2017 FESTIVAL GUIDE, SPRING THRU FALL — ENCYCLOPEDIA FESTIVANICA — FULL SEASON EDITION

.
.
Congratulations! You've found the

✔ FULL SEASON EDITION.
___

♪ Welcome to "ENCYCLOPEDIA FESTIVANICA"

The Acoustic Americana Music Guide's series of THREE special editions covering the Folk-Americana Music Festivals of 2017
___

PLEASE NOTE A TEMPORARY PROBLEM WITH THIS VERSION...

We have added a BUNCH of "late addition" festivals to the "CURRENT & FUTURE FESTS EDITION" and to the "FESTIVALS — LATE ADDITIONS."

BUT... it takes so gol' durn long to git 'er done that that we HAVE NOT YET gotten those late additions added in THIS edition.

So use the links (they're just below) and make sure you don't miss anything. We'll get this archive/library season master version updated soon!

___

This is the

✔ FULL SEASON EDITION

Nothing gets deleted in this one after it has happened. It's all here for reference on what is, what WAS, and what will be. This one is the LIBRARY and living archive of 2017's classic memories and revelry yet to come.

YOU PROBABLY WANT the other edition...

Go to the

✔ "CURRENT & FUTURE FESTS EDITION"

It's the one that has the NEXT UPCOMING FESTIVALS right up top. It does that by deleting things after they happen. It's at:

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2017/04/2017-music-festival-guide-current.html
___

Any festival ADDED LATE gets added here, AND it also appears in

✔ "FESTIVALS — LATE ADDITIONS"

so you won't need to scroll and hunt and wonder if you've seen something before. That little catalogue of additions is at:

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2017/04/2017-music-festival-guide-late-additions.html


________________________________________


✔ GAD STRUMMIN' ZOOKS, 2017 is LOADED with festivals!

The financial success of festivals has made them proliferate. So there are MANY, MANY MORE out there than the ones you always attend. And that reveals trends in music preferences. The music that festivals book? Acoustic and Folk-Americana! The proof is in the lookin' at ALLLLLL these descriptions! It's PROOF, and it's beyond all doubt, as it is every year, that the soundalike electrocution pop crap being pushed by mainstream corporate entertainment media is NOT what the vast majority of people want to hear. (See the "Trends Evidenced by Festivals" section.)

That's why THIS is, without doubt, THE most complete catalogue of festivals with Folk-Americana and/or Acoustic Music that exists anywhere — at least without you having to make hundreds of clicks to unearth each lil' shard of vital info, one isolated detail at a time.

It's ALL HERE in one, single, date-chronological ,scrollable, look-see. Meaning there's no damned annoying waits for things to cyber-percolate and (maybe) connect. Plus, we have no need to drown you in pop-ups or assorted ads that block what you were trying to read with each new click and force you to confront consumerism addictions or intrusive marketing of crap you aren't looking for, anyway, 'cause NONE OF THOSE annoying things are here. Plus, we give you what you're looking for, all in one place. There's no frustration that part of what's vital is on yet another pulldown on some other page (of more and more esoterically arranged pages) on a site that scatters all the stuff you need to know like some kind of cyber 52 pickup.

NO ads, NO popups, NO waiting for evermore connections to someplace else, AND, it's right here in our all-in-one scrollable encyclopedia of festivals.

Proving that it can be done where nobody is trying to exploit you.
___

✔ DOWNLOADABLE? WELL, YEAH!

It costs nothing (except some memory megabytes) to download ANY of our entire Festival Guide editions to any device. There's a great reason to do that, too — so you won't find yourself camping-out online later, some place where the signals are poor. (You can print it, too, if you've got that much paper and ink.)

So grab your board for a great ride — or man the sails — or put a leg over the saddle — or double-tie your boots for where the trail leads — or stoke the fire so the steam pressure rises and we can whistle this train out of the station — and quick, grab some extra strings — we're fixin' to commence to get ready to begin.

________________________________________

✔ HERE, THERE, 'N EVERYWHERE...

Over TEN MILLION PEOPLE attend arts fairs and music festivals each year JUST IN CALIFORNIA! Of course, both the majority of, AND the best of, all those festivals are the ones that feature ACOUSTIC and FOLK-AMERICANA music — the statistics really do bear that out!

Not just in California, of course, but all over the US. So, as always, the Guide presents festivals of interest beyond the borders of the Golden State.

Whether or not you can travel to music extravaganzas in other states, our "all-in" listings provide essential tools. You can easily compare local festivals with festivals everywhere — and instantly discover things like:

(a) who is getting booked, and
(b) where, and
(c) how many acts / how many headliner acts / how many up-and-coming acts are featured in
(d) various places, and
(e) in the festivals with the biggest mojo; and even
(f) whether the high-horsepower "name" fests are delivering as much of what you want as
(g) some of the smaller festivals where you can get close to the stage (and not spend five hours getting out of the parking lot and tarnishing all those musical memories).

You can also see what your festival dollar buys you in different places, and what you get if you go.
________________________________________

✔ BUCKS, SHECKLES, SHILLINGS, DINERO...

Festivals are the BEST BARGAIN for your live entertainment dollar. Our listings tell you what it costs to go, or how to find out when they announce it. (See the "Details, Details" section.)

Oh, wait. You're broke this year? Okay, coupla things:

ONE: Many festivals offer FREE ADMISSION for volunteers. Use the web addresses or phone numbers provided to check that out (and we even tell you the deets about a few that TOLD US they want helping hands or that always need large contingents of volunteers).

TWO: Hey, beyond that? Don't get all down in the Trumpster Dumpster. If sumpin' in here looks great, but you can't do it this year? Tell your piggy bank you're attending that fresh-find next year!
________________________________________

✔ ARTISTS, TAKE NOTE...

For artists, our Festival Guide is one of the best tools to survey the scene. You can determine which crowds, where, are the ones who especially want what you do. So, you'll know where to apply to get booked next year!
________________________________________

✔ DETAILS, DETAILS...

In 'purt near every listing, we tell you (1) when and where it happens; (2) what it costs for TIX to go (or how to find out when they announce it; (3) whether or not CAMPING is a feature; (4) any special NOTE(s) about it; (5) "THE SCENE" at the festival; and (6) the festival's 2017 LINEUP.

We've dropped the word "annual," since just about everything in the festival universe is. But if we know "how many annuals," like, say, the 57th annual "TOPANGA BANJO•FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL," then we include it.
________________________________________

✔ TRENDS EVIDENCED BY FESTIVALS...

That's a big point this year, and it proves that what big corporate entertainment media says is as bogus as monopoly money. It's visible in two major ways.

FIRST... There is a yuge trend evident with big festivals in 2017: Folk-Americana and acoustic band / acoustic singer-songwriter acts are being booked in plenty of rather "eclectic" festivals. And, not as token singles, but as appreciable cadres amongst acts of widely diverse genres. So when that happens, we list it. We include complete lineups for most all the festivals. So you can tell, at a glance, "who-all" is in the lineups. And when you check it out, that new "inclusive eclecticism" slaps you across the face.

SECOND... As Eventbrite wrote on April 3rd, "Independence and the DIY spirit are an enormous (and admirable) part of the music scene – particularly in a world that feels increasingly corporate and cookie cutter. Some of the oldest, most unique, and best-known festivals across the US are still independently owned. So whether you're the type that likes to call the shots, or you want to support independence in the arts, you'll be in good company at any of these sought-after fests."

Both ethically and earfully, those things are big factors with and for artists and fans alike.
________________________________________

✔ BUT WHAT IF I ONLY CARE ABOUT "REAL" FOLK FESTIVALS?

Of course, we understand that a lot of hardcore folkies and bluegrass devotees won't attend festivals that book too much, uhh, "variety."

We believe it's important to pay attention to soooo many big fests booking folkies among soooo much musical diversity. For one thing, if you know what's up, you can choose to get a one-day ticket to see a few favorite bands. For another, it proves a major point that Big Music won't admit: that the soundalike paradigm of corporate pop-pablum singularity isn't what people want to hear when they go out for a memorably good time. How can we say that? Because of the proof of the musical tastes and preferences of those buying tickets to the big festivals! Clearly, those folks, especially younger fans who comprise the largest demographic of festival attendees, want to see and hear melody and harmony and great Folk-Americana and acoustic acts! Look and see for yourself!
________________________________________

✔ THE FORMAT, AND WHAT QUALIFIES A FESTIVAL TO BE IN HERE...

All listings are date-chronological.

Things in our Festival Guide qualify for inclusion by
(a) having major emphasis or
(b) appreciable (if varying) amounts of one or more of the following:

• New-old-trad-alt-post Folk
• Bluegrass
• Blues
• Old Time
• Americana
• Honky-Tonk
• Jug Band
• Skiffle
• Folk-Americana
• Trad and/or Alt Country
• Cowboy/Western/Western Swing/Cowboy Poetry & Storytelling
• Cajun and/or Zydeco
• Celtic
• Irish
• Sea Chantey (Shanty)/Maritime
• Storytelling
• Trad Southwestern
• Native American
• Waila
• Accessible Classical
• Harmony Vocal
• Instrumental Acoustic emphasis, whether strings or harmonica or accordion or whatever sounds good

It goes without saying that melody and harmony must be involved to qualify, because rhythm walking alone is simply repetitive sound, and it isn't enough to be music. So if a festival is devoted to so-called "urban sound" stuff? Look elsewhere to find it, because it's not here.
________________________________________

✔ ADDITIONS, AS WE LEARN OF 'EM?

At press time, this yuge catalog is waaay over 225 pages if you print it out. We dare we say it's as complete as we can make it at press time. Which means we are absolutely certain our readers will let us know about the ones they like that we've missed. (Yes, you can do your neener-neener-neeners when you send us those other fests. You will need to send basic details, or more if you know 'em, for something that we omitted.)

Of course, the reason WE'LL ADD THINGS is the same reason for doing this in the first place:

So all our other iour readers can KNOW, and GO!

That's why this is here. And yes, your help in adding festivals that qualify — and that we missed — is great, and deserving of gratitude! PARTICIPATE!

Share this. Contribute more. So we can tell everybody.

Uh-oh. Saying that, we just braced ourselves. Not for an onslaught of additions. We want that. But we just ducked for cover because we see somethin' else coming: the rolls of the eyeballs and mutterings of, "Oh, that's just ducky. Now I'll have to wade through all this, over-and-over again, to see if somebody added something that I'd like to attend."

Nope. Ain't gonna do it that way. Wouldn't be prudent. We're kind to our readers.

ANYTHING ADDED will also get a SEPARATE FEATURED LISTING in the frequent news editions of the Acoustic Americana Music Guide. It'll also get a searchable lil' indicator when it's added chronologically to allllll these festivals in a Festival Guide 2.0, or 3.0, or however many updated editions prove necessary.

So you won't need to scan through the whole thing all over again to discover what slipped in the door without a wristband.
________________________________________

✔ GOOD SO FAR? NOW IT'S YOUR TURN

ENJOY! DISCOVER! As we said when we started, if sumpin' looks great but you can't do it this year? Plan to attend that fresh-find next year! Or just make a big ol' bucket list.

Of course, this, and any subsequent updates, will be archived as a useful tool. At least until the big 'ol solar flare takes-out all of Cyberia with an electromagnetic pulse. barring that, even after the last note of 2017's festivals fades away, you can find and reference this. It'll then be the past, but it'll still be a Guide — to dream and scheme with, through all those coming winter nights, to find new adventures NEXT year. To infinity and beyond. Long before anybody else does a 2018 festival guide. Or with stuff we have that they don't, even when they publish theirs.

What's that you said? They're fiery and snuffy and hoovin' the turf and rarin' to go?

Well, alright then!

Let's get started! As a long-gone showman used to say.... A-waaaaay we go!

_________________________________________________________________

♪ "ENCYCLOPEDIA FESTIVANICA"

SPRING THRU FALL 2017 MUSIC FESTIVAL GUIDE — FULL SEASON EDITION

from the Acoustic Americana Music Guide

Entire contents copyright (c) 2017, Lawrence Wines and Tied to the Tracks.
_________________________________________________________________


Mar 23-Apr 8, 2017:
"SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Savannah, GA; www.savannahmusicfestival.org
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ Billed as "Cross-genre," but it has plenty of star-power Folk-Americana acts.
✔ THE SCENE: "The Savannah Music Festival is dedicated to presenting a world-class celebration of the musical arts by creating timeless and adventurous productions that stimulate arts education, foster economic growth, and unite artists and audiences in Savannah. It is the largest musical arts event in Georgia and one of the most distinctive cross-genre music festivals in the world."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ The Avett Brothers
♪ Jason Isbell
♪ Nikki Lane
♪ Parker Millsap
♪ Richard Thompson
♪ Sarah Jarosz
♪ Kolachi
♪ Hiss Golden Messenger
♪ Travelin’ McCourys
♪ Jeff Austin Band
♪ Chicago Blues Meets Gulf Coast Boogie: Lurrie Bell, Marcia Ball, James Cotton
♪ Patrick Watson
♪ Release the Hounds: Julian Lage & Chris Eldridge with Aoife O’Donovan
♪ Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers
♪ The Wood Brothers

________________________________________


Mar 30-Apr 2, 2017:
"WINTER WONDER GRASS TAHOE 2017" in Squaw Valley, CA; www.winterwondergrasstahoe.com
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ This one has plenty of real "wowsa" Folk and Bluegrass acts.
✔ 2017 LINEUP
♪ Greensky Bluegrass
♪ Yonder Mountain String Band
♪ Leftover Salmon
♪ The Infamous Stringdusters
♪ Sam Bush Band
♪ Peter Rowan
♪ Hot Buttered Rum
♪ Fruition
♪ Dead Winter Carpenters
♪ Dustbowl Revival
♪ Mandolin Orange
♪ Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
♪ Lil’ Smokies
♪ Head for the Hills
♪ The Bluegrass Generals
♪ Dead Horses
♪ Everyone Orchestra
♪ Front Country
♪ Trout Steak Revival
♪ Jon Stickley Trio
♪ Ghost of Paul Revere
♪ Grant Farm
♪ Brad Parsons Band
♪ The Good Bad
♪ The Deer
♪ Pickin’ on The Dead

________________________________________


Mar 31-Apr 3, 2017:
"DESERT HEARTS 2017" in Warner Springs, CA; www.desertherats.us
✔ TIX: Sold-Out this year. Consider it for next time.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "Desert Hearts is a bi-annual music and arts festival. We are a community, a movement of love celebrating life with beats. A place where acceptance, creativity and passions flourish. We are an intimate gathering of open-minded and like-minded individuals where friendships blossom and smiles surround you. A place to learn, grow, inspire and release. A safe haven away from Babylon where everyone can connect with nature, be themselves and do what makes then happy. One stage, one vibe, and one beautiful growing family. House, Techno and Love was the foundation for our first small renegade in the Mojave and has continued to be the basis for our gatherings. We have come a long way since the birth of Desert Hearts and although our family has grown, our vibe and high standard of music has stayed true to our values."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not announced by press time (late March, 2017).

________________________________________


Apr 1, 2017:
41st "CLOVERDALE OLDTIME FIDDLE FESTIVAL" at the Citrus Fairgrounds, Cloverdale, CA; 707-479-5529; www.cloverdalefiddles.com
✔ TIX: $19, $15 Seniors (65+), $15 ages 6-12, children under age 6 are free.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: The Cloverdale Fiddle Festival returns in 2017 after a one year hiatus. The festival is a presentation of California State Old Time Fiddle Association District 10, The Cloverdale Citrus Fair and the Sonoma County Folk Society. We also get a big assist from Lagunitas Brewery.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Blithedale Canyon
♪ Debby McClatchy
♪ Antioch Strolling Strings
♪ Kevin Russell & His So Called Friends
♪ Gilchrist, Nygard & Reischman

________________________________________


Apr 6-8, 2017:
"SPRINGSKUNK MUSIC FEST" at The SkunkFarm, 4063 Jordan Rd, Greer, SC; http://albinoskunk.com
✔ TIX: Online ticketing now closed; Tix available at gate. 3-day $130, 2-day $95, 1-day $40-$55; youth tix substantially less.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Albino Skunk Music Fest has two events a year — this one in the spring, the other in the fall (this year, Oct 5-7, 2017). Originally founded as a bluegrass music festival, SkunkFest now features all sorts of mostly acoustic music – including Americana, Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Alt. Country, Acoustic, Roots and Bluegrass. "SkunkFest is held on the grounds of Glynn and Susan Zeigler’s old farm place north of Greer. SkunkFest was initially private but is now open to the music-loving public. Local food vendors, Craft beers served up by The Community Tap, Handmade Crafts and Kiddieland with playground, activities, kid’s shows & drive-in movie are some of the attractions besides the phenomenal music. Primitive tent camping & RV Camping area (sorry no hook-ups) on site within easy walking distance to everything. No shuttles needed from camping areas or our parking lot. The festival got its name from the sightings of white skunks on the grounds. (Well, mostly white with a dark stripe – they’re not true albinos!) Each fall, we have a ‘theme’ for the fest, featuring original drawings of the Albino Skunk characters promoting all sorts of topical and not-so topical themes. It’s all part of the fun. We are proud of our natural setting and laid back atmosphere that takes you away from the stress and anxieties of modern living. Our goal is to provide a ‘family reunion’ atmosphere and introduce you to new talent that may very well become your next favorite band."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Alexa Rose
♪ Blair Crimmins and The Hookers
♪ Darrell Scott
♪ Forlorn Strangers
♪ I See Hawks in LA
♪ Jon Stickley Trio
♪ Mourning Dove
♪ Nikki Talley
♪ Parsonsfield
♪ Pretty Little Goat
♪ Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band
♪ Scott Miller
♪ Shinyribs
♪ T Sisters
♪ The Stray Birds
♪ Western Centuries

________________________________________


Apr 6-9, 2017:
"FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL" in New Orleans, Louisiana; http://fqfi.org/frenchquarter
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ This FREE festival is held throughout the historic French Quarter (Vieux Carre) neighborhood in New Orleans. Music stages are located at Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Bourbon Street, Royal Street, Bienville Triangle, Preservation Hall, the French Market, St. Mary’s at the Ursuline Convent, and Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint.
✔ THE SCENE: "The four-day weekend festival is FREE and there is no cost to attend any of the performances. The only costs are for food, beverage, and merchandise purchased on festival grounds, and certain off-site special events. In order to keep this festival free and open to the public, outside food and beverages are prohibited. ‘World’s Largest Jazz Brunch’ booths can be found in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, the Jax Brewery parking lot, and Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint. Special events take place at various locations throughout the French Quarter."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ John Boutte
♪ Leroy Jones & New Orleans' Finest
♪ Jeremy Davenport
♪ Wendell Brunious
♪ Leif Pedersen's 1944 Big Band
♪ Tim Laughlin
♪ Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers
♪ The Ronnie Kole Show featuring John Perkins
♪ Players Ella and Louie Tribute Band
♪ Terrance "Hollywood" Taplin leads the Uptown Jazz Orchestra
♪ Tuba Skinny
♪ Banu Gibson & the New Orleans Hot Jazz
♪ Shannon Powell & his Traditional All-Star Band
♪ Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony
♪ Charmaine Neville
♪ The Preservation Brass
♪ Dr. Michael White
♪ Benny Grunch and the Bunch
♪ Evan Christopher's Clarinet Road
♪ Ellis Marsalis
♪ Johnny Sansone
♪ Mo' Fess
♪ Ingrid Lucia
♪ Kim Carson and the Real Deal
♪ Big Easy Playboys
♪ The Whiskey Penguins
♪ The Irene Sage Band
♪ The Bucktown All-Stars
♪ Little Freddie King
♪ Papa Mali
♪ Raw Oyster Cult
and many more

________________________________________


Apr 6-9, 2017:
"COUNTRY THUNDER ARIZONA" Festival, in Florence, AZ; http://arizona.countrythunder.com
✔ TIX: $160.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ With plenty of "roots country" acts, this one will appeal to Folk-Americana fans far more than a Nashville-pop-country sheep dip that infests corporate-controlled radio.
✔ THE SCENE: "Grab a cowboy hat, an RV or tent if you want to camp and come and enjoy the worlds premier country acts with the camaraderie of over 100,000 fans!"
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Blake Shelton
♪ Dierks Bentley
♪ Thomas Rhett
♪ Chris Young
♪ Tyler Farr
♪ Maddie & Tae
♪ Joe Nichols
♪ Frankie Ballard
♪ Locash
♪ The Oak Ridge Boys
♪ Terri Clark
♪ Jon Pardi
♪ Randy Rogers Band
♪ High Valley
♪ Aaron Watson
♪ Lanco
♪ Dorado
♪ Ryan Hurd
♪ Brandon Ray
♪ Runaway June
♪ Jackson Michelson

________________________________________


Apr 7-9, 2017:
"LUCIDITY FESTIVAL" in Santa Barbara, CA; http://2017.lucidityfestival.com
✔ TIX: $218-$555.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ Some folkies, amidst everything but the kitchen sink.
✔ THE SCENE: "Lucidity is an open-source transformational arts and music festival. We call it open-source because we co-create this festival experience with YOU! We invite you to come play with us, get involved with one of our seven themed villages, call together your star family, bring art, lead a workshop, spark a spontaneous flash mob, embody a character from your dreams, be silly and wild and free! We bring together a world class lineup of musical talent and weave them together with the sounds and vibrations of our beloved local stars. Our galleries showcase the sickest fine art the region has to offer, enriching the festival as a visual voyage. Art installations pleasure participants with multi-sensory stimulation while themed environments create intimate settings for personal connections. Lucidity’s environmental commitment is to leave Live Oak better than before."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not announced by press time (late March, 2017).

________________________________________


Apr 7-9, 2017:
"TORTUGA MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Fort Lauderdale, FL; www.tortugamusicfestival.com
✔ TIX: $229-$599.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ Some rootsiness, some big name country acts, amidst quite a mix of other genres.
✔ THE SCENE: "Held on the white sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach Park in a beautiful oceanside setting, Tortuga Music Festival is a multi-day, multi-stage music festival featuring some of the biggest names in country, rock and roots music. Tortuga Music Festival brings like-minded fans together for an unforgettable beach weekend experience that pairs music with meaning to raise awareness for marine conservation."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Kenny Chesney
♪ Luke Bryan
♪ Chris Stapleton
♪ Alan Jackson
♪ Darius Rucker
♪ Brett Eldredge
♪ Dustin Lynch
♪ Slightly Stoopid
♪ Old Dominion
♪ Maren Morris
♪ Granger Smith
♪ Kane Brown
♪ Nelly
♪ Michael Ray
♪ Locash
♪ Daya
♪ G. Love & The Special Sauce
♪ Drake White & The Big Fire
♪ Brett Young
♪ Luke Combs
♪ Chris Lane
♪ Raelynn
♪ Brooke Eden
♪ High Valley
♪ Steve Moakler
♪ Delta Rae
♪ Brandon Lay
♪ Russel Dickerson
♪ Ashley McBryde
♪ Jon Langston
♪ Jordan Davis
♪ Marcus King Band
♪ Quaker City Night Hawks
♪ DJ Rock
♪ DJ Bad Ash

________________________________________


Apr 7-9, 2017:
"TAMPA BAY BLUES FESTIVAL" in St. Petersburg, FL; http://tampabaybluesfest.com
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Tab Benoit
♪ Buddy Guy
♪ The Rides featuring Stephen Stills
♪ Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Barry Goldberg
♪ Coco Montoyo
♪ Samantha Fish
♪ Ana Popovic
♪ Albert Cummings
and more

________________________________________


Apr 7-9, 2017:
"PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL" in Ponchatoula, Louisiana; www.lastrawberryfestival.com
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ THE SCENE: Past festivals have featured bands like Chubby Carrier.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not announced by press time (late March, 2017).

________________________________________


Apr 7-9, 2017:
"RHYTHM N BLOOMS FEST" in Knoxville, TN; www.rhythmnbloomsfest.com
✔ TIX: $65-$90.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ Held in eight venues in Knoxville, a charming city that's home, always, to lots of authentic homegrown mountain music and bluegrass, all with the Tennessee River as its backdrop. We can vouch that the daily three-season music scene is wonderful, so a festival there oughta be a good time.
✔ THE SCENE: "Set amidst the urban artistic cityscape of the ever-growing Jackson Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee from April 10-12, Rhythm N’ Blooms celebrates the crossroads of Knoxville’s varied musical history. This American Roots music festival spotlights storied songwriters and rich performances from jazz to world-class bluegrass to indie – and everything in between."
* 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Young The Giant
♪ Gogol Bordello
♪ Dave Barnes
♪ Lee Fields & The Expressions
♪ John Paul White
♪ Nikki Lane
♪ Ruby Amanfu + Steelism
♪ Cruz Contreras
♪ Parker Millsap
♪ Angaleena Presley
♪ John Moreland
♪ Aaron Lee Tasjan
♪ Midnight Merry-Go-Round
♪ Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line
♪ Jon Stickley Trio
♪ William Wild
♪ Birds of Chicago
♪ The Royal Hounds
♪ Dave Eggar
♪ Wild Ponies
♪ Peak Physique
♪ Three Star Revival
♪ The Pinklets
♪ Shimmy & The Burns
♪ Quartjar
♪ The Lawsuits
♪ Handsome & The Humbles
♪ Josiah & The Greater Good
♪ Sally & George
♪ Zoë Nutt
♪ Shayla McDaniel
♪ Haley Cole
♪ Dustin Schaefer
♪ Bonnie Bishop
♪ Will Carter
♪ Black Atticus/Sir Woods Brother
♪ Kevin Hyfantis
♪ Jubal
♪ Daniel Miller
♪ Travis Bigwood
♪ Thrift Store Cowboys
♪ Knox County Jug Stompers
♪ Pale Root
♪ Daje Morris
♪ Night Colors
♪ Appalachian Hippie Poet
♪ Andrew Leahey & The Homestead
♪ Matthew McNeal

________________________________________


Apr 8 & 9, 2017:
"WHEN WE WERE YOUNG FEST" in Santa Ana, CA; www.whenwewereyoung.net
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Morrissey
♪ AFI
♪ Descendents
♪ Cage the Elephant
♪ Silversun Pickups
♪ Taking Back Sunday
♪ Alkaline Trio
♪ The Get Up Kids
♪ Fidlar
♪ Foxygen
♪ Pinback
♪ Saves the Day
♪ Joyce Manor
♪ Beach Fossils
♪ Together Pangea
♪ Sunflower Bean
♪ Mount Eerie

________________________________________


Apr 8-13, 2017:
"DEWEY BALFA CAJUN & CREOLE HERITAGE WEEK" in Lafayette, Louisiana; www.lafolkroots.org/balfaweek
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ Balfa Week features five days of 10 or more "Morning Intensive Classes" on fiddle, guitar and accordion; twice-daily participatory teaching sessions on Cajun & Creole Vocals; five days of instructor-coached Band Labs; Nightly Dances with fantastic Cajun and Creole bands; five or more artist-led Jam des Amis sessions; intimate afternoon words-and-music sessions with accomplished and legendary featured artists; afternoon Lagniappe Sessions on a variety of topics.
✔ THE SCENE: "There’s nothing like Louisiana Folk Roots’ Balfa Week! Our annual Heritage Week is not a school, or a festival, or a family reunion – it’s all those things and more! It’s 'The Greatest Week of Cajun and Creole Culture on the Planet!' At Balfa Week, you can learn knee-to-knee with master musicians and culture bearers surrounded by great folks from across the globe. Our motto is 'Jouer. Danser. Manger. Répéter. (Jam. Dance. Eat. Repeat.)' – and during Balfa Week, you’ll experience all that and so much more."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not announced by press time (early April 2017.)

