The Oceans Calling Fest 2023
In Ocean City Maryland on Sep 29-30 & Oct 1st.
Pics By Raton Rockero for Horas Rockeras Radio Program.
Day One at O.C.F
Day 1 coverage begins with the band “Michigander”. A band recently arriving from a tour abroad but showing no signs of Jet Lag or tiredness. They brought a great alternative sound with surprisingly catchy choruses and atmosphere. The 2nd band photographed was “Peach Pit”, another Canadien Band who caught some off guard with a calm start that quickly built into a mad fury of wild stage head banging & dancing, which I personally enjoyed as did others in the audience. A Fun and unexpected performance for those unfamiliar with them. “Toad the Wet Sprocket” was classic, solid and a memorable journey into youth for some, but a band still introducing new music. “Slightly Stupid” was the perfect beach band with their cool breeze sound and smooth beach vibe to compliment the location, a perfect compliment with a drink and a wave. “Third Eye Blind” was a also a journey to the past & present. Showcasing one of a couple of amazing guitarists on stage complimenting the warm vocals and catchy memorable melodies. Well, How best to describe Alanis Morissette on stage would be to first describe her amazing energy and spirit. She was a marathon in a bottle, belting out Hit after Hit and being as gracious with the audience, thanking them sincerely for their support & love. Her voice & energy, as amazing as ever, & a challenge to photograph. The last act I caught that night was the local favorite and the inspiration for the Oceans Calling Fest, O.A.R. The love they brought forth to their set, was only equal to the love given back by the fans who truly appreciated their songs, performance and effort to help bring the Festival into a reality. Excellent performance.
Pics and Article by Raton Rockero for Horas Rockeras. Images Protected through copyright, with permission by the Oceans Calling Festival Organizers.
Oceans Calling Festival Day 2
Probably the Busiest Day of the three, covering the first band of the day “The New Respects”. This band is everything we love about youth, Funk, Rock and Soul. Lots of groove, exciting guitars and Bass, complimented by a strong and charismatic vocal performance. Mike Campbell & the Dirty Knobs had a strong resemblance to such bands as Tom Petty & the Heart Breakers mixed in with the Black Crowes. Totally California Rock vibe and a terrific presence and sound. The Gin Blossoms were the total past & present Act sharing familiar tunes and some new ones, showcasing probably one of a few amazing guitarist on stage who was fun to watch. Totally brought their Best to the fest. Dispatch reminded me of their song “Only the Wild Ones” with a wild and raw look complimented by a fun and wild sound. Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals was a nice break in the afternoon with a smooth and soulful Live vibe to compliment their catalog of amazing hits. Well, Jimmy Eat World was Redbull in a bottle, That was as aggressive a performance as I’ve seen in a while, making it hard to concentrate on photography. With a sound and presence, completely deserving of the bigger stage than the one they were given. So we come to Incubus, Probably the band that represents the Genre we love and share the most on our Radio Program. They were Everything I expected and had the best performance in my book at this Festival. The Sounds, lighting, vibe, instrumentation and pure vocal magic presented, would’ve been the perfect ending that night, as was not the case. Incubus was awesome.
Pics and Article by Raton Rockero for Horas Rockeras. Images Protected through copyright, with permission by the Oceans Calling Festival Organizers.
Oceans Calling Festival Day 3
Due to travel Obligations, Day 3 was the regrettably the least covered day of the 3, with only 2 bands to present on our web page. As a side note, though he was not photographed, Artist “Patrick Martin” was a sensational 1st act to start Sunday, we wish him lots of success and more opportunities to preset himself, as we hope you can check him & his Music out. Well “Robert Randolph” was a terrific early afternoon act with a funky, blues and Rap performance that had the largest earliest crowd of the weekend, in attendance, dancing and grooving to him and his bands hip songs. With with his stylish guitar, hat & outfit, you could see a little Bo Diddley spirit in him. Fitz & the Tantrums had a terrific dance and alternative performance which had the afternoon audience dancing and singing along. I was grateful to have caught their act, even if it was my last of the Festival. I’ll finish this article by thank the staff of O.C.F. and my fellow photographers for their friendly and supportive presence. Plus acknowledging their professional attitude & presence as they braved the elements, large and dense crowds, tough terrain and long hours. Most are volunteers, with a sincere love for the craft and the bands they cover, as I do.
Pics and Article by Raton Rockero for Horas Rockeras. Images Protected through copyright, with permission by the Oceans Calling Festival Organizers.
