Amid the intense SoCal heat, the inaugural Daisy Chain Fields music festival attracted tens of thousands to Irvine’s Great Park on Saturday. Founded and announced by Olivia Rodrigo in June, the festival boasted a massive all-female-fronted artist lineup, along with various brand activations and local vendors. The proceeds went towards funding organizations that support various women’s rights.
Quiet Light kicked things off on the Marigold Stage, captivating the audience with an intimate set. She was accompanied on stage by two ballet dancers and a one-man band. Eli’s performance followed on the Dandelion Stage, where her candid stage persona charmed the audience. She also took full advantage of the stage’s background projectors, as nostalgic 2000s and 2010s imagery garnered cheers during her set.
The first massive crowd came for Rachel Chinouriri’s set, where she played fan favorites from her debut album What a Devastating Turn of Events and previewed tracks from her upcoming album I think I spoke too soon. Other impressive artists during the afternoon included Mitski, Santigold, Die Spitz, Bikini Kill, The Breeders, Not for Radio and Devon Again, with the latter being a last-minute substitute for Katseye.
Garbage seemed aware of their status as an older act among a younger-skewing lineup. But they embraced it during their lively set, eager to crowd-please. Frontwoman Shirley Manson called it a privilege and an honor to headline among younger artists, and showed further graciousness towards their technician when a minor issue forced the band to restart a song.
Doechii’s charisma overflowed during her early evening performance, for which she painted her body pink. She rapped with grit and strutted across the stage with gravitas, but was also unafraid to show excitement on stage and get the crowd excited with her. From her set onwards, the Dandelion Stage was the place to be.
Chappell Roan consistently gives her all when she performs, and this was no exception. Roan gave by far the best solo set of the day, playing many of her hits and even utilizing pyrotechnics during her final two songs. Even when she gave her voice a break, she never let it affect her stage presence, and it allowed her to vocally soar in the places it mattered most.
But Rodrigo’s headlining set proved to be the main event. A near-perfect setlist, including the live debut of her commemorative track “serena joy,” served as a conduit to showcase her boundless energy on stage. She also sounded great alongside her special guests; in addition to the previously announced Sarah McLachlan and Stevie Nicks, Rodrigo surprised attendees by bringing out Melinda French Gates and Alanis Morissette, the latter replacing Karen O.
Both McLachlan and Nicks heaped praise onto Rodrigo for her efforts in creating the festival. McLachlan, who founded Daisy Chain Fields’s precursor Lilith Fair, duetted two songs with Rodrigo, including a performance of “Angel” in tribute to Dolly Parton. Nicks helped Rodrigo close out the festival with “Landslide,” with her voice sounding as poignant as it did during Fleetwood Mac’s heyday.
Outside of music, fans flocked to the myriad of food trucks, art installations and craft booths, all literally situated in between performances. Rodrigo confirmed at the end of her set that Daisy Chain Fields is planned to become an annual event, so fans can hopefully look forward to the event becoming a permanent safe space for women in Irvine, supporting more female musicians, artists, and business owners.