________________________________________


Apr 8-May 21, 2017:
"THE ORIGINAL RENAISSANCE PLEASURE FAIRE" at Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 E Arrow Hwy, Irwindale, CA 91706; www.renfair.com/socal
✔ TIX: discounted to $12-$15 from $25-. Ages 5-12 are free April 15 & 16. Discount tix at: https://www.goldstar.com/events/irwindale-ca/the-original-renaissance-pleasure-faire
✔ THE SCENE: The world's oldest Renaissance faire returns with jousting knights, period costumes, handicraft shopping, and medieval cuisine. Eat, Drink & Be Merry, 10 am-7 pm, as you "Take a journey into a land of imagination, where jousting knights, regal ladies, saucy wenches and royal overseers all mix and mingle with you and your family. The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire is the world's oldest Renaissance fair. Hundreds of performers dressed in the costumes of Elizabethan times create a magical world of music, language and fun, with 14 stages of entertainment options ranging from knife throwers to improv troupes — just outside of Pasadena. More than 150 artisans will be exhibiting and selling their original handcrafted items, including hand-blown glass creations, pottery, authentic clothing and weaponry. And don't miss out on the more than 100 types of food and drink available."
✔ NOTE: Special event days include (1) "Pirate Weekend," Apr 22 & 23, when you can dress as your inner pirate and enter the Costume Contest. (2) "Military Appreciation and Scouts Weekend," Apr 29 & 30. (3) "Time Traveler Weekend," May 6 & 7. (4) The new "RennCon™ Weekend," May 13 & 14. (5) Annual "Closing Day Parade," May 21.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
There doesn't seem to be a master list, but... There's always a large variety of singing groups with acoustic musicians playing ancient melodies on traditional instruments, including some ancient instruments. Everything from lutes, harps, hammered dulcimers, whistles and flutes to hurdy gurdies. Some melodies are familiar, like "Greensleeves," because it actually dates to that era. The wild card in the deck is Steam Powered Giraffe, known as "the singing musical automatons." They play only once: at 6 pm on May 13th for the new "RennCon™ Weekend."

________________________________________


Apr 11-15, 2017:
"JULIAN FAMILY FIDDLE CAMP" in Julian, CA; www.familyfiddlecamp.com
✔ TIX: it's a package with instruction; see website.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: This is a sort of "musicians' festival." The list of instructors here is always very impressive. "The Julian Family Fiddle Camp (JFFC) is a five-day music immersion program for people of all ages and musical abilities. JFFC is held each april at the rural family retreat center near the historic mining town of Julian, CA. All meals, instruction,, camp-based activities (swimming, archery, climbing tower) and evening concerts are provided for a single fee. The JFFC experience is a celebration of life. It is as educational as it is social. Lifelong friendships often begin here, with many people returning year after year to enjoy a very special break from their usual day-to-day routine." Musicians are invited with their instrument: Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle, Ukulele, Banjo, Upright Bass; Old Time, Bluegrass, Texas Style, Traditional & Swing 'Ukulele; "For the young and young-at-heart!"
✔ NOTE: Evening concerts are Thursday, April 13th, and Friday, April 14th. All JFFC campers attend these concerts as part of their JFFC experience, but the performances are open to the public (with purchase of a ticket) as well.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Thu concert:)
♪ "Ukulele Masters"
♪ Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel
(Fri concert:)
♪ "Modern Bluegrass Masters"
♪ Molly Tuttle, Joe K. Walsh & John Mailander

________________________________________


Apr 14-16, 2017:
14th annual "COLUMBIA RIVER COWBOY GATHERING & MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Benton County Fairgrounds, 1500 S Oak St, Kennewick, WA; http://columbiarivercowboygathering.com
✔ TIX: Adv by phone 509-851-4287: $15 per day includes evening Concert; $25 at door. There's a $5 day pass without the evening concert.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: As a Cowboy Gathering, Cowboy Music, & Cowboy Poetry festival, the event's proceeds "provide financial assistance to various community and non-profit groups within our community as well as allowing the Columbia Basin area to enjoy a weekend of western culture and be affordable to everyone and their family."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(evening concerts:)
♪ Billy Dean
♪ Lacy J Dalton
♪ Gary Allegretto
♪ Mike Morgan
and more playing during the day

________________________________________


Apr 14-23, 2017:
"COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Polo grounds in Indio, CA; www.coachella.com.
✔ TIX: $399.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ There are some Americana acts and some folkish singer-songwriters — but they're sorta like needles in haystacks of everything else. And the presence of loud electronica here can send your shoulders up around your ears.
✔ THE SCENE: "Like a barometer always reading a temperature of awesome, the traditional kickoff to the summer festival season is dominated by Coachella. The glitz and glamour of Los Angeles migrates east to the Indio desert for back to back weekends of the biggest names in music. What started as a small electronic festival in the desert has transformed into a cultural touchstone for the festival season."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Much too huge to list, and most of it is neither rootsy nor acoustic. See their website.

________________________________________


Sat, Apr 15, 2017:
"SPRING HARP FEST 18" is a HARMONICA FESTIVAL at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St, La Mesa, CA 91942; https://springharpfest.org
✔ TIX: Free, $10 requested.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "The Spring Harp Fest was founded in 1999 to promote this American artform, the blues harmonica. Every year, we hold a festival during Easter weekend, and some of Southern California's finest harmonica players perform." Indeed, the list on their site is impressive. Festival runs 10 am-7 pm.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Phillip Fauquet
♪ Jeffrey Joe Moran
♪ TJ Klay
♪ Harmonica John Frazer
♪ Unknown Players Jam (it's 1/2 hr. and the festival collects $20 from each player)
♪ Eric Von Herzen
♪ Billy Watson
♪ John Clifton
♪ Kellie Rucker
♪ Chris Fast Band
♪ All Star Jam/Headcutters Ball

________________________________________


Mon, Apr 17, 2017, 8 pm: "REYKJAVÍK FESTIVAL" is a multi-artist concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Av, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 323-850-2000.
✔ TIX: by phone.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: An indoor multi-artist concert billed as festival. Considering the Scandinavian roots common to both Icelandic music and American bluegrass, mountain fiddle, and some sea chanteys, this warrants listing.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Jóhann Jóhannsson
♪ Valgeir Sigurðsson
♪ Nico Muhly
♪ Sam Amidon

________________________________________


Wed-Sun, Apr 19-23, 2017:
24th Annual "SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL" at Wm. S. Hart Park and multiple venues in and around Newhall (Santa Clarita), CA; www.cowboyfestival.org
✔ TIX: online, and many events sell-out early; details below.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This is one of the finest Western/Cowboy music events in North America, proclaiming, "It's not Country, it's Cowboy!" The main festival site has four stages in 2017, presenting "Cowboy, Folk, & Bluegrass." Things have changed: it's no longer a "one-price-gets-all" affair, and no longer held in Gene Autry's movie set Western town of Melody Ranch. But, in total, it still books the best stars in the genre, and top cowboy poets. Tickets for all the "add-on" events always sell-out in advance.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
That's complicated. There are many acts on the four stages at the general admission main site, Saturday & Sunday. But... many in the listed lineup do not perform at the main site, and require extra tickets to various other festival events — usually a specific concert. There's plenty to enjoy. But you need to survey all of the following to establish reasonable expectations:
(Complete lineup, all venues, all events:)
♪ Don Edwards
♪ Sons of the San Joaquin
♪ Haunted Windchimes
♪ Kristyn Harris
♪ Dead Winter Carpenters
♪ Jon Chandler and Ernie Martinez
♪ The Show Ponies — last-minute no-shows, due to a death in the family;
replaced by the next band listed:
♪ New West — last-minute additions.
♪ Tony Furtado
♪ Run Boy Run
♪ Dave Stamey
♪ The California Feet Warmers
♪ Rosie Flores
♪ Carin Mari
♪ Sourdough Slim
♪ Gary Robertson
♪ Tom Corbett and Bill Knopf
♪ Joey Dillon
♪ Syd Masters and the Swing Riders
♪ Wild Horse Dancers
♪ Joe Herrington
♪ Andy Hedges
♪ The Vivants
♪ Pop Haydn
♪ Dave Thornbury
♪ David Rainwater
♪ Ballet Folklórico
♪ The Messick Family
♪ Women on the Move trio, Western edition
- - - -
✔ "Basic Schedule of Events, all venues"
✔ Wed, Apr 19: The Festival kicks-off with a special festival edition of the "OUTWEST CONCERT SERIES," at the Repertory East Playhouse, featuring MARY KAYE and JOE HERRINGTON. Treat your ears to a performance of captivating Western music and poetry. In addition to top musician MARY KAYE, Joe the cowboy poet and storyteller has played 'purt near everywhere, including Tokyo Disneyland.
✔ Thu, Apr 20: Film aficionados clamor for "THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY FILM RANCH TOUR." Newhall residents and Hollywood film historians E.J. and KIM STEPHENS conduct a memorable coach tour of many famous western film sites in and around the Santa Clarita Valley. Most of these sites are familiar to viewers around the world, but are rarely seen up-close by the public.
✔ Fri, Apr 21 (multiple events). Relax to the baritone voice of award-winning songsmith JON CHANDLER, as he takes the stage at the Rancho Camulos Museum near Piru, one of America’s finest examples of Early California living. This visit also includes a southwestern lunch in the marvelously preserved old rancho's idyllic setting and an opportunity to step back in time with a docent-led tour of the museum grounds.
✔ Fri afternoon, Apr 21, it’s your chance to experience celluloid history on the "PARAMOUNT RANCH / M*A*S*H TOUR." That’s right. Guests will be taken to the Fox Ranch where the remains of the 4077th MASH unit can still be found. The tour will also visit Paramount Ranch, where hundreds of movies have been filmed.
✔ Fri night, Apr 21, the concert by DAVE STAMEY is SOLD OUT. He's the Western Music Association "Entertainer of the Year" and winner of just about every award that a western musician can win (some, multiple times). Dave performs in the intimate setting of silent film actor William S. Hart’s historically preserved 1920s living room in the preserved 1920s environs of the Hart Mansion.
✔ Fri, Apr 21, 8 pm, (late addition) THE SONS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN come out of retirement to perform with KRISTYN HARRIS at the Canyon Theatre Guild, 24242 Main St, Newhall, CA 91321. Tix for this will be snapped-up, so hurry!
✔ Sat, Apr 22, 6 pm (late addition): the great DON EDWARDS plus THE HAUNTED WINDCHIMES play the Canyon Theatre Guild, 24242 Main St, Newhall, CA 91321. Bound to sell-out promptly, so don't dawdle.
✔ Sat, Apr 22: Newly added: "WYATT EARP IS BACK." Hear two insightful authors, GARNER PALENSKE and NICHOLAS CATALDO, discuss the true life stories of Wyatt Earp in the living room of silent film star William S. Hart's mansion.
✔ Sat & Sun, Apr 22 & 23, The MAIN ACTIVITIES of the festival are Saturday and Sunday at Wm. S. Hart Park. It's the old ranch founded by one of the first silent movie cowboy stars, with his preserved 1920s mansion you can tour, and there's even a herd of buffalo there. The festival's biggest stars generally do not perform at the daytime weekend main site, but there is plenty of continuous live cowboy / western / western swing music on multiple stages. You can get an all-day ticket for either day or a combo ticket for both. Parking isn't a problem, since it's free at a huge remote lot off Newhall Ave (there are signs) with a fleet of free shuttle buses.
✔ The events held in theatres and away from the main site ALWAYS sell-out, well in advance.
✔ Tix, times, details, info, are all at: www.cowboyfestival.org

________________________________________


Apr 20, 2017:
"MUSIC CONNECTS US: PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART SHOW" is a fund-raising mini-festival for the VENICE ART CRAWL, at The Runway at Playa Vista, 12751 Millenium Dr #145, Playa Vista, 90066; www.veniceartcrawl.com
✔ TIX: $35–$200. There's a VIP dinner option. General Admission tix include entrance, food nibbles, and two beverages.
✔ THE SCENE: Support The Venice Art Crawl with this signature art show fundraiser, a 5,000-square-foot urban art installation at Runway, from 6-10 pm. It's "a night of full immersion into the most breakthrough contemporary art with over 75 International and Venice painters and photographers, and will raise funds for the 2017 Venice Afterburn taking place in September in Venice Beach."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Arabian Prince
♪ Decora
♪ Betty Nguyen
♪ Jessy Greene
♪ Moxy Foxy
♪ Crying 4 Kafka

________________________________________


Apr 20-23, 2017: (Earth Day Weekend)
"DEAD ON THE HILLTOP - SPRING 2017" festival at the Hilltop Tavern & Inn - High Adobe (formerly the Ponderosa), 9544 Kiowa Rd, Apple Valley, CA 92308; http://howardpresents.com/upcoming-events
✔ TIX: Adv $28; From Friday on, $33. Each ticket is for all 3 days and includes a dry camping spot. You use a different tix link, depending what you want: to purchase one ticket, it's https://buy.flint.com/G5zP2bo2017 ; two tickets, https://buy.flint.com/zn1Lf7e2 ; advance purchase special - buy 4 & get 1 free, it's https://buy.flint.com/E0K5e967
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: It's a festival of mostly Grateful Dead music produced by Howard Freiberg. There's a full bar on-site; breakfast, lunch, & dinner are served. Their promo says, "Out in the middle of nowhere (but only 90 minutes from L.A., and OC and only two hours from Las Vegas) is this great little ranch called the 'Hilltop Tavern and Inn - High Adobe' (formerly The Ponderosa) where we've been having weekend gatherings since the '90s. Not a corporate megafest, just an intimate place (with an incredible view overlooking the valley below) to gather for great live music, friendly people hanging out making new friends, a killer little bar and grill, helpful staff, and a fun place to camp and get away from the bullsh*t for the weekend." More info, 805-368-2659.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Fri, 4:20 pm-2 am:)
♪ Delta Shade
♪ Coast To Coast
♪ Jewels & Johnny Nation (Topanga Cyn faves)
♪ Coast To Coast
♪ special guest tba
- - - -
(Sat, 2 pm-2 am:)
♪ Catfish John, Grateful Dead tribute band
♪ Crazy Diamond, Pink Floyd tribute band
♪ The John Garwood Blues Band, he of Mr. Ectomy
♪ The Mark & Dave Duo
♪ Gypsy & The Merry Mystics
♪ The Time Bombs
- - - -
(Sun:)
♪ tba

________________________________________


Apr 20-23, 2017:
30th annual "OLD SETTLER’S MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch, Driftwood, TX; www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org
✔ Tix: $210-$500.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ This one has one of the best folk fest lineups of the year.
✔ THE SCENE: "Old Settler's Music Festival is a nationally known music festival featuring the best in roots and Americana music. The festival is held in the gorgeous Texas hill country, at the height of the Bluebonnet and wildflower season. Old Settler's Music Festival offers great music and activities for the whole family."
✔ NOTE: the festival has FREE ONLINE MUSIC from its artists, just published Apr 3. There's music listening on Spotify and vids at YouTube. All at: http://oldsettlersmusicfest.org/2017-spotify-playlist
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Shakey Graves
♪ The Del McCoury Band
♪ Los Lobos
♪ Sam Bush
♪ Sarah Jarosz
♪ Shinyribs
♪ Elephant Revival
♪ Anders Osborne
♪ Gaelic Storm
♪ Peter Rowan Band
♪ The Travelin’ McCourys
♪ Mandolin Orange
♪ Wood & Wire
♪ The California Honeydrops
♪ Vasen
♪ The Honeycutters
♪ Billy Strings
♪ River Whyless
♪ Session Americana
♪ The Lil’ Smokies


________________________________________


Apr 20-23, 2017:
"COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Polo grounds in Indio, CA; www.coachella.com.
✔ Second and final of the two three-day weekends. Full details in the Apr 14 listing.

________________________________________


Apr 20-27, 2017:
18th annual "NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL" at several venues, principally the Island Cinemas, 999 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660; https://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com/
✔ TIX: separate tix for each event; see website.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Unlike most film fests, music, including live music performances, plays a big part at this one. We'll get to that after some basics. There's also an "Environmental Film Series" from Earth Day (Apr 22) through Apr 26. Orange County’s largest entertainment event will bring 350 films and nightly gala events to over 50,000 film fans. 2017’s spotlighted slate of Irish films has been greatly expanded, with 10 features and 14 shorts on the schedule — with several filmmakers set to attend. Over the past decade, nearly 60 Irish films have screened at the festival for more than 500,000 guests, making it a signature attraction that places a special emphasis on Irish cinema, cuisine and culture. MUSIC: The Newport Beach Film Festival’s "Music Film Series" "puts music center stage showcasing music videos, documentary, and narrative films propelled by music. Highlighting performances, historical headlines, struggling musicians and their unique stories this growing series explores the binding relationship that links music and film. Just as Orange County is a necessary stop for a touring band, our Music Series has found a devoted audience here in Newport Beach. Past highlights include Paul Simon’s journey to make the Graceland album in “Under African Skies,” 2012’s Sundance breakout “I Am Not a Hipster,” and “I Want My Name Back,” a documentary chronicling the rise and fall of the original members of the Sugar Hill Gang. In addition to our Music Film Series, the Festival is also proud to host our Music Video Program, a collection of music videos filmed for modern, original music."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
The live music lineup is not listed. But this film will delight music fans:
"HORN FROM THE HEART: THE PAUL BUTTERFIELD STORY" screens twice: Fri, Apr 21 at 5:15 pm and Tue, Apr 25 at 2:30 pm.

________________________________________


Apr 21-22, 2017:
"EARTH DAY FESTIVAL SANTA BARBARA," in Alameda Park, Santa Barbara, CA; www.sbearthday.org
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "Mega festival celebrates where Earth Day all began over 40 years ago, with two full days of live music performances, speakers, and family programming on three stages... the Festival is all about ACTIVISM in 2017, recalling the local energy that led to the nation’s first Earth Day in 1970. Earth Month is kicking off with news of suspended national climate plans and gutted environmental protection budgets. We need your help to create the local antidote to these threats." Produced by the Community Environmental Council (CEC). Runs 10 am- 6 pm Sat; 10 am- 5 pm Sun.
✔ NOTE: former Vice President Al Gore shares info on a video, at the event's website, on how "CEC’s Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival and year-round commitment to developing local solutions is exactly the type of work that we need to move the needle on climate change."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Stage schedules will be posted in mid-April. Past years have featured Folk-Americana and acoustic roots music.

________________________________________


Apr 21-23, 2017:
"ETOUFEE FESTIVAL" at St. John Francis Regis Church Grounds, 370 Main St, Arnaudville, Louisiana; www.johnfrancisregis.net/index.php/festival; 337-754-5912.
✔ TIX: watch their site.
✔ CAMPING: watch their site.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not published by press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Apr 21-23, 2017:
"SWEETWATER 420 FESTIVAL" in Atlanta, GA; www.sweetwater420fest.com
✔ TIX: $123.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ Acts include Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, so it warrants listing. Way eclectic, though.
✔ THE SCENE: "An annual festival sponsored by Sweetwater Brewing Company in the heart of Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park. Three days of environmental awareness, awesome bands from all around the country, Sweetwater's heady brews, killer people, tons of vendors and delicious food."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Dopapod
♪ Widespread Panic
♪ Ween
♪ Trey Anastasio Band
♪ Slightly Stoopid
♪ Lettuce
♪ Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
♪ Dark Star Orchestra
♪ Anders Osborne
♪ Twiddle
♪ Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds
♪ The Hip Abduction
♪ Dirty Heads
♪ Savoy
♪ Samantha Fish
♪ Jon Rudnitsky
♪ Jake Nordwind
♪ moe.
♪ Talib Kweli
♪ Break Science
♪ Jackie Greene
♪ Ron Pope
♪ The Temperance Movement
♪ The Werks
♪ Big Something
♪ People’s Blues of Richmond
♪ Fortunate Youth
♪ Stop Light Observations
♪ Major & The Monbacks
♪ CBDB
♪ Wild Adriatic
♪ The Steppin Stones
♪ Porch 40
♪ Funk You
♪ Chelsea Shag
♪ Tedo Stone
♪ Voodoo Visionary
♪ Hedonistas
♪ Virginia Bensch Band
♪ San Holo
♪ Savoy
♪ G-Buck
♪ Sunsquabi
♪ Tep No plus Andy Bruh
♪ Clavvs
♪ Daily Bread
♪ Hiku
♪ Juju Beats
♪ McBeezy
♪ Organik
♪ Parrotige
♪ The Morkestra
♪ Thrice Groove
♪ Where Are We
♪ Xavier BLK
♪ Patrick Morgan
♪ Probcause
♪ Sam King

________________________________________


Apr 22 and thereabouts, 2017:
EARTH DAY FESTIVALS... see listings for:
- - - -
✔ "DEAD ON THE HILLTOP - SPRING 2017" Apr 20-23 (Apple Valley, CA)
✔ 18th annual "NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL" Apr 20-27 include the "Environmental Film Series" (Newport Beach, CA)
✔ "EARTH DAY FESTIVAL SANTA BARBARA" Apr 21-22 (Santa Barbara, CA)
✔ "CALIFORNIA POPPY FESTIVAL" Apr 22 & 23 (Lancaster, CA)
✔ "L.A. TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS" Apr 22 & 23 (USC, L.A., CA). We include 12 listings for Earth Day-related exhibitors. (Plus, there's music.)
✔ "TOPANGA EARTH DAY FESTIVAL" Apr 22 & 23 is cancelled / on hiatus (Topanga, CA)
✔ "WILD FOR THE PLANET" Earth Day to Endangered Species Day, Apr 22-May 19 (L.A. Zoo)
✔ "ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION" Apr 29 (Hollenbeck Park, L.A.)

________________________________________


Apr 22, 2017:
"BERGAMOT STATION SPRING FLING" at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Av, Santa Monica, CA 90404; http://bergamotstation.com/events/springfling2017
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: From 11 am-4 pm, the "annual spring arts community gathering will include access to galleries, live music, local vendors, and more... a list of exhibitions that will be on view at the galleries during the Spring Fling [will be available]..." And: "This is an unparalleled arts and community celebration in Santa Monica! Bergamot Station is an internationally renowned creative arts complex, boasting over 40 galleries and creative businesses. The Spring Fling highlights gallery exhibitions and brings together live music, local vendors and special events. Come enjoy a thriving arts community gathering! This is a FREE family friendly event! There are no tickets necessary to gain admission. It is highly encouraged that attendees carpool or ride share to get to the event.
✔ NOTE 1: There is limited parking at Bergamot Station. Take the Metro: The Expo Line light rail stop is onsite at the exit 26th Street/Bergamot. Or carpool or use services like Lyft and Uber to get there. The parking lot can fill-up quickly. Check their Facebook event page for Lyft and Uber discount codes, at: https://www.facebook.com/events/201029090376948/
✔ NOTE 2: More info, contact Diana McNeill: diana@lesliesacks.com or 310-264-0640.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Many of the 40 galleries in different buildings will feature live music throughout this huge arts complex. The full schedule was not published at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Apr 22 & 23, 2017:
"CALIFORNIA POPPY FESTIVAL" in Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park (formerly Lancaster City Park), 43063 N 10th St West, Lancaster, CA 93534; http://www.poppyfestival.com
✔ TIX: $10; children (6-12) $5; free for age 5 & under; seniors (62+) and active/ret. military $5.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: A carnival with music on two stages. As for the name? The area sees abundant poppy blooms when there's been enough rain. "The California Poppy Festival™ also began in part as a portion of the Earth Day celebration. Since the Golden California Poppy blooms each year around the time of Earth Day, it seemed appropriate for Lancaster to combine the two events into the California Poppy Festival™. The first Earth Day was held in the spring of 1970 with an estimated 20 million people participating worldwide. Through the years, the annual Earth Day celebration has grown in popularity; in 1990 an estimated 200 million people in 141 countries participated in different celebrations. The California Poppy Festival™ carries on the Earth Day tradition of concern and caring for the environment."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(it includes the following)
♪ Mariachi Divas (Grammy winners)
♪ Honky Tonk Boombox
♪ NY NY Dueling Pianos
♪ Mirage – Visions of Fleetwood Mac
♪ Dog ‘n’ Butterfly – Tribute to Heart
♪ Hula from the Heart
♪ Groupo Folklorico
♪ Ka Ohana O Keolanai
and more

________________________________________


Apr 22 & 23, 2017:
"L.A. TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS" on the USC University Park campus in Los Angeles, CA; www.latimes.com/festivalofbooks
✔ TIX: Free admission. But tix are needed for specific key events; a $35 festival pass allows you to reserve up to twenty "Festival of Books Conversation" tix for presentations by authors, etc.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE 1: Parking at USC is nightmarish. But you can ride the Expo Line light rail or take the free USC "main campus" or "University Park campus" shuttle bus from Union Station (not MTA, but a white USC bus).
✔ NOTE 2: The 37th annual "Book Prizes" are Friday night in USC's Bovard Auditorium. Get those tix at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/37th-annual-los-angeles-times-book-prizes-tickets-tickets-32606717570 ; everything else happens Sat & Sun.
✔ THE SCENE: This is so much more than books. There are 211 sessions with speakers, mostly authors, and a dozen featured music performances. The number of exhibitors in booths, many with programs and public presentations, is far more than we wanted to count. Because no one thinks "arts and music festival" when you tell them, "It's a book fair," we see the need to change that opinion. So it's getting, by far, the longest description of any festival in this Guide. Uniquely among all our featured write-ups, that monumental list of our recommended picks follows just after the music performance lineup.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Anna Dellaria (accomplished singer-songwriter)
♪ Bellorage
♪ Cutty Flam
♪ Definiens (classic strings)
♪ Exploding Flowers
♪ J. Ven
♪ Korduroy
♪ La Chamba Cumbia Chicha (Peruvian Chicha)
♪ Nectarines
♪ Pair of Arrows
♪ Sin Color (trad Latin)
♪ SoCal Vocals (four-time winners, Int'l Championship of Collegiate A Cappella)
♪ Spelles
♪ The Nova Darlings
♪ Third Bird (jazz)
♪ Thumpasaurus
♪ Trio Ellas (Latin Grammy®–noms with fresh take on trad mariachi blends)
♪ Trojan Marching Band (one of America's most innovative collegiate marching bands)
♪ Wargirl

==========

HERE ARE THE GUIDE'S PICKS OF EXHIBITOR BOOTHS at the "L.A. Times Book Fair" 2017. The online master directory is one big alphabetical listing of everything. We've categorized the key things you'll want to see. So take us with you, or drown in the festival's own giant A-to-Z scroll that's fifty times longer. (Notes on individual booths are supplied by the exhibitors.)
Brace yourself. Here we go:

==========

EARTH DAY HAPPENINGS for adults and kids at the "L.A. Times Book Fair" 2017:
- - - -
GY Creative Publishing
Booth: 588
A boutique publishing house from Santa Monica which specializes in musical children’s books about sustainability and climate change.
- - - -
Albin Gielicz
Booth: TBD
April 22, 10:00 a.m. The Super Sustainables: Facing the Drought, GY Creative Publishing
- - - -
National Wildlife Federation
Booth: 860
Non-profit organization working to protect Los Angeles area mountain lions through its #SaveLACougars program. Booth featuring celebrity cougar P-22 cutout selfie stand, author of book “When Mountain Lions Are Neighbors,” and a Virtual Reality film on the mountain lions.
- - - -
Nature Tale Books, Inc.
Booth: 573
Nature Tale Books publishes gift-quality picture books for early learners. Our stories promote environmental awareness and introduce children to the biology and geology found in American parks. It is our hope that after hearing our stories, children will want to visit our featured parks and create their own memorable adventures.
- - - -
Patt Morrison
Booth: 119
April 22, 3:00 p.m. Rio L.A.: Tales from the Los Angeles River, Angel City Press.
- - - -
Poetic Earth Handmade Journals
Booth: 151
Poetic Earth offers the Largest selection of quality handcrafted Leather bound journals, sketchbooks, vintage leather book bags that can be found in 1 place in the entire USA.Our items feature nature friendly handmade, handmade linen cotton paper of archival QUALITY that will never rot or fade. MADE IN USA.
- - - -
Red Barn Collections
Booth: 948
Red Barn rescues discarded books and gives them new life as journals and handbags. These literary treasures also also transformed into bows, bracelets, pounds of collage paper from vintage illustrations. Every part of the book is transformed to recreate the nostalgic love of books, writing, reading and creativity.
- - - -
SEA Lab
Booth: 959
April 22, 10:00 a.m. – April 23, 10:00 a.m. coral/sea anemone show & tell, KCETLink Media Group
- - - -
The Daily Zoo (Chris Ayers)
Booth: 725
Come check out the whimsical animal art of Chris Ayers, author & illustrator of the Daily Zoo books. Leukemia survivor Chris has been keeping the doctor at bay with a drawing a day for over eleven years now. We also have prints, shirts, and more.
- - - -
The Last Places on Earth
Booth: 143
Gary Mancuso is a USC graduate, holding an MA in International Relations. He is an author, lecturer, adventure travel specialist, and sustainable development advocate. Gary circled the globe into many of the world’s remaining intact cultures and great wilderness, in singular pursuit of what he describes as “Our Disappearing World”.
- - - -
The Mighty Adventures
Booth: 610
D.S. Venetta: Organic Gardening chapter books for kids. Michael Molinski: Miskito, a historical novel of adventure, greed and romance on the Mosquito Coast of Nicaragua during the 1800s. The Mighty Adventures Series: Rebecca Guerrero writes tales for children evoking imagination and fun-filled adventures.
- - - -
The Original Farmers Market
Booth: 2062
Established in 1934, The Original Farmers Market started when a dozen farmers parked their trucks in an open field to sell produce to locals. Now, more than 100 merchants call the Market home and remains to be one of the most beloved destinations in L.A.

