Working odd jobs, dabbling in the local music scene and surfing in San Diego, one day in 1990, a young Eddie Vedder received a tape in the mail from Stone Gossard in Seattle. On it was a demo recording of an instrumental arrangement called “Dollar Short.”
With the tune in his head, Vedder paddled out to catch a few waves. It didn’t take long for the lyrics to “Alive” to roll into his cranium like a set wave of inspiration. After his surf session, Vedder recorded a demo of the lyrics over the music and sent it back to Gossard.
By January of 1991, the members of what was to become Pearl Jam were in the studio and recording the song. It became the anchor to their debut album, “Ten,” which was released later that year in July of 1991. It “was the first song we ever wrote as a group, Vedder recalled later.
More than three decades down the line, Vedder, Gossard, and Pearl Jam released a new album this year, “Dark Matter,” and have been hammering the tour schedule. And now, for Vedder, it comes back to where it all began: Doheny State Beach. The first place the rock and roll hall of famer ever rode a wave, the 2024 Ohana Festival, a three-day event dedicated to music, surf and sustainability, will see Pearl Jam headline and a whole lot more.
In 2016, Vedder hosted the first Ohana Festival at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California. With a bill that included big-time names like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Strokes, and Vedder’s surfing buddy, Jack Johnson, it was an immediate hit. Even better, Vedder created the Ohana Festival with a conscience. Proceeds from the 2016 event benefited the Doheny State Beach Foundation and the San Onofre Park Foundation. Since then, the event has only become more focused on the environment and sustainability.
Lindsey Byrnes / Ohana Festival
The 2024 Ohana Festival features a stacked lined. Beyond Pearl Jam, Devo, Sting and Alanis Morissette are all at the top of the bill, followed by the Turnpike Troubadours, Crowded House, The Breeders, Keanu Reeves’ Dogstar, and surfing’s own Makua Rothman and John Cruz. In total, there will be over 30 musical acts performing over the three days.
But it’s the Storytellers Stage where bright minds and action-oriented environmental warriors bring their messages to the people. A mainstay of the Ohana Festival and a big priority for Vedder, the stage provides a space for speakers to share their stories that revolve around ocean health, activism, environmental justice, art, community and indigenous voices.
“We are conscious of our footprint and incorporated sustainable practices into the vision of Ohana since day one,” Vedder explained.
Among those speaking this are renowned wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist Paul Nicklen, and conservationist and photographer Cristina “Mitty” Mittermeier. Together the pair founded the organization SeaLegacy. Also on stage will be marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, author and sailor Captain Liz Clark, Dr. Cliff Kapono, Greg Long, Leah Dawson, Jeremy Jones and more. As far as rad people trying to make the world a better place, it’s an all-star lineup.
Like every industry these days, there’s an onus on the music industry to be more sustainable and environmentally responsible. Part of the Ohana Festival’s sustainability strategy is to divert waste before it even hits landfills. All cups, plates, and water bottles that are sold at the festival are made of compostable material, and recycling/compost bins are placed throughout the site to increase the amount of material that is recycled/composted.
The Ohana Festival will take place at Doheny State Park in Dana Point, California, from September 27-29. Come for the show, stay for the surf and sustainability talks.
Related: Eddie Vedder Joins High School Band For Surprise Performance