Tens of thousands of music enthusiasts gathered at Great Park in Irvine, California, last weekend to enjoy live performances by their favorite artists. The event, known as Daisy Chain Fields, aimed to support women’s health, reproductive rights, and the fight against gender-based violence. Organized by pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, this charity festival followed the trail of the iconic Lilith Fair from the 1990s by featuring an all-female lineup.
The festival showcased a mix of emerging and established stars, including queer pop artist Chappell Roan, rapper Doechii, and legendary punk and rock bands like Bikini Kill and Garbage. Before the event kicked off on Saturday, Rodrigo announced that they had raised $10 million for the festival’s ten non-profit partners, such as Planned Parenthood and the National Institute for Reproductive Health. This amount was later matched by Melinda French Gates, doubling the total funds raised to $20 million.
Rodrigo had initially unveiled plans for the festival back in June, emphasizing that all performers would participate for free, with proceeds going to charities supporting women and girls. The festival also featured special guest appearances, with Alanis Morissette stepping in for Karen O to perform her hit song “Ironic” with Rodrigo, generating cheers from the audience. Sarah McLachlan, the founder of Lilith Fair, also graced the stage alongside Rodrigo for several performances.
The name “Daisy Chain” was chosen by Rodrigo to symbolize unity and strength derived from individual components coming together. Against the backdrop of ongoing challenges to reproductive rights in the U.S., the festival took on added significance, with the current administration’s policies facing legal challenges from more than 20 states.
The event, which featured a diverse lineup of 14 artists, received praise from attendees for its inclusive and vibrant atmosphere. Beyond the music, festival-goers could explore various art installations and engage with activist groups like the Guerrilla Girls. Despite the scorching temperatures, attendees like Chase Martinez described the festival as the “best ever,” highlighting the sense of community and shared purpose among participants.
Reflecting on the success of the festival, non-profit partners expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and solidarity. Sonya Passi from FreeFrom and the Center for Reproductive Rights both lauded the event as a powerful statement of unity and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges to women’s rights.
The Daisy Chain Fields festival not only entertained audiences but also served as a platform for advocacy and philanthropy, demonstrating the enduring power of music to inspire positive change.