Field of Dreamz Festival: Pepper, DENM & Stephen Marley Shine at Petco Park

Pepper’s Kaleo Wassman jamming midset.

The inaugural Field of Dreamz Festival at Petco Park got off to an incredible start, bringing together some of the biggest names in reggae, reggae rock, and island music for a day filled with positive vibes and unforgettable performances.

Pepper delivered one of the most energetic sets of the day, treating fans to a collection of fan favorites including "Give It Up," "Bring Me Along," and "No Control." The Kona-born band reflected on their journey from Hawaii to San Diego in the late 1990s, sharing stories about their early days and expressing gratitude for the fans and reggae community that have supported them throughout their career. Their message of love, appreciation, and unity resonated throughout the crowd. As always, Pepper's high-energy performance and infectious stage presence made for an unforgettable set.

Pepper pumping up the crowd.

It was my first time seeing DENM live, and he did not disappoint. Blending punk influences with reggae rock grooves, DENM showcased his impressive musicianship throughout the performance. His guitar work was especially impressive, with smooth, flowing solos that kept the crowd engaged from start to finish. The band's saxophone player added another dynamic layer to the sound, helping create a laid-back yet powerful atmosphere. Fans sang along to favorites like "My Wave" and "Life's 2 Short," making it clear why DENM continues to build such a passionate following.

DENM performing at Field of Dreamz Festival.

The momentum continued with a standout performance from Stephen Marley. A reggae legend in his own right, Marley drew from his extensive catalog with songs like "Break Us Apart" while also paying tribute to his father, Bob Marley, with classics including "Could You Be Loved," "Is This Love," and "Buffalo Soldier." The vocals were outstanding, and the band's musicianship was equally impressive. The powerful combination of drums, keys, and bass had fans dancing and jumping throughout the set, creating one of the festival's most memorable moments.

Stephen Marley singing at Field of Dreamz Festival. Photo credit: Craig Rice

The inaugural Field of Dreamz Festival delivered exactly what reggae fans were hoping for: great music, positive energy, and a strong sense of community. Stay tuned for our next festival recap as we cover more standout performances from an unforgettable day at Petco Park.

By CB.