Tens of thousands of music enthusiasts gathered at Great Park in Irvine, California, last weekend to enjoy live performances by their favorite artists at a groundbreaking event aimed at supporting women’s health, reproductive rights, and combating gender-based violence.
Daisy Chain Fields, a charitable music festival led by popular singer Olivia Rodrigo, was inspired by the iconic Lilith Fair from the 1990s and featured an all-female lineup. The festival showcased a mix of established and emerging stars, including Chappell Roan, Doechii, Bikini Kill, and Garbage.
Before the festival kicked off, Rodrigo announced that they had raised $10 million for the event’s ten nonprofit partners, such as Planned Parenthood and the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. Melinda French Gates then matched this amount, bringing the total funds raised to $20 million.
Rodrigo had unveiled the festival plans back in June on social media, promising that all proceeds would support organizations advocating for women and girls. The event featured special performances, including a rendition of “Landslide” with Stevie Nicks and a surprise appearance by Alanis Morissette, who sang “Ironic” with Rodrigo, making a lyric change that resonated with the audience.
Other highlights of the festival included appearances by Lilith Fair founder Sarah McLachlan, who performed alongside Rodrigo and praised the event’s mission. The festival’s name, “Daisy Chain,” symbolized unity and strength in coming together for a common cause.
Against the backdrop of ongoing challenges to reproductive rights in the U.S., Rodrigo and fellow artists used the platform to advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. As the festival unfolded, attendees enjoyed not just music but also various art installations and exhibits, including a tribute to the Riot Grrrl movement.
Reflecting on the festival’s impact, attendees like Chase Martinez described it as a transformative experience, noting the positive atmosphere and sense of community. The event’s nonprofit partners expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in advancing gender equality and women’s rights.