=========================

WRITER'S ORGANIZATIONS / RESOURCES... ("L.A. Times Book Fair" 2017)
- - - -
Book Publicists of So California
Booth: 933
- - - -
Greater Los Angeles Writers Society (GLAWS)
Booth: 944
GLAWS is a non-profit that provides a forum for writers of all disciplines to meet and improve their knowledge and skills in the craft and business of writing. GLAWS accomplishes this through Special Speaker Events, genre-specific critique groups, workshops, conferences, bookfairs, and other events that educate and mentor writers.
- - - -
Independent Writers of Southern California (IWOSC)
Booth: 131
Helping Writers Succeed since 1982! Panels, seminars, satellites, networking. We provide professional development and networking opportunities that allow our members to be on the cutting edge of an ever-evolving and expanding world of publishing. (310) 773-8075
- - - -
Morrie Markoff’s Memoirs / Beverly Palm Books
Booth: 35
Morrie Markoff is a 103-year-old first time published author of “Keep Breathing.” Beverly Palm Books serves as a consultant and assistant for writers who wish to get their books off the ground and self-published.
- - - -
Mystery Writers of America SoCal chapter
Booth: 377
Mystery Writers of America is the premier organization for mystery writers, professionals allied to the crime writing field, aspiring crime writers, and those who are devoted to the genre. MWA is dedicated to promoting respect for crime writing and recognition for those who write within the genre.
- - - -
New Playwrights Foundation
Booth: 174
New Playwrights Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable, 501(c)3 corporation originally formed in 1969 to aid, nurture, and develop lesser-known local writers, to help them disseminate their works and establish their careers. The writers workshop meets alternate Thursday nights in the Santa Monica area. Visitors are welcome to attend.
- - - -
NewBookBay LLC
Booth: 824
New book bay is the world’s first creative writing incubator for discovering, publishing and awarding the new brilliant, unpublished literary material and nurturing the fresh upcoming writers.
- - - -
Northeast Los Angeles Writers
Booth: 835
- - - -
Romance Writers of America
Booth: 937
Los Angeles Romance Authors LARA is an affiliate of Romance Writers of America® (RWA) is a nonprofit trade association whose mission is to advance the professional and common business interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy and by increasing public awareness of the romance genre.
- - - -
Small Publishers, Artists & Writers Network (SPAWN)
Booth: 184
National nonprofit literary organization that provide information, resources and opportunities for anyone involved in publishing books or freelance work, whether they are an author, freelance writer, artist or indie publishing company. SPAWN’s website offers links to research sources, publishers, printers, the media, and other sources of importance to writers.
- - - -
SoCal Connected Correspondents
Booth: 959
April 23, 12:30 p.m. SoCal Connected, KCETLink Media Group
- - - -
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Los Angeles Region
Booth: 518
The SCBWI-Los Angeles chapter is proud to represent the birth place of SCBWI. Many generous, talented and visionary individuals in the field of children’s literature, education and entertainment, have resided within its boundaries over the years, and many more such individuals are still to come.
- - - -
Stories to Tell
Booth: 166
Stories To Tell is a publishing company for independent and self-publishing authors. We produce professional print and eBooks, including illustrated books. We provide editing, design, publishing, and marketing services, and personally guide authors through each step. Authors keep all their rights and all their book’s profits.
- - - -
The Great Adventures of Rocky Raccoon
Booth: 541
The Great Adventures of Rocky Raccoon is an action adventure chapter book series written by a Kid 4 Kids. I am a self published 13 year old author with four books.
- - - -
The Tracking Board
Booth: 192
With a focus on identifying writers with cinematic vision and cross over potential to play in film, television and publishing worlds, the 2017 Launch Pad Manuscript Competition aims to discover new writers, new projects and new ideas, and introduce them to the entertainment industry.
- - - -
Tiki Machine, LLC
Booth: 831
Tiki Machine started in 2010 with the intent to self-publishing art books, kid’s books, graphic novels and ancient tiki manuscripts. It’s since evolved to include developing various properties for mobile gaming, interactive apps, animated series and online webcomics. Swing by to meet some of creators/artists and check out our products.
- - - -
ValStar Publishing
Booth: 844
One of a kind publishing house created specifically for inspired authors.All of our authors & book titles are published & marketed as a tool for raising awareness & funds for charities & not for profit organizations.We are here to make it happen,make it matter. We also sponsor the National Writer’s Union.
- - - -
Vox Box Arts Collective
Booth: 903
VOX BOX is a multi-cultural interdisciplinary arts group dedicated to presenting live performance, film, and visual arts to children and adults of diverse incomes, cultures, and abilities.
- - - -
Wordsmith Writing Coaches
Booth: 200
Wordsmith Writing Coaches help undergrad and grad students excel in academic writing and dissertations. We also help new authors along the road to publication and provide full-service editing for self-published authors. Let us help you write better, right now.
- - - -
WRiTE BRAiN BOOKS
Booth: 735
We provide the inspiration, YOU provide the imagination! Our colorfully iLLUSTRATED, WORDLESS BOOKS have lines on the pages for your story. Write and publish a children’s book! Our AUTHOR’S KiTS, STORY PUZZLES, STORY MATS & STORY CARDS are fun and engaging, disguised learning products! Hear about our K-12 educational programs!
- - - -
Writers Mastermind Alliance
Booth: 167
We are a diverse group of writers with different genres.

==========================

ARTIST-FRIENDLY RADIO / TV / BROADCAST PRINT MEDIA... ("L.A. Times Book Fair" 2017)
- - - -
KCETLink Media Group
Booth: 959
KCETLink Media Group is a national independent nonprofit media network that provides high-quality culturally diverse programming designed to engage the public in innovative, entertaining and transformative ways. KCET is a service of KCETLink. KCET plays a vital role in the cultural and educational enrichment in the community it serves.
- - - -
KCRW
Booth: 110
KCRW creates & curates music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. From Los Angeles to around the world, KCRW.com
- - - -
KLCS
Booth: 901
✔ [GUIDE NOTE: KLCS is the Friday-night home of most of the acoustic roots music performance TV that's available weekly in L.A. Support them! At least go by and THANK THEM, so they'll continue to bring you "Sun Studio Sessions," "Bluegrass Underground," "Austin City Limits," "Front and Center," and more!]
KLCS is a multimedia public television station serving the greater Los Angeles area. We provide a wide range of outstanding public television programs, as well as this website and outreach services, which educate, inform, enlighten and entertain adults and children.
- - - -
KTLA
Booth: 964
KTLA, channel 5, is a CW-affiliated television station located in Los Angeles, California, United States. The station is owned by the Tribune Broadcasting subsidiary of Tribune Media.
- - - -
Larry Mantle
Booth: 119
April 22, 10:00 a.m. This is AirTalk: 20 Years of Conversation on 89.3 KPCC, Angel City Press
- - - -
Luis Fuerte
Booth: 959
April 22, 1:00 p.m. “Louie, Take a Look at This!: My Time With Huell Howser”, KCETLink Media Group
- - - -
PBS Kids
Booth: 533
Today, PBS SoCal is the top-rated and most-watched public television station in the Greater Los Angeles area, and the third most-watched PBS station in the nation. We now serve the region from our offices in Century City, Costa Mesa, and downtown Los Angeles.
- - - -
Sandi Latimer & John Kady
Booth: 210
April 22, 2:30 p.m. Newsroom Buddies: A Working Friendship at United Press International, Author Solutions.
- - - -
Soul Custody Press
Booth: 202
Soul Custody Press publishes “memoirs with a message” in the form of daily readers with 366 pages. The first title is “The Resting Place, A Graveside Diary,” by Pamela Little, for sale on Amazon. Add your daily reader to the growing list.
- - - -
Val Zavala
Booth: 959
April 23, 10:00 a.m. SoCal Connected, KCETLink Media Group

==========================

LOCAL PROJECTS / RESOURCES / OPPORTUNITIES... ("L.A. Times Book Fair" 2017)
- - - -
LA2024
Booth: 139
LA 2024 is the U.S. bid for the 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games. By harnessing LA’s ideal climate, unparalleled culture of creativity and innovation, and state-of-the-art sporting infrastructure, LA 2024 will deliver a sustainable, fiscally responsible Games to benefit our city, our nation and the global Olympic Movement.
- - - -
LA84 Foundation
Booth: 139
As a legacy of the 1984 Olympic Games, the LA84 Foundation is a nationally recognized leader in support of youth sport programs and in elevating the importance of the role sports play in positive youth development. LA84 has invested $230 million in Southern California communities, supporting more than 3 million youth. Connect on social media + www.la84.org
- - - -
Little Free Library
Booth: TBD
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. Millions of books are shared each year through more than 50,000 registered Little Free Libraries in all 50 states and 70 countries.
- - - -
Los Angeles County Office of Education
Booth: 608
“Los Angeles County Office of Education Head Start-State Preschool programs provide the first rung on a ladder out of poverty for thousands of our most vulnerable children and families. We offer high-quality early education programs with health, nutritional, social, and other services. Visit prekkid.org for more information and program locations.”
✔ [GUIDE NOTE: there are opportunities for musicians to perform in the schools. Always ask first about the paying gigs, or you'll discover you have volunteered.]
- - - -
Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder County Clerk
Booth: 164
Voter Registration informational table. We will offer printed material, digital application review and status updates. We offer the service to register people for all upcoming elections.
✔ [GUIDE NOTE: Register to vote. If you are not registered, you cannot vote. If you're disillusioned, welcome to the club; so register "no party preference" or Green Party. But register. And thank the Registrar's Office for doing a tough and thankless job as guardians of the gate.]
- - - -
Los Angeles Public Library
Booth: 382
The Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest and most diverse urban population of any library in the nation. Its Central Library, 72 branch libraries, more than 6 million books, state-of-the-art technology and many public programs, provide everyone free and easy access to information and the opportunity for life-long learning.
✔ [GUIDE NOTE: there are opportunities for musicians to perform in programs or cultural series in public libraries in MANY cities and counties. Always ask first about the paying gigs, or you'll discover you have volunteered.]
- - - -
Los Angeles Review of Books
Booth: 43
The Los Angeles Review of Books is a nonprofit literary and cultural arts organization that combines the great tradition of the book review with the evolving technologies of the web.
- - - -
Los Angeles World Airports/LA International Airport
Booth: 162
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is the City of Los Angeles department that owns and operates Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) general aviation airports. Both play an integral role in helping to meet the Southern California regional demand for passenger, cargo and general aviation service.
✔ [GUIDE NOTE: LAX and many other airports feature changing arts exhibitions. It's an opportunity that very few artists know about. Those who do often get plugged-in to something lucrative that brings opportunities in more airports after the first one. Stop by and get acquainted with someone you can contact.]
- - - -
Reading to Kids
Booth: 133
Reading to Kids is a grassroots organization dedicated to inspiring underserved children with a love of reading, thereby enriching their lives and opportunities for success in the future. We gather on average 858 children and 372 volunteers at reading clubs on the second Saturday of every month.
- - - -
Star Education
Booth: 554
STAR Education offers a wide breadth of services to communities, schools and families before, during and after school hours. Working with superintendents, principals, teachers, and parents, STAR provides exceptional enrichment opportunities in math, literacy, arts, sciences and technology. STAR also offers award winning summer camps, Professional Development and GATE programs.
- - - -
The Help Group
Booth: 587
Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children, adolescents and young adults with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional challenges. 6 campuses and 10 schools.
- - - -
The Imagination Machine
Booth: 530
The Imagination Machine is a Southern California based theatre company performing assemblies in approximately 400 elementary schools throughout the state. Programs offered are: “Who What Where” and “Write Away”, which teach the fundamentals of writing, and “The Writing Show”, where our professional actors perform stories written by your own students!
- - - -
The Jester & Pharley Phund
Booth: 572
The nonprofit Jester & Pharley Phund boosts literacy with read-a-thons in elementary schools that bring David Saltzman’s award-winning “Jester Has Lost His Jingle” book and Jester & Pharley doll to ill children. Phund programs encourage reading, compassion and kindness among students while providing laughter and joy to hospitalized children.
- - - -
The Literacy Guild
Booth: 538
The Literacy Guild is a literacy development center that provides high quality K-12 instructional services in small group learning environments. The curriculum and instruction is built upon the core theory that human learning is complex and dynamic. Students engage in authentic literacy and publish their compositions.
- - - -
The Los Angeles Review
Booth: 934
- - - -
Workshop 2.0
Booth: 609
WORKSHOP 2.0 offers a micro-enterprising model for special-needs employment. We empower transitional adult artists on the Autism Spectrum by giving them professional mentors and a space to share their extensive knowledge and create products to sell via the internet, using sites such as Amazon, YouTube, blogs, Etsy, and ebay.

==========================

PEACE AND WAR... ("L.A. Times Book Fair" 2017)
- - - -
Addicted to War
Booth: 930
We produce Anti-War books & DVD’s that are available to people interested in understanding the true nature of U.S. foreign policy and wars against the Third World.
- - - -
Maria M. Bowe
Booth: 223
April 22, 3:30 p.m. WARFARE: THE THINGS THEY NEVER TELL YOU ABOUT, PART 1, Author Solutions
- - - -
Nicole Waybright Author
Booth: 924
In Long Way Out, author Nicole Waybright tells her true story of coming of age while deployed as a young officer on a U.S. Navy destroyer, during the Navy’s greatest cruelty at sea scandal. An unlikely ending finds the author with a radicalized self-understanding, seeking a culture of peace. April 22, 10 am– April 23, 10 am. Long Way Out, Nicole Waybright Author.
- - - -
Robert Maddock
Booth: 212
April 22, 1:30 p.m. – April 23, 10:00 a.m. The 1,300 Years’ War: Volumes 1 & 2, Author Solutions
- - - -
Robert W. Bradshaw
Booth: 210
April 22, 11:30 a.m. Forty-Five Letters from a World War II Sailor: How to Fulfill Your American Dreams, Author Solutions.
- - - -
Soulful Journey: Against All Odds by Sotheary Ortego
Booth: 919
Soulful Journey: Against All Odds by Sotheary Ortego, chronicles a young woman’s extraordinary tale of courage and survival in a series of unfortunate events. Plus other authors: Post War Children by Michael Harris. The Immigrant Princess by Variny Yim. From Internment to Fulfillment by Neary Heng. Khmer Girl by Peu.
- - - -
Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at USC
Booth: 574
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at USC provides high-quality, confidential and personalized mental health care to veterans and military families at no cost. Services are available to any person who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserves, regardless of their role/discharge.

==========

TRAVEL... ("L.A. Times Book Fair" 2017)
- - - -
Aer Lingus
Booth: 762
Airline serves Ireland and Europe.
- - - -
Pat Hunter
Booth: 189
April 22, 1:00 p.m. – April 23, 12:00 p.m. Remembering the California Missions, An Artist and a Writer Travel Highway 1 South, Linden Publishing.
- - - -
Taiwan Tourism Bureau
Booth: 364
Taiwan – the ultimate hidden gem in Asia. You can savor the widest variety of street eats, immerse in nature’s abundance, bike through cities to the countryside, and admire the fascinating city skyline – all with one ride on the MRT Rail. Visit the fascinating island of Taiwan today.

==========

EXHIBITORS OF NOTABLE INTEREST TO GUIDE READERS... ("L.A. Times Book Fair" 2017)
- - - -
Alice Lunsford
Booth: TBD
April 22, 10:00 a.m. Secrets of the Bayou, New Playwrights Foundation.
- - - -
Angel City Press
Booth: 119
Angel City Press celebrates 25 years creating books that showcase the history and culture of Southern California. Its award-winning work has established Angel City Press as the crown jewel of Los Angeles publishing.
- - - -
Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center
Booth: 340
Beyond Baroque is one of the United States’ leading Literary Arts Centers dedicated to expanding the public’s knowledge of poetry, literature and art through publishing, cultural events and community interaction. Founded in 1968, Beyond Baroque is based out of the original City Hall Building in Venice,California.
- - - -
Black Lives Matter
Booth: 930
- - - -
Book Soup/A.C. Vroman, INC
Booth: 88
Book Soup, “Bookseller to the Great and Infamous”, is a general independent bookstore located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. Since 1975 the store has specialized in art, music, film, photography, fashion, and literary fiction, and is known for its celebrity clientele, robust author event series, and international newsstand.
- - - -
C-SPAN
Booth: 841Television for serious readers. Every weekend C-SPAN2 features Book TV – a 48-hour block of book programming. Book TV brings you a rich variety of nonfiction topics: history, biography, politics, current events, the media, and more. Watch author interviews, readings, panels, and the nation’s largest book fairs. www.booktv.org
- - - -
California Book Fairs
Booth: 536
- - - -
Cancer Control Society
Booth: TBDCancer Book House offers books, DVDs, Cancer Control Journals and Information Packets on Alternative Therapies and Nutritional Approaches to the prevention and control of cancer and other diseases.
- - - -
Center Theatre Group
Booth: 940
Center Theatre Group is one of the nation’s most influential nonprofit theatre companies. At the Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum in Downtown L.A. and the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Downtown Culver City, we present the highest quality and broadest range of theatre: groundbreaking new works, explosive productions of the classics, and hit Broadway plays and musicals. As we celebrate our 50TH Anniversary in 2017, we are proud to continue contributing to the culture of our city and to the enrichment of the national theatre community, and we are grateful to our subscribers, donors, and board whose generous support makes our work possible.
- - - -
City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
Booth: 743
Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) advances the social and economic impact of the arts and ensures access to diverse and enriching cultural activities through: grantmaking, community arts programming, arts education, public art, and partnerships with artists and arts/cultural organizations throughout the City of Los Angeles.
- - - -
David’s Doodles
Booth: 834
Self published art books, instructional and collection, art apparel, and art prints,
- - - -
Dr. Richard Erhlich
Booth: TBD
April 23, 10:00 p.m. Faces of Music, The Help Group
- - - -
Drumsong Music Company
Booth: 24Drumsong Music Company features books written by Drummer,Educator Ndugu Chancler.These books range from drum set method,philosophy of success to books about Micheal Jackson. Ndugu Chancler is currently part of the Flora L.Thornton Faculty.
- - - -
ECPrinting.com
Booth: 51
Affordable high quality book printing for the self publisher. Our 13th year exhibiting at the LA Times Festival of Books!
- - - -
Happy Science USA
Booth: 206
In 1986, Master Ryuho Okawa founded Happy Science, a spiritual movement dedicated to bringing greater happiness to humankind by overcoming barriers of race, religion, and culture and by working toward the ideal of a world united in peace and harmony.
- - - -
Haymarket Books
Booth: 158
Haymarket Books is a radical, independent publisher, who aims to connect activists, critical scholars, and politically conscious readers with the ideas they need to change the world.
- - - -
Jodi Bombardier Jewelry
Booth: 178
Men’s and women’s leather bracelets along with copper cuffs, bracelets, necklaces and earrings, all designed and handmade in Tucson, AZ. Jodi is a published author with 2 how-to-make wire jewelry books, has co-authored 2 jewelry books and has written how-to-make jewelry articles for Step By Step Wire Jewelry magazine.
April 22, 10:00 a.m. – April 23, 10:00 a.m. Artisan Filigree: Wire Wrapping Jewelry Techniques, Jodi Bombardier Jewelry
- - - -
Kinderwise
Booth: 540
Kinderwise is a family-owned business based in California specializing in SOCIAL SKILLS books and shows for children. They’ll be showcasing their Emotional Intelligence program for children which teaches empathy, social skills, self-awareness, and self-regulation through the eyes of Kinderwise characters Sparkelina (doll), Sophie (pink elephant), Busybee (giant bee).
April 22, 10:00 a.m. – April 23, 10:00 a.m. How to Describe My Feelings, How to Make and Keep Friends, How to Mind My Manners, How to Calm Down, Kinderwise
- - - -
Latino Literacy Now
Booth: 468
Latino Literacy Now is a nonprofit organization. We operate Educational Programs and community Festivals for under serviced audiences around the USA. We also operate the largest Latino cultural Awards in the USA with the International Latino Book Awards. Finally, we promote Latino literature and the authors that create the literature.
- - - -
Life is Good
Booth: 546
Optimistic apparel brand who donates 10% of all net proceeds to children in need. To date, they’ve donated over $11 million and counting.
- - - -
Mauricio Abril Art
Booth: 513
Storytelling with a side of magic, wonder and imagination for kids and kids-at-heart!
- - - -
Once Upon A Time Bookstore
Booth: 732
The oldest children’s bookstore in the country (51 years in 2017), this neighborhood touchstone engages the reading community with the best selected titles, hand-picked greeting cards, exquisite gift items for all ages and a warm and knowledgeable staff. Author events, storytimes, book and writing clubs. Special summertime kids activities.
- - - -
Orange County High School of the Arts OShop
Booth: 958
Orange County High School of the Arts OShop: handmade totes/quilts. Novelty prints always mixed with music prints to honor my mom who played piano for groups ’til 101 yrs old. Arts’ themed Ts.
- - - -
{pages} a Bookstore
Booth: 708
{pages} a bookstore is the place for book lovers of all ages, where reading, meeting and discussing books is a way of life. {pages} hosts interesting author events, book clubs, workshops and a regular children’s story time. We can special order most any book, help select, wrap and ship corporate gifts and sell books at offsite events.
- - - -
Pathfinder Books
Booth: 943
Books on the history of the working class movement. Speeches and writings by revolutionary working class leaders. Marx, Engels, Lenin, Trotsky, Cannon, Dobbs, Che Guevara, Fidel Castro, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, Thomas Sankara, Maurice Bishop, Jack Barnes, Mary Alice Waters. Books in English, Spanish, French, Farsi.
- - - -
PM Press
Booth: 152
Publisher of the finest print, audio and visual materials. To educate, enlighten, inspire, and entertain. Books, CDs, DVDs, and stylish apparel. From Angela Davis to Howard Zinn, and most of the other good stuff in-between.
- - - -
Prioriteze
Booth: 71
Unique paper products and systems to prioritize Life with ease. R.I.P – Really Important PapersTM preparation kit to prompt conversations and communication to help prepare for Life’s unexpected events. Action FoldersTM are attention-grabbing document ticklers to prioritize personal and professional day-to-day tasks and keep Life on track.
- - - -
Richard Curtner Art
Booth: 149
Word Collage art created by combining hundreds of cut-outs of written text found in magazines. All the text in the art pertains to individual themes. The hundreds of cut-outs are glued together and varnished. Every minute detail is cut out with an x-acto knife.
- - - -
Self-Realization Fellowship
Booth: 155
Self-Realization Fellowship, founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda, is the publisher for the complete line of Yogananda’s books and recorded talks, included his classic Autobiography of a Yogi.
- - - -
Share International USA
Booth: 182
The books of Benjamin Creme on the emergence of the World Teacher for this age, Maitreya. 17 books on the emergence, teachings and priorities of Maitreya.
- - - -
Stephan Poulter, Ph.D
Booth: 199
April 22, 1:30 p.m. The Art of Successful Failure, Author Solutions
- - - -
Stephen Gee
Booth: 119
April 22, 12:00 p.m. Los Angeles Central Library: A History of its Art and Architecture, Iconic Vision: John Parkinson, Architect of Los Angeles, Angel City Press
- - - -
Stephen J. Bost
Booth: 210
April 22, 3:30 p.m. Mystical Union: And the Metaphysical Philosophy of Yoga, Author Solutions
- - - -
Success Center, Inc.
Booth: 213
We help you Come Alive and reach YOUR Highest Potential via Hypnosis Sessions, Books, and Recordings or with Business/Life Coaching.
- - - -
SUSAN MOSS
Booth: 74
April 22, 2:00 p.m. – April 23, 2:00 p.m. KEEP YOUR BREASTS! & SURVIVE CANCER!, Cancer Book House
- - - -
The Theosophy Company
Booth: 225
We publish the original teachings of Theosophy, as recorded in the writings of H.P. Blavatsky and William Q. Judge. Key ideas are Universal Brotherhood, Human Solidarity, Reincarnation, Karma, Spiritual Evolution. Our affiliated student group is the United Lodge of Theosophists.
- - - -
Theosophical University Press
Booth: 180
The publishing activity of The Theosophical Society (Pasadena), founded in 1875, our press catalog includes the primary source literature of the modern theosophical movement, as well as more recent titles — all in print and internet versions.
- - - -
Transformations
Booth: 517
Through fun, educational, and creative books, dvd’s and other services, we help You and Your Children experience healthy, happy and enriched lives; enjoy a peaceful and prosperous family life together; and honor the commonalities and similarities of all people and all cultures.
- - - -
Vroman’s Bookstore/Children’s
Booth: 128
Vroman’s Bookstore is Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookstore. Founded in 1894, Vroman’s is located in Pasadena and is home to 85,000 book titles, thousands of gift items, a beloved children’s department, an international newsstand, the Vroman’s Author Walk of Fame, and over 350 events a year.
- - - -
William Deverell
Booth: 119
April 23, 12:00 p.m. Woody Guthrie L.A. 1937 to 1941, Angel City Press.
- - - -
YaYa’s Creole Products
Booth: 2061
YaYa’s Creole Products is an array of Creole products including the beautiful YaYa’s Creole Cookbook filled with delicious recipes.YaYa also has Creole seasoning; Spicy Bourbon bbq Sauce; Chipotle Hot sauce; Creole hot sauce.
- - - -
Zoe Summer
Booth: 221
April 22, 10:30 a.m. You Are Enough: Thirty Mini Mantras for Self-Transformation Be Empowered, Enlightened, and Inspired, Author Solutions.
- - - -
(THE ABOVE is the "L.A. Times Festival of Books." It's the most extensive write-up in this entire Festival Guide. Notes on individual booths in the above are supplied by the exhibitors.)

