LONG BEACH, CA | Overlooking the rolling waves of the Pacific, the Cali Vibes festival in Long Beach unfurled its sonic tapestry on President’s Day weekend in what could only be described as a colossal celebration of rhythm and community. With a lineup that read like the who’s who of reggae, hip-hop, and rap, the festival drew crowds of 50k+ per day, creating a pulsating mosaic of sound against the LBC’s serene beachfront. Headliners for the 3-day event included Stick Figure, Slightly Stoopid, and Ice Cube along with a special performance on Saturday night from Gwen Stefani.
The Cali Vibes festival, a veritable celebration of reggae music and culture held in the heart of Long Beach last weekend, was an experience that transcended the ordinary. This event not only showcased an exceptional lineup of artists but also created an atmosphere of unity and positivity that resonated deeply with every attendee. The festival perfectly encapsulated the spirit of California—vibrant, diverse, and undeniably cool. From the pulsating rhythms echoing through the air to the throngs of people swaying in harmony, the Cali Vibes festival was an unforgettable immersion into the soulful world of music and one that attendees would never forget.
Cali Vibes typically brings in a “who’s who” of musical diversity and talent, featuring an array of both renowned and emerging artists. The festival boasted performances from reggae, rock, hip-hop, and afrobeat genres, offering the audience a rich and eclectic musical experience. The crowd was treated to sets from big names like Gwen Stefani, Slightly Stoopid, and Sean Paul. In addition, the soulful melodies of Stick Figure and Iration, as well as the infectious beats of Shaggy and Sublime with Rome, contributed to the vibrant atmosphere. Notably, Ice Cube, The Pharcyde, and The Roots also graced the stage, while Protoje and Kabaka Pyramid’s danceable hits left the Boomyard audience in awe. Here are a few of my favorite performances:
Damien and Stephen Marley: Damien and Stephen returned to The Vibes stage with their reggae roots, infusing the beach air with positive vibrations and profound messages encased in their legendary lyrics. Their embodiment of the spirit of reggae was a poignant reminder of the Marley legacy, lifting up festivalgoers with tracks both old and new. Their amazing set was hands down my favorite performance of the weekend.
Wiz Khalifa: In a shift of pace and energy, Wiz Khalifa enchanted the crowd with his lyrical prowess and dynamic stage presence. The air was thick with the scent of California’s finest when Khalifa’s beats dropped, and the audience was undoubtedly on a high from the ripple effects of his rhythms. I’ve never seen Wiz live before, but now understand why he’s one of rap’s biggest and brightest stars.
Too $hort: The festival took a turn down memory lane when Too $hort dropped his set at (you guessed it) 4:20 on Sunday afternoon, delivering a dose of nostalgia with his timeless hits. His ability to get the crowd moving was undeniable, proving that classic hip-hop beats never fade out. Too $hort’s set was simply amazing and solidified once again his “legend” status within the hip-hop community.
Other standout acts like The Interrupters injected a fierce wave of ska-punk into the mix, while Common Kings brought a touch of Polynesian flair to their soulful, reggae-infused pop. And we can’t overlook the roaring performance by Bumpin Uglies which proved to be an electrifying discovery for many in attendance.
The atmosphere at this year’s Cali Vibes was nothing short of electric. Picture the iconic Long Beach waterfront coming to life with the unified pulse of a crowd diverse in age, culture, and background. The sense of unity and joy was palpable as festivalgoers mingled, danced, and sang, cementing connections over their mutual love for the music.
And Cali Vibes was much more than just a musical party; it invigorated the local economy by inviting a flood of visitors to the Long Beach community. With each ticket sold, the festival channeled profits back into the city, enriching local businesses and solidifying the event as a staple within the community’s annual calendar.
The cultural ripples reverberated even further, offering established and emerging artists alike a coveted platform to shine. This showcase contributed a distinct flavor to the local music scene and spotlighted Long Beach’s charm, which perfectly framed the diverse sounds. The impact of this three-day fest will echo in the memories of those who attended, the stories they share, and the bright future of the Cali Vibes festival itself.
Bottom line, the Cali Vibes festival for 2024 was a grand testament to the power of music to converge souls, foster culture, and reignite passion amidst the stunning landscape of Long Beach. The festival continues to evolve, improve, and expand in ways that make it one of (if not the) premiere music festival in the US and beyond. Until next year’s melody meets the ocean breeze, the echoes of this year’s thrills will remain in the hearts and the strides of a community united by the rhythm. One Love.
CALI VIBES DAY ONE, FEBRUARY 16, 2024
CALI VIBES DAY TWO, FEBRUARY 17, 2024
CALI VIBES DAY THREE, FEBRUARY 18, 2024
