Insider’s guide to summer music festivals
By Jonathan Siebrandt
I have been to many music festivals as a performer, fan and even as a volunteer, and am proud to proclaim that few settings rival the Eastern Sierra as a venue site.
Our summers may be a bit on the short side, but are definitely sweet. And this season, in addition to triathlons and birdwatching, the hills are alive with the sound of music!
Let’s dig in.
Blue Sky Festival
When: July 8-10
Where: Cerro Coso College at the Blue Sky Bowl
Tix: Vallitix.com
Web: blueskyfest.com
Harvest Moon Present’s Jim Vanko brings back The Blue Sky Fest celebrating mountain culture. Great music, food, wine and seminars. Blue Sky Fest had the feel of a trustafarian dream come true. What’ll happen now that it’s transformed into jazz orchestras and wine tastings? The Blue Sky Bowl is looking pretty cool, but where am I going to find a collared shirt?
Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee
When: July 13-17
Where: All over town.
Tix: MammothJazz.org or 877.686.5299
Web: MammothJazz.org
Ken and Flossie Coulter started this festival more than 20 years ago to a crowd of 400 that paid $2 a head. Now it’s one of the biggest and most established festivals in the Eastern Sierra … heck, it’s an institution. I snuck into my first Jazz Jubilee on my first night in town back in 2003 just as Gator Beat took the stage. As part of my penance I volunteered for the next five festivals. During Jazz Jubilee, Mammoth becomes a “blue-haired block party.” The music leans heavily toward Dixie Land, but I have witnessed some late night jams that just blew me away, and Sunday’s local party rocks out. Jazz Jubilee is as iconic as Mammoth itself.
Mammoth Lakes Music Festival
When: July 20-August 5
Where: Cerro Coso College
Tix and Web: chambermusicunbound.com
Mammoth’s own Felici Trio bring this festival of classical virtuosity to town. Classical music just seems to sound better in a majestic setting and Brian Schuldt and company present some of the best music and players in the world. Not only for highbrows, the MLMF will make you at least feel smarter.
June Lake Mountain Music Festival
When: July 28-30
Where: June Lake
Tix and Web: junelakemusic.com
Bonnie Tamblyn brings the third installment of this eclectic and hip festival to beautiful June Lake. With songwriter showcases, indie rock, Americana and more, the JLMMF is an exercise in musical freedom. Great music and a cool, beachy mountain town are a perfect fit. Music Director Andy “Bongo” Borza promises this year will be one to remember. And The T-Bar at the Sierra Inn could well be the coolest music room in the Eastern Sierra.
Villagefest
When: July 29-30
Where: The Village at Mammoth
Tix and Web: mammothvillagefest.com
California’s highest rib cook off kicks off the last weekend in July. The Village is a great venue for this family-friendly food event, and music is a big part of the attraction. There is always great entertainment and the friendly competition bestows bragging rights for a year to follow. My picks for best ribs are Thai’d Up or Smokeyard Chophouse.
Bluesapalooza and The Festival Of Beers
When: Aug. 5-7
Where: Sam’s Wood Site
Tix: Vallitix.com or Mammoth Brewing Company’s Tasting Room, 94 Berner St.
Web: MammothBluesBrewfest.com
This is the “Big Daddy” event in Mammoth. With more than 60 breweries and three days of fun, it’s a “must attend” event. This year Blues Traveler and Robert Cray headline what promises to be an intoxicating blend of awesome music. Get tix now — it will surely sell out. Oh wait, Saturday only tix already have. If you want to go on Saturday, you’ve got to buy a ticket for the whole weekend. Some penalty!
Sierra Summer Festival
When: Aug. 7-13
Where: Convict Lake Restaurant, St. Joseph’s Church and the Mammoth Mountain Moutainside Conference Center
Tix and Web: sierrasummerfestival.org
Since 1978 this truly community event has wowed and dazzled audiences with some of the world’s finest classical musicians. This year sports three different venues, and you can always bet the rent on incredible displays of musicianship and arrangements. It’s a better bet than putting it all on black at the roulette wheel.
Mammoth Festival
When: Aug. 19-21
Where: Sam’s Wood Site
Tix and Web: MammothMountain.com
It used to be the Mammoth Festival of wine, food and music, but now it is just the plain old Mammoth Festival. Mammoth Mountain puts on this one, so expect a lot of department heads shmoozing it up to the sound of Goo Goo Dolls and Michelle Branch. Last year’s performance by Train was deemed “epic.” Goo Goo Dolls … Why not?
Mammoth Rocks
When: Aug. 26-28
Where: The Village at Mammoth
Tix and Web: mammothrocks.net or mammothlakeschamber.org
This is a festival that features tribute bands and samplings from some of Mammoth’s great restaurants. My suggestion was book the local bands and bring in the “real” Doobie Brothers.
That being said, I really like the VIP party at 80|50 and look forward to the tug-of-war.
Hop and Sage Festival
When: Sept. 9-10
Where: Sam’s Wood Site
Tix: 760.934.7141
Mammoth Brewing Company’s harvest celebration. Sean and Joyce Turner could not receive enough kudos for what they do for “Festival Mammoth.” This Bluegrassy Americana Hefe/Porter vibed event is a true testament to the craft.
Millpond Music Festival
When: Sept. 16-18
Where: Millpond County Park
Tix and Web: inyo.org/millpond or 760.873.8014
One of the most incredible venue sites in California is Millpond County Park. Inyo Council For The Arts makes Millpond an easily accessible camping festival. World class entertainment and a great time to be in the Owens Valley.
Make sure to follow attendee protocol: Drink more water than beer, tip well and be patient. You’re on vacation.
Jonathan Siebrandt performs and records with Lava Moon, and on occasion has been known to break 100 on the golf course.
