Sun Sets On 2018 Ohana Festival: Patch Photo Of The Week

DANA POINT, CA — The Ohana Festival took over Doheny State Beach for the third year in row was made more special by the steady on-stage appearances of its founder, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam. The three day festival is in a partnership with the non-profits who guard the wellbeing of our shores.

The 51-year-old singer, philanthropist, surfer and Orange County resident celebrated the 25th anniversary of Pearl Jam's debut album "Ten" while also introducing bands, interjecting in duos with the likes of Elvis Costello, and reminiscences of his experiences on the golden coast of California, which is the impetus for the weekend concert.

During the weekend, presentations and events were put on by such memorables as Wyland, who took part in a collaborative live mural painting with the help of Beyond The Streets Graffiti artists. Local surf legends also discussed surf heritage and history, along with ocean lifestyle at the Surf Heritage And Cultural Center.

One of the weekend's memorable moments occurred when Vedder waxed about his learning to play the Ukulele, something that Vedder said, adding that the instrument "changed (his) life. You can't be too depressed or maniacal when you have a ukulele."

Vedder commented to the crowds present that the beach largely looks the same as it always has, largely because of the OC Parks Department that preserves it. He offered thanks for that, according to a report from the OC Register.

Pro Surfer Kelly Slater, Vedder's partner curator in the weekend show, also joined Vedder on stage during the event for a rendition of Pearl Jam's "Indifference."

By Sunday, crowds were enthralled by the beach party atmosphere, even launching Andrew McMahon of In The Wilderness to crowd surf in a gigantic inflatable rubber duck. Only on the Orange County coast.

The Sunday headliners included McMahon, Switchfoot, Young the Giant, Beck and Mumford and Sons.

Sponsors of the weekend included California State Parks, San Onofre Parks, California Coastal Commission and the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association.

Yes, we are expecting the Ohana Fest to return in 2019. But if you are jonesing for an outdoor concert between now and then, save time for:

• Oct. 6: Sammy Hagar’s High Tide Beach Party and Car Show; HB State Beach, Huntington Beach: HighTideBeachParty.com
• Oct. 12-14: Desert Daze: Lake Perris State Recreation Area, Perris: DesertDaze.org
• Oct. 27-28: Surf City Blitz: Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach: surfcityblitz.com
• Nov. 3-4: One Love Festival: Lake Perris State Recreation Area, Perris: onelovefest.com
• Nov. 3-4: Big Adventure: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa: bigadventurefest.com

Do you have pictures from the weekend? Share them with your Patch Editor!

Photo: courtesy David Okun, crowds and clouds at Dana Point, Doheny State Beach, Ohana Festival