Stellar Fest-ivities
Stellar Fest is growing in its second year, with a new lineup of six eclectic bands, and a larger roster of local artists participating in this year’s Fest and art walk.
The Fest takes place this Sunday starting at 2 p.m. on the frontage road outside Stellar Brew on Main Street in Mammoth.
“We have an amazing music line-up this year,” said event coordinator Kyle Scalise. Once again, Fathead Productions provided Stellar Fest with a variety of talented artists, ranging from headliner Jelly Bread (funk), to Bird Dog (a local bluegrass band), to Suns of Jimi (rock), to Ease Up (reggae). Other bands include Tracorum (folk) and Spindrift, a surf rock band that recently released a film of its tour of western ghost towns.
“We think everybody would like these bands, but there’s a large variety, too,” Scalise said. “There’s something for everybody.”
The art walk has expanded, from 10 participating local artists to 15-20 this year. Scalise thanked Mono Council for the Arts Board Vice President Kristen Schipke for providing an extensive list of local artists.
“We wanted the art to be big a big part of the event,” he said. Artists range from jewelers and painters to metalworkers and henna tattoo artists.
Stellar Fest will feature plenty of Stellar Brew’s tasty food and beverages, with a barbeque in the parking lot, as well as beer, wine, and homemade sangria.
Mammoth Medical Missions staff and volunteers will be tending bar, there to raise awareness and spread the word about their organization. All tips will go to benefit Mammoth Medical Missions.
Scalise said the Fest will also feature lawn games like the beanbag toss; “It’s definitely a family-friendly event,” he said.
As it did last year, Stellar Brew is hosting the event to give back to locals. “Even though there is so much music right now, and art festivals, we think of this as a community event; something we want all of the locals to enjoy,” Scalise said.
Stellar Brew is anticipating a big crowd, and Scalise recommended attendees bring chairs to enjoy the music, although headliner Jelly Bread, which played Mammoth Rocks last year, “will get everyone up and dancing,” he said.
As Stellar Brew owner Andrea Walker put it, “We just want to inspire community through happiness and fun in a casual setting filled with local art, good food, and awesome music.”
Tickets are available at Stellar Brew for $10. Stellar Fest’s after party at Lakanuki begins at 9 p.m., $5 for those wearing Stellar Fest wristbands, and $10 without a wristband. For more information, contact Stellar Brew at 760.924.3559.