________________________________________


Apr 22 & 23, 2017:
"TOPANGA EARTH DAY FESTIVAL" is NOT HAPPENING in 2017. It's ON HIATUS, but would be at the Topanga Community House & Fairgrounds, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga, CA ; http://topangadays.com
✔ NOTE: It's an open question if this one will come back. It was well-produced, well-attended, with more music stages than most people could find, and it was tons o' fun. But the community of artists in Topanga Canyon is placing their emphasis on the annual "Topanga Days Country Faire," the only Southern Cal music festival that runs all three days of Memorial Day Weekend (see that listing).

________________________________________


Apr 22 & 23, 2017:
"HIGH WATER FESTIVAL" in North Charleston, SC; www.highwaterfest.com
✔ TIX: $99.50-$274.50.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "The husband and wife team behind the folk duo SHOVELS & ROPE are the organizers of this new music festival in South Carolina. The lineup is filled with plenty of Americana folk rock acts like THE AVETT BROTHERS, THE SHINS, NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS, and DAWES. High Water also features plenty of tasty local libations along with Charleston chef... dining experiences."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ The Avett Brothers
♪ The Shins
♪ Shovels & Rope
♪ Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
♪ Dawes
♪ Jump, Little Children
♪ Lucius
♪ Margo Price
♪ Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires
♪ Deer Tick
♪ JD McPherson
♪ John Moreland
♪ Julien Baker
♪ The Suffers
♪ Shrimp Records Family Band
♪ Matthew Logan Vasquez
♪ Slow Runner
♪ Aaron Lee Tasjan
♪ The Deslondes
♪ Caroline Rose
♪ Indianola
♪ Arum Rae

________________________________________


Apr 22–May 19, 2017:
"WILD FOR THE PLANET" runs Earth Day through Endangered Species Day at the Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323-644-4200; www.lazoo.org/wildfortheplanet
✔ TIX: Free with paid zoo admission or GLAZA membership. Gen admission: adult (ages 13-61) $20; Senior (Age 62+) $17; Child (Ages 2-12) $15; free for children under age 2.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: 10 am–4 pm each day during the festival, there are special programs, with lots more on weekends, in conjunction with the zoo's 50th Anniversary. The highlights are "Four Weekends of Special Eco-activities and Entertainment." The promo says, "we’re putting a spotlight on conservation every day for a whole month. Weekends are even more special, with fun, informative activities, shows, and presentations that will inspire as well as entertainment." Having recently completed a $172 million master plan which significantly improved the Zoo facility, the 50th anniversary coincides with the early planning stages of a new Master Plan for the future. The landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, drawing nearly 1.8 million visitors each year, is home to a diverse collection of 1,100 animals representing 250 different species, many of which are rare or endangered, as well as a botanical collection comprising over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants. the zoo was recently re-accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
✔ NOTE: a "SAVING SPECIES" guide is distributed daily, with special animal enrichment programs and keeper presentations on weekends.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not available at press time (early April, 2017) on their site, but it's in each day's "Saving Species" guide available at the zoo.

________________________________________


Apr 26-30, 2017:
"FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL D'LOUISIANE" in downtown Lafayette, Evangeline Parish, Louisiana; www.festivalinternational.com
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ THE SCENE: "Historic downtown Lafayette is transformed into an entertainment complex featuring six music stages, food court areas, street musicians and animators, arts and crafts boutiques, art galleries, beverage stands, cultural workshops, international cooking demonstrations and a world music store."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not announced by press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Apr 27-30, 2017:
"GENOA COWBOY FESTIVAL" 2289 Main St, Genoa, NV 89411; 775-782-8696; www.genoacowboyfestival.org
✔ TIX: Most events are free, and there are plenty of 'em, of real quality. Fri & Sat night concerts require tix and are all-reserved seating with prices of $45, $35, & $30.
✔ CAMPING: No. But the Nat'l Forest has options in the general area.
✔ THE SCENE: This looks to be a wonderful lil' festival with top talent. Free daytime events happen in tiny pioneer town of Genoa, bringing "a variety... including: chautauquas, living history tours, musical performances, cowboy poetry, melodramas, historical reenactments, and more. Food options include a Dutch oven cookout, "corral" food vendors and many participating restaurants that are right there. The Astronomical Society of Nevada presents a free evening "Star Party" on Fri night. There's a free "Birding Tour" of the River Fork Ranch, where you can "Learn about birds living year round and/or migrating to and from the Carson Valley with longtime local expert Jim Woods," and a free "Carson Valley Birds & Buckaroos" photography / art show. There's a $5 Cowboy Breakfast cookout on Sat.
✔ NOTE: There's one workshop: Gary Allegretto's “Learn To Play Cowboy Harmonica Instantly” on Saturday afternoon, $25, suitable for families; fee includes top quality harmonicas, song booklets and everything needed.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Fri. night concert, tix req'd:)
♪ The Quebe Sisters
♪ Dave Stamey
- - - -
(Sat. night concert, tix req'd:)
♪ Tom Russell
♪ Mike Beck
- - - -
(complete daytime lineup, one or both days, on 5 FREE stages:)
♪ Dave Stamey
♪ Mike Beck
♪ Randy Rieman; Charlie Russell re-enactor
♪ Trinity Seely
♪ Gary Allegretto
♪ All Hat No Cattle
♪ Jon & Betsy Elliott
♪ Tony Argento
♪ Michael Fischer
♪ McAvoy Layne; Mark Twain re-enactor
♪ Dianna Maria de Borges; Sarah Winnemucca re-enactor
♪ Dr. Michael Fischer; Nevada Buckaroo re-enactor
♪ Don Thompson
♪ Steve Hale; Snowshoe Thompsom re-enactor
♪ Kim Copel-Harris; Laura D. Fair & Lilian Virgin Finnegan re-enactor
♪ Sierra Sweethearts
♪ Sage Creek
♪ CW & Dr. Spitmore

________________________________________


Apr 27-30, 2017:
"MERLEFEST" in Wilkesboro, NC; http://merlefest.org.
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ This one, founded by the late DOC WATSON in honor of his late brother Merle, needs to be a top-three item on your festival bucket list, whatever year you can go.
✔ THE SCENE: "Merlefest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, is an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina."
✔ 2017 LINEUP
♪ Alberti Flea Circus
♪ Todd Albright
♪ Darin & Brooke Aldridge
♪ Jim Avett
♪ Banknotes
♪ The BattleAxe Band
♪ Bethel University Renaissance Bluegrass Band
♪ Roy Book Binder
♪ The Bluegrass Experience
♪ Laura Boosinger & The Midnight Plowboys
♪ Mark
♪ “Brink” Brinkman
♪ Zac Brown Band
♪ Andy Buckner
♪ Mark Bumgarner
♪ Sam Bush Band
♪ Chatham County Line
♪ Michael Coleman
♪ The Contenders
♪ P. Cormier
♪ Counterclockwise String Band
♪ Dear Brother
♪ Pat Donohue
♪ Jerry Douglas
♪ John Doyle
♪ Eric Ellis
♪ Flando Calrissian
♪ Scott Freeman
♪ Front Country
♪ The Gravy Boys
♪ The Green Grass Cloggers and Strictly Strings
♪ Mitch Greenhill
♪ Virgil Harden & the Appalachian Countdown
♪ Nate Harris and Spice Creek Ramblers
♪ Wayne Henderson
♪ Bob Hill
♪ David Holt
♪ The Hook & Bullet
♪ I Draw Slow
♪ The InterACTive Theatre of Jef
♪ Steve James
♪ Chris Jones & The Night Drivers
♪ Jim Lauderdale
♪ Jack Lawrence
♪ Jeff Little Trio
♪ The Local Boys
♪ Locust Honey String Band
♪ Lydia Luce
♪ Claire Lynch
♪ Bill Mathis
♪ Andy May
♪ Del McCoury Band
♪ Pat McInerney
♪ Mountain Heart
♪ Megan Nash
♪ Carol Rifkin and Jeanette Queen
♪ Roanoke
♪ Peter Rowan
♪ Scythian
♪ ShadowGrass
♪ Steve and Ruth Smith
♪ Joe Smothers
♪ Ed Snodderly
♪ The Stray Birds
♪ String Madness with Mitch Greenhill
♪ Surry Line
♪ Bryan Sutton Band
♪ Swift Creek
♪ 10 String Symphony
♪ Ken Tizzard
♪ The Trailblazers
♪ Happy Traum
♪ Uncle Joe and the Shady Rest
♪ The Waybacks
♪ The WBT Briarhoppers
♪ Charles Welch
♪ Pete & Joan Wernick
♪ Uncle Ted White
♪ Tony Williamson

________________________________________


Apr 28-30, 2017:
"OLD TOWN TEMECULA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" in Temecula, CA; www.temeculabluegrass.com
✔ It's MOVED and is now the "Temecula Valley Bluegrass Festival" on a nearby ranch; see listing.

________________________________________


Apr 28-30, 2017:
"TEMECULA VALLEY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" at Tucalota Creek Ranch, 39560 E Benton Rd, Temecula, CA; www.temeculabluegrass.com
✔ TIX: 3-day pass $60. One-day passes: Fri $20, Sat $30, Sun $15.
✔ CAMPING: Yes. each RV or tent space comes with two 3-day pass wristbands.
✔ THE SCENE: This has taken the place of the "Oldtown Temecula Bluegrass Festival" that was held for many years s a free event on official stages, in the theatre, and on wood porches throughout the town. This new event is out of town, with outdoor concerts, camping, jamming, and workshops. It's now "a non-profit festival to benefit local school music programs and NDR Therapeutic Riding, under the management of MEG, Moyer Entertainment Group, Inc., a 501(c)(3)."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Jeff Scroggins & Colorado
♪ Chris Cerna Bluegrass Republic
♪ Grasslands
♪ Bluegrass Brethren
♪ The Salty Suites
♪ Prairie Sky
♪ Sligo Rags
♪ Gone Tomorrow
♪ Bluegrass Ghosts
♪ Taildraggers
♪ Damascus Road
♪ MohaviSoul
♪ Desperado
♪ Sweet Tidings Gospel
♪ Wild Oats
♪ Drought Tolerant Bluegrass Band
♪ The Bluegrass Ghosts
♪ Salty Suites
- - - -
Plus "some family-friendly folk-pop-acoustic acts on the single mic stage."
♪ Will Champlin
♪ Chi McLean
♪ Lady Rogo (we saw her at NAMM; she's from Boston and plays good folk-roots)
♪ Dulaney & Co.
♪ Isaiah Olsen
♪ Keenwild
♪ John Rankin
♪ Joe Gillaspie

________________________________________


Apr 28-30, 2017:
"STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Polo grounds, 81-800 Ave 51, Indio, CA 92201; www.stagecoachfestival.com.
✔ TIX: $299.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Plenty of bigtime Folk-Americana stars and iconic stars from the days of Country-Western all on the "B" and "C" stages; modern Nashville pop-country is loudly ensconsed on the "A" stage.
✔ NOTE 1: Set-times for each day on each of the four stages were released on Apr 19. View them at: http://www.stagecoachfestival.com/lineup/set-times/
✔ NOTE 2: The final STAGE SCHEDULE loads very slow. If you're going, print it out and take it with you: http://www.stagecoachfestival.com/lineup/#!programmation=grid$
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ 38 Special
♪ Aaron Lee Tasjan
♪ Anderson East
♪ Black Pistol Fire
♪ Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots
♪ Brent Cobb
♪ Brett Eldredge
♪ Brooke Eden
♪ Cam
♪ Cody Johnson
♪ Cole Swindell
♪ Courtney Cole
♪ Cowboy Junkies
♪ Cyndi Lauper
♪ Dan + Shay
♪ Dan Layus
♪ Dierks Bentley
♪ Drew Holcomb And The Neighbors
♪ Dylan Scott
♪ Elle King
♪ Jamey Johnson
♪ Jerry Lee Lewis
♪ John Doe
♪ John Moreland
♪ Jon Pardi
♪ Jonathan Tyler
♪ Justin Townes Earle
♪ Kenny Chesney
♪ Kiefer Sutherland
♪ Kip Moore
♪ Lanco
♪ Levi Hummon
♪ Los Lobos
♪ Luke Combs
♪ Maddie & Tae
♪ Maren Morris
♪ Margo Price
♪ Nikki Lane
♪ Quiet Life
♪ Randy Houser
♪ Randy Rogers Band
♪ Rhiannon Giddens
♪ Robert Ellis
♪ Ruston Kelly
♪ Ryan Hurd
♪ Shania Twain
♪ Son Volt
♪ Steep Canyon Rangers
♪ Steve Moakler
♪ Terry Allen
♪ The Blasters
♪ The Cactus Blossoms
♪ The Cadillac Three
♪ The Hillbenders Present The Who’s Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry
♪ The Long Ryders
♪ The Sadies
♪ The Walcotts
♪ The Zombies
♪ Thomas Rhett
♪ Tommy James and the Shondells
♪ Traveller
♪ Travis Tritt
♪ Tucker Beathard
♪ Tyler Farr
♪ Waddie Mitchell
♪ William Michael Morgan
♪ Willie Nelson & Family
♪ Wynonna & The Big Noise

________________________________________


Apr 28-30, 2017:
"MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" in Marana, AZ; www.maranafestival.com
✔ TIX: available online.
CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "This year Marana has put together a very creative and inclusive festival, with a little bit of everything & their headliner is an imaginative choice: Rebecca Frazier, a female flatpicker achieved notoriety in the bluegrass world as the first woman ever to appear on the cover of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine. Originally from Virginia, Frazier is perhaps best known for her work with Hit & Run Bluegrass, which made history as the only band to win competitions at Rockygrass (2002), Telluride Bluegrass Festival (2003), and the SPBGMA Band Championship in Nashville (2005)."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Rebecca Frazier & Hit & Run Bluegrass
♪ The Sonoran Dogs
♪ Run Boy Run (they were great at Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival 2017)
♪ Way Out West
♪ Cisco & The Racecars
♪ Crucial County
♪ Side Of Grits
♪ 2 Lazy 2 Ranch
♪ Scattered Grass
♪ Nehemiah
♪ Jam Pak Kids
♪ Hot Club Juniors

________________________________________


Apr 28-30, 2017:
"PENSACOLA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL" in Pensacola, FL; www.fiestaoffiveflags.org/pensacola-crawfish-festival
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Some Louisiana bands have performed in the past. Check website for lineup closer to the event dates.

________________________________________


Apr 28-May 7, 2017:
"NEW ORLEANS JAZZ AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL" in New Orleans, Louisiana; www.nojazzfest.com
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ THE SCENE: This one is massive, with 12 stages at the New Orleans Fairgrounds and the entire city attuned to it.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Vast and huge; it's on the web, but not in a format we can copy.

________________________________________


Apr 29, 2017:
"ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION" in Hollenbeck Park, 415 S Saint Louis St M154, Los Angeles, CA 90033; 213-473-9950.
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ THE SCENE: This 8:30 am-1 pm event takes place on a commemorative day that pre-dates Earth Day. There's food, music, hands-on educational exhibits, and family-friendly activities — after the tree plantings. Hollenbeck ParkCity Plants and partners host this community fair. "Join Councilmember José Huizar, City Plants, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, and the Los Angeles Conservation Corps for this annual National Arbor Day Celebration, this year in Hollenbeck Park since it's the site chosen for the tree planting event.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not announced by press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Apr 29, 2017:
"LA WEEKLY’S BURGERS AND BEER FESTIVAL" at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, L.A., CA; https://burgersandbeer.laweekly.com
✔ TIX: general adm $50; VIP (early admission) $70; prices go up before the event date.
✔ THE SCENE: All-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink. In the massive surroundings of the Coliseum, and for National Beer Day (which really does exist), this festival brings great music with "unlimited slider samples and beer pours from L.A.'s greatest burger restaurants and craft breweries."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Both headliners are Americana bands:)
♪ AJ Hobbs
♪ Sam Morrow

________________________________________


Apr 29, 2017:
"ADAMS AVENUE UNPLUGGED" is a FREE acoustic music festival in San Diego, CA; www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/event-info/adams-avenue-unplugged
✔ TIX: free; check their site for addt'l related evening concerts/club gigs.
✔ CAMPING: No. Check their site for nearby options.
✔ THE SCENE: Abba-loot-lee yuge: 25 stages, 135 acts, 150 performances. "Unplugged," formerly the 'Roots Festival," is a musical walk-about. Acoustic performances are held inside businesses and on large outdoor stages. Music is scheduled from noon to 10 pm on Saturday, and noon to 8 pm on Sunday.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Check their website; not announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Apr 29 & 30, 2017:
"VICTORIAN FAIR" is an annual festival at the Homestead Museum, 15415 E Don Julian Rd, City of Industry, CA 91745; 626-968-8492; www.homesteadmuseum.org/festivals
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE: View this year's flyer at the above link. It lists events we can't copy and paste. There's also a tab for photographs from last year's Victorian Fair.
✔ THE SCENE: The Homestead Museum does things well, as the Guide knows from participation in their "Ticket to the Twenties" festival every fall. This is the spring counterpart, with live music & dancing of the 19th century, Victorian dress worn by participants — and encouraged for visitors — special displays, pie-eating contests, history presentations, and tours of the museum's two 19th century mansions. It's a fun and lively immersion for all ages in the Victorian era. You can even bring a picnic to enjoy in the museum’s picnic area or by the picturesque pond. All free, including free tix you'll need to pick-up on-site for some of the presentations. Bring spending money for food and shopping. Runs 1-5 pm both days.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Philadelphia Quadrille Band
♪ Workman High School Dancing Lobos
♪ Yesteryears Dancers (they'll dance and teach basic dance moves, free)

________________________________________


Apr 30, 2017:
28th annual "FIESTA BROADWAY" is a street festival in downtown Los Angeles, CA; http://allaccess-la.com/fiesta-broadway
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Fiesta in style at the signature L.A. Cinco de Mayo party — the largest celebration in the country of that holiday. The festival is held in Downtown Los Angeles along Broadway and around the streets of City Hall. It brings 300,000+ festival attendees to enjoy performances by well-known Latin American artists and authentic food from local-area vendors. Carnival-style games and rides fill out the fun.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Multiple mariachi groups in trad costumes, folklorico dancers, and more.

________________________________________


Apr 30, 2017:
27th annual "DREAM MACHINE FESTIVAL" in Half Moon Bay, CA; https://dreammachines.miramarevents.com
✔ TIX: :$25 adults, $15 ages 11-17, free for kids age 10 and under.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: It's "Half Moon Bay's festival of magnificent machines with a live music festival, car shows, air shows, motorcycle shows, tractor shows, maker fairs, food festivals, and living history festivals galore. Mix them all together in one venue on one day and you’ve got Half Moon Bay California’s remarkable, one and only 'Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show' — marking its 27th year in 2017 with a massive celebration of mechanical ingenuity, power and style..." Plus, WWII aircraft will fly-in and airplane rides are available. All for charity: "... it's the largest fundraiser of the year for the Coastside Adult Day Health Center."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Kevin Brennan & Wavelength (performing "A Tribute to Van Morrison" - band from Belfast)
♪ Andre Thierry Accordion (Cajun-Zydeco Grammy nom)
♪ Lyin’ I’s

________________________________________


May 4-29, 2017:
"BLUEGRASS & BBQ FESTIVAL" at Silver Dollar City, 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616; 800-475-9370; www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park/Attractions/Shows-Entertainment/BGBBQ-Scheduled-Performers
✔ TIX: A season pass is $97 adult, $87 child, $91 senior; prices go-up after Apr 30. One-day tix are $62 adult (12-61), $51 child (4-11), $60 senior (62+).
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: So — if you live there and have a season pass and the energy to go everyday for almost a month, this'll feel like a festival to you. For everyone else, this is like a month's schedule for club that books a lot of good acts, so any given day/night is worth going. But how much can you expect of a festival in an amusement park with 40+ rides & attractions? Musically, it proclaims "the top names in Bluegrass music, from award-winning favorites to red-hot rising stars at this internationally-acclaimed bluegrass event." Give 'em enough days, and that's absolutely true. But a festival, with the best acts lined-up an hour apart? N'uh-uh. The BBQ part? "Come hungry and sink your teeth into all-American barbecue flavors! The House of BBQ in Red Gold Heritage Hall boasts an impressive menu of Silver Dollar City's signature barbecue specialties. Plus, the All-You-Care-to-Eat Rib Feast in Reunion Hall serves up mouthwatering barbecue family-style from 3 pm to park closing each day." It's still a dubious approach to a music festival.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Driven - May 4-5
♪ Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen - May 4-5
♪ Kody Norris Show - May 4-5
♪ Lonesome Road - May 4-5
♪ Missouri River Band - May 4-5
♪ Flatt Lonesome - May 4-6
♪ The Baker Family - May 4-7
♪ Brightwater Junction - May 6-7
♪ The Chapmans - May 6-7
♪ David Davis & Warrior River Boys - May 6-7
♪ Jeff Scroggins & Colorado - May 6-7
♪ Joe Mullins & Radio Ramblers - May 6-7
♪ Rhonda Vincent & The Rage - May 7 and May 9 & 10
♪ Moron Brothers - May 9-10
♪ Punches Family - May 9-10
♪ Ray Cardwell & Tennessee Moon - May 9-10
♪ Bluegrass Martins - May 11-12
♪ The Farnum Family - May 11-12
♪ Kruger Brothers - May 11-12 (favorites at NAMM every year; Deering-endorsed artists)
♪ Po Ramblin' Boys - May 11-12
♪ Special Consensus - May 11-12
♪ Bull Harman & Bull's Eye - May 13-14
♪ Carson Peters & Iron Mountain - May 13-14
♪ Gibson Brothers - May 13-14
♪ High Fidelity - May 13-14
♪ Remington Ryde - May 13-14
♪ The Petersens - May 14 and May 21
♪ Twang - May 14 and May 21
♪ Band Of Kelleys - May 16-17
♪ Donna Ulisse & Poor Mountain Boys - May 16-17
♪ Michael Feagan Band - May 16-17
♪ That Dalton Gang - May 16-17
♪ Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver - May 16-18
♪ Clay Bank - May 18-19
♪ Dave Adkins - May 18-19
♪ Lonesome River Band - May 18-19
♪ Possum Trot - May 18-19
♪ Grascals - May 19-21
♪ Breaking Grass - May 20-21
♪ Casey & The Attaboys - May 20-21
♪ Larry Stephenson Band - May 20-21
♪ #Mashtag - May 20-21
♪ Alan Bibey & Grasstowne - May 23-24
♪ David Parmley & Cardinal Tradition - May 23-24
♪ Hall Sisters Band - May 23-24
♪ Nothin' Fancy - May 23-25
♪ Sowell Family Pickers - May 24-25
♪ The Foust Family - May 25-26
♪ Lindsey Family - May 25-26
♪ Trinity River Band - May 25-26
♪ Cedar Hill - May 26-27
♪ Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper - May 26-27
♪ KSMU Youth In Bluegrass Band Contest - May 27
♪ The Russell Clan - May 27
♪ Snyder Family Band - May 27-29
♪ Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder - May 28
♪ Blue Highway - May 28-29
♪ Borderline Bluegrass - May 28-29
♪ Clay Hess Band - May 28-29
♪ Haining Family - May 28-29
♪ Junction 63 - May 28-29
♪ KBA Treblemakers - May 28-29

________________________________________


May 5 & 6, 2017:
"CENTRAL COAST FOLK FESTIVAL" is a new "Acoustic Folk & Jug Band Jubilee" in Los Osos, CA; https://www.centralcoastfolkfest.com
✔ TIX: $35 advance, $40 day of event.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: New "Grassroots music festival featuring great americana/folk/jug/country/string/oldtime music, workshops, jam sessions, and more." It has two locations. Friday is the Big Jam at the Libertine Pub, in Morro Bay, 801 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442, 7-10 pm. Saturday is the main festival at the Red Barn Communty Center in Los Osos, 2180 Palisades Av, Los Osos, CA 93402, 1:30-8 pm. There will be food trucks to buy food. You may bring your own drinks. The entire festival is all ages.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Moonsville
♪ Willy Tea Taylor
♪ G Burns Jug Band
♪ Mapache
♪ Amber Cross
♪ Echo Mountain String Band
♪ High Life Cajun Band
♪ Yo Pitzy Jug Band
♪ Victoria Bailey
♪ Peter Beck

