High Sierra

@eightychoices

The best kept secret of music festivals, not just in California, but perhaps the entire U.S. of A., is High Sierra. Hidden in the valley town of Quincy, this year's fest begins on Thursday, June 29th and runs through Sunday, July 2nd. There are a slough of ticket options, ranging from single day to four day, and late night shows that party into the morning sun. It truly is a gem. This year's lineup is heavy on the jam scene, as well as newer artists, whom tend to shine brightest within the friendly confines of the Plumas County fairgrounds. 

If I could only do one day, I'd definitely choose Thursday. Tank and the Bangas kick things off with an early set inside the vaudeville tent, followed later in the day by a diverse collection of acts such as, White Denim, Galactic, and headliner STS9; there's also a late night bender with Dopapod. In case you miss them, three of the aforementioned bands play again on Friday. Ween could be fun to catch Friday night and I'm a big fan of Andrew Bird who plays on Saturday. There are plenty of other bands and some fun things to do while in American Valley. I recommend taking a break to swim in one of the Forks of the Feather River. There are countless creeks that should be full with winter's thaw as well. The clarity of the Feather is legendary and life giving. The parade is a nice distraction too. Bikes are always useful if you have the extra space. Stay hydrated and enjoy a fun-filled summer.

eightychoices.

Silver Anniversary for High Sierra

July 2nd-5th

Most music festivals are in still in their infancy, or maybe their adolescence, not High Sierra—it turns 25 this Fourth of July. Silver anniversaries are a pretty big deal. Here's a quick roundup of the artists I enjoy who've been announced thus far.

The Word (John Medeski, Robert Randolph, Luther Dickinson, Cody Dickinson & Chris Chew), Joe Russo's Almost Dead, Galactic, Shovels & Rope, Lotus, The Wood Brothers, Surprise Me Mr. Davis, The Barr Brothers, Dopapod, and Marco Benevento. 

Quincy, CA is always a gracious host and this year is sure to be no different. Tickets are on sale now. High Sierra begins July 2nd and runs through the 5th. Enjoy.

eightychoices.

anders osborne & stanton mooore

two of the coolest cats to call new orleans home will be teaming up at the hopmonk in sebastopol. the well traveled anders osborne & big easy native, stanton moore, have collaborated in the past & are now on tour together. their show is wednesday night, may 12th.

stanton seems to be everywhere lately, leaving his mark on all sorts albums. garage a trois' newest, power patriot, came out earlier in the year in which he drums along side skerik, mike dillon & marco benevento. he plays in the band dragon smoke, (featuring eric lindell on guitar, ivan neville on the keys & robert mercurio on bass) which made an appearance at the hopmonk back in december & is rumored to be working on an album. then there's the latest installment, ya-ka-may, from the funk machine that is galactic. and yet, amidst all of that creativity he managed to drop his solo record, groove alchemy. not to be outdone, he produced anders' latest record, american patchwork, for alligator records. that's how those who are that gifted roll i guess? thankfully those of us in tune with the true & real music of contemporary america can tap into these artistic treasures. thanks to NOLA for making great music, while preserving & passing down its robust culture through narrators such as these. make it out to the abbey for some killer tunes & fine ales, you don't want to miss this! see you there...

~eightychoices