OREGON is Calling US

Life makes time the most valuable resource, that or fresh water. Anyhow, let me confirm my love for California. I love California, its topography, coastal climates, and geographic beauty intoxicate. I was married in California and have lived, thus far, most of my adult life there. I have a soft spot for The Bay Area, especially north of Golden Gate. Mr. Salty, Pip and Wanda were all born in California. Although Salty left the state with us on more than one occasion, the two little ladies have only known their homeland since the jump. I will always speak and think fondly of the Golden State. Now the page is turning as we migrate to a place that's been calling us for two years.

Oregon's the only Pacific state I have not called home; here we come. The sirens of the PNW sing sweetly. The massive cost of living in wine country, and the onslaught of too many people, has created less than favorable changes. With that said, our roots grew deep into the fertile soils of Sonoma County due to hard work, creativity and love. We have lifelong friends and were fortunate enough to immerse ourselves into the intricate communities of west county and beyond. My fellings are a mixture of excitement and wonderment. This transition will be greatly assisted by a growth in both personal and professional skills (knowing more about myself and what makes me tick). It also helps to have savings. I'm so good with this decision. The only chance we're taking, is whether or not we take the chance...

...to the golden hour

...to county paradiso

Oregon has been calling us and now we've committed to listening.

eightychoices.

California Festivals

All across the Country we look forward to spring and summer for many reasons. I feel blessed to call California home. Something that brings out the masses quite literally, is the plethora of music-driven festivals dotting our Nation throughout the year. This post focuses on the array of happenings that will take place right here in beautiful California. The Golden State is boundless in its ability to captivate. Below is just a small sample of the festivals catching my eyes, and ears, with a handful of selections. Click the links for full lineups and details. Whether or not we all attend is another story. Spring has been gorgeous thus far, here's to summer's steady approach, and its chance to up the ante.

Enjoy the warm months,

Bottle Rock | May 30-June 1 | Napa Valley CA
*TV On the Radio, *The Black Angels, Weezer, De La Soul, Ben Sollee, Thee Oh Sees, & Outkast (I'm not so sure after Coachella)

Sierra Nevada World Music | June 20-22 | Boonville CA
*Seun Kuti, Sly & *Robbie, Barrington Levy, Ozomatli

Kate Wolf | June 27-29 | Laytonville CA
*Garth Hudson w/ his sister Maud, *The Wood Brothers, Playing for Change Band, Poor Man's Whiskey (Allman Brothers & Old and In the Way), Patchy Sanders, Anne & Pete Sibley

High Sierra | July 3-6 | Quincy CA
*STS9, *Darkwave, *Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, *Carolina Chocolate Drops, Lord Huron, Trampled By Turtles, Hard Working Americans, The Budos Band, Widespread Panic, The Del McCoury Band & the Travelin' McCoury's

Reggae on the River | July 31-August 3 | Humboldt Co. CA
*Alpha Blondy & the Solar System, *Third World, Jimmy Cliff, Israel Vibration

Outside Lands | August 8-10 | Golden Gate Park | SF
*Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, *Ray Lamontagne, *Lykke Li, *Jenny Lewis, *Phosphorescent, The Killers, Macklemore, Death Cab for Cutie, *Flaming Lips, Spoon, Atmosphere, Tegan & Sara, Haim, Chromeo, Local Natives, Tycho, Nicki Bluhm, Dum Dum Girls

First City | August 23-24 | Monterey CA
*Best Coast, *Beck, The National, Phantogram, Tokyo Police Club, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Dawes

Russian River Jazz & Blues | September 20-21 | Guernville CA
Gary Clark Jr., Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings,

Treasure Island | October 18-19 | San Francisco Bay
Save the date, the line up has yet to be revealed. Those with an * are my must sees.

eightychoices.