Jack Johnson's Triumphant Return
May 18 2007 / Honolulu, HI
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Johnson returns from a year-long hiatus to host his annual Kokua Festival with friends Eddie Vedder and Matt Costa
Wearing a green t-shirt that read, "Keep Country Country," Jack Johnson ended a year-long vacation by hosting his annual Kokua Festival, which benefits the Kokua Hawaii Foundation.
The year-long hiatus was badly needed for the music and surfing star, who took the time off to rest, relax, and renew the passion and energy that makes Jack Johnson the man he is.
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For this year's Kokua Festival, Jack was joined by fellow musician and surfer Eddie Vedder, who continues to entrench himself in the surfing community. Already good friends with Kelly Slater, Vedder joined the paddle-out ceremony for the Eddie Aikau late last year and is making a name for himself more so these days in the surfing community, rather than the Seattle grunge scene which made him and his band Pearl Jam so famous.
Another one of Jack's good friends (and skateboarding star) Matt Costa joined the festivities as well. And the fans were definitely not disappointed. The two-day festival, held at the Waikiki Shell on Oahu, completely sold out. And the vibe was strong both days, with fans cheerful and vibrant the whole time.
And they were also reminded that the reason for the Kokua Festival isn't just to party and listen to great music. The benefit serves a purpose as a reminder to be continually aware of the environment, and to protect Mother Earth. All the fans who came to see Jack Johnson, Eddie Vedder, Matt Costa and more were forced to take a 10-minute walk through the festival's "Kokua Village" which stresses environmental protection, prior to reaching the main area.
Local high school students meandered through the crowd, picking up garbage and putting it away in plastic bags they were carrying.
All-in-all, the return of Jack Johnson was one of triumph. He played all his biggest hits, the fans reacted accordingly, Eddie Vedder and Matt Costa got the crowd on their feet, and thousands of people enjoyed great music and were educated about environmental friendliness and awareness all at the same time.
This is the impact Jack Johnson has on people. It's good to have you back, Jack.
- Cyrus Saatsaz
