By the time Olivia Rodrigo hit the stage to headline the inaugural Daisy Chain Fields festival, the sun had set on a sweltering day, and anyone who was fading was sure to feel reenergized both from a welcome breeze and from Rodrigo’s set. The superstar had promised special guests, and she delivered, bringing out Lilith Fair founder Sarah McLachlan, whose groundbreaking Nineties fest served as inspiration for Daisy Chain; Alanis Morisette, who stepped in for Karen O after she had a family emergency; and Stevie Nicks. “I feel like I’m dreaming,” Rodrigo told the crowd at Great Park in Irvine, California. “This is the best day of my fuckin’ life!”
It certainly felt like the best dream ever for the crowd of mostly women and girls at the festival, which sold out in 30 minutes. The stacked lineup included trailblazers who inspired generations of women to pick up guitars, on-the-rise bands, and pop stars primed to meet the moment. Like Lilith Fair, the all-day celebration was more than just a music festival: It was an inclusive and much-needed gathering — uniting music fans while supporting important causes.
The day before the festival, Rodrigo talked about its philanthropic aims. “It’s a real honor to announce that we are donating $10 million to be given directly to these 10 nonprofit partners that you just had the pleasure of hearing about,” Rodrigo said at a press conference attended by 10 organizations that advocate for women and girls and were participating in the festival.
