Sound Waves on the Shore

Jamie Whitten ‘26

Senior Staff Writer

“Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” That’s exactly what festival-goers did the weekend of September 29th through October 1st for Oceans Calling’s inaugural event in Ocean City, Maryland. The festival was supposed to happen last year from the 30th to the 2nd, but Hurricane Ian’s unfortunate weather nipped it in the bud. The lineup consisted of artists including Alanis Morissette, Third Eye Blind, O.A.R., Weezer, and many more. Beyond the music, the festival consisted of countless local Ocean City venues including Thrasher’s French Fries, Atlantic Gold, Beachology and countless other places to eat and explore.

The festival began with Toad the Wet Sprocket, an alternative rock band that’s been performing live for almost forty years now. They began their set with “Come Down,” the first single from their 1997 Columbia Records success Coil. The set featured some other exciting moments, like when bassist Dean Dinning joined touring drummer Carl Thompson for a drum solo and when lead guitarist Todd Nichols switched his guitar out for a mandolin for a few songs.

Third Eye Blind was up next, and they put on one thrill of a show. From singer Stephen Jenkins’ classy jumpsuit to the energy of the rest of the band, it truly was a great experience. The band plowed through classic hits from their first album including “Graduate,” “Narcolepsy,” and the ever-so-popular “Semi-Charmed Life” as well as songs from their previous few releases and a couple covers. Jenkins mentioned the band was working on a new EP and were almost finished, except for the fact that he needed to finish the lyrics. He also teased about an upcoming tour in which the band “would play three hours instead of one.” Towards the end of Third Eye Blind’s set, people started racing over to watch the start of Grammy winning artist Alanis Morissette.

Jagged Little Pill, Morissette’s third studio album, has sold more than 33 million copies worldwide including 16 million in the United States. She played from 6:45-8:15, entertaining the crowd with songs from Jagged Little Pill. O.A.R., Rockville Maryland natives played after Alanis and continued to spread their messages of peace and love into the night including the almost nine minute “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker” from The Wanderer, their 1997 debut. Finally, Jack Johnson finished off the night with his mellow tunes, jamming with his band both on the acoustic guitar and piano.

The overall environment of the festival was fantastic, from beach food to people singing along to their favorite songs, it’s safe to say no one let the dreary weather get the best of them. The transportation, however, was a different story. No one was happy with the transportation. The festival was entertaining with a few minor issues. Let’s hope the weather will be on their side next year.