________________________________________


May 5 & 6, 2017:
"SOUTH TEXAS COWBOY GATHERING & WESTERN MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Seguin Ooutdoor Learning Center, 1865 Hwy 90 East, Seguin, TX 78155; https://southtexascowboygathering.com
✔ TIX: By phone at 830-379-7652 and 830-491-8888. All activities all wkend, including sat. Cowboy Steak Dinner, $75. Sat & Sun daytine $25, youth (ages 12-17) $10.
✔ CAMPING: Yes; reserve at 830-660-3083.
✔ THE SCENE: "a great family event and brings people together from Texas and beyond to celebrate our Western heritage. There will be authentic cowboy and western swing music, storytelling, dancing, children’s activities, delicious cowboy cookin’ and more. Program kicks off Friday evening with a Campfire Happy Hour and chuckwagon hors d’oeuvres, an All Star Jam Session, followed by an Open Pickin’ & Grinnin’. There's a Saturday cowboy steak dinner & concert featuring R. W. Hampton. Then it's the Saturday night dance featuring Hot Club of Cowtown and the Rocky King Band.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ R.W. Hampton
♪ Hot Club of Cowtown
♪ Pipp Gillette
♪ Calvin Hampton
♪ Tin Roof
♪ Jill Jones
♪ Mike Blakely
♪ Jim Jones
♪ Rocky King Band

________________________________________


May 5-7, 2017:
"COWBOY WAY FESTIVAL" at the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum, 47 Prairie St, Gene Autry, OK 73436; 580-294-3335; https://geneautryokmuseum.org
✔ TIX: adv, thru Apr 29: $25 per day plus $25 for each evening concert ($125 total for all; $250/couple).
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Celebrities, Vendors, Performers (Music, Poetry, & More), and Chow (even Chuck Wagon Chow). Attending are James Drury, “The Virginian”; Ben Bates, “Gunsmoke"; Alex Cord, “Airwolf”; Roberta Shore, “The Virginian”; Gary Clarke, “The Virginian”; Ken Farmer, “Silverado” and Author; Charlie LeSueur, Western Historian and Q & A Mediator; John Buttram, Pat Buttram’s Nephew; Julie Ann Ream, relative of Cactus Mack, Glenn Strange, & Rex Allen, Sr. & Jr.; Don “Little Brown Jug” Reynolds, “Red Ryder” — Little Beaver; James Hoffpauir, Director/Actor.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Sons of the Pioneers
♪ Rex Allen, Jr.
♪ Les Gilliam
♪ Devon Dawson with Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Hailey Sandoz, Leah Sawyer, & Eric Vasquez)
♪ Kristyn Harris
♪ A Little Farther West
♪ Three Generations (Jody Miller, Robin Brooks, & Montana Sullivan)
♪ Steve Mitchell, Gene Autry Look/Sound-a-like
♪ Call of the West (Jeanne & Jerome)
♪ Billy Holcomb
♪ Glenn Parks
♪ Gary Pratt
♪ Billy Payne
♪ Steeldust (The Poindexter Brothers & Friends)
♪ A Little Farther West (Robert & Susie Case)
♪ KG & The Ranger
♪ Francine Roark Robison (Oklahoma Poet Laureate)
♪ Susie Knight
♪ Robert Doudell
♪ Alan Bye
♪ A Class Act Tap Revue
♪ Starz of Texas Baton Twirlers
♪ Bob Terry, Actor/Performer and emcee

________________________________________


May 5-7, 2017:
2nd annual "BBQ & BEER FESTIVAL" in Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350; https://www.bbqandbeerfestival.com
✔ TIX: $10-$40, based on the events of the day.
✔ THE SCENE: Three days of BBQ, handcrafted beer tastings, live entertainment, and kids activities. Sunday is "Blues, Brews And BBQ" noon-6 pm. Before that, Friday is the "Beer Festival" 5:30-9:30 pm, and Saturday is the "BBQ Festival" noon-8 pm.
* THE LINEUP:
(Sunday:)
♪ Tommy Castro & The Painkillers
♪ Jack Mack & the Heart Attack
and more

________________________________________


May 5-7, 2017:
"BREAUX BRIDGE CRAWFISH FESTIVAL" in Parc Hardy, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; http://bbcrawfest.com
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ THE SCENE: Music and prodigious quantities of crawfish and other regional cuisine. "The Crawfish Festival has also become one of the largest gatherings of world famous Cajun musicians. All weekend long you can hear the sound of authentic Cajun, zydeco and swamp pop music rising from the festival. Whether your musical taste is Cajun or Creole, you can witness over 30 bands performing over the three day event if you think you have the stamina. It's a perfect opportunity to see our musical tradition passed from generation to generation. Watch the Cajun dance contests, and if you're brave, join in. There's no better way to learn. There are even Cajun music workshops held in the heritage tent."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


May 6, 2017:
"WILD WEST DAY" at the L.A. Co. Arboretum, 301 N Baldwin Av, Arcadia, CA 91007; 626-821-3222; www.arboretum.org/events/wild-west-day
✔ TIX: Adults $9; Students with ID & and Seniors age 62 and older, $6; Children ages 5-12 $4; Children under age 5 are free. The festival is included with arboretum admission; there are fees for some activities.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: They recommend "cowboy and cowgirl attire." This one-day fest, 10 am-4 pm, features Western music, stage coach rides, a western BBQ, children's activities, living history demonstrations of blacksmithing, telegraph communications, weaving, and more. There are Queen Anne Cottage tours (the house from TV's "Fantasy Island") and Rose garden tours. Special festival exhibits include operating calliopes, cowboy artifacts, and Victorian clothing. There are open house activities in the old Santa Fe Ry santa Anita Depot and the coach barn. Children can pan for gold, do roping and play horseshoes, learn ranch crafts and telegram writing.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ The Shadow Mountain Band
♪ Calliopes (steam-powered musical instruments)
♪ Christy Lewis (roping demonstrations)

________________________________________


Sat, May 6; 2017:
9th annual "ECLECTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL & ART WALK" is FREE and happens on several stages in South Pasadena, CA; www.theeclectic.rocks
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: It's the largest "Eclectic" yet, with 60 bands across 15 stages, some indoors, some outdoors, all free. Plenty of folk-friendly acoustic music, plus other genres — remember, they named this one "Eclectic Music Festival." This really fun fest always has nebulous start times, so go much earlier than the advertised and you'll catch more music, have more gallery browsing, and get more of the complimentary snacks in the little venues. One principal stage is right by the Gold Line light rail station, at 1121 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA 91030; the main indoor stage is in the concert hall of the Carnegie Library; the biggest outdoor stage is a fair-piece of a walk east on Mission St., with plenty happening along the way. Plus there are lots of smaller stages and gallery shows and receptions and exhibitions, some obvious, some tucked-away, within a few blocks surrounding the light rail station. Plenty of artsy venues have free snacks and beverages, in addition to the food vendors.
✔ NOTE: Go Metro Gold Line light rail and/or bus and receive a free commemorative event poster at the entrance – while supplies last. (Parking near the festival is free, but challenging.) Plan your trip on transit and get details at www.metro.net/discounts
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
With 15 stages, you need to printout and take the schedule, at: www.theeclectic.rocks/lineup/
(Advertised headliners:)
♪ Ozomatli (Grammy winners)
♪ Ozokidz
♪ Thorcraft Cobra
♪ Shelby Gogreve & Taylor Plenn
- - -
(Picks we think you'll enjoy...)
♪ Tony Gilkyson (Folk Rock)
♪ The Ploughboys (Irish/Scotish)
♪ Lisa Haley & the Zydekats (Grammy nom Cajun-zydeco)
♪ Ricky Parish & the Rockabilly Rebels (Blues)
♪ South Pasadena Transit Authority (Big sound, Chicago tribute)
♪ Rick Shea (Western/Folk)
♪ Kiki Ebsen's Joni Mitchell Project (Tribute Band)
♪ Calvin Joe & the Orange Grove Rangers (Bluegrass)
♪ Charlie Hickey (Singer-Songwriter)
♪ Liv Kennedy (Singer-Songwriter)
♪ BrowderSister (Blues-Folk-Soul)
♪ Shelby Gogreve & Taylor Plenn ("Amazing Hometown Heroes")
♪ Kids & Family by Theatre Americana (Kids Program)
♪ David Margolis (Classical Guitar)
♪ Powdercoat (Americana)
♪ Dave Plenn & Friends (Americana)
♪ Danette Christine (Memphis Soul)
♪ The Anny Celsi Band (listed as "Power Pop," but first-rate and can be folky)
♪ Kate Brown (Country Pop)
♪ The Turner Family (Acoustic Family act)
♪ New Caribbean feat. Einstein Brown (Calypso)
♪ Harmonius Tantrum (Empowering young ladies)
♪ Open Jam at Craft Hill (with Backline)
- - -
Guitar / vocalists: (lots of friends and faves here)
♪ Mikael Pederson (Blues guitar)
♪ James Hurley
♪ Jeanne Newhall
♪ Dale LaDuke
♪ Corrina Carter
♪ Emma Schou
♪ Chauncey Bowers
♪ Eric Chase
♪ Bill Burnett
♪ Lisa Turner (Folk)
♪ Tim Turner (Guitar & Blues)
- - -
♪ Plus, there's lots of jazz and more in other genres.

________________________________________


Sat, May 6, 2017:
34th annual "TOPANGA BLUES FESTIVAL" at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 Topanga Cyn Bl, Topanga, CA; www.SoCalBlues.org
✔ TIX: $35-$100; check their site. Advance tix are required; it sells-out early.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Produced by the Southern California Blues Society at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, the intimate, 300-seat outdoor theatre beneath huge sheltering oak trees.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Joe Louis Walker
♪ Kid Ramos
♪ Teresa James
♪ Big Jon Atkinson
♪ Bernie Pearl

________________________________________


May 6, 2017:
"STRAIGHT TO THE HEART MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Bl, Beverly Hills, CA 90211; 888-645-5006; http://sabanconcerts.com/events/straight-to-the-heart
✔ TIX: available online or by phone; $58 / $85 / $97 / $150 + applicable fees. Under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult. VIP parking available at 888-645-5006.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Doors 6 pm. show 8 pm. A one-night extravaganza with many artists in a theatre-concert format.
✔ 2017 LINEUP: "Few things lift the spirit like the sound of phenomenally talented young singers delivering songs directly from the heart, full of promise, hope and optimism. That is precisely what the eight principal singers in 'Straight To The Heart' bring to concert audiences. Coming from a variety of national, ethnic and religious backgrounds, these young prodigies combine their diverse talents in a show that spans inspired original compositions and inventive arrangements of a cross-genre presentation of music. Featured artist Ty Waters is an 11-year old Canadian with the voice of an angel and charisma to rival the young Stevie Wonder or Michael Jackson. The show also showcases seven other performers. Lebanese American pianist and singer Christen Ntanios a Lebanese-American protégé and member of the 'Ultimate Vocal Summit Elite' team. There are singer-songwriters Lane Hardy and Celeste Butler; singer and actress Hailey Faith; rock lyricist and vocalist Izzy Jones; and Canadian pop and R&B singer-songwriter Connor Nelson. The show opens with 4 ½ year old Abrielle Cummings performing The Carpenters’ 'Sing A Song.' Though newcomers to the national U.S. Scene, these artists have all garnered prizes, praise and renown in their communities, and are plainly destined for significant careers." Accomplished recording artist Bob Malone performs piano and keyboards for the cast.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Ty Waters
♪ Christen Ntanios
♪ Lane Hardy
♪ Celeste Butler
♪ Hailey Faith
♪ Izzy Jones
♪ Connor Nelson
♪ Abrielle Cummings
♪ Bob Malone

________________________________________


May 6, 2017:
58th annual "FIREMEN’S MUSTER" at Columbia State Historic Park, Main St & State St, Columbia, CA 95310; 209-532-3772; www.columbiacalifornia.com; www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com/event/annual-firemens-muster/2017-05-06/
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "Volunteer fire crews from around the western United States take part in the competition, presented by Columbia Volunteer Fire Department Engine Co. No. 1. The muster parade begins at 10 am (Columbia time) on Main Street in Columbia. Other events include hose cart races, bucket brigade, skills completion, hand pumper contest. Located in the heart of the California Mother Lode, Columbia State Historic Park is a living gold rush town featuring the largest single collection of existing gold rush-era structures in the state. Visiting Columbia is like traveling back in time to the sights, smells, and sounds of a nineteenth century mining town — merchants dressed in 1850s attire, a whiff of coal smoke from the blacksmith shop, and the rumble of a stagecoach pulling into town. Spend the day enjoying fun activities for the whole family. Pan for gold, explore exhibits, ride the stagecoach, discover unique shops, and learn about the rich history of the California gold rush on a guided town tour."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not yet announced by press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Sat, May 6, 2017:
1st "aTROLLA MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Dallas, TX; www.atrollafest.com
✔ TIX: available online. Gen. adm. passes start at $89; VIP and travel pkgs available.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ More in the new trend of Folk-Americana & acoustic singer-songwriters mixed with other genres; BJ Thomas and Delbert McClinton are booked.
✔ THE SCENE: "Performers from the '60s, '70s & '80s — across a variety of music genres much like popular radio of the time — will perform on two stages." Plus, "some of the best food trucks Dallas has to offer." And, "on the beautiful lawn at Reunion Tower with Dallas' skyline as the backdrop, aTrolla is a single-day music festival providing a second chance to relive the best of times," says aTrolla founder Jaylene Moss, adding, "It's a music festival for us!"
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
*(North Stage):
♪ Delbert McClinton
♪ Carolyn Wonderland
♪ KC & The Sunshine Band
♪ Grand Funk Railroad
♪ Tower of Power
♪ The Romantics
♪ The Zombies
*(South Stage):
♪ BJ Thomas
♪ Peter Cetera
♪ War
♪ Survivor
♪ The Spinners
♪ Dionne Warwick

________________________________________


May 6 & 7, 2017:
18th annual "FULLERTON RAILROAD DAYS" festival at the Fullerton Transportation Center (Amtrak's old Santa Fe Ry station), 120 E Santa Fe Av, Fullerton, CA 92832; http://fullertontrainmuseum.org/railroad-days
✔ TIX: It's Free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: The real star this year at the two-day, 9 am-5 pm festival, is the appearance of a large, operating steam locomotive: former Santa Fe 4-8-4 "Northern" type, number 3751. There are historic and model train displays, lots of food options, and more. Amtrak is sending commemorative "Veterans Locomotives;" BNSF® Railway will have cab tours of a modern diesel locomotive; Metrolink will display commuter train equipment; Disneyland is sending the "Cyrus K. Holliday" steam locomotive # 1 that pulled trainloads of visitors around the park for decades; "Carolwood Foundation / Walt's Barn" will display large scale rail cars from Walt Disney's own railroad that he ran on his estate; SCRPA will display three vintage cabooses, one each from the Santa Fe, Southern Pacific and Union Pacific, and two 1949 Union Pacific passenger train lounge cars. The official promo says, "For the 18th year, the Southern California Railway Plaza Association (SCRPA) is producing their free community event honoring the region’s historic connections to railroads. Volunteers and sponsors are coming together to create another fantastic weekend for families and rail fans of all ages. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever with a fantastic lineup of featured participants, model train layouts, vendors and community groups. The excitement is increasing as the event draws near."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


May 6 & 7, 2017:
55th annual "SIERRA MADRE ART FAIR" in Memorial Park, 222 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre, CA; 626-843-1117; http://sierramadrelibraryfriends.org/the-55th-annual-sierra-madre-art-fair-may-6-7-2017
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Live Americana and Celtic music are featured throughout the weekend in the park's permanent band shell and on the southeast lawn. Food vendors offer a variety of food and drinks and there's a Wine & Beer Garden. For children, instructors from the Creative Arts Group have planned a special craft activity, making flower bouquets with different colors and shapes of paper. The heart of the art fair: "85 artists, including 12 newly juried, will display and sell their works of art. Mediums include oil paintings, jewelry, watercolors, glass, wood, metal, wearable art, photography, pottery, ceramics, mixed media and weaving. The Art Fair will be the perfect place to buy Mom that wonderful Mother’s Day gift or to buy upcoming graduation and wedding gifts, as well as to purchase pieces for your own enjoyment." All Proceeds from the Art Fair benefit the Sierra Madre Public Library.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Sat:)
♪ David Garcia Latin Band
♪ Natalie Clark, music from Scotland
♪ Luckpenny, Irish music
♪ Evan Marshall, mandolin maestro
- - - -
(Sun:)
♪ Steve Trovato and Tim Kobza, guitars and vocals
♪ Severin Browne and Friends, original songs and Americana
♪ Banna Beag Mall, Irish music
♪ Jean Sudbury, playing "an eclectic display of Continental music"

________________________________________


May 6 & 7, 2017:
32nd "TUCSON FOLK FESTIVAL" at multiple indoor & outdoor venues in downtown Tucson, AZ; www.tucsonfolkfest.org
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: It's FREE and loaded with scheduled performances on five stages. This annual two-day event celebrates American folk music traditions and all the wonderful variations, including American Bluegrass, Blues, Country, Jazz, Celtic, Zydeco, and various styles of Latin and Mexican music. This family-friendly festival is held in some of the most historic sections of Downtown Tucson: El Presidio Park, Tucson Museum of Art, La Cocina Restaurant, and the Presidio Museum. There are five stages of traditional, contemporary, and ethnic folk and acoustic music "that entertains and delights a multi-faceted and diverse audience." The Festival attracts over 10,000 fans and participants who come from all over southern Arizona and across the nation. The festival features a national headliner Saturday night and local headliner Sunday night, and sometimes sub-headliners both nights on the Plaza Stage. Annually, over 120 bands, ensembles, groups or soloists perform at the Festival. This two-day event also features a wide variety of food and craft vendors, a beer garden, interactive music workshops, a Children’s Program, an additional Young Artist Stage for youth under 18, a Ballad Tree for future songwriters (open mic) and the Stefan George Songwriting Competition. It's produced by the imaginitively named Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association. Over 150 volunteers support the success of this festival.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ The Black Lillies (Sat night headliner)
♪ Billy Jonas (Sat night opener)
♪ Ryanhood (Sun night headliner)
♪ The 2 Lazy 2 Ranch Band
♪ Adara Rae & The Homewreckers
♪ Al's Pals (The Vinals)
♪ Almond&Olive
♪ Annie Hawkins Band
♪ Arizona Balalaika Orchestra
♪ ArleneWow!
♪ The Arnold/Klingenfus Ensemble
♪ Baba Marimba
♪ Blue Prairie Dogs
♪ Bob Einweck
♪ The Bob Wilders Band
♪ Bright & Childers Quartet
♪ Bruce Carlson
♪ Bunny Kirby and The Storytellers
♪ The Buzzkills
♪ Cadillac Mountain
♪ Carol Markstrom
♪ Cinder Bridge
♪ Connie Brannock
♪ Dan Weber
♪ Darrell Elmer Rodgers
♪ Dash Pocket
♪ David Hinske
♪ Defining the Zeitgeist
♪ Determined Luddites
♪ Don Armstrong
♪ The Dust Devils
♪ Earthenware
♪ Eb Eberlein
♪ Elise Grecco
♪ Elizabeth Tighe
♪ Eric Douglas
♪ Eric Ramsey
♪ Eric Schaffer & The Other Troublemakers
♪ The Fallen Stars
♪ Frank 'n Steel
♪ Freddy Parish
♪ French Quarter
♪ G. E. Bowman
♪ Grady Maguire
♪ Gun Hill Royals
♪ The Haymarket Squares
♪ Heather Lil Mama Hardy
♪ Hot Club Junior
♪ Hot Club of Tucson
♪ I Hear Voices!
♪ Ice-9
♪ Igor the One-Man-Band
♪ Jacob Acosta
♪ JC & Laney
♪ The Jim Howell Band
♪ Jim Pipkin
♪ John Keeney
♪ John McGill with Whiskey and Honey
♪ Joyce Luna & Friends
♪ Joyce Woodson (Grammy nom, and Western Music Assoc. "Song of the Year" winner)
♪ Kate Becker
♪ Kathy Kolmer
♪ Kay Miracle Americana Singer/ Songwriter
♪ Key Ingredients of African Soul
♪ Kiko and The Stone Avenue Band
♪ Klezmerkaba
♪ Larry Armstrong & CopperMoon
♪ Leila Lopez
♪ Lexi Weege
♪ Linda Lou & the Desert Drifters
♪ Lisa Joyce
♪ Little Table Contraband
♪ Lost Hombres
♪ Marshall Jones & Rob Paulis
♪ Matt Bruner
♪ Minute2Minute
♪ Moonstrung Restrung
♪ Mudwerks
♪ Mustang Corners
♪ Nancy Elliott
♪ Ned Sutton & Last Dance
♪ Neil McCallion and The Mighty Maxwells
♪ Nelson Wright
♪ Northeast by Southwest (NExSW)
♪ The Out of Kilters
♪ Paul Charles
♪ Pete Noirot
♪ Pete Steinberg (teacher at McCabe's in Santa Monica, he's won fingerstyle guitar state championships in Wyoming, Utah, California and Arizona)
♪ Po the Band
♪ P0ca
♪ Rebekah Rolland Trio
♪ Reverie the Band
♪ The Robby Roberson Band
♪ Roman Barten-Sherman
♪ Romen Buffalo and The Loyal Order
♪ Ron Pandy
♪ Roon
♪ RuffMixx
♪ Saguaro Sunset Trio
♪ Sandy Hathaway
♪ Sid Hausman
♪ Sister Solace
♪ Sophia Rankin
♪ Southbound Pilot
♪ Steven Graves Band
♪ String Bean Folk Orchestra
♪ Swingset
♪ Tammy West
♪ Tara Somerville
♪ Tari Tenace
♪ Teodoro Ted Ramirez (veteran of the Santa Cruz River Band; official Troubadour of Tucson)
♪ Tiffany Christopher
♪ Tin Can Tourists
♪ Titan Valley Warheads
♪ The Ukesters
♪ Uncommon Folk (features Billy Yates, former guitarist with the Outlaws)
♪ Vicky Smith and Ric Volante
♪ Wally Lawder and Acoustic Sky
♪ Way Out West
♪ Wayback Machine
♪ WomanSong
♪ The Woolley Dawgs
♪ World Winds

________________________________________


May 7, 2017:
27th Annual "DYLANFEST" in the Torino Plaza at the Torrance Cultural Center, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503; http://www.andyandrenee.com/content.php?id=12.
✔ TIX: $30 adv, $35 at door; Kids $10 (ages 7-14 yrs); VIP tix (with lots of goodies), $100.
✔ CAMPING: Only in self-contained RVs (no hookups).
✔ There are plenty of videos of live performances from previous Dylanfests, plus you can check-out the program from the 25th Annual Dylanfest at the event's web page.
✔ THE SCENE: It's eight delightful hours with 50+ musicians performing 60+ songs, all the amazing music of BOB DYLAN, with no repeats. Some in the huge lineup of talented musicians come off the road just to play this annual event. ANDY HILL & RENEE SAFIER and their award-winning band HARD RAIN produce and present it each year. The venue is a large-ish outdoor courtyard with plenty of access to indoor shade. If it rains, it all moves inside. The Guide's staff are all longtime fans of this one. Really fun, various string instruments, some acoustic, some electric; always fun to see the ensembles, harmony groupings, great keyboards and horn players taking part.
✔ SPECIAL NOTE: "The audience is encouraged to dress up in costumes as characters, things, interpretations and comedic misinterpretations of Dylan’s song titles or lyrics. Some of the costumes over the years have included various versions of 'Tangled Up In Blue,' 'Highway 61,' 'Farmer’s Daughter,' 'Isis,' and 'Baby Blue,' among others."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced by press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


May 11-14, 2017:
16th annual "GATOR BY THE BAY ZYDECO, BLUES & CRAWFISH FESTIVAL" at Spanish Landing Park in San Diego, CA; www.gatorbythebay.com
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ THE SCENE: By far the biggest of all the annual Southern Cal Cajun music and dance fests. "The event draws 20,000 people each year, and offers the dancer five music stages from which to choose, with two main stages, each offering 3,000 sq. ft. of tented dance floors. The event is situated on mile-long Spanish Landing Park on San Diego Bay directly across the street from San Diego Lindbergh International Airport. The weather in San Diego is particularly nice in May with temps at the bay around 75 degrees, but bring a jacket because when the sun goes down it gets a bit chilly."
✔ Excellent article in the San Diego Union Tribune by George Varga, at:
www.sandiegouniontribune.com/entertainment/music/sd-me-gator-by-bay-20161116-story.html
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Marcia Ball
♪ Geno Delafose & French Rockin Boogie
♪ Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band
♪ Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys
♪ Igor Prado Band
♪ Dennis Jones Band
and more

________________________________________


May 11-14, 2017:
5th annual "L.A. DANCE FESTIVAL" at Theatre Raymond Kabbaz, 10361 W. Pico Bl, Los Angeles CA 90064; www.theatreraymondkabbaz.com/2016/02/28/la-dance-festival-2017 ; class schedule and LADF Fringe performances at: www.ladancefest.org
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: It's 7 shows, 49 choreographers, and 37 classes in multiple venues, and "a chance to see [a multitude of dance] companies up close in the intimate space at Theatre Raymond Kabbaz as they perform in their home town. The Festival was created with the idea of bringing together some of the best dance companies in the Los Angeles area in one site." It really isn't all at "one site." It's:
• at the BPStudios: Classes (April 29-30, May 6-7, May 20-21)
• at Diavolo Dance Theatre: Fringe Performances (May 5-7)
• at Theater Raymond Kabbaz: Gala Opening Night & Main Stage Performances (May 11-14).
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Thu:)
♪ Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre
♪ Helios Dance Theater
♪ Blue13 Dance Company
♪ Invertigo Dance Theatre
♪ No)one. Art House
(Fri:)
♪ Lula Washington Dance Theatre
♪ Catastrophe!
♪ Lux Aeterna Dance Company
♪ Pony Box Dance Theatre
♪ BrockusRED
♪ Entity Contemporary Dance
♪ Akomi Dance
(Sat:)
♪ Sarah Elgart / Arrogant Elbow
♪ Kybele Dance Company
♪ FUSE Dance Company
♪ Ania Catherine / Cue
♪ MashUP Dance Company
♪ Backhausedance
♪ Jazz Antiqua
(Sun:)
♪ Szalt Dance Company
♪ Whyteberg
♪ Kevin Williamson + Company
♪ The TL Collective
♪ Carlon + Lollie
♪ Rosanna Tavarez / La Dansa Dansa
♪ Palm Dance Collective Los Angeles

________________________________________


May 11-14, 2017:
"PARKFIELD BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" at 1st St & Oak St, Parkfield, CA 93451; http://www.parkfieldbluegrass.org
✔ TIX: 4-day "Full Festival" pass, $95 adv, $105 at gate. 3-day pass Thu-Sat or Fri-Sun $85 adv, $95 at gate. 2-day pass (consecutive days) $75 adv. $85 at gate. Single-day, $25 Thu or Sun, $35 Fri or Sat. Kids age 18 and under are free with paid adult. Seniors & military get a $5 refund at gate on adv. purchases.
✔ CAMPING: Yes, and VERY reasonable.
✔ NOTE: This year QUAKE Radio will broadcast the happenings at Parkfield Bluegrass Festival, live. It's LP FM and webcast, so you can only tune-in locally, May 11th-14th. They announce details at the festival.
✔ THE SCENE: Stage acts, workshops, jams, and a fine, friendly scene with very reasonable camping compared to most festivals. "Parkfield is a picturesque hamlet secluded on the central coast of California. 25 miles northeast of Paso Robles and surrounded by the best of California's natural beauty. Every Mother's Day weekend this quiet town's population leaps from a mere 18 to over a thousand bluegrass pickers, pluckers and fun-loving fans. For nearly two decades music fans have savored the natural beauty and peaceful ambiance of the Parkfield Bluegrass Festival. Nature's soothing sights and sounds combine with the soulful, high lonesome sound of bluegrass music for an experience that is unique, to say the least."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Sawmill Road - reunion of the original members
♪ Cache Valley Drifters
♪ Lonely Heartstring Band
♪ Snap Jackson & the Knock on Wood Players
♪ Pacific Drive
♪ Blue Summit
♪ The Blue “J’s”
♪ Have More Fun Stringband
♪ The Hossettes
♪ Dim Lights
♪ Ynana Rose
♪ Honeysuckle Possums
♪ Amber Cross
♪ Robin Fischer
♪ Gerry Higbies "Kids on Stage"

________________________________________


Sat & Sun, May 13 & 14, 2017:
"BLUEGRASS IN THE SPRING FESTIVAL" at Calico Ghost Town, 36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398; http://www.s-w-b-a.com/2017/01/10/bluegrass-in-the-spring-festival; 800-254-1123; http://cms.sbcounty.gov/parks/Parks/CalicoGhostTown.aspx
✔ TIX: $15 adult, $10 youth (age 6-15), Free for age 5 & under.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: In addition to the bluegrass music, Calico is an hard-rock mining ghost town of the Old West. Festival events include a Friday night campers jam, pig races, blacksmithin’, games and contests for kids, homemade craft vendors, line dancin’, instrumental workshops, the merchants of the Calico shops, eateries, attractions and more. Hosted by Southwest Bluegrass Association.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Lillies Of The West
♪ Virtual Strangers
♪ SWBA Bluegrass Kids
♪ Rocky Neck Bluegrass
♪ Chris Cerna & The Bluegrass Republic
♪ The Get Down Boys
♪ Gold Heart Sisters
♪ Grasslands
♪ Windy Ridge
♪ Rope Man
♪ Bon Family Cloggers

________________________________________


Sat, May 13, 2017:
"CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL" at the San Diego Botanical Gardens, 230 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024; 760-436-3036.
✔ TIX: by phone.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ It includes Martin Espino.
Beyond that, we don't know.

