A Luau with Eddie Vedder and Surfing Greats? Count Us In

DANA POINT, CA—Ohana means family, and for ocean lovers Eddie Vedder and Kelly Slater, it was a natural fit to join the first ever beach front music festival in Orange County. There's no better way to start a weekend music festival than a private Ohana Luau fundraiser for the San Onofre Parks Foundation they both love.

When approached by event producers at Synergy Global Entertainment, both Vedder and surfing legend Kelly Slater took the opportunity to be involved in the event that is all about the ocean, surfing and the culture that melds the two.

"Eddie is a big surfer, Kelly Slater, Greg Long are both big wave surfers," stated John Reese of SGE. "The ocean connection is what this event is all about."

A portion of the proceeds from the three day concert will benefit the San Onofre Parks Foundation. The non-profit works with California State Parks in the development, preservation and enhancement of the recreational experience of California's unique coastal parks.

Kelly Slater and Greg Long will both speak on behalf of the foundation whose mission is to preserve the coast and history for which both surfers treasure.

Friday night, August 26, will see this exclusive gala affair California style at the Laguna Niguel Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point. The exclusive Ohana Luau with private performances by Eddie Vedder, and hosted by "The Roast Master" himself, comedian Jeff Ross with a select group of surprise appearances. Dinner, music, entertainment and fundraising will be the order of the Ohana Luau in an intimate family experience.

"The luau will include dinner, drinks, live entertainment and laughs," Reese said. A live auction, emcee'd by Ross, will feature surfing memorabilia, themed gift packages, and more according to Reese. "Kelly Slater's signed surfboard, his competition rash guard, as well as an Eddie Vedder autographed guitar, and many more surf related items will be auctioned," he said.

Decor for the luau will be provided by the Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center, which has lent priceless surfboards from the collection to be put on display for the Ohana Luau event.

Though the Ohana Luau has a limited number of tickets available--500 tickets to be precise--the two day Ohana Music Festival is expected to enjoy crowds up to 20,000 people at Doheny State Beach. Grand stands have been brought in, there will be seating on the grass, and some in the sand, according to Reese. Security, transportation, parking and shuttles have all been considered in the months of event planning that have gone into this festival that will be "Coachella-like" on the beach.

"The entire weekend is focused, and centered around the beach and the ocean," Reese said. "

The debut of the first Ohana Festival -- starting Saturday, Aug. 27, will feature live musical performances by Eddie Vedder, Lana Del Rey, Elvis Costello, Band of Horses, and a full list of musical artists produced by Synergy Global Entertainment of Orange County.

For more information, visit: www.theohanafest.com

For more information on the Ohana Luau, visit: luau.theohanafest.com