row to the back of the crowd, felt like an integral part of the experience.
Sublime with Rome performed all of 1992’s 40 Oz. to Freedom in a marquee main-stage timeslot. The performance came at a bit of an awkward time, as frontman Rome Ramirez is stepping down from the group after the year — with original Sublime members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson set to perform alongside Jakob Nowell, son of late singer/vocalist Bradley Nowell, billed simply as “Sublime.” That context gave this Sublime with Rome set a slightly melancholy feel, which was only boosted when Ramirez exclaimed, “Thank y’all so much for the greatest 15 years of my fuckin’ life, man.” It’s also worth noting that Brian Allen was on bass duty instead of Wilson, meaning that this “Sublime with Rome” band performing at Cali Vibes featured no original Long Beach ska/punk outfit members.
Despite these circumstances, the set was great. Ramirez gave his all to the performance of the beloved pre-fame Sublime record.
San Diego’s Slightly Stoopid performed a guest-laden set featuring pals B-Real of Cypress Hill, Angelo Moore of Fishbone, Chali 2na and Common Kings, and Sean Paul. From the moment they stepped onto the stage, Slightly Stoopid commanded the audience's attention with their infectious energy and captivating stage presence. With a career spanning over two decades, the band has honed its signature sound—a fusion of reggae, rock, punk, and blues—that appeals to fans across generations. Their set at Cali Vibes was a masterclass in musical versatility, showcasing their ability to transition seamlessly between laid-back reggae jams and high-energy rock anthems. Hits like "Closer to the Sun," "Collie Man," and "2 am" had the crowd singing and dancing along, their spirits lifted by the band's infectious rhythms and soulful melodies. Throughout the set, the band members' chemistry on stage was palpable, their musical interplay a testament to years of collaboration and camaraderie. Guitar solos soared, bass lines grooved, and the percussion reverberated through the air, creating a sonic tapestry that enveloped the audience in warmth and euphoria.
Sean Paul amassed a massive crowd for his Jamaican-tinged dancehall set, a venerable Greatest Hits set of the past two decades. Sets like Paul’s are the type that make Cali Vibes a unique experience. Closing out the Greens stage right before Stefani took the main stage to put a bow on the day’s proceedings, Paul’s crew included two dancers, a DJ, a few live musicians, and a few other folks, all of whom were in motion the entire time.
Paul’s catalog boasts some of the biggest crossover dance/reggae hits of the past 20 years, among them “Gimme the Light,” “Get Busy,” “Temperature,” “Cheap Thrills” (with Sia), and more. Each of these hits appeared in the set, easily one of the day’s most entertaining performances, and inspired the most dancing throughout the crowd.
The 47-year-old Paul then turned up at Stefani’s set an hour later. Gwen Stefani closed out the Vibes stage, which fittingly was sponsored by American Weed Co. and who maintained a robust presence throughout the festival). with a mix of her solo material, including “Sweet Escape,” “True Babe,” “Used to Love You” and classic No Doubt songs like “Hey Baby,” “Sunday Morning” and “Just a Girl.”
The No Doubt singer-turned-pop-superstar-and-The-Voice-judge had this show scheduled before the announcement of No Doubt’s reunion appearance at Coachella in April. Still, that surprise booking did not keep Stefani from honoring her roots. Many fans were hoping for a mini No Doubt reunion of sorts ahead of the Orange County ska band’s mighty return to the stage at the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio over two weekends in April. Stefani’s incredible touring band may arguably be more musically skilled. Anyone in attendance who was perhaps wary that Stefani would lean especially heavily on her solo catalog was relieved when the singer and flank of dancers and bandmates powered through a set that included nine No Doubt classics. Stefani, 54, danced around the stage with the energy of a teenage pop star, skanking and pogoing with boundless energy for Tragic Kingdom classics such as “Sunday Morning,” taking time on numerous occasions to speak directly to the crowd.
It was a hometown show for Stefani, which she mentioned numerous times as she rattled off various Southern California locations and landmarks that she frequented. She added that No Doubt’s first-ever gig took less than half a mile up the street at Fender’s Ballroom in Long Beach in the late ’80s. However, she never mentioned the forthcoming No Doubt reunion.
She posted on her social media pages that there’d be big surprises ahead of the event, which turned out to be Sean Paul, who had just finished his headlining turn on The Greens stage, and her husband, country singer Blake Shelton. Stefani and Paul sang their song “Light My Fire,” which made sense at this particular festival. At the same time, Shelton and Stefani joined forces for their new country single “Purple Irises,” which they had debuted live on the Jimmy Kimmel show days before.
