Cali Vibes 2023: Day Two

On Saturday, February 18th, Day Two of the Cali Vibes Festival kicked off. It was a warm California day with a cool breeze from the Pacific Ocean in the air. You could feel the anticipation as fans waited to get into the grounds to start yet another day of fun.

Cydeways kicked the day off, with amazing energy and a great stage presence. Joe Samba took over the main stage where he flawlessly set the day’s vibe.

The high energy of day two paired with the even higher energy of these first sets got everyone pumped up enough to run across the grounds for rising-yet-highly-anticipated artists, Kyle Smith and Wide Eyed Kids. Long Beach locals, DENM and Long Beach Dub All Stars had fans pressed up against the rails on their respective stages. Special appearances by Jakob Nowell, the son of the late Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell and former LBDA, RAS-1 had locals reminiscing on the historical music scene known to the LBC – especially considering what they were in for later that night.

Just before 2:45 PM, the festival paused. A sense of stillness filled the air. Stage crowds merged and the memory of Andy Chaves came to life.

A tribute to Katastro took place including vocals from Logan Rex from Artikal Sound System, Junyer King from Common Kings, Colton Place from Pacific Dub, Kaleo Wassman from Pepper, Micah Pueschel and Micah Brown from Iration, Rome from Sublime with Rome and Jared Watson and Duddy B from Dirty Heads. The heart of the reggae community pulsated as tears brimmed the eyes of the thousands of lives touched by Katastro.

Matisyahu and Fortunate Youth followed and delivered the sets that their devoted fans have come to know and love. Hip-hop legends Method Man & Redman followed closely behind with additional fan favorites Common Kings and J Boog right on their heels. 

Emotional singalongs were heard throughout Long Beach as Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley performed some classic renditions of his late father’s hits as well as his own originals.

Los Angeles hip-hop group Cypress Hill was up against Huntington Beach reggae rock legends, Dirty Heads. 

The night concluded with a one-of-a-kind combined performance from Artikal Sound System and Little Stranger, affectionately referred to as “Strange Ass”. A mindblowing set that came to life within a single day as original headliner Alborosie sadly could not make it.

Last but not least, the notorious Snoop D.O. double G laid down an unforgettable hometown performance including his dancing Bored Ape, strippers, and classic hits like “Boyz n’ the Hood”, “Drop it Like it’s Hot”, “Doggystyle” and “Young, Wild & Free.” He was also joined by hip-hop legends Kurupt and Suga Free.

Special shout out to the DJ’s holding down the Boomyard Stage all day, including: Hot Steppa Supply Company, Kali Madden x Tuff Like Iron, Rory Stonelove, Likkle Jordee with Special Guest, Nick and Navi, Jazzy T & Delano Renaissance, Blvk H3ro, Baby Cham, Lila Ikè and Blaq Pages!

Tune in for the final day 3 recap and full gallery.

Photography by Sean McCracken

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