It’s been about a year since Jack Johnson played Farm Aid 2015, and that was the last time he stepped foot on an American stage until now…and if ever there was a stage designed for the likes of Jack Johnson, it is the San Diego exclusive…KAABOO Del Mar and one of the largest stages in the world! The transformation of this racetrack to a beach-like atmosphere, with sand and turf wrapping around each of the main stages, just screams island vibe with the relaxed feel that goes along with it. This festival is happening, but the overall chill factor is echoed by the likes of Jack Johnson and his “jeans and sandals” kind of way. The Sunset Cliffs stage saw Jack on the final night of this three-day mix-perience.
The nearly 6’ tall man casually meandered out on stage, strumming his guitar and smile perpetually placed on his face, as thousands of elated guests erupted in applause and cheers. This crowd knew all the words to the 2008 “If I Had Eyes” as Johnson played and crooned his way through tune after tune. The love-song guru had every woman, and guy for that matter, mesmerized by his confident sway and smooth baritone voice, garnering voices from the crowd during fan favorites like “Bubble Toes” and “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing,” including myself…how could you not sing along to these songs? The beauty in his songs is the simplicity of the sounds he combines and the earworm hooks he creates, you’re meant to sing along!
Not to be outdone by himself, Jack repeatedly pad homage to those musicians he has worked with, including having surfing buddy, Cardiff’s own Rob Machado, joining him onstage for “Breakdown.” The man oozes love and respect, so much so that you can’t help but smile in his presence.
Fellow guitarist and performing earlier that day himself at KAABOO, Donavon Frankenreiter, jumped onstage to play guitar for a few tracks, including a Steve Miller Band cover ”The Joker.” Trading places with him later in the set was G. Love with his harmonica and guitar; the drummer for the Special Sauce (usually they go together…G. love & Special Sauce) Jeffrey “The Houseman” Clemens joined the myriad of musicians on stage at one point with Johnson letting the crowd know he could tell the difference in the percussive styling’s without having to even turn around. It almost seemed like he was getting set to bring out his entire record label on stage with him.
Jack was certainly the star of the night as thousands packed in to catch a glimpse of the Hawaiian surfer-turned-musician; however, he had no problem sharing the stage. During his encore he invited The Avett Brothers on stage with him, as well as any other musician that was still hanging around from KAABOO that day. Why not, it was the last night of the festival and Jack is a generous guy. “Better Together” was sung by thousands of festivalgoers while multiple musicians, from a wide variety of genres, played together. It was the closest to peace on Earth I’ve had in a while.
Big Jon / BackStage360
