Marc Spivey

It is easy to overlook the potential perils that can impact an outdoor event, particularly one that is idyllically seated next to the Pacific on a sunny spring SoCal weekend.  But Mother Nature can be unpredictable and forceful.  

(Sanford Ventures 2024)

There was a seasonally mild and steady breeze that blew throughout Friday and Saturday.  It picked up on Sunday and crossed a threshold that concerned the promoter and local safety officials.  The last thing you want is 50 foot plus stage rigging toppling onto a festival crowd.

(Sanford Ventures 2024)

Sadly, this meant that the Sunday headline acts, Fleet Foxes, Trey Anastasio and My Morning Jacket sets were cancelled.

Shifting to an upbeat tone, the first two days of this year’s festival were a lot of fun.  The promoters continue to fine tune the footprint.  The layout remains essentially the same.  Two alternating main stages (High Tide and Low Tide), a low-key Riptide tent stage and an intimate acoustic ‘Speakeasy stage’.  14 total acts performed on Friday and 18 on Saturday. There are also plenty of food booths and vendors.

The High Tide stage is set up for the big-ticket performers and is lined on one side with a two-story structure that is topped with private sponsored viewing suites. There is also a plethora of big splash sponsors that cater to the local crowd – including the LA Kings hockey team (most of the players live in the area), Mammoth Mountain’s IKON Ski Pass and a host of alcohol brands.

Daily capacity was capped at 11,000. Creating VIP upsells is a convenient way for the promoters to increase revenue.  The main stages now have partitions in front of the stage for premium ticket holders. This would be the way to attend if you intend on hanging onsite for 10 hours each day.  At some point, everyone searches out a place to pause a bit from the music and the ebb and flow of fans. 

(Sanford Ventures 2024)

The High Tide stage spectator area swells to standing room capacity as the day wears into the evening.  If you choose not to weave through the crowd to get closer to the stage, you also have to contend with the sound/light control that interferes with stage viewing if you are towards the back.  This is one of my only criticisms.

(Sanford Ventures 2024)

I really love the Low Tide stage. The sightlines are great wherever you are. This is a manmade beach lagoon that has been drained for the show. It feels so right to be able to nestle your feet in the sand as you soak in seaside songs.   

(Sanford Ventures 2024)

Moving on to the music. The menu this year was interesting in that it was predictable (Donavon Frankenreiter, Dirty Heads, Steel Pulse, Pepper and Sugar Ray) and with a sprinkling of surprising and diverse outliers (Seal, Santigold and St. Paul & The Broken Bones).  The organizers also drew in legitimate headliners – Sting and Incubus.  

(Sanford Ventures 2024)

Devo was a guaranteed ‘new wave old school’ crowd pleaser that entertained the crowd.  Australian singer/songwriter Courtney Barnett was an absolute gift to see live. Margo Price is a pure country gem.  

(Sanford Ventures 2024)

Canadian singer/songwriter City & Colour was my unexpected favorite.  He has been releasing music since 2005 and I had never heard of him.  This is top shelf indie rock for a folkish tinge.  Loved him. I am a new fan.

(Sanford Ventures 2024)

Festivals are great in that they can efficiently entertain an audience with a diverse palette.  Pick and choose, discover something new, sway and sing along with your best friend to your favorite band, play cornhole, eat tacos, sample tequila and watch the sunset over a backdrop of palm trees. 

Five years on and despite the day three wind issue, BeachLife Festival has taken root in the South Bay.  It is a welcome tradition to the beach cities. The promoters have also worked quickly to make things right for the disappointed Sunday ticket holders.  The good news is that everyone wants to see the event thrive. 

Wind or no wind – I am already looking forward to putting my feet back in the BeachLife sand next year.  There is nothing better than listening to great live music on a sunny day just steps from the ocean.  This is authentic ‘beach life’.