Photos + Words by LUIS MORENO
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. – Friday started out as any typical Redondo Beach afternoon, with the temperature in the 70s and lots of sunshine. People were walking, skateboarding and e-biking, carrying beach chairs, tanning lotion and sunglasses … But the throngs of humans of all ages were heading to Day 1 of BeachLife Festival 2022.
The day was filled with plenty of great food from local restaurants and vendors. People were having fun playing corn-hole, watching mermaids blow bubbles, or just drinking and laying about listening to music.
Friday’s artist lineup was filled with some heavyweights as well as newcomers. It included Jim Lindberg (Pennywise), Weezer, Black Pumas, 311, Cold War Kids, Cannons, Dreamers, Milky Chance and Velvet Starlings. Lindberg came out swinging to set the tone for the day. If you’ve ever seen him before, you know he just kills it.
The big surprise of the day for me was a great new up-and-comer Velvet Starlings. These kids hail from about 10 miles north of Redondo Beach. Velvet Starlings have a great seasoned sound of what can only be described as ’60s garage rock, with an infusion of psychedelic sounds. Their energy is youthful and filled with rawness.
The Cold War Kids, Cannons and 311 kept the momentum of the first day moving like a set of waves crashing on the shores. There was no avoiding or swimming around it. You duck-dived and popped through the water to see more waves behind them. 311 and Cold War Kids fans represented in full force to support their bands with the fearlessness of big wave riders. Cannons brought their repertoire to some new listeners that would undoubtedly go out and ride their groundswell.
The band that really excited experienced audiophiles, novices and old-hand festival enthusiasts alike was the Black Pumas. They absolutely did not disappoint. The Pumas were the right wave, offering all sorts of twists and cutbacks, with opportunities to mellow into the moments of bliss. Everyone had their hands in the air waving them in unison like the gummies and 420 effects were kicking in at the same time. The Black Pumas are led by Eric Burton who’s the perfect frontman for their music. Eric’s skill for performing was on full display with his song and dance.
Closing out the first night was Weezer, playing to a packed High Tide area. Weezer was the South Bay favorite with everyone singing their lyrics and yelling like they’d surfed a big wave for the very first time in their lives. Weezer played all their big hits so the beach-goers all went home happy.
The lineup for Day 2 on Saturday was to include Michael Franti and Spearhead, Stone Temple Pilots and Smashing Pumpkins.
