Mark Stefanos
Olivia Rodrigo’s first Daisy Chain Fields filled Irvine’s Great Park on Aug. 29 with a sold-out, women-led bill and a clear purpose to put the day’s earnings toward groups that work on behalf of women and girls.
About 45,000 people moved between the Dandelion and Marigold stages in mid-90s heat as sets were timed so audiences did not have to pick one act over another. The bill ran from Quiet Light and Eli through Bikini Kill, The Breeders, Mitski, Doechii, Garbage and Chappell Roan. Devon Again stepped in after KATSEYE withdrew.
Rodrigo closed the night and mid-set brought philanthropist Melinda French Gates onstage. Ticket proceeds had already produced $10 million for 10 partner organizations — Gates matched that figure, lifting the first-year total to $20 million.
The festival was inspired by Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair, and its finale brought Rodrigo together with McLachlan and Stevie Nicks, while Alanis Morissette made a surprise appearance. Rodrigo performed with McLachlan before joining Nicks for “Landslide” and Morissette for “Ironic,” while also giving her new song “serena joy” its live debut.
Between stages, attendees passed art installations and a village of nonprofit booths covering reproductive health, maternal care, economic security and related work. Rodrigo has signaled she wants the festival back next year.