Ohana Festival Impacts the World Through Music and Philanthropy
Since its inception in 2016 by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, Ohana Festival has established itself as a beacon of sustainability, conservation, and musical celebration. As a two-time recipient of Pollstar Magazine’s “Music Festival of the Year,” the festival goes beyond entertainment, blending the therapeutic power of music with a dedication to environmental activism and philanthropy.
This year’s festival, held from September 27-29 at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA, promises an unforgettable experience with performances by Pearl Jam, Sting, Alanis Morissette, and more. But what truly sets Ohana Festival apart is its commitment to giving back through The Storytellers Stage—one of the festival’s core features that champions activism, environmental justice, and community.
The Storytellers Stage: Music Meets Mission
At the heart of Ohana’s mission is The Storytellers Stage, located within The Cove, a unique space that celebrates art, activism, and environmentalism. Through carefully curated panels, exhibits, and discussions, The Storytellers Stage brings together some of the world’s leading conservationists, scientists, and storytellers to raise awareness about ocean health, climate change, and indigenous rights. The special area also features an art gallery, curated by Charles R. Adler, which showcases a dynamic collection of unique pieces around music, surf, skate and activism.
Among this year’s speakers are:
- Paul Nicklen: A celebrated marine biologist and award-winning photographer. Nicklen has won more than 30 of the field’s most prestigious awards, including the BBC’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the World Press Photo for Photojournalism. Nicklen co-founded the non-profit organization SeaLegacy which inspires millions to stand up and have a voice for the pristine places threatened by the climate crisis and became the youngest person inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame in 2019.
- Cristina Mittermeier: Co-founder of SeaLegacy and pioneer of conservation photography. In 2005, she founded The International League of Conservation Photographers and coined the phrase “conservation photography” and is the recipient of many prestigious awards. In 2021, she received the Seattle Aquarium’s Sylvia Earle Medal and Travel + Leisure’s Global Vision Award. She was named one of the 100 Latinos Most Committed to Climate Action and has been named one of the World’s Top 50 Keynote Speakers.
- Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: Marine biologist and policy expert who co-founded Urban Ocean Lab. Recently, Dr. Johnson co-edited the bestselling climate anthology All We Can Save, co-created and co-hosted the Spotify/Gimlet climate solutions podcast How to Save a Planet, and co-authored the Blue New Deal, a roadmap for including the ocean in climate policy.
- Captain Liz Clark: For more than a decade and over 20,000 nautical miles, she kept her nomadic ocean lifestyle going through writing, blogging, photography, representing conscious brands, and earning recognition as a surf adventurer, environmental activist, and captain. In 2018, she released her memoir, Swell: A Sailing Surfer’s Voyage of Awakening, which has since sold more than 35,000 copies. She is the director of the non-profit organization, A Ti’a Matairea.
- Jeremy Jones: Snowboarding legend and founder of Protect Our Winters, a global cause uniting the winter sports community against climate change. Named a 2013 National Geographic “Adventurer of the Year” and eleven times voted “Best Big Mountain Rider of the Year” by Snowboarder Magazine. Jones was recognized in 2013 as a Champion of Change by President Barack Obama. Jeremy has appeared frequently in worldwide media including 60 Minutes Sports, ABC’s Nightline News, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Outside Magazine and TV, Men’s Journal, Esquire, CNN, MTV, ESPN, Fox News, NBC and National Geographic.
- Andy Mann: Renowned National Geographic photographer, filmmaker, Emmy-nominated director and 12-time Telly Award-winner who is driven by a deep passion to document and protect the world’s marine environments. As a founding member of SeaLegacy, his work plays a pivotal role in telling the story of our rapidly changing planet and inspiring critical change.
- Leah Dawson: A professional surfer and environmental advocate. Dawson actively works as a co-founder of the women’s empowerment organization Changing Tides Foundation and is ambassador for Surfrider Foundation. Leah hosts surf retreats with other professional surfers called Salty Sensations, where they offer technical surf coaching and a celebratory space to bring together the broad surf community.
- Dr. Shireen Rahimi: Underwater photographer and filmmaker, marine scientist, freediver, National Geographic Explorer, and the founder of Lightpalace Productions, a production company specializing in underwater cinematography. She has been featured as a contributor on National Geographic Sharkfest and ABC’s Localish, and was named a Nautica ocean conservation Wavemaker.
- Dr. Cliff Kapono: Professional surfer, ASU professor and storyteller. He has produced a handful of award-winning films that discuss indigenous activism, ocean conservation, global food security and augmented reality. He has been profiled in publications such as The New York Times, NBC, CBS, The Surfers Journal, and more.
- Rick Ridgeway: Outdoor adventurer, writer and advocate for sustainability and conservation initiatives. In 2020 Ridgeway retired from Patagonia where for 15 years he was a VP developing environmental and sustainability initiatives including Freedom to Roam, the Footprint Chronicles and Worn Wear. He also was founding chair of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. With three companions, Rick was the first American to summit K2 and has also written seven books. National Geographic honored him with its Lifetime Achievement in Adventure award and the Explorer’s Club with its highest honor, the Explorers Medal. Today, he serves on six boards of conservation organizations and speaks at events with his recent memoir Life Lived Wild, returning to his passion for writing.
These speakers and more will address crucial global issues, emphasizing the need for collective action in environmental and social causes. The Storytellers Stage provides a platform for these change-makers to connect with festival-goers, creating an immersive experience that transcends typical music festivals.
View the entire Storytellers lineup HER
Ohana Festival’s Philanthropy
Ohana Festival’s charitable efforts extend far beyond awareness. A portion of festival proceeds supports the Doheny State Beach Foundation, California State Parks, Doheny State Beach and San Onofre Parks Foundation. Additional partners, including Surfrider Foundation, Sea Legacy, Native Like Water, Oceans Institute, Project Red, Mom’s Demand Action, Captain Paul Watson Foundation, Planned Parenthood, Sea Legacy and Surfers Healing, benefit from the festival’s philanthropic initiatives to help with their continued efforts for sustaining & building a better tomorrow.
Through these partnerships, Ohana Festival doesn’t just entertain; it actively contributes to conservation efforts and community welfare, proving that music has the power to heal both individuals and the planet.
A Festival with Purpose
In addition to powerful conversations and activism on the Storytellers Stage, Ohana Festival brings top-tier musical performances to fans. With headliners like Pearl Jam, Sting, Alanis Morissette, and emerging artists like Black Pumas, Idles, Very Nice Person, Bad Nerves, and many others, the festival blends entertainment with education and action.
Festival-goers can still grab tickets and be part of this remarkable event that blends music, art, and environmental action in a stunning beachside setting. Through its mission, Ohana Festival has proven that music can be both therapeutic and transformative, sparking positive change in the world.
Don’t miss your chance to experience it. Be there, make a difference, and let the music stage move you, the art area inspire you and The Storytellers Stage speak to your heart.