Tens of thousands of music enthusiasts gathered at Great Park in Irvine, California, last weekend to enjoy performances from their favorite artists at a charity festival supporting women’s health, reproductive rights, and the end of gender-based violence.
The Daisy Chain Fields festival, organized by pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, mirrored the iconic Lilith Fair from the 1990s by featuring an all-female lineup. The event showcased a mix of established and emerging talents, including queer pop artist Chappell Roan and rapper Doechii, alongside legendary punk and rock acts like Bikini Kill and Garbage.
Before the festival kicked off on Saturday, Rodrigo announced a remarkable achievement of raising $10 million for the event’s ten non-profit partners, such as Planned Parenthood and the National Institute for Reproductive Health. This amount was then generously matched by Melinda French Gates, doubling the total funds raised to $20 million.
Rodrigo unveiled the festival back in June, emphasizing that all proceeds from the event would go towards charities supporting the advancement of women and girls. The festival featured special performances, including Rodrigo singing “Landslide” with Stevie Nicks and a surprise appearance by Alanis Morissette, who sang a modified version of her hit song “Ironic” alongside Rodrigo.
The festival also saw a collaboration between Rodrigo and Sarah McLachlan, the founder of Lilith Fair, who graced the stage for several songs. Rodrigo explained that the festival’s name, “Daisy Chain,” symbolizes unity and strength in coming together for a common cause.
Against the backdrop of ongoing challenges to reproductive rights in the U.S., the festival served as a beacon of hope and solidarity. Attendees were treated to a diverse lineup of 14 artists, including Mitski, Santigold, and The Breeders, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the event.
In addition to the musical performances, attendees could engage with various art installations, including a LEGO mural and exhibits tracing the Riot Grrrl movement. Notable activist groups like Guerrilla Girls added their unique touch to the festival, sparking thought-provoking messages on giant chalkboards.
Despite the scorching temperatures reaching over 33°C, festival-goers like Chase Martinez described Daisy Chain Fields as a transformative experience and praised the inclusive and supportive atmosphere. Martinez highlighted the philanthropy village, where attendees could learn about the work of different non-profits and engage in meaningful conversations.
The festival’s success resonated with its non-profit partners, who expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. Sonya Passi from FreeFrom emphasized the significance of community and care amid ongoing challenges to women’s rights, while the Center for Reproductive Rights echoed sentiments of unity and strength in the face of adversity following the festival.
Daisy Chain Fields left a lasting impact on both attendees and participants, showcasing the power of music and activism in driving positive change and unity.