Day 3 of the Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City, Maryland, on Sunday, September 29, 2024, began under overcast skies but quickly transformed into a sunny day by the time the first act took the stage. Throughout the afternoon, the weather remained partly cloudy and comfortable, making it an ideal setting for the day’s performances. As the sun set, a pleasant breeze cooled the crowd, creating the perfect atmosphere for the evening headliners.
Stephen Kellogg Kicks Off with a Personal Touch The day started with an intimate performance by singer-songwriter Stephen Kellogg at 12:30 p.m. Kellogg made his set feel personal, starting with a wireless microphone in the audience, greeting festivalgoers before hopping onto the stage. His set featured a mix of solo tracks and songs from his time with the Sixers, including “High Highs, Low Lows,” “4th of July,” and “Sweet Sophia.” A particularly touching moment came with his acoustic rendition of Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me,” which set the tone for a heartfelt day of performances.
Jade Bird’s Soulful Set At 1:15 p.m., Jade Bird took the stage and delivered a powerful, intimate acoustic performance. Known for her raw vocal talent, Bird brought a blend of folk and rock, captivating the early afternoon crowd with songs like “Lottery” and “I Get No Joy.” Despite the smaller afternoon audience, Bird’s authenticity and emotional delivery left a lasting impression.
Rock Vibes with Big Head Todd and Guster By 2:00 p.m., the festival was starting to pick up energy with Big Head Todd and the Monsters bringing their bluesy rock sound to the stage. Their set was a laid-back yet engaging performance, featuring hits like “Bittersweet” and “Broken Hearted Savior,” which complemented the partly sunny weather perfectly.
At 2:45 p.m., festivalgoers were treated to dual performances from Guster and Lisa Loeb. Guster brought their alternative rock sound to life with tracks like “Amsterdam” and “One Man Wrecking Machine,” while Lisa Loeb provided a nostalgic, acoustic set that included classics like “Stay (I Missed You)” and “Do You Sleep?” Loeb’s intimate, unplugged style resonated with long-time fans, while Guster’s high-energy set kept the mood lively.
Blues Traveler and Barenaked Ladies Elevate the Afternoon The energy continued to build as the afternoon progressed with performances from Blues Traveler and Barenaked Ladies. Blues Traveler, who took the stage at 3:45 p.m., delivered a powerful set that featured harmonica-heavy tracks like “Run-Around” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Their signature blend of rock and blues kept the crowd engaged, especially with covers like Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.”
At 4:45 p.m., Barenaked Ladies added their signature quirky charm to the lineup. Their setlist included hits like “One Week” and “If I Had $1000000,” as well as fun mashups like “Shake It Off” and Def Leppard’s “Rock of Ages.” Their mix of humor and music created an enjoyable, lighthearted atmosphere as the sun continued to shine.
O.A.R. and Dee Snider Deliver a Special Collaborative Set One of the highlights of the day came during O.A.R.’s performance, which was filled with surprise collaborations. Known for their improvisational style and ability to bring together different artists, O.A.R. took the stage at 4:45 p.m. and invited a series of special guests to join them, creating an unforgettable jam session.
Dee Snider, the legendary frontman of Twisted Sister, joined O.A.R. for a high-energy performance, rocking out to Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.” The crowd erupted as Snider belted out the classic anthems, with O.A.R.’s instrumental backing adding a fresh twist to the iconic songs. The collaboration continued with other guests, including Lisa Loeb and members of Blues Traveler, culminating in an epic finale of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.”
The set also included reggae-infused covers of Bob Marley classics like “Stir It Up” and “Could You Be Loved,” featuring Junior Marvin. O.A.R.’s ability to blend different genres and artists made their performance one of the standout moments of the festival.
Evening Performances: Boyz II Men and Mt. Joy As the sun began to set and a cool breeze settled in, the festival shifted to a smoother, more soulful vibe. Boyz II Men took the stage in the evening, delivering a nostalgic set filled with their signature harmonies. Songs like “End of the Road” and “Motownphilly” had the audience singing along, while their medley of covers, including “Purple Rain” and “American Woman,” showcased their versatility and timeless appeal.
On a nearby stage, Mt. Joy offered a contrasting indie folk sound. Their laid-back set, featuring songs like “Silver Lining” and “Strangers,” provided a mellow counterbalance to the high-energy performances earlier in the day. The cool evening breeze paired perfectly with their reflective and calming music.
Counting Crows and Dave Matthews Band Close Out the Festival As night fell, Counting Crows delivered a captivating performance, starting with “Hard Candy” and moving through fan favorites like “Mr. Jones” and “Rain King.” Frontman Adam Duritz brought Stephen Kellogg and his daughters on stage for a special performance of Kellogg’s “Almost Woke You Up,” creating a heartwarming moment that resonated with the audience. The band closed with “A Long December,” leaving fans on an emotional high as they prepared for the final act of the night.
Closing out the festival was the highly anticipated performance by the Dave Matthews Band at 9:00 p.m. Their setlist included iconic tracks like “Ants Marching” and a cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer.” As always, the band’s extended jams and intricate instrumentals kept the audience on their feet, dancing along to every note. Matthews and his bandmates brought the festival to a triumphant close, leaving the crowd buzzing as they made their way home.
Day 3 of the Oceans Calling Festival delivered everything from intimate acoustic sets to full-blown rock anthems, enhanced by collaborations from artists like Dee Snider. With beautiful weather, a cooling evening breeze, and performances that covered a wide range of genres, the final day of the festival left attendees with unforgettable memories and a perfect end to the weekend.