________________________________________


May, 2017:
"CLAREMONT FOLK FESTIVAL" is taking a HIATUS year in Claremont, CA; 909-624-2928; www.claremontfolkfestival.org
✔ TIX: Check website in late 2017 for next year.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE: this Southern Cal favorite is on hiatus in 2017, and that's not shocking. They have taken periodic years of hiatus and always come back, eventually. Expect things to resume in 2018.
✔ THE SCENE: The Festival is a non-profit organization promoting folk music, art, and culture in Los Angeles and the surrounding area and it's sponsored by the year-round Folk Music Center and Museum in Claremont, a music store with instrument sales and service, lessons, classes, and a longtime acoustic concert venue, all in a friendly little town loaded with university and college campuses. The 2015 site (and venue for several years) was the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont. While maintaining the daytime workshops, the 2016 fest moved to Pomona’s Sontag Amphitheater (at Pomona College, 333 N College Way, Claremont, CA) for an evening emphasis on great music, food, and friendly vibes. Past festival lineups have included big names like Jackson Browne, David Lindley, The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience — and Ben Harper, who grew-up in the Folk Music Center and with the festival.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
No festival this year, but trad-roots-acoustic concerts happen at the Center: www.folkmusiccenter.com

________________________________________


May 18-21, 2017:
15th Annual "JOSHUA TREE FESTIVAL SPRING" in Joshua Tree, CA; http://joshuatreemusicfestival.com
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "These independently produced music festivals are held annually in the shadows of the infamous National Park. They are two (of the very few) multi-day campout music festivals in Southern California featuring live music. Music lovers of all ages enjoy this phenomenal live music in an intimate setting and magical surroundings. The spring festival features an eclectic line up of performers; dance-world-electro-funk'n groove. The fall fest differs musically with artists of the more rootsicana-newgrassy-folkadelic realms. The two different musical stylings create distinct audiences at the festivals, but many folks do attend both. The town of Joshua Tree is located in the high desert of the magical Mojave, 50 minutes from Palm Springs, 2.5 hour drive from LA, 3 from San Diego, 3.5 from Vegas, and 5 from Phoenix, at the entrance to the world renowned national park."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Kraak & Smaak
♪ Orgone
♪ House of Hamsa
♪ California Honeydrops
♪ Liberation Movement
♪ Marques Wyatt
♪ DJ Williams & Shots Fired
♪ Marques Wyatt
♪ Bakara Moon
♪ Gene Evaro Jr.
♪ Down North
♪ La Inedita
♪ Yak Attack
♪ Sasha Rose
♪ Trevor Green
♪ Myshkin Warbler’s Royal Rabble Circus
♪ Sirens of Soul
♪ Cactus Wine Experience
♪ Desert Rhythm Project
♪ The Adobe Collective
♪ Ian Winters
♪ Chris Unck
♪ Bad Jamma
♪ Davis

________________________________________


Thu-Sat, May 18-20, 2017:
"12th EVER LOS ANGELES OLD TIME SOCIAL," happens at various L.A. venues; http://losangelesoldtimesocial.com
✔ TIX: available online. Also, there is a link below for the Friday concert, which always sells-out early.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Activities vary each day/evening:
• THURSDAY is the "Kickoff Party" at 8 pm at Tropico De Nopal Gallery, 1665 Beverly Bl, L.A. CA 90026.
• FRIDAY brings the big concert at 8 pm at the Velaslavasay Panorama, 1122 W 24th St, L.A., CA 90007. Ticket link: http://12theverlaots.bpt.me -- important because it always sells-out.
• SATURDAY is a well-organized and very full day, noon-11 pm, of workshops, family dance, cakewalk & square dance, at American Legion Post 206, 227 N Avenue 55, L.A., CA 90042.
• This event imports top performers in the genre of "old time" acoustic music, proclaiming and delivering, "Old Time is a Good Time!" Performers teach and lead workshops, as well. While the two are separately produced, this festival is designed to interlock with Sunday's annual "Topanga Banjo•Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival" (see listing.)
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Thursday:)
♪ The Americans
♪ Bearcat Duo
♪ Bees Knees
(Friday:)
♪ Buck Ewe (Pennsylvania & Berkeley)
♪ Bob Willoughby (North Carolina)
♪ Skillet Licorice (San Francisco)
♪ Angel + Kelly (Los Angeles)
♪ The Rhythm Rangellers
♪ House Band – Paul & Emily (Santa Cruz)
♪ Special Cranky Performance – Angelina Elise w/ Kelly Marie Martin
(Saturday:)
♪ Hollywood Boll Weevils (Family Dance – L.A.)
♪ Buck Ewe
♪ Skillet Licorice

________________________________________


May 20, 2017:
"LAS VEGAS FAMILY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" is FREE in Police Memorial Park, 3250 Metro Academy Way, Las Vegas, NV 89129 (earlier, it was set for Durango Hills Park, 501 N Durango Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89129, so don't get lost); https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/portal/faces/home/things-to-do/ttd-events/BluegrassFestival; 702-229-2787 or 702-229-4653 or 702-229-3514.
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ Runs 11 am-6 pm.
✔ THE SCENE: "a FREE full day of music and fun... There will also be plenty to eat and drink with tasty BBQ, beer and plenty of other food available for purchase.... Learn the history of bluegrass instruments and bring your own to join in all the fun at the demonstration workshops and Pickin’ tent. Browse a wide array of folk art, jewelry, and other items at the Craft market, and the kiddos will love the face painting and lots of other activities planned for them."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Kathy Boyd & Phoenix Rising
♪ Ragged Union
♪ Rock Ridge Bluegrass Band
♪ Out of the Desert
♪ Still House Road

________________________________________


May 20 & 21, 2017:
"DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL" at Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr (at Pacific Coast Highway), Dana Point, CA 92629; http://dohenybluesfestival.com
✔ TIX: Weekend Pass $140; Single Day $75; Child $20. VIP passes are sold-out.
✔ THE SCENE: "...two main stages at opposite ends of a large grass field, both within 100 yards of the Pacific Ocean. An intimate third stage, The Backporch, is a great venue to get up-close to your favorite artists. There is also an International Food Court, Microbrew tastings and large Vendor Village. The grass field at the north end of the park (where the festival is held) includes 170 picnic tables, volleyball courts and ample parking. Doheny State Beach, a 62-acre state park in scenic Dana Point Harbor, features one mile of whitewashed sandy beach."
✔ VOLUNTEERS: Sought, must be 18+; vols get free admission, free meal, and commemorative t-shirt. Apply at http://dohenybluesfestival.com/information/volunteer-application
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(SAT:)
♪ Joe Walsh
♪ Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience
♪ Robin Trower
♪ Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters
♪ Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers Vs. Rick Estrin & the Nightcats
♪ Canned Heat 50 Year Celebration
♪ Monster Mike Welch & Mike Ledbetter
♪ Casey Hensley
♪ Nico Duportal & the West Coast Connection
♪ Whiteboy James & the Blues Express
(SUNDAY:)
♪ Melissa Etheridge: This is MEmphis Rock & Soul
♪ Chris Isaak
♪ Mavis Staples
♪ JJ Grey & Mofro
♪ Bobby Rush
♪ Junior Brown
♪ Samantha Fish
♪ Moreland & Arbuckle
♪ John Primer, Henry Gray, Bob Corritore
♪ Adrianna Marie & Her Groovecutters

________________________________________


Sun, May 21, 2017:
57th annual "TOPANGA BANJO•FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL" at Paramount Ranch (a National Park Service site), 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301; www.topangabanjofiddle.org; info hotline 818-382-4819.
✔ TIX: available online (and that saves money and avoids the long line getting in the gate): http://topangabanjofiddle.org/purchase_tix.html
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ For years, The Guide has deemed this one "the best one-day roots-acoustic music festival anywhere," and we stand by that. There are performances by professional acts on multiple stages and dazzling contestants vying for prestigious awards. There's trad dancing and mesmerizing acoustic jamming with groups ranging from intimate to very, very large.
✔ CONTESTANT REGISTRATION DEADLINE is April 15, at: http://topangabanjofiddle.org/contestant_register_2017.html
✔ VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT – sign up and get Free Admission, at: http://topangabanjofiddle.org/volunteer.html
✔ THE SCENE: "'Topanga' is such a wondrous day, filled with music, dancing, singing and laughter, plus contestants galore to 'strut their stuff' and have a great time. The 4-year-old young 'uns playing fiddle are truly a joy to watch."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
(Main Stage:)
♪ Skillet Licorice
♪ Hot October
♪ Conjunto Jardin
♪ Rose’s Pawn Shop
- - - -
(Railroad Stage:)
♪ The Mountain & the Moon
♪ Joellen and the Urban Gypsies
♪ Ross Altman performs "The Greatest Show on Earth: The Circus in American Folk Music"
- - - -
(Pavilion Stage:)
♪ Burning Heart Bluegrass
♪ High Life Cajun Band
♪ Mike Mahaney and Friends perform "Cowboy Music and Poetry"
♪ Latimer and Osborn
- - - -
(Dance Barn stage:)
♪ Flatfoot Dance Workshop
♪ Square/Contra Dance with music by Rhythm Method String Band
♪ Square Dance with music by Bee’s Knees
♪ Contra Dance with music by Panada
- - - -
(Eucalyptus Grove Stage:)
♪ The Hollow Trees
♪ Scottish Fiddlers of L.A.
♪ Children’s Ukulele Workshop
♪ Old-time Slow Jam Guitar Workshop
♪ Old-time Slow Jam

________________________________________


May 23-28, 2017: (Memorial Day Weekend)
"BISHOP MULE DAYS," at the Tri-County Fairgrounds, 1141 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514; 760-872-4263; https://muledays.org
✔ TIX: online (concerts sell-out early).
✔ CAMPING: RV sites at the event; other camping requires separate reservations and driving from Millpond Recreational Area, NW of town, 760-873-5342; or Parcher’s Resort, due W of town, 760-873-4177; or reserve in one of the Nat'l Forest campgrounds along the access roads to Sierra trailheads.
✔ THE SCENE: Every Memorial Day weekend since 1969, the town of Bishop, nestled on the eastern slope of the magnificent High Sierra mountains, comes alive with the annual presentation of Mule Days. There are concerts with top Western music stars and plenty more live entertainment. There's the longest running non-motorized parade in the U.S. There is no easy way to describe Mule Days — part mule show, part test of skills, part Wild West show. In addition to the music, over its six days there are 14 shows featuring over 700 mules with their trainers, riders and packers. In excess of 30,000 fans converge on the Mike Boothe Arena to watch the events and visit the exhibitors. The fourteen mule shows include Western, youth, English, cattle working, gaited, coon jumping, racing, musical tires, gymkhana, packing, shoeing, chariot racing, team roping and driving. In addition to competitive events, Mule Days has many other featured events to expand the experience. There’s also Barbecues, country dances and an arts and crafts show.
✔ VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT: Join more than 700 energetic volunteers from all walks of life to help make Bishop Mule Days a huge success. Phone and link above.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Michael Martin Murphey
♪ Kristyn Harris
♪ Frankie “Punkintown” Smith – "Mule Days Clown, Stand-Up Comedian and Pastor"
♪ Kadin Hernandez – Sixteen-year-old "Bakersfield sound" protege
♪ JD Priest Band
♪ Bobby Kerr Mustang Act
♪ "20 Mule Team" driven by Bobby Tanner in the parade and in on-site shows – a very big deal
and more

________________________________________


May 24-29, 2017: (Memorial Day Weekend)
"LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE FESTIVAL" at San Antonio Recreation Area in Bradley, CA; http://lightninginabottle.org
✔ TIX: $270
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ Thin on the folkish acts, but the ones they booked are good 'uns; it's billed as "a boutique festival," which seems about right.
✔ THE SCENE: "The dedicated fans of this transformational festival have kept LiB at the top of its game for over ten years. It’s changed venues more than a few times but the incredible art, enthusiastic attendees, and top notch lineup at this boutique fest is a steady constant."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Andrew Sheppard
♪ Asadi
♪ Barclay Crenshaw
♪ Bassnectar
♪ Big Wild
♪ Bob Moses
♪ Bomba Estero
♪ Bonobo
♪ B-Side Players
♪ Calyx & Teebee
♪ Christian Smith
♪ Dirtwire
♪ Elephant Revival
♪ Fakear
♪ Guy J
♪ Hedflux
♪ Herbert Bail Orchestra
♪ Hernan Cattaneo
♪ Ill.Gates B2b Stephan Jacobs
♪ Jade Cicada
♪ Jhene Aiko
♪ Kalya Scintilla & Eve Olution
♪ Kaytranada
♪ Lauren Lane
♪ Leon Vynehall
♪ Machinedrum
♪ Masha
♪ Monolink
♪ Nic Fanciulli
♪ Nicolas Cruz
♪ Nombc
♪ Orgone
♪ Paper Diamond
♪ Perfect Stranger
♪ Psymbionic
♪ Richie Hawtin
♪ Robag Wruhme
♪ Rüfüs Du Sol
♪ Rumored
♪ Sam Gellaitry
♪ Stephan Bodzin
♪ Thao & The Get Down Stay Down
♪ The California Honeydrops
♪ The Range
♪ Tini
♪ Troyboi
♪ W.C. Thornbush & The Great American Show
♪ Weval
♪ Wildlight
♪ Zach Deputy

________________________________________


May 25-28, 2017: (Memorial Day Weekend)
"DELFEST" in Cumberland, MD; http://delfest.com
✔ TIX: $190.50.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: This year's Delfest has one of the strongest East Coast festival lineups of 2017. "The legendary bluegrass artist Del McCoury [books]... this annual festival at the picture perfect Allegany County Fairgrounds in Maryland. Camping, dancing, and of course, plenty of bluegrass set the stage for a Memorial Day Weekend of world class collaborations, special guest sit-ins, informal workshops, and late night picking sessions."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ The Del McCoury Band
♪ The Travelin McCourys with Dierks Bentley
♪ Trey Anastasio Band
♪ Gov’t Mule
♪ Bela Fleck & Chris Thile
♪ Railroad Earth
♪ Leftover Salmon
♪ Hot Rize
♪ The Infamous Stringdusters
♪ Steep Canyon Rangers
♪ Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
♪ Tim O’Brien
♪ The Gibson Brothers
♪ Sierra Hull
♪ Red Knuckles & The Trailblazers
♪ Jeff Austin Band
♪ Cabinet
♪ Donna The Buffalo
♪ Fruition
♪ Sara Watkins
♪ Noam Pikelny
♪ Billy Strings
♪ Joe Craven & The Sometimers
♪ River Whyless
♪ Dead Man Winter
♪ Cris Jacobs
♪ The Broomsitx
♪ Dead Winter Carpenters
♪ Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice
♪ Dre’s Gospel Collective
♪ The Ballroom Thieves
♪ Head For The Hills
♪ Ghost Of Paul Revere
♪ The Kitchen Dwellers
♪ Grand Old’ Ditch
♪ Bryan Sutton

________________________________________


May 25-28, 2017: (Memorial Day Weekend)
"ROOSTER WALK" in Axton, VA; http://roosterwalk.com
✔ TIX: $110-$150.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: A mix of bluegrass, folk, acoustic, and eclectic. "The Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival is a charity fundraiser that takes place every Memorial Day weekend (late May) at Pop’s Farm in Axton, Va. (just outside of Martinsville.) The festival is operated by Rooster Walk Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting music, arts and education in the Martinsville/Henry County area. The festival, which features on-site camping as well as arts, crafts, food and children’s activities, donates its proceeds to local and regional charities."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Greensky Bluegrass
♪ The Wailers
♪ Anders Osborne
♪ Anderson East
♪ The Motet
♪ Marcus King Band
♪ Billy Strings
♪ Eric Krasno
♪ Yarn
♪ Susto
♪ Erin & the Wildfire
♪ The Trongone Band
♪ Mission in the Rain
♪ Josh Shilling
♪ Juliana MacDowell

________________________________________


May 25-29, 2017: (Memorial Day Weekend)
"SPRING STRAWBERRY MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95949; 209-984-8630; http://strawberrymusic.com
✔ TIX: Discount prices through April 14th at midnight range from $55 adult one-evening, no camping ($20 teen, $10 child), to a full 4-day pass with camping, $240 adult, $105 teen, $50 child. There is a Thursday night lineup, and early arrival to catch it or camp requires addt'l ticket.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE: There's a "LISTEN" tab with selectable music of booked artists, at: http://strawberrymusic.com/playlist
✔ THE SCENE: It's the 65th festival in their 35th year, since they do spring and fall (see listing) fests. "This year Strawberry presents the gold standard in main stage entertainment, intimate side stage performances, top-notch children's programming, workshops and activities for the whole family, and some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Programs like the Breakfast Club and the Band Scramble, live broadcasts by Hog Ranch Radio, and Strawberry's legendary camp jam culture are what makes this YOUR festival. Please join us this season with your instruments and radio in tow, ready to laugh, play, sing, dance, eat, and be entertained!" And, "The Spring Festival at the Nevada County Fairgrounds offers beautiful forest and meadow camping, permanent shower and restroom facilities, lots of indoor and outdoor space for family fun and entertainment, and is accessible to all ages and abilities. Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills, charming gold rush towns Grass Valley and Nevada City are just minutes away with lots of services including lodging, dining, recreation and all the provisions you'll need for four days of fun. You can explore the scenery of the Sierra foothills or settle in for the weekend with a variety of cuisine in the food court and lots of great shopping opportunities. With plenty of space for groups of any size, the Spring Festival is your perfect getaway destination."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Spring fest)
♪ Lucinda Williams
♪ Richard Thompson
♪ Jerry Douglas Presents Earls of Leicester
♪ Rodney Crowell
♪ Marcia Ball
♪ Elephant Revival
♪ New Orleans Suspects
♪ Sarah Jarosz
♪ Rising Appalachia
♪ Steep Ravine
♪ Phoebe Hunt & the Gatherers
♪ Honeyhoney
♪ Molly Tuttle
♪ Thee Commons
♪ Rita Hosking Trio
♪ Dirty Revival
♪ Banana Slug String Band
plus more tba

________________________________________


May 25-Jun 11, 2017: (Memorial Day Weekend & waaaay beyond)
46th annual "KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL" at Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Hwy, Kerrville, located 9 miles S of the Guadalupe River on TX Hwy 16 (Medina Hwy) between Medina and Kerrville, TX; 830-257-3600; www.kerrville-music.com
✔ TIX: An 18-day pass is $555 until 5/24/17, and includes parking. Three-day tix for any of the 3 weekends are $120-$125 advance, $135-$140 at the gate. Single-day tix are $20-$45 adult, $12.50-$22.50 for teen tix (ages 12-17).
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Legendary. The music, the ambiance, and the optimism of spirit are all cornerstones here. Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest continuously running music festival of its kind in North America. For 18 straight days and nights each May and June, over 30,000 attendees — who call themselves "Kerrverts" — come from all over the world to experience the magic of all that's simply called “Kerrville”. Their site adds, "While many folks come out just to see the evening main stage shows, the heart and soul of the festival is in the campgrounds. This is where you can truly experience and appreciate the abundance of talent we are blessed to have in our midst each year. Impromptu jam sessions can pop up at any time around a campfire or anywhere... (as a) 24-hour-a-day treat for musicians and music enthusiasts alike. In addition to the live music there are also special concerts and activities for children, songwriting schools, music business seminars, hill country bike rides, canoe trips on the Guadalupe River, Sunday Folk Song Services, and our annual New Folk Competition and concerts for emerging songwriters."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Only evenings are listed; music happens during the day, too.
(1st wkend, May 25-28:)
♪ Billy Crockett - Thu
♪ Amy Speace - Thu
♪ Dan Navarro - Thu
♪ Jeff Black - Thu
♪ South Austin Moonlighters - Thu
♪ American Dreamer - Fri
♪ Trout Fishing in America - Fri
♪ The Rifters - Fri
♪ Shake Russell & Michael Hearne-Fri
♪ Jimmy LaFave - Fri
♪ Del Barber - Sat
♪ Kenny White - Sat
♪ Cheryl Wheeler - Sat
♪ Brother Sun - Sat
♪ Jonathan Byrd & the Pickup Cowboy - Sat
♪ Cosy Sheridan - Sun
♪ Terri Hendrix - Sun
♪ Suzie Vinnick - Sun
♪ The Peterson Brothers - Sun
♪ The Railhouse Band - Sun
- - - -
(2nd wkend, Jun 2-4:)
♪ Kathy Mattea - Fri
♪ The Don Juans - Fri
♪ Tom Paxton - Fri
♪ Roy Book Binder - Fri
♪ Rev Robert B Jones - Fri
♪ C. Daniel Boling - Sat
♪ Harpeth Rising - Sat
♪ The Stray Birds - Sat
♪ Johnny Nicholas - Sat
♪ Los Texmaniacs - Sat
♪ Drew Nelson w Madcat Ruth-Sun
♪ Ryanhood - Sun
♪ James Hill - Sun
♪ The Accidentals - Sun
♪ Phoebe Hunt & the Gatherers - Sun
- - - -
(3rd wkend, Jun 9-11:)
♪ "Townes Van Zandt & Guy Clark Remembrance Weekend"
♪ "2016 New Folk Award Winners" ITR - Fri
♪ B. Sterling - Fri
♪ Wood & Wire - Fri
♪ The Deer - Fri
♪ Claudia Nygaard - Sat
♪ Verlon Thompson - Sat
♪ Eric Taylor - Sat
♪ Welch Family w/ Warren Hood - Sat
♪ High Plains Jamboree - Sat
♪ Melissa Greener - Sun
♪ Dana Cooper - Sun
♪ Buddy Mondlock - Sun
♪ Radney Foster - Sun
- - - -
(1st mid-wk, May 29-Jun 1:)
♪ "TR Ritchie Remembrance Concert" - Mon,
with Daniel Boling, Dennis Dougherty, Judith-Kate Friedman, Ken Gaines,
Bill & Mary Muse, Bill Nash, Cosy Sheridan, Tracy Spring, & Bill Ward
♪ Jack Williams - Tue
♪ Ronny Cox Trio - Tue
♪ Freebo - Wed
♪ Paper Moon Shiners - Wed
♪ Peter Yarrow - Thu
- - - -
(2nd mid-wk, Jun 5-8:)
♪ "Fischer Fest Presents" - Mon, with Michael O'Conner, Susan Gibson, Walt Wilkins
♪ Dana Cooper - Tue
♪ Rex Foster - Tue
♪ John Elliott - Wed
♪ Chris Chandler - Wed
♪ "House of Songs" - Thu, hosted by Troy Campbell

________________________________________


May 26-28, 2017: (Memorial Day Weekend)
"BOTTLEROCK NAPA VALLEY" in Napa, CA; www.bottlerocknapavalley.com
✔ TIX: $349.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ An ENORMOUS lineup. This big Northern Cal fest is using the modern formula of booking Americana and Folk-Americana acts amidst rock and other musical forms.
✔ THE SCENE: "Like a fine wine, Bottlerock keeps getting better with age. The three-day festival in California's stunning Napa Valley features huge bands, indie acts, amazing food, and of course, lots of the region's wine."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Band of Horses
♪ Catfish and the Bottlemen
♪ Fitz & The Tantrums
♪ Foo Fighters
♪ Galactic
♪ Silversun Pickups
♪ Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
♪ Maroon 5
♪ Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
♪ Modest Mouse
♪ Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
♪ The Roots
♪ Dirty Heads
♪ Live
♪ The Naked and Famous
♪ The Devil Makes Three
♪ Michael Franti & Spearhead
♪ Gavin DeGraw
♪ St. Lucia
♪ House of Pain
♪ Bob Moses
♪ Catfish and the Bottlemen
♪ Saint Motel
♪ The Strumbellas
♪ AlunaGeorge
♪ Frightened Rabbit
♪ Andra Day
♪ Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires
♪ Mavis Staples
♪ Ani DiFranco
♪ Bishop Briggs
♪ Lewis Del Mar
♪ Highly Suspect
♪ Judah & The Lion
♪ Elephant Revival
♪ Warren G
♪ Bad Suns
♪ Giraffagegnash
♪ The Staves
♪ The Barr Brothers
♪ Pell
♪ Hippo Campus
♪ Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas
♪ Barns Courtney
♪ Hiss
♪ Golden Messenger
♪ The California Honeydrops
♪ The Hunna
♪ 888
♪ Prinze George
♪ Con Brio
♪ La Santa Cecilia
♪ The Shelters
♪ SWMRS
♪ Run River North
♪ James Hersey
♪ Day Wave
♪ Dreamers Hirie
♪ Baskery
♪ City of the Sun
♪ Cobi
♪ Partybaby
♪ A R I Z O N A
♪ The Heydaze Parade of Lights
♪ little hurricane
♪ Marty O’Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra
♪ Josh Kelley
♪ Jessica Childress
♪ Corey Harper
♪ Wild
♪ Saint Mesa
♪ Hibbity Dibbity
♪ The Helmets
♪ Pacific Radio
♪ The Redwoods Revue
♪ Doobie Decibel System
♪ Troubadour 77
♪ Silverado Pickups
♪ Tracksuit Wedding
♪ Secure The Sun
♪ Serf and James
♪ Kadin Yeahmon
♪ Alec Lee
♪ Napa Youth Symphony

