Cali Vibes Fest 2023: Day Three

On Sunday, February 19th Cali Vibes Day Three kicked off! It was another warm day with lots of anticipation in the air for yet another stacked lineup. Though everyone was moving a bit slower, we were all excited to see what the acts had in store for us.

Paula Fuga was the perfect kick off set. She knew we needed her smooth island vibes to start the day before we were hit with the legendary Lee “Scratch” Perry Memorial Set.

The Hip Abduction, The Elovaters, Mike Love and The Movement had masses of people running stage to stage. Those lucky enough to run the fastest were treated to special guest performances; The Hip Abduction welcomed Trevor Hall for fan favorite song, “Pacific Coast Highway”. While The Movement welcomed Long Beach local, Bobby Hustle, Nathan Aurora of Iya Terra and Scott Woodruff of Stick Figure.

HIRIE took The Greens stage on the heels of The Movement ending its set on The Vibes stage. Following HIRIE those needing a little down time were invited over to the KOI CBD tent for a pop-up performance by Hermosa Beach locals, Tomorrows Bad Seeds.

Those that missed Trevor Hall with The Hip Abduction got to witness his full set while Rome & Duddy held down the competing stage.

The ultimate hype band, Pepper, hit us with a Kona Town set as they are celebrating its 20 years this year; including a special guest appearance from Josh Swain of The Movement.

Reggae legend, Stephen Marley performed his own originals and his father’s classics in tribute that had fans experiencing raw emotions. However, it was Tash Sultana that left the crowd slack-jawed. Her singer and signature song-looping were awe-inspiring. She proved herself to be a force to be reckoned with!

Warren G. performed flawlessly, as expected. California natives, Slightly Stoopid, did what they do best and took us on a musical journey not to be forgotten.

Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals closed on The Greens stage. Harper invited his two young children on stage to share in the magic. A sense of community that reggae lovers know all too well was felt throughout as the Harper children gazed upon thousands and thousands of people. Truly a beautiful, time stopping moment.

Last but not least, Jack Johnson. Thank you, Goldenvoice for knowing that there was no other musician that could fit the vibe we needed as headliner to the final day. Fans swayed in unison as Johnson sang out his melodic, easy-going, soft rock sound. The wholesome environment created by Johnson was mesmerizing. Respectively, Johnson invited a variety of musicians to perform alongside him, including his Hawaiian neighbor, Paula Fuga, Tash Sultana, Jakob Nowell (son of the late Sublime frontman, Bradley Nowell), and Ben Harper. The final “aww” moment came when Johnson began his tribute to Lee “Scratch” Perry as the final act of festival.

The crowd dispersed as the feeling of love settled in like a thick fog.

Shout out to the Boomyard Stage performers: DJ Green B, Kalpee, DJ Daneekah, G33ZY, Runkus, Yaksta, Jazzy T & Delano Renaissance, Demarco, and Rory Stonelove.

Until next year, Cali Vibes.

Photography by Sean McCracken and Jenna Shaw

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