By DAN MACINTOSH
Few music festivals are more SoCal-centric than BeachLife, which returns to Redondo Beach shores from May 13 th to May 15th.
However, it’s about music (performed at the beach), more than it concerns any sort of coastal lifestyle. With that said, though, SoCal’s Weezer headlines
the first night. One expects, however, Weezer members surf about as much as most of the Beach Boys — meaning little or not at all. Smashing Pumpkins bring their arty grunge to the day two top spot, while Steve Miller Band’s classic rock is billed highest on Sunday’s closing day.
While many of the BeachLife performers are alternative artists, few are as green as big chunks of Coachella’s typical lineups. Instead, you might say BeachLLife primarily presents establishedalternative acts. Highlights on day one includes another familiar SoCal favorite, Cold War Kids, 311’s reggae rock and the soulful Black Pumas.
In addition to Smashing Pumpkins, day two promises more grunge with Stone Temple Pilots, as well as Capital Cities’ smart pop. BeachLife saves the best for last, as Sunday’s bill also includes Sheryl Crow, Lord Huron and UB40.
One thing distinctly separating BeachLife from every other multiple artist gathering is its multiple solo appearances from popular band leaders. This year, Joey Cape of Lagwagon and Art Alexakis from Everclear are just two such band front men playing solo sets.
With its scenic coastal back drop and cool ocean breeze, BeachLife is a far cry from wandering around the desert space of Coachella and Stagecoach. It’s common knowledge that you can’t have a beach day without music. With this special festival, though, attendees get one beautiful beach to go along with all their favorite music. So, go enjoy yourself, and take plenty of selfies to make your friends and relatives around the country feel super jealous.