High Sierra Music Festival takes place June 29 to July 2 in Quincy, California.
Susan J. Weiand
High Sierra Music Festival once again will take place amid the scenic landscape of Quincy, California, from June 29 to July 2. The four-day festival at the Plumas County Fairgrounds includes more than 50 bands playing over more than four stages as well as camping, vendors, a family-friendly atmosphere and more.
The festival is known for its diversity in music genres and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
“It’s providing experiences that are unique and you won’t get anywhere else,” festival organizer Dave Margulies said. “That’s what makes High Sierra stand out from the hundreds of other festivals out there.”
He said there’s a lot of new faces coming to Quincy and they’re proud that there’s many women included on the lineup.
“It wasn’t anything that was conscious, it just worked out that way,” he said. “We have a super strong female presence this year, which is great.”
DIFFERENT GENRES
High Sierra’s goal every year is to bring a mix of music that fits different genres. Starting with the headliners, Margulies pointed out the differences: They have a jamband in moe.; Thievery Corporation fits an international/Burning Man type of band; Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit touches roots/rock and Marcus King fits into blues.
“Those are the some of the cornerstones of the aesthetic of High Sierra throughout the years,” he said. “Our lineups are incredibly eclectic and broad.”
Beyond the headliners there’s funk, bluegrass, electronica, singer/songwriter and some international flavors. There are four stages with music throughout the day, then two for the late-night acts, so there are options, but you won’t be able to see everything. There also might be an impromptu set of music you might come across – there’s lots of stuff going on that isn’t in writing.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
High Sierra separates itself from other festivals by providing unique experiences that might only happen during those four days.
They nurture collaboration by including “artists at large” — who are artists available to sit-in at the request of other musicians.
“That’s a big part of High Sierra and that’s how the artist at large concept started,” Margulies said. “That grew organically out of the aesthetic of High Sierra. It’s built on collaboration, friendship and sit-ins.”
This year features festival veteran Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz, bluegrass star Sierra Hull and an up-and-comer with Daniel Donato, who Margulies said he is excited about.
Lebo has had the most appearances at the festival in its 31 years. When he isn’t playing with his band ALO at the festival, he comes as Lebo & Friends, where he makes up a band of other available musicians.
Donato, who is based out of Nashville, said he’s excited to be making his first trip to Quincy.
“The west coast is kind of a promised land for musicians that don’t grow up there,” he said. “And to be able to dive into that community through the platform of High Sierra is very high frequency and an absolute dream.”
Donato said he’ll be thrilled to be sitting in with other musicians as an artist at large. He said we’re all searching for magic moments, and the chances of that happening increases with something like High Sierra.
“Music to me is a living, communicative experience,” he said. “When it’s only happening tonight, like at this festival, everyone kind of buys into that, that it’s temporal and that makes the music much more alive, and much more pungent and much more real. That’s kind of the secret sauce in a euphemistic way.”
PLAYSHOPS
On top of the sit-ins, High Sierra curates once-in-a-lifetime sets of music at the music playshops. There are some reoccurring themes for these shows, and many are cover sets and tributes. Many of these musicians and bands have designated sets where they’ll play their own music, so these sets are out of the norm for them.
“It’s fun for musicians and fans alike. It’s an opportunity for fans to see these artists up close in a different setting than what they normally would,” Margulies said. “And they’re memorable sets because they’re one-of-a-kind and they don’t happen anywhere else.”
One staple to the playshops is Lebo’s “50 Years in the Rearview.” He’ll take a setlist based on popular songs from 50 years ago and this year will be for 1973. Another staple is Guitarmageddon, where several guitarists will be playing on stage together. This year they’ll be celebrating early ’90s rock.
Handmade Moments will be doing the music of Randy Newman. Eggy will be doing a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young tribute set.
“This will be one of their first big west coast plays,” Margulies said. “We’re super excited to have them this year.”
Singer/songwriter Steve Poltz will have a set of songs that he’s co-written with many other artists. Multiple musicians will be getting together to cover a classic album. This year’s choice is Led Zeppelin’s “Houses of the Holy.”
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Margulies said being family friendly is an important aspect for High Sierra. With the festival taking place over 31 years, many parents have brought their children over the years while they grow up and enjoy it in different ways. Margulies said he and the other organizers have brought their children over the years and have made sure it’s a welcoming place.
“That’s a big part of High Sierra because we have so many kids who have grown up coming to the festival, and they’ve grown up with High Sierra,” he said.
The festival grounds near the stages are spacious, so families can spread out blankets and chairs and kids have room to play. They can take a trip to the designated Kids Zone, which is full of games and activities. The kids even get their own stage where some performers will come in and entertain the children (such as Lebo). The kids will even get their chance to get on stage if they sign up for the talent show.
The festival also has a program called The Rockin’ Nannies. They hire professional caretakers to babysit the children on site, so the adults could have some alone time. The program fills up fast, however. Margulies said it’s programs like this that give High Sierra a different environment from other places.
“I love that about our festival,” he said. “I love the fact that we can offer that for people with young children because it’s important for mom and dad to get their groove on.”