________________________________________


May 26-28, 2017: (Memorial Day Weekend)
"CALIFORNIA ROOTS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL" in Monterey, CA; www.californiarootsfestival.com
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ Yep, another one with some Folk-Americana bookings surrounded by everything else and somehow, by somebody's definition (not ours), qualifying as "roots music."
✔ THE SCENE: "California Roots isn’t just a music festival; it’s a movement. It’s a way of life. It delivers a cosmic blend of good vibes, true happiness, family, peace, love and joy to all who enter. When Jimi Hendrix torched his guitar at the Monterey Pop Festival in the late '60s, he changed the way an entire generation looked not only at music festivals, but life itself."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Jurassic 5
♪ Rebelution
♪ Nas
♪ Dirty Heads
♪ SOJA
♪ Iration
♪ Thievery Corporation
♪ Stick Figure
♪ Matisyahu
♪ Nahko & Medicine For The People
♪ Collie Buddz
♪ Common Kings
♪ Alborosie
♪ Protoje
♪ Anthony B
♪ Passafire
♪ Easy Star All Stars
♪ Rising Appalachia
♪ Ballyhoo!
♪ Unified Highway
♪ Jesse Royal
♪ Mellow Mood
♪ six60
♪ Yellowman
♪ John Brown’s Body
♪ Through The Roots
♪ Rdgldgrn
♪ Jah9
♪ Zach Deputy
♪ Tribal Theory
♪ Humble Soul
♪ Roots Of Creation
♪ Iya Terra
♪ The Late Ones
♪ Beebs
♪ Synergy
♪ Tyrone’s Jacket
♪ Darenots
♪ Skanks Roots Project

________________________________________


May 26-28, 2017: (Memorial Day Weekend)
"DARK STAR JUBILEE" in Thornville, OH; www.darkstarjubilee.com
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
* If Memorial Day Weekend has you in Ohio, you should be at this one.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Keller Williams
♪ Dark Star Orchestra
♪ Greensky Bluegrass
♪ Hot Tuna
♪ Keller Williams
♪ David Nelson Band
♪ Rumpke Mountain Boys
♪ Jeff Mattson & Friends
♪ Like Father Like Son
♪ Owsley County
♪ Matt Reynolds

________________________________________


May 26-28, 2017: (Memorial Day Weekend)
"COUNTRY 500" in Daytona, FL; www.country500.com
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ Not quite an East Coast "Stagecoach" because it's much lighter on Americana bookings. But it does have Asleep at the Wheel, and there are some trad country acts.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Blake Shelton
f Kid Rock
♪ Keith Urban
♪ Brooks & Dunn
♪ Thomas Rhett
♪ Martina McBride
♪ Dan + Shay
♪ Jamey Johnson
♪ Chris Janson
♪ Chase Rice
♪ Travis Tritt
♪ Maddie & Tae
♪ A Thousand Horses
♪ Colt Ford
♪ Easton Corbin
♪ Eric Paslay
♪ Kristian Bush
♪ Pat Green
♪ Margo Price
♪ The Swon Brothers
♪ Maggie Rose
♪ Aubrie Sellers
♪ Mark Chesnutt
♪ William Michael
♪ Morgan Mo
♪ Pitney LANco
♪ Asleep at the Wheel
♪ Simba Jordan

________________________________________


May 26-28, 2017: (Memorial Day Weekend)
"BOSTON CALLING MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Harvard’s Athletic Complex in Allston, MA; http://bostoncalling.com
✔ TIX: $99 any one day; $269 for a 3-day pass ; free for children under age 10.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This one must have the most free-range eclectic mix of any festival anywhere this year. Sure, some headline folk-fest reg'lars are in here, but so is everyone and everything else. On a grand scale, it's a look at the future of most big festivals everywhere. With a brand new location and an expanded schedule, this year's Boston Calling "is a three-day, multi-stage festival featuring the biggest and best acts in live music, comedy, and visual arts." The event will provide for easy access to all performance areas, incredible beer, wine, and food offerings, and many surprises to be announced. All ages are welcome."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(SATURDAY:)
♪ Mumford & Sons
♪ The XX
♪ The 1975
♪ Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
♪ Tegan & Sara
♪ Brandi Carlile
♪ Majid Jordan
♪ Oh Wonder
♪ Danny Brown
♪ Cousin Stizz
♪ Russ
♪ Strand Of Oaks
♪ Moses Sumney
♪ Kevin Morby
♪ Tkay Maidza
♪ Alexandra Savior
- - - -
(SUNDAY:)
♪ Tool
♪ Major Lazer
♪ Weezer
♪ Cage The Elephant
♪ Run The Jewels
♪ Flatbush Zombies
♪ Wolf Parade
♪ Piebald
♪ Frightened Rabbit
♪ Converge
♪ Buffalo Tom
♪ Mitski
♪ Pup
♪ Hiss Golden Messenger
♪ The Hotelier
♪ Mondo Cozmo
- - - -
(FRIDAY:)
♪ Bon Iver
♪ Chance The Rapper
♪ Sigur Rós
♪ Solange
♪ Sylvan Esso
♪ Mac Demarco
♪ Car Seat Headrest
♪ Francis & The Lights
♪ Deerhoof
♪ Whitney
♪ Lucy Dacus
♪ Vundabar
♪ Xylouris White
- - - -
(COMEDY LINEUP:)
Tig Notaro
Josh Johnson
Kate Berlant & John Early
Nick Chambers
Hannibal Buress
Phoebe Robinson
Jordan Rock
Bethany Van Delft
Pete Holmes
Eugene Mirman
Lamont Price
Kelly MacFarland

________________________________________


May 26-29, 2017: (Memorial day Weekend)
46th annual "NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL" takes over all of Seattle Center, north of downtown Seattle, WA ; www.nwfolklife.org
✔ TIX: Free; donation requested at gate to keep it all going. (Donation gets a unique-to-that-day button, very collectible.)
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: NW Folklife Festival is a true joy. It's like nothing else, with more than two-dozen stages (with sound systems) hosting over 5,000 performers from throughout the musical heart of the 100+ cultural communities of the Pacific Northwest. And where it all happens, at Seattle Center, is like no place else: the city chose to preserve its entire World's Fair site — which is really the only way there could be a venue-rich environment for this to happen. And it's been there for over 45 years. The festival brings up to 250,000 people over four days, but it rarely feels crowded, because the place is enormous. And you really can race from stage-to-stage to catch what you want to see. The festival hosts some marvelous free workshops, too. It "is the place to learn, to dance, to play, to try something new, and to discover arts and cultures that inspire celebration of one another and our big neighborhood. From yodeling to beatboxing, square dancing to Bollywood – the festival celebrates the global traditions of local, independent artists... In keeping our commitment to remove any economic barriers and ensure that everyone can experience and share in cultural traditions, the 46th annual Northwest Folklife is presented without admission charge, creating the most inclusive, wide reaching arts experience."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Even with 5,000 artists, it's actually possible to know the lineup — at least the band names, stage and set times. It's all trad acoustic. Notably, a variety of maritime acts perform each year. But we can't tell you more until the schedule booklet is printed (then it'll be available online and for download to your mobile device, too). Check from time to time at: http://www.nwfolklife.org/festival-schedule/program-guide

________________________________________


May 26-29, 2017: (Memorial day Weekend)
12th annual "COWBOY LEGENDS POETRY & MUSIC FESTIVAL" on historic Fielding Garr Ranch on Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake, NW of Salt Lake City, Utah; www.cowboylegendsai.com
✔ TIX: not mentioned on their website.
✔ CAMPING: Yes. $15/night, no reservations req'd.
✔ THE SCENE: It's on a ranch on an island. It has Award -inning Cowboy Poets & Musicians from the Western States and Canada, Kid's Activities, Cowboy Mercantile Trading Post, Food Vendors, Various Local Product Vendors, Cowboy shootouts and performances, and Camping South of the Ranch; you can take a Ride in a Historical Wagon, Carriage or Buggy; you can bring Your Horses and Stay the Weekend
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Musicians:)
♪ Saddle Strings
♪ Kylee Price
♪ Green Sage Junction
♪ Arden Gailey
♪ Saddle Serenade
♪ Montana Fox & Son Cody John
♪ Scott Olsen
♪ Stampede
♪ Sherry Brennan
♪ Kevin Higley
♪ David & Jenny Anderson
♪ Many Strings
♪ Johnson Creek Band
♪ Allan & Careen Romriell
♪ In Cahoots
♪ Glen Brandt
♪ Mark Seeley
♪ Sawtooth Mountain Boys
♪ Scott Lambertsen
♪ The Panhandle Cowboys
♪ Craig Maughan
♪ Bob Weber
♪ Paul Kern & Mike Bown (Homeward Bound)
♪ Stan Barnhart
♪ Jerye Lee
- - - -
(Cowboy Poets:)
Sam Deleeuw
Ken Wellard
Thatch Elmer
Casey Woods
Bill Gubler
Steve Spencer
Dave Feltenberger
Colt Blankman
Tommie Patton
Don Korth
Russ Westwood
David Harston
Gordon Champneys

________________________________________


May 27-29 (more or less), 2017:
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FESTIVALS... listed by start/end dates. See listings for:
- - - -
✔ "BISHOP MULE DAYS," May 23-28 (Bishop, CA)

✔ "LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE FESTIVAL" May 24-29 (Bradley, CA)

✔ "DELFEST" May 25-28 (Cumberland, MD)

✔ "ROOSTER WALK" May 25-28 (Axton, VA)

✔ "SPRING STRAWBERRY MUSIC FESTIVAL" May 25-29 (Grass Valley, CA)

✔ 46th annual "KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL" May 25-Jun 11 (Kerrville, TX)

✔ "BOTTLEROCK NAPA VALLEY" May 26-28 (Napa, CA)

✔ "CALIFORNIA ROOTS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL" May 26-28 (Monterey, CA)

✔ "DARK STAR JUBILEE" May 26-28 (Thornville, OH)

✔ "COUNTRY 500" May 26-28 (Daytona, FL)

✔ "BOSTON CALLING MUSIC FESTIVAL" May 26-28 (Harvard U, Allston, MA)

✔ 46th annual "NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL" May 26-29 (Seattle, WA)

✔ 12th annual "COWBOY LEGENDS POETRY & MUSIC FESTIVAL" May 26-29 (NW of Salt Lake City, Utah)

✔ "SIMI VALLEY CAJUN & BLUES FESTIVAL" May 27 & 28 (Simi Valley, CA)

✔ 44th annual "TOPANGA DAYS COUNTRY FAIRE" May 27-29 (Topanga, CA)

✔ 5th annual "MID-ATLANTIC WILD WEST FEST" May 28 & 28 (Frontier Town, Berlin, MD)

________________________________________


Sat & Sun, May 27 & 28, 2017: (Memorial day Weekend)
"SIMI VALLEY CAJUN & BLUES FESTIVAL," at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 Los Angeles Av, Simi Valley, CA 93063; www.simicajun.org
✔ TIX: $25 for either day, $45 for a 2-day pass; a Blues Stage "superticket" for either day is $124, or $199 for both days.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Runs 10:30 am-8 pm, both days. Two big stages with arena sound systems, covered dance floors, top acts — 16 bands in all, plus guest artists — great Southern B-B-Q, Cajun-Creole cuisine, and plenty going-on across the site. A well-run event that books top bands from Louisiana and the proceeds benefit many local charities. Plenty of good Lou'siana food, too. "Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival is an annual event hosted by The Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise to benefit both Cajun heritage and the people of Simi Valley and surrounding areas. All proceeds from the event go to the charities listed on the 'Who benefits' page."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Doug Kershaw
♪ Cajun Trio: Michael Doucet, David Doucet & Mitch Reed
♪ Robby Krieger band - "Celebrating 50 Years of The Doors Music"
♪ The Yardbirds
♪ Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
♪ Alex Nester
♪ Jo-El Sonier
♪ Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & The Golden Eagles
♪ The 44's
♪ Lazy Lester
♪ Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers
♪ Crawdaddio
♪ Kelly's Lot - excellent Southern Cal blues-folk-Americana band
♪ Alex Nester
♪ The Bayou Brothers
♪ Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels
♪ and more

________________________________________


May 27-29, 2017: (Memorial day Weekend)
44th annual "TOPANGA DAYS COUNTRY FAIRE" at the Topanga Community House & Fairgrounds, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga, CA ; http://topangadays.com
✔ TIX: 3-day advance tix $60 adults, $40 kids ages 6-12, age 5 and under free. Single-day $25; Seniors (65+) & Military with ID $15; Kids $15.
✔ CAMPING: No. But it's driveable to campgrounds in Santa Monica Mtns. and beach campgrounds.
✔ THE SCENE: This is the ONLY Southern Cal Memorial Day Weekend fest that runs all three days (so catch whatever else, then get here on Monday). Thousands of people from all over Los Angeles County attend this weekend of great live music on two stages and the popular parade on Monday morning. It's a happy hippee family sorta scene, and the year's main fundraiser for the not-for-profit Topanga Community Club.
✔ NOTE: The Monday Memorial Day Parade closes all access into Topanga Canyon from 8 am to noon. So get in early Monday to see the parade or get to the festival site at a decent hour.
✔ VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers sought; text preferred (or call) 818-795-5042.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
(Saturday:)
♪ Jefferson Starship
♪ Brothers Gage
♪ Few Miles South
♪ No Small Children
♪ Kummerspeck
♪ Dragons vs Puppies
♪ The Golden Happy Hedgehogs
♪ Watcher Moon
♪ Topanga Ukulele Revival
♪ The Regulars
♪ Corral Stage Band
- - - -
(Sunday:)
♪ Ozomatli
♪ Raised On TV
♪ Hard Shine Blues Band
♪ Blue Dolphins
♪ Greenhorn Brothers
♪ The Handymen
♪ The Lauren Flynn Band
♪ Melanie Kareem Belly Dancers
♪ Murphy’s Flaw (bluegrass)
♪ Jim Crawford & the Hot Toddies
- - - -
(Monday:)
♪ Gabby Beauvais sings the National Anthem & Flag Raising
♪ Deb Ryder
♪ Venice
♪ Whiskey Sunday
♪ Soluzion
♪ Coyotes of Topanga
♪ Zane Suarez & the InZane Asylum (all-acoustic)
♪ Joee Corso Band
♪ Sugar in the Gourd (roots acoustic)
♪ Shere Disraeli

________________________________________


May 28 & 28, 2017: (Memorial Day Weekend)
5th annual "MID-ATLANTIC WILD WEST FEST" at Frontier Town, 8428 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD 21811; http://campground.frontiertown.com/special-events
✔ TIX: Ages 11 & Over, $14; Ages 4-10, $12; Ages 3 & Under are free.
✔ CAMPING: Yes. Registered Campers get 50% Off Regular Admission.
✔ THE SCENE: "Experience America’s Wild West right here on the East Coast! Presented in partnership with Rockin’ R Western Productions, Frontier Town invites residents and visitors of Delmarva to join us on May 27-28, 2017 for the 5th Annual Mid-Atlantic Wild West Fest! This special two-day western festival will be jam-packed with authentic 1880s western shows and cowboy camp reenactments, cowboy mounted shooting, a quick draw competition, chuck wagon cooking, pig roast, Native American dancing, can can shows, steam train & stage coach rides, Golden Nugget Saloon cowboy poetry open mic, western musical entertainment, and so much more."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Jun 1-4, 2017:
"BLAST FROM THE BAYOU CAJUN-ZYDECO FESTIVAL" in Preston, CT; www.strawberrypark.net.
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Fri & Sat, Jun 2 & 3, 2017:
"TENOR GUITAR GATHERING" in Astoria, Oregon 97103; http://tenorguitargathering.info
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ Pier 39 is "Base Camp." Event begins Fridal morning with a welcome jam, then goes to workshops. Concerts both evenings at the ASOC Playhouse, and a unique "Trolley Ride Jam."
✔ Presented by the Tenor Guitar Foundation.
✔ KMUN Radio Broadcast is live with on-air performances by festival artists on Friday, 3–4 pm;
LISTEN LIVE to Carol Newman's show at: http://coastradio.org (if you have trouble, try: http://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KMUN).
✔ THE SCENE: "Two days of tenor guitars, ukeleles, mandolins, and all things 4 strings - workshops - concerts - jams - merchandise."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Grant Flick
♪ Tyler Jackson
♪ Tim May
♪ Gerry Carthy
♪ Erich Sylvester

________________________________________


Jun 2-4, 2017:
"MICHAEL ARNONE'S CRAWFISH FESTIVAL" in Augusta, NJ; www.crawfishfest.com
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Sat, Jun 3, 2017:
"SAM HINTON FESTIVAL" is FREE in Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064; 858-566-4040; http://sdfolkheritage.org/events/sam-hinton-festival-2.
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Runs 11 am-4 pm, presented by San Diego Folk Heritage in the lovely setting of a historical park with a steam narrow gauge railroad you can ride and historical buildings from 1880s-early 20th century California (info: http://www.poway.org/452/Old-Poway-Park). "We gather once again to celebrate the legacy of a great San Diego icon, in and outside the folk community. All-day music on the Pavillion, stories and contra dancing inside, and Irish, Old Time, Bluegrass jamming, and who knows what else happening around the park. This is where the folk music tribe gets together. Check back for specifics."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not yet announced, as of early April.

________________________________________


Jun 3 & 4, 2017:
12th annual "LUMMIS DAYS FESTIVAL" at several NE Los Angeles venues that include the Southwest Museum's Mt. Washington Campus; Occidental College; Sycamore Grove Park; the historic stone Lummis mansion; and the delightful Heritage Square Museum in Highland Park, CA; www.LummisDay.org
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Four music stages, much that's folk-friendly, from acoustic strings to SW folk, jug band, and old trad Mexican music. "Discover the creativity of Northeast Los Angeles through this weekend of art, music, poetry, and ethnic diversity. The annual festival celebrates the legacy of legendary author, journalist, and historic Southwest Museum founder Charles Fletcher Lummis." Entertainment meets music performances, tours of historical and landmark structures and exhibits, and "educational and cultural events."
✔ NOTE: Best idea what it's like? Download the 2016 festival program booklet (pdf) from "Outwest" magazine, at: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54594390e4b0694aa1802f21/t/5749efc24d088e3b762147f1/1464463313620/Lummis+Day+2016+Magazine_web_smaller.pdf
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Jun 3 & 4, 2017:
"ANACORTES WATERFRONT FESTIVAL" at Cap Sante Marina, 1019 Q Av, Anacortes, WA; http://anacortes.org/waterfront-festival
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: With live music and entertainment that includes sea shanties; Quick and Dirty Boat Building teams building all day then testing floatability; free boat rides both days with the Anacortes Yacht Club; a "Milk Carton (boat) Derby"; awards for "Most Creative Derby Vessel," "First Crew Across Finish Line in Milk Carton Derby Course (on floating vessel)," "Most Creative and it Floats," hands-on children’s activities including building wooden sail boats; games; an open-air car show; food vendors; arts and craft booths; giant slides; water balls; dinners and dances; live music and entertainment; a wine and beer garden; and more, this'll be fun.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).
♪ We know that a good sea chantey group called The Shifty Sailors will perform.

________________________________________


Jun 7-11, 2017:
"NORTHSIDE FESTIVAL" at several venues in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY; http://northsidefestival.com
✔ TIX: "Music Badge Early Bird" is $75, and passes range up to $449.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Sort of a Northeast SXSW format of several festivals joined end-to-end. "Northside Innovation" with a strong lineup of speakers is June 7-9; "Northside Music" is June 8-11; "Northside Art" is June 10 & 11. "For five days every June, over 100,000 creative and cultural trendsetters converge in Brooklyn to uncover the future of music, innovation and content. Now in its ninth year, with over 300 bands and 300 speakers coming together across 30 venues, attendees venture to Northside Festival to say 'I saw it here first.'" Or, "One part entrepreneurial seminar, one part interactive art show, one part alternative music festival: Northside Festival in Brooklyn brings all of the most exciting parts of Williamsburg together."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ While they've booked acts in past years like Conor Oberst, Neko Case, Kacey Musgraves, and Brian Wilson doing his "Pet Sounds" show, this year's massive lineup has gotten thinner on Folk-Americana / acoustic singer-songwriter acts. Their site's format makes it too awkward to list 2017's massive lineup, so find 'em all here: http://northsidefestival.com/northside-2017/music

________________________________________


Jun 8-10, 2017:
"BLUE OX MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Eau Claire, WI; http://blueoxmusicfestival.com
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ Another contender for best festival lineup of the year.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Punch Brothers
♪ Greensky Bluegrass
♪ Drive-By Truckers
♪ Railroad Earth
♪ Sam Bush Band
♪ The Infamous Stringdusters
♪ Son Volt
♪ Pert Near Sandstone
♪ Keller and the Keels
♪ Jeff Austin Band
♪ Travelin’ McCourys
♪ Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
♪ The SteelDrivers
♪ Dead Man Winter
♪ Willie Watson
♪ Fruition
♪ Split Lip Rayfield
♪ Henhouse Prowlers
♪ Rumpke Mountain Boys
♪ Billy Strings
♪ Colter Wall
♪ Trout Steak Revival
♪ Dead Horses
♪ White Iron Band
♪ Them Coulee Boys
♪ Evergreen Grass Band
♪ Joseph Huber
♪ Laska

________________________________________


Jun 8-11, 2017:
"BONNAROO MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Manchester, TN; www.bonnaroo.com
✔ Tix, $324.50.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE: This is where the trend started to book roots-Americana and folk acts and surround them with rockers. And pop country. And other things. Now it's legendary and it sells-out early.
✔ THE SCENE: "Over the last decade, no other US music festival has captured the spirit of large green-field gatherings like the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Bonnaroo burst onto the scene, grabbing headlines along with our hearts as we watched it grow from scrappy newcomer to a full-fledged anchor of the summer. It may not be the oldest or the largest, but Bonnaroo is the spirit of the quintessential American music festival. Long live The Roo."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ U2
♪ Red Hot Chili Peppers
♪ The Weeknd
♪ Chance the Rapper
♪ Major Lazer
♪ Flume
♪ The xx
♪ Lorde
♪ Travis Scott
♪ Cage the Elephant
♪ Marshmello
♪ The Head and The Heart
♪ Big Gigantic
♪ Glass Animals
♪ Future Islands
♪ Tory Lanez
♪ Tove Lo
♪ Yellow Claw
♪ Umphrey’s McGee
♪ Portugal. The Man
♪ Crystal Castles
♪ Milky Chance
♪ Tegan & Sara
♪ Cold War Kids
♪ Kaleo
♪ SuperJam
♪ Russ
♪ Jon Bellion
♪ Royal Blood
♪ The Strumbellas
♪ Car Seat Headrest
♪ Michael Kiwanuka
♪ Gallant
♪ D.R.A.M.
♪ Louis the Child
♪ Borgore
♪ Dua Lipa
♪ Nghtmre
♪ Getter
♪ Snails
♪ James Vincent McMorrow
♪ Joseph
♪ Illenium
♪ Flatbush Zombies
♪ Aminé
♪ Claude VonStroke
♪ Francis & The Lights
♪ Margo Price
♪ BadBadNotGood
♪ The Front Bottoms
♪ G Jones
♪ Preservation Hall Jazz Band
♪ Greensky Bluegrass
♪ Cam
♪ Bad Suns
♪ Coin
♪ Mandolin Orange
♪ Eden
♪ Rainbow Kitten Surprise
♪ Ookay
♪ Herobust
♪ Kevin Morby
♪ Goldfish
♪ Noname
♪ Leon
♪ Bluegrass SuperJam
♪ Albin Lee Meldau
♪ San Holo
♪ Rezz
♪ Angélique Kidjo
♪ Haywyre
♪ Deap Vally
♪ Hippo Campus
♪ Luke Combs
♪ Vanic
♪ Unlike Pluto
♪ Kaiydo
♪ Ten Fé
♪ Nightly
♪ The Orwells
♪ Stick Figure
♪ Mondo Cozmo
♪ Barclay Crenshaw
♪ Goody Grace
♪ July Talk
♪ Khruangbin
♪ Lucy Dacus
♪ Klangstof
♪ Kevin Abstract
♪ Turkuaz
♪ The Lemon Twigs
♪ Wilderado
♪ Twin Limb
♪ Big Jesus
♪ Twiddle
♪ White Reaper
♪ River Whyless
♪ Alexandra Savior
♪ Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real
♪ Innanet James
♪ Ganja White Night
♪ Welles
♪ Aaron Lee Tasjan

________________________________________


Jun 8-11, 2017:
"CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Nashville, TN; www.cmaworld.com/cma-music-festival
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This really big shew includes the annual "Fan Fest," dozens of free performances, and dozens more in various venues that require tix and will sell-out early.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ It features an enormous number of performances. The event's site shows them, but does not have a provision for us to capture a complete list.

