Cali Vibes 2024: Day Two

As the sun rose, casting a warm glow over Marina Green Park in Long Beach, California, the second day of Cali Vibes Festival 2024 unfolded with an eclectic lineup of musical talent and vibrant vendors. Saturday, February 17th, was destined to be a day of rhythm, unity, and unforgettable experiences.

The musical journey began with RAS-1, with his masterful turntable skills infusing the air with infectious beats that had everyone moving to the rhythm. Claire Wright opened up the other stage across the grounds, with soulful melodies washing over the crowd like a gentle breeze, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.,

Next up was BLVK H3RO, whose fusion of dancehall, hip hop, and R&B ignited the audience with its modern twist on reggae.

Mad Caddies brought their signature ska-punk sound to the festival, delivering high-energy anthems with fans skanking and dancing recklessly. The international flavor of the lineup continued with Stonebwoy, whose dynamic performance blended reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeat, transporting listeners on a musical journey to Ghana and beyond. KBong & Johnny Cosmic followed suit with laidback vibes resonating with the crowd, creating an atmosphere of pure positivity.

Throughout the day, the vibrant array of vendors added to the festival experience, offering everything from stylish apparel to delicious cuisine. From Dixxon Flannels to Bravado’s Bob Marley collection, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The Vibes Village and Vibes Vendors provided a unique shopping experience with cannabis-related products and accessories that catered to every taste, including American Weed Co. and Medicine Woman.

Nonprofit organizations, such as Algalita and the Rob Machado Foundation, reminded festival-goers of the importance of environmental conservation and community engagement. At the same time, food booths and trucks served up a mouth-watering array of culinary delights, from Island Time Hawaiian BBQ to Bulgogi Korean fusion cuisine.

But back to the music. Little Stranger next injected a dose of quirkiness into the festival with their genre-defying sound, while The Pharcyde brought the golden age of hip hop to life via innovative beats and thought-provoking lyrics. Save Ferris kept the party going with their ska-punk anthems, infusing the air with infectious energy and horn-driven melodies.

As the sun set, The Elovators took the stage, spreading positivity and unity throughout the crowd.

DENM followed with a genre-bending sound that captivated listeners through electronic, pop, and indie rock influences. Wiz Khalifa took the stage in a blaze of glory, bringing the festival to a euphoric climax with his bold flow and catchy hooks before Iam Tongi brought joy and celebration to the festival with infectious grooves. The fun had just begun because The Interrupters energized the audience with their infectiously upbeat anthems.

As the night fell, the stage was set for the headliners. HIRIE‘s powerhouse vocals and empowering lyrics uplifted spirits while Sean Paul’s smooth, dancehall pop rhythms had the crowd dancing and singing along to his hits, setting the stage for the grand finale.

And it wouldn’t be Long Beach without a little Sublime with Rome, who gave a remarkable performance of the seminal album 40 Oz. to Freedom. Led by Rome Ramirez’s soulful vocals and Eric Wilson’s booming bass, the band recreated each track with raw energy and authenticity. From the controversially salacious “Date Rape” to the laidback energy of “Smoke Two Joints”, every song resonated with the crowd. With each note, Sublime with Rome honored the legacy of the album.

It was more than a concert — it was a celebration of Sublime’s enduring influence on music.

Slightly Stoopid‘s performance at Cali Vibes Festival was nothing short of electrifying. The band — known for their eclectic blend of reggae, rock, and punk — took the stage with an all-consuming energy that immediately had the audience cheering. The crowd was on their feet from the moment they started playing — dancing, and singing along to every song. Slightly Stoopid delivered a setlist that showcased their versatility as musicians, seamlessly transitioning between oceanic reggae grooves to high-energy punk-inspired anthems. Hits like “Collie Man”, “2 AM”, and “Closer to the Sun” had the crowd singing in unison, while instrumental jams gave the band members a chance to prove their musical prowess.

The chemistry between band members was palpable, as Kyle McDonald‘s and Miles Doughty’s vocals complemented each other alongside their tight instrumentation. The entire band drove the two founding members’ performance forward with precision and passion. Slightly Stoopid’s music provided the perfect soundtrack to an unforgettable evening. Their set was a testament to their unending ability to bring people together through the power of music.

Under the starlit sky of Marina Green Park, whispers of excitement filled the air.

A hush fell over the crowd as the stage lights dimmed, signaling the arrival of Gwen Stefani. With her dazzling presence and trademark charisma, she launched into a mesmerizing performance that transported the audience through her illustrious career. From nostalgic No Doubt tunes to soulful solo ballads, Gwen’s seamless delivery had the crowd singing ecstatically. Closing with her iconic “Hollaback Girl” (complete with dancers wielding banana props), Gwen’s iconic appearance left the crowd roaring with thunderous applause, cementing her performance as a standout moment of the festival.

Overall, the second day of Cali Vibes Festival 2024 celebrated music, culture, and togetherness. As the final notes of Gwen Stefani’s set faded into the night, memories were made, friendships were forged, and the spirit of music lived in the hearts of all who attended. Stay tuned for the Day Three finale!

Photography by Sean McCracken; recap by Olivia Valdes

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