Beyond the big-name music festivals like Coachella or Stagecoach, the South Bay gets to enjoy a local festival that celebrates music across genres and generations: Beach Life Festival. The festival featured headliners like Duran Duran, The Chainsmokers, James Taylor and The Offspring, attracting a record number of more than 30,000 attendees throughout the weekend, including local students.
With classic ‘80s rock and beachy tunes, Beach Life did a particularly great job at attracting many demographics within the South Bay community, according to senior Riley Beuth.
“I went on the first day, and even within just one night, there were so many doors open for so many different age groups. It was great because everyone knew at least two or three songs from each band. I think they did a great job catering to everyone,” Beuth said. “The Chainsmokers were really fun to see because their songs reminded me of my childhood, and it was a fun DJ set to dance to. They’re what people are listening to now. But it was also great seeing bands like Duran Duran and Grouplove, which were more for the rock scene.”
As many different age demographics were represented, the festival gave way to a better sense of community between students and the adults who were in attendance.
“I thought it was really cool, especially at The Chainsmokers, that the entire group in front of us were older people, and I saw my friend’s parents there having a great time. I think it was interesting to see how many different age groups like this type of music. At Duran Duran, I saw that the age group was mostly older, but everyone was still dancing and having a good time, and it was fun to see that people were actually enjoying themselves and dancing like how [my friends and I] do,” Beuth said.
According to advanced placement Capstone teacher and librarian Cassandra Jones, who also attended the festival this year and many years prior, Beach Life has allowed her to connect with her students beyond academics and rather through music.
“I think that there are some students who go every year with their parents, and this was kind of the first year that a lot of kids were just with their friends, probably because of The Chainsmokers. But it was also just really cool to hear students asking, ‘Oh, will I see you there? Who are you most excited for?’” Jones said. “It was a cool local way to bring people together via music. I feel like people go to different festivals, like Stagecoach and Coachella, but this is in our backyard, so that brings us all together.”
In its sixth year of existence, Beach Life Festival has become an integral aspect of the South Bay’s identity, bringing long-time residents to the beach to enjoy South Bay culture and local businesses.
“It’s the biggest and most fun thing that the community does. Having a Beach Life Festival in our backyard once a year, where you know that everyone you know is going to be there. It’s like a big community party. For us, it means more social interaction with the community. It’s the main reason we do it, because everyone comes together. We might sell some pizzas, but it’s more about interacting with people,” Jay Spangler, owner of local restaurant LoZio Osteria Pizzeria & Bar, said.
Beach Life gives back to the community in numerous ways, not only by providing the South Bay with an opportunity to enjoy live music, but by pouring into local organizations, like Redondo Beach Education Foundation and the Surfrider Foundation, as well as local businesses like Spangler’s.
“Directly after each Beach Life Festival, we have a big increase in sales because everyone wants to come and experience what they had at the festival. The event brings thousands of people to Redondo. I’m sure the hotels are selling out. It raises awareness of what Redondo has to offer. People come from all over the country to go to these shows. So, that’s good for the community all around,” Spangler said.
Compared to other festivals that students typically attend, Beach Life Festival’s localized charm makes the experience seem more authentic and cultivates a signature laid-back atmosphere that makes the festival a stand-out.
“[Beach Life Festival] is just more community-based. Coachella is for influencers, brand deals and all this stuff, but I feel like Beach Life is for the music, and they really want you to just have a good time,” Beuth said. “Because it’s more of a local event, you get to see your community and interact with each other, get local food, use the karaoke booth and you enjoy the time with your friends, instead of just worrying about ‘Okay. I want this picture. I want everyone to see me there.’ You’re actually there for the music, and that’s what was so special about it.”
