The Jarvis Lounge

Ohana Fest

Ohana Festival in Dana Point, CA, announced the lineup for their three day event later this fall. If you’ve never been, this event is relatively smaller, with two main stages. If I remember correctly, there wasn’t overlap between acts, so you can catch everyone if you’re willing to pivot between stages. A few immediate thoughts:

• Stevie Nicks is headlining a few fests this year (including Bonnaroo and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage). She canceled her shows last year due to the pandemic.
• Jack White just released a new album last week, so his name is appearing on festival lineups also.
• This is P!nk‘s second headlining spot this year, after Bottlerock next month.
• Billy Strings is still one of the amazing acts I need to see live.
• Dublin’s Inhaler is fronted by Bono’s (U2) son, Elijah Hewson. They’re another act I missed out recently when they were in LA. Sidenote: as I type this, there are rumors online that he was arrested for accidental manslaughter. No confirmation yet.
• Acts I wouldn’t mind seeing: Khruangbin, Brittany Howard, Gang of Youths, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Cautious Clay, Billy Strings, Inhaler, Curtis Harding, Noga Erez, Y La Bamba, St. Vincent, Broken Social Scene, and Bomba Estereo.
• Tickets are available here, though VIP are sold out. Three-day GA passes are $450 before fees; single-day passes are $159 before fees.

Coachella Updates

Weekend 1 of Coachella starts today, after a bumpy year leading up to it. Here’s some recent info:

1. Set times for Weekend 1 were not released until yesterday afternoon. Apparently, there was a good reason for the delay. After scanning the set times for Friday, fans quickly realized that Arcade Fire was added to the schedule at 6:45pm tonight at the Mojave stage. I was simultaneously excited when I saw this, and then disappointed since they’re not scheduled for Weekend 2. They last headlined Coachella in 2014, but they have a new album out May 6. Here’s the song from the upcoming album they’ve already released

2. According to TMZ, Justin Bieber is going to appear with Daniel Caesar for their rendition of “Peaches.” Bieber appeared at the last Coachella in 2019 during Weekend 2, alongside Ariana Grande.

3. If you’re like me, and not at the polo fields this weekend, you can take part in Couchella, and stream a number of sets from home. Here’s the link for the YouTube page and here’s the schedule for the three days.
4. Members of ODESZA, and Diplo are there this weekend, but there’s no confirmation of performances from either of them. Given Diplo’s history there, there’s a good chance he’ll be performing at some point.

The JarFIVE

1. Sault – Air – With the latest offering from the enigmatic British group, Sault caught me off guard, both with timing and style. Their two album releases in 2020 were at the top of my spins [Untitled (Rise) and Untitled (Black Is)]. While their previous releases were a mix of rhythm and blues, funk, house, and disco, this new set is largely orchestral and choral. And I’m here for it. I love the fact that they’re possibly confounding people with this release. Here’s a link to their music on Bandcamp, and previews on Spotify.

2. Bandsplain – Radiohead Pts 1 & 2 – Hosted by Yasi Salek, I recently discovered this podcast. Each episode (or in this case, two episodes) focuses on a band or artist that requires an explanation for non-fans. You know, those artists that non-fans cannot understand why anyone would like? Naturally, Radiohead required two episodes, and I’m finishing up episode 2. I love Radiohead, so this is perfect for my walks. The most recent episode highlights Rilo Kiley. Favorite music nerd moment: Her guest Cole Cuchna explains how the song “2+2=5” lyrically matches up with the notes Thom Yorke sings. I can’t wait for the Dave Matthews Band episode, because without even looking, I’m sure it exists.

3. Alicia Blue – new single “Dog Days in LA” out on April 29th. On the heels of a tour that included SXSW last month, I’m looking forward to singer/songwriter Alicia Blue’s new music . I first saw her live last year at Hotel Cafe, but I’m overdue for another show soon. Be sure to give her a follow on Instagram.

4. Swedish House Mafia – Paradise Again – With their Coachella return set for Sunday with The Weeknd, this album is set to hype up SHM fans, as well as skeptics who may not be as excited for their return.

5. Lizzo – “About Damn Time” – With an album release slated for July 15, there’s excitement over the follow up to “Cuz I Love You.” This first cut has that r&b/disco groove we’ve come to expect from her, with her repeated mantra of “I’m coming out tonight….” It’s okay, ‘it’s bad bitch o’clock.’

Unless otherwise indicated, all photos of artists performing were taken by me. Here is an ongoing playlist of new music I have on rotation, along with a playlist of groove music (house/lounge/chill).