Southern California’s iconic South Bay hosted the 2nd Annual BeachLife Ranch festival in Redondo Beach that took place from September 22 to 24. This extravaganza celebrated the rich legacies of country and rock music while shining a spotlight on emerging talents, jam sessions featuring special guests, and a remarkable world record-breaking performance.
Jack Johnson crowd on September 22 at BeachLife Ranch 2023 – phenomenal!
Over the weekend, more than 26,000 music enthusiasts flocked to the festival grounds, marking a significant 25% increase from the previous year. The event kicked off with a historic moment as Devon Allman and Donovan Frankenreiter electrified the audience, breaking the World Record for the fastest time to play a concert in all 50 states. Their achievement was acknowledged with plaques and custom Gibson guitars, underscoring their monumental feat. This festival is one for the books!
Devon Alman and Donavon Frankenreiter – photo by Fabien Castro
BeachLife Ranch, founded by Allen Sanford, encapsulates the spirit of Southern California’s cowboy surfer lifestyle. It’s not just a music festival; it’s a celebration of nature, friendship, and community. For those who grew up in the region, BeachLife Ranch embodies the joy of spending days exploring trails, followed by sunset BBQs and tunes—a true testament to the love and respect for the outdoors, friends, and music.
Shooter Jennings – photo by JP Cordero
The festival’s eclectic lineup boasted music legends such as Jack Johnson, Brad Paisley, The Doobie Brothers, Wynonna Judd, Cody Jinks, and The Avett Brothers, among others. Notable acts like Shooter Jennings’ Revival, Blackberry Smoke, Shakey Graves, and Chris Isaak graced the stages, delivering unforgettable performances that resonated with the crowd.
Chris Isaac – photo by Fabien Castro
Saturday’s anticipation reached a crescendo as artists like Joe Purdy, The Brothers Comatose, Larkin Poe, and Keb’ Mo’ took the stage, followed by an electrifying jam session featuring Sara Watkins, Cody Jinks, and others, paying homage to The Highwaymen. Wynonna Judd’s powerhouse performance and The Doobie Brothers’ iconic hits further heightened the festival’s energy.
The grand finale on Sunday featured memorable sets from Miles Miller, Amanda Shires, Dustbowl Revival, and Yola. The Marshall Tucker Band set the mid-afternoon vibe, paving the way for the crowd-pleasing performance by Brad Paisley, who stunned fans with his musical prowess and engaging interactions.
The Brothers Comatose – photo by Fabien Castro
Beyond the music, BeachLife Ranch provided a gastronomic adventure, showcasing delectable offerings from renowned chefs and local eateries. Attendees also enjoyed immersive art installations, line dancing, karaoke, and gourmet treats from King’s Hawaiian and other partners. VIP and Outlaw guests experienced elevated luxury with private cabanas, premium cocktails from Don Julio Rosado Tequila, and exclusive viewing decks.
Central to BeachLife Ranch’s ethos was their commitment to community welfare. The festival partnered with local and national nonprofits, including the Redondo Beach Police Foundation, Fisher House Foundation, Kings Care Foundation, and the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, conducting a silent auction with proceeds benefitting these causes.
Jack Daniels – photo by JP Cordero
In a quote from BeachLife founder Allen Sanford, he expressed his gratitude, echoing the sentiments of countless festival-goers: “This time, I didn’t need to come up with a quote because our friend Brad Paisley phrased it perfectly—that [BeachLife] was the coolest festival he’d ever seen. Thank you to our artists, our community, and all of our staff who made this possible.”
BeachLife Ranch was made possible thanks to its partners, including Subaru Pacific, King’s Hawaiian, 21 Seeds Tequila, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and many others.
Feature photo: Brad Paisley – photo: JP Cordero