________________________________________


Jun 8-11, 2017:
"CAROLINA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Myrtle Beach, SC; www.carolinacountrymusicfest.com
✔ TIX: $159-$329.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "Grab a cowboy hat and a pair of flip-flops, as country music meets the scenic shores of Myrtle Beach when the boardwalk becomes home to the Carolina Country Music Fest!"
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Kenny Chesney
♪ LANco
♪ Davisson Brothers
♪ Zach Seabaugh
♪ Brett Young
♪ Love and Theft
♪ Drake White and The Big Fire
♪ Montgomery Gentry
♪ Parmalee
♪ Gretchen Wilson
♪ Runaway June
♪ Morgan Myles
♪ Laura Jenkins
♪ Kennedy Fitzsimmons
♪ Jason Aldean
♪ Darius Rucker
♪ Big & Rich
♪ Billy Currington
♪ Lee Brice
♪ Chris Young
♪ Dee Jay Silver
♪ Kip Moore
♪ Granger Smith
♪ Jordan Davis
♪ Jordan Rager
♪ Kevin Mac
♪ Luke Combs

________________________________________


Jun 8-25, 2017:
"HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL" at 34 theatres, stages, and other venues in Hollywood / L.A., CA; www.hollywoodfringe.org
✔ TIX: Available online, starting May 1. Don't dawdle, because many events sell-out early.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Billed as "L.A.'s largest performing arts festival" and with over 360 events at 34 venues, this is the ultimate multi-venue, multi-genre, multi-medium immersion in the arts. Categories include "absurd • acting • adult themes • comedic • comedy • compelling • contemporary • dance • dark comedy • dark humor • drama • dramedy • edgy • ensemble • female • feminist • fun • funny • hilarious • historical • inspiring • lgbt • musical • musical theater • one woman show • original • political • powerful • relationships • solo show • storytelling • theatre • true stories • women • world premiere."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
The best we'll do is show a few of the music amd musical theatre offerings. Here goes.
- - - -
♪ GIRL, BOUND • solo performance • world premiere • 45 mins • A girl and her harp. She must escape her inner trappings through her music. Experiential theatre. Stars Alexandra Winter.
♪ OFFICE BEAT - A TAP DANCE COMEDY • dance & physical theatre • 80 mins • Winner HFF16 "Best in Dance & Physical Theatre."
♪ BLACK & WHITE IN PARIS: A CABARET MUSICAL • musicals and operas • world premiere • 90 mins.
♪ THE SPIDEY PROJECT • musicals and operas • 90 mins • Had a completely sold-out run in 2012. "This scrappy, smart and hilarious parody of the Spider-Man origin story features an original score..."
♪ NARSOCIETY - THE SOCIAL MEDIA SHAMING MUSICAL • musicals and operas • world premiere • 150 mins • The Guide has long been impressed with Chris Valenti, the talented musician/comic/writer/filmmaker who wrote and performs this.
♪ A HARMONY BOYS CHRISTMAS • musicals and operas • 1 hr • "Nobody spreads Christmas Cheer all over your face quite like legendary singing sensations and amateur turtleneck models the Harmony Boys in this raunchy 1960s ode to holiday specials of yore."
♪ A JINGLE A GO-GO: THE MUSICAL • musicals and operas • 50 mins • "campy musical comedy..."
♪ WRITE YOUR OWN FRINGE MUSICAL WITH NMI • events & workshops • 1 hr • "Do you want to write a musical for next year's Fringe Festival? Or Broadway? Come to a free workshop on writing and marketing musicals..."
♪ SLIGHTLY-OFF BROADWAY • cabaret & variety • world premiere • 1 hr • "A hilarious and irreverent cabaret featuring parodies of your favorite Broadway hits of yesterday and today."
♪ METALHEAD • musicals and operas • world premiere • 80 mins • "A folk rock musical about robots and the human people who hate them."
♪ SPRINGLOADED • solo performance • world premiere • 110 mins • "a musical meditation on disappeared years, discarded dreams and delinquent DNA."
♪ 1001 MINUTES OF NEW MUSICALS • musicals and operas • world premiere • 1 hr • "24 writers; 12 shows; 4 evenings of 5 perfs each; all musicals all the time."
♪ MY MID 20'S CRISIS THE MUSICAL • musicals and operas • world premiere • 90 mins • "An outrageous slapstick ensemble musical comedy about getting through your mid 20’s. Watch them deal with the anxieties and complexities of life after college; Broadway style. With dancing ovarian eggs, evil creditors, tinder dates, and insane acting teachers."
♪ FERGUSON THE TAILOR AT THE DOOR TO AMERICA • musicals and operas • world premiere • "A young Jewish tailor and his wife come to America in 1912. They face hardships, find friends and have many sweet and comical adventures as they travel the road to eventual success and learn to be 'real' Americans - an old-fashioned story with a wonderful old-fashioned musical score."
♪ TRUMP IN SPACE- THE MUSICAL • musicals and operas • world premiere • 1 hr • "Star Trek meets Rent meet Battlestar Galactica meets Trump, is battle of good vs bad, ideals vs opportunism, Trump vs Trump, plus music. 400 years in the future, the fallout of the Trump administration has left humans stranded in search of a new planet. Campy political musical comedy in space!"

________________________________________


Jun 9-11, 2017:
"TASTE OF COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Hunter Mountain, NY; http://tasteofcountryfestival.com
✔ TIX: $155-$190.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "The Taste of Country Music Festival is the first and only 3-day country music camping festival in the northeast. The festival features world class entertainment, camping in the renowned terrain of the great northern Catskills of Greene County, outdoor recreation, top-notch food and beverage service and luxury mountainside accommodations unique to host Hunter Mountain. The festival has already established itself as a must-do for country music fans because of the powerhouse list of artists that perform."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Joe Nichols
♪ Maddie & Tae
♪ Cody Johnson
♪ RaeLynn
♪ Steve Moakler
♪ Smithfield
♪ Courtney Cole
♪ Brooke Eden
♪ Jackson Michelson
♪ Miranda Lambert
♪ Jason Aldean
♪ Sam Hunt

________________________________________


Jun 10 & 11, 2017:
30th annual "PALOS VERDES STREET FAIR & MUSIC FESTIVAL," on Norris Center Dr & Crossfield Dr, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274; www.pvstreetfair.com
✔ TIX: It's free, with free parking & free shuttle.
✔ THE SCENE: The community-wide street fair and music festival is complete with carnival rides, live music, beer garden, petting zoo, food court, and more.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(partial listing; bands of interest to readers:)
♪ Andy & Renee with Hard Rain (folk/blues)
♪ Rip Masters (rockabilly)
♪ La Sirena y Orchesta Mar de Ashe (Salsa/Latin dance music)
♪ Pretzel Logic (Steely Dan tribute)
♪ Matthew Morreale (teen solo Artist)
♪ AMUSE Singers
- - - -
Norris Theatre – Palos Verdes Performing Arts:
♪ Times Square Kids, Headliners
♪ Stage One Stars, First Class Act
- - - -
♪ Alvas Dance

________________________________________


Jun 10 & 11, 2017:
"TEQUILA & TACO MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Brookside Park, next to the Rose Bowl, 360 N Arroyo Bl, Pasadena, CA 91003; https://www.tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com
✔ TIX: $10-65, on-sale Apr 27.
✔ THE SCENE: "California's Largest Traveling Tequila & Taco Music Festival is set to make its first stop in Pasadena." All ticket holders both days will have access to Food Vendors, Craft Beer, Margarita Booths, and Live Music. Sunday is Mas Margaritas, with afternoon sipping, and eating tacos, all while enjoying "a great music lineup." Proceeds from the event benefit The Gen Giammanco Foundation, providing financial support to deserving college bound student athletes.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Not announced by press time (early Apr, 2017)

________________________________________


Jun 10 & 11, 2017:
"LAURELIVE" Festival in Russell Township, OH; www.laurelive.com
✔ TIX: $70-$115.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "In addition to a weekend of great music in a beautiful setting, careful attention will be given to the culinary and family aspects of the event. LaureLive will provide first-class culinary and artisan experiences as well as children’s activities and educational events appropriate for the entire family."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Gary Clark Jr.
♪ Needtobreathe
♪ St. Paul & The Broken Bones
♪ Blue October
♪ The Revivalists
♪ Johhnyswim
♪ The Mowgli’s
♪ Kate Voegele
♪ Arkells
♪ Cobi
♪ The Unlikely Candidates
♪ Austin Plaine
♪ The Blue Stones
♪ Shivering Timbers
♪ Step Rockets
♪ Harbor & Home
♪ Liv Cargile
♪ The Head and the Heart
♪ Young The Giant
♪ Michael Franti & Spearhead
♪ The Strumbellas
♪ Dawes
♪ Timeflies
♪ Wrabel
♪ Lunchmoney Lewis
♪ Knox Hamilton
♪ Magic Giant
♪ Muddy Magnolias
♪ SamFox
♪ Marina Strah

________________________________________


Jun 14-24, 2017:
"NATIONAL OLDTIME FIDDLERS’ CONTEST & FESTIVAL" at Weiser High School, Weisre, ID; 208-414-0255; http://www.fiddlecontest.org
✔ TIX: Tix are available in various event combos at: https://www.ticketsource.us/notfc/events. On the festival site, only V.I.P. All-Access Tickets are now available in an exclusive pre-sale offer. Regular tickets have not been available until after February 15th, 2017.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE 1: Contestant packets are available online.
✔ NOTE 2: "If you want to be on the entertainment lineup, please contact Sandra Cooper at director@fiddlecontest.com or call 208-414-0255." They say, "We love seeing new acts each year and welcoming back old favorites."
✔ THE SCENE: There are NATIONAL COMPETITION OLD TIME divisions as well as TWIN FIDDLING and SWING FIDDLING competitions. They have announced "the contest’s new, improved venue! Better acoustics, more comfortable seating, and a cozier atmosphere awaits contestants and spectators." Campground jams here go all night. There is daily live music from scheduled perfomers on the City Park Stage, next to Washington County Courthouse. Organizers say, "In addition to the terrific food court and craft and merchandise vendors, we have live entertainment each day Tuesday through Saturday," noon-10 pm.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced; due in early June.

________________________________________


Jun 15-18, 2017:
3rd annual "ROUTE 66 BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 7th St, Victorville, CA 92395; www.route66bluegrass.com
✔ TIX: 3-day pass $51.50; Friday only $18.54; Saturday only $20.60; Sunday only $18.54; active duty military tix are 1/2 price at Festival Gate. Kids age 15 and under are free. Tix available online; 3-day passes sell-out early.
✔ CAMPING: Yes. Camping purchase must include at least one 3-day festival ticket.
✔ THE SCENE: "Marathon Productions, LLC brings Route 66 Bluegrass back to the High Desert of Southern California. Featuring national & West Coast bluegrass bands along with all the things you want in a first-class bluegrass festival. A family friendly festival with a covered audience area, Corn Hole Tournament, workshops, kid’s activities, craft and food vendors. Plenty of dry and tent camping sites, Incl. full hook-up sites with lots of jamming in the campgrounds."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Nu-Blu
♪ Bud Bierhaus & Eric Uglum
♪ The Vintage Martins featuring Ron Block of Alison Krauss & Union Station
♪ Austin & Christian Ward
♪ Lawrence and Cassidy of the Hillbenders
♪ James Reams & The Barnstormers
♪ Chris Cerna & The Bluegrass Republic
♪ Out of the Desert
♪ Grasslands, Southern California Bluegrass
♪ Bluegrass Brethren, celebrating Forty Years
♪ “The Colonel’s” String Band Show featuring Brother Leon
♪ Desperado Bluegrass
♪ Stillhouse Road
♪ SWBA Bluegrass Kids
♪ Back Porch Bluegrass Band

________________________________________


Jun 15-18, 2017:
42nd annual "FATHER'S DAY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" in the Nevada Co. Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, CA; http://fathersdayfestival.com/
✔ TIX: Discounted advance tix available until May 31, 2017: $15-$155. CBA "Youth Academy" regis. is sold-out.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: California Bluegrass Association presents "A legendary bluegrass, old time, and gospel music festival."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(main stage:)
♪ Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
♪ Bobby Osborne & the Rocky Top x-press
♪ Molsky's Mountain Drifters
♪ Tony Trischka Territory
♪ Becky Buller Band
♪ Mipso
♪ Piedmont Melody Makers
♪ Sawmill Road
♪ Darin & Brooke Aldridge (2017 CBA Emerging Artist)
♪ The Freight Hoppers
♪ and lots more on 3 other stages

________________________________________


Jun 15-18, 2017:
"TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" in Telluride, CO; www.bluegrass.com/telluride
✔ TIX: $82-$235 and the multi-day tix sell-out earliest.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE 1: There is no better setting on Earth for a music festival that resonates with acoustic strings and lots of mountain music. And the weekend of the Summer Solstice in the high Rocky Mountains is when this alpine wonderland is at its best. Telluride isn't all bluegrass, and hasn't been for decades. But it's all wonderfully and musically memorable.
✔ NOTE 2: If you're thinking of driving via I-70? Or riding Amtrak to Grand Junction or flying there, either of which requires renting a car to drive to Telluride? Or getting a room in or anywhere remotely near Grand Junction? Note that another giant music fest, "Country Jam Colorado" (see listing) happens in Grand Junction at the same time, so arrange everything well in advance or risk getting seriously stuck. (If driving from Southern Cal, take I-40 and turn north on old US 666 into Colorado.)
✔ THE SCENE: "Camping in the Rocky Mountains during the summer is an enlightening experience especially when surrounded by one the jewels of summer – the annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival. If you manage to snag tickets to this sold out event, Town Park Campground is the Valhalla of camping with permanent bathrooms, waterfalls, and a location so close that you can listen to music from your tent."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Sam Bush Band
♪ Brandi Carlile
♪ Dierks Bentley
♪ The Travelin’ McCourys
♪ Dispatch
♪ Yonder Mountain String Band
♪ Greensky Bluegrass
♪ Béla Fleck & Chris Thile
♪ Elephant Revival
♪ Punch Brothers
♪ Hot Rize
♪ Peter Rowan
♪ Jerry Douglas Band
♪ Tim O’Brien
♪ Chris Thile
♪ Sarah Jarosz
♪ The East Pointers
♪ Fireball Mail
♪ "Telluride Troubadour" winner

________________________________________


Jun 15-18, 2017:"COUNTRY JAM COLORADO" in Grand Junction, CO; http://countryjam.com
✔ TIX: $145.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE: The presence of this giant festival, concurrent with the Telluride Bluegrass Festival (see listing) to the south, complicates lodging, food and supply stops for miles, and travel plans in general to/from both festivals. That's because attendees of both will pass through and want rooms, etc., coming and going through the same areas. It effects more than is obvious: especially for those arriving via I-70 or by Amtrak, tangling with those journeying south to reach Telluride. So prepare and sort it out.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Kenny Chesney
♪ Jason Aldean
♪ Justin Moore
♪ Randy Houser
♪ Chris Young
♪ Old Dominion
♪ Gretchen Wilson
♪ Parmalee
♪ Smithfield
♪ Cody Johnson
♪ Sammy Arriaga
♪ Sasha McVeigh
♪ Devon Worley Band
♪ Thomas Rhett
♪ Frankie Ballard
♪ Kane Brown
♪ Sammy Kershaw

________________________________________


Jun 15-18, 2017:
22nd annual "LEAVENWORTH INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION CELEBRATION" in Leavenworth, WA; www.accordioncelebration.org
✔ TIX: $15 for each evening's multi-artist concert, $40 for all three nights' concerts; 8 workshops are $13 each, others workshops free.
✔ CAMPING: No, but available locally.
✔ The Festival has accordion competitions, workshops, concerts with world class performers, free performances at the gazebo, grange, and restaurants, free accordion lessons, an Accordion Parade on Saturday, accordion vendors, opportunities for all accordion players to play, jam sessions, and more.
✔ The Northwest Accordion Society is now responsible for the festival's planning and support. They've awarded accordion scholarships, hosted accordion events in the Northwest for over 25 years including monthly accordion socials and the annual "Day of the Accordion" at the Seattle Center, and they have an elegant quarterly publication, "The Northwest Accordion News."
✔ THE SCENE: "Leavenworth is Washington’s 'Bavarian Village' and a perfect setting for this celebration. Nestled in a cozy narrow valley at elevation of 1100 feet surrounded by wilderness of rugged, majestic mountain ranges, over 2 million visitors per year from all over the world come to experience magical Leavenworth."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Thursday:)
♪ Lyle and Toby Polka Parade
♪ Sergei Teleshev (Bayan)
♪ Steve Albini (Roland)
- - - -
(Friday:)
♪ Northwest Accordionaires
♪ Kim and Dan Christian
♪ Music and Dancing Zydeco Rex
- - - -
(Saturday:)
♪ Performance by winner of Leavenworth Open
♪ The Portatos
♪ Stas Venglevski
♪ Music and Dancing by LIAC Jam Dance Band

________________________________________


Jun 16 & 17, 2017:
3rd annual "EAUX CLAIRES FESTIVAL" at Foster Farms in Eau Claire, WI; www.eauxclaires.com
✔ TIX: one-day, either day, $90; two-day pass $169. Free for children age ten and under.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "Eaux Claires is a multi-stage experience featuring live music, performance art, visual art, food and more. Produced by Eau Claire native Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, in collaboration with Aaron Dessner of The National. All ages are welcome. "this scenic Wisconsin experience is held along the banks of the Chippewa River and is a true celebration of music and art."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Bon Iver presents John Prine and The American Songbook
♪ Paul Simon with yMusic
♪ Feist
♪ Tweedy
♪ Wilco
♪ The Autumn Defense
♪ Big Red Machine
♪ Chance The Rapper
♪ Collections of Colonies of Bees
♪ Cup
♪ Danny Brown
♪ Francis and The Lights
♪ Happy Apple
♪ Julieta Venegas
♪ Mountain Man
♪ Mouse on Mars
♪ Music for The Long Emergency
♪ Perfume Genius
♪ Quindar
♪ S. Carey and Glenn Kotche
♪ Spank Rock
♪ s-t-a-r-g-a-z-e
♪ Sylvan Esso
♪ This Is The Kit
♪ Velvet Negroni
♪ Zebulon Pike

________________________________________


Fri-Sun, Jun 16-18, 2017:
"LIVE OAK MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Live Oak Camp, about twenty minutes inland from Santa Barbara; www.liveoakfest.org
✔ TIX: 3-day Full Festival Pass is $130 adult, $80 teen, $40 child, free under age 4. Single-day adult/teen $55 adv, $65 gate; $20 child (4-11); day parking is $15. VIP add-on pkgs are available. Full festival, camping and day tix available at 805-781-3030.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE: This fine festival finances the wonderful Central Coast public radio station KCBX. (While the rest of public radio browbeats listeners with endless pledge drives...)
✔ THE SCENE: It's prominently inclusive of Folk-Americana and acoustic singer-songwriters — plus various other acts that make it an eclectic musical experience. There are lots of fun folks, a happy, friendly vibe, and plenty of free-form dancing as a kinetic certainty to the sides of the main stage. It can get hot or the daytime temps can be delightful. That's a year-by-year thing. "Nestled in the river valley that feeds Cachuma Lake, the site is filled with old oaks that provide restful shade and pristine beauty. The focus of the Live Oak Music Festival is, of course, the main stage performances. With musicians from all over the United States and across the globe performing, this hub of the festival is the gathering place for everyone to hear and see some of the finest entertainers anywhere do what they do best: play music. Ranging from traditional, folk, bluegrass and gospel, to blues, jazz, classical and world music, and touching most genres in between, the main stage provides cultural entertainment and education. The music on the main stage is engineered by a top-notch crew, so the sound is second to none for an outdoor venue. Adding to the fun of the main stage music is a collection of arts and crafts booths, music workshops, fireside jamming, and rowdy barn dances on Friday and Saturday nights." Campgrounds accommodate RVs and tent campers and have access to showers at no extra charge. "A variety of daytime activities for small children, from a fairie garden, to arts & crafts, to a major talent show, offer any youngsters who are not-so-interested in the main stage's music plenty to do;" plus, "craft passes" are available for advance purchase. Added late, the Something Ridiculous Jugglers will perform daily shows and workshops at the Children's Camp.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Sara Watkins (of Nickel Creek) & Langhorne Slim
♪ Jessica Fichot
♪ Donavon Frankenreiter
♪ Ozomatli
♪ Jackie Greene
♪ The Paul Thorn Band
♪ Nick Waterhouse
♪ Birds of Chicago
♪ The Brothers Comatose
♪ Sam Outlaw
♪ Vaud and the Villains
♪ Joe Craven & The Sometimers
♪ Moonshiner Collective
♪ The Tipsy Gypsies
♪ Rey Fresco
♪ Liz Vice
♪ Alec Lytle
♪ Dan Curcio
♪ Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan
♪ Wordsauce
♪ Carolyn Sills Combo
♪ Joe Koenig and the Homewreckers
♪ The Monroe
♪ The Turkey Buzzards
♪ Mama Tumba
♪ Mark Adams & His Band
♪ Ozokidz
♪ more to Come

________________________________________


Fri-Sun, Jun 16-18, 2017:
"COUNTRY SUMMER" Festival in Santa Rosa, CA; http://countrysummer.com
* TIX: $69.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ Billed as "Nor Cal's Largest Country Music Festival." You can weigh what's trad country vs what's modern Nashvulle country weth thet fahke acks-scent.
* 2017 LINEUP:
(Fri:)
♪ Thomas Rhett
♪ Maddie & Tae
♪ Michael Ray
♪ William Michael Morgan
♪ Ned LeDoux
- - - -
(Sat:)
♪ Darius Rucker
♪ Montgomery Gentry
♪ A Thousand Horses
♪ Aaron Watson
♪ Clare Dunn
- - - -
(Sun:)
♪ Justin Moore
♪ Randy Houser
♪ Cam
♪ Canaan Smith

________________________________________


Jun 16-18, 2017:
"SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville, CA; www.snwmf.com
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE: Not being a source for "world music," we can't tell you what constitutes "folky" world music, and what constitutes whatever-else that gets put in the bin as world music. Maybe you know, and maybe you'll see sumpin' here that excites you.
✔ THE SCENE: "SNWMF is an annual family reunion for many and is known as being one of the most positive festivals with an incredibly irie vibe." And this: "The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival promotes 'conscious' music. Conscious music is music with a message of peace, unity and brotherhood, which transcends the divisions of race and culture."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Gentleman
♪ Tarrus Riley
♪ Chronixx
♪ Capleton
♪ Anthony B
♪ Macka B
♪ Mellow Mood
♪ Gappy Ranks
♪ The Black Seeds
♪ Sinkane
♪ Lakou Mizik
♪ Ranking Joe
♪ Christopher Ellis
♪ The Skints
♪ Exco Levi
♪ Marla Brown
♪ General Roots
♪ Saritah
♪ I-Taweh
♪ Arden Park Roots
♪ The Elovaters
♪ Paolo Baldini Dubfiles (in the dancehall)
♪ more acts tba

________________________________________


Jun 16-19, 2017:
"WHAT THE FESTIVAL" at Wolf Run Ranch, 78889 Dufur Valley Rd, Dufur, OR 97021; www.whatthefestival.com
✔ TIX: $325-$425.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE: Parking at this one is reeeeeally expensive. But you can ride a $5 (each way) shuttle from Portland.
✔ THE SCENE: Frankly, it's tough to see how all the advertised "jamming in the woods" — obviously an acoustic experience — is facilitated by the festival's lineup. "Described as 'summer camp for adults,' you'll find yourself camping and jamming out in the Oregon forest by night and cooling off at the daily pool parties by day." And, "This premiere boutique festival experience is located on the edge of the Mount Hood National Forest..." for a "weekend of interactive art, 8 stages of electronic and live music, speaker series, movement classes, and more!"
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Zhu
♪ Cut Copy
♪ Gramatik
♪ Bakermat
♪ Barclay Crenshaw
♪ Big Wild
♪ Brasstracks
♪ Chet Porter
♪ Classixx (DJ Set)
♪ Climbing PoeTree
♪ Desert Hearts Crew: Mikey Lion, Lee Reynolds, Marbs, Porkchop
♪ ediT
♪ Electric Mantis
♪ Falcons
♪ Fort Knox Five feat. Q Dup
♪ Giraffage
♪ Haywyre
♪ Hoodboi
♪ Hotel Garuda
♪ ill.Gates
♪ Kittens
♪ Lafa Taylor
♪ Mad Zach
♪ Manic Focus
♪ Manila Killa
♪ NastyNasty
♪ Ott
♪ Ozzie
♪ Paper Diamond
♪ Plastician
♪ Promnite
♪ Reva DeVito
♪ Rezz
♪ saQi
♪ Shiba San
♪ Sofi Tukker
♪ Sorrow
♪ Stööki Sound
♪ Stylust Beats
♪ The Funk Hunters
♪ The Last Artful, Dodgr
♪ The Russ Liquid Test
♪ Touch Sensitive
♪ Whethan
♪ Wingtip
♪ Woolymammoth
♪ 1,000 Fuegos
♪ Aabo
♪ Abouav
♪ Anna Langley
♪ Area54
♪ Asher Fulero Band
♪ Aztek
♪ Band of Comerados
♪ Bang Bang Boogie
♪ Barisone
♪ BläpDëli
♪ Chris Bower
♪ Chrome Wolves
♪ CobraWolfShark vs. And/Or
♪ Cosmos
♪ Danny Corn
♪ ĐåR
♪ Devadasi Dance Collective
♪ Diablo
♪ Doc Riz
♪ Don Disko
♪ Drumspyder
♪ Dubblife
♪ Eastghost
♪ Exodub
♪ Fine Animal
♪ Geno Cochino
♪ Goldfoot
♪ Graff
♪ Heather Christie
♪ High Step Society
♪ iLko
♪ Jefe
♪ Kepi
♪ Kozmo
♪ Laura Lynn
♪ Lost City
♪ Manoj
♪ Marv Ellis & WE Tribe
♪ Mashimon
♪ Matt Wax
♪ May Picard
♪ Michael Manahan
♪ Mienne
♪ Montel Spinozza
♪ Mr. Moo
♪ Mr. Wu
♪ N.O.X.
♪ Octabän
♪ Onhell
♪ Out West
♪ Ozgood
♪ Pacific Patterns
♪ Paranome
♪ Pressha
♪ Proko
♪ Prsn
♪ Quarry
♪ Santi & Tuğçe
♪ Scottie Soul
♪ Sesqui
♪ Soul Trigger
♪ Soulular
♪ Spekt1
♪ Subduktion
♪ Tah Rei
♪ Takimba
♪ Tiger Fresh
♪ True Blue
♪ Tyler Tastemaker
♪ Vndmg
♪ WoW MoMs
♪ Yak Attack

________________________________________


Jun 17, 2017:
1st annual "BOOTS & BREWS COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boots-brews-country-music-festival-santa-clarita-june-17th-tickets-33535572801?aff=erelpanelorg
✔ TIX: $20-$50; prices will increase after lineup is announced.
✔ THE SCENE: The promo says "Saturday is all about celebrating friends, beer and great country music. Grab your best dancing boots and get ready for an amazing country lineup. Food from local food vendors and ice cold beer will be available for purchase."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Maddie & Tae - headliners
♪ Full lineup was due to be announced on April 25, 2017

________________________________________


Jun 17-18, 2017:
31st annual "LONG BEACH BAYOU" Zydeco, Blues, Creole & Cajun Festival at Rainbow Lagoon Events Park, N side of Shoreline Dr, at Shoreline Village Dr. & Linden Av, Long Beach, CA; 562-912-4451; http://longbeachbayou.com
✔ TIX: advance tix online or by phone, $26 adult, $21 seniors & students; last day these are mailed-out is June 1. At gate, tix for all are $31. Children age 12 and under are free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Splendid event, delightful setting in a 12-acre park around a lagoon, plenty of Lou'siana music on two stages, both with dance floors. There's lots of tasty regional food. It's a friendly and fun atmosphere to hear and, if you have happy feet, to dance to top bands from Cajun country. Plenty happening all day, including a daily Mardi Gras Parade led by a brass band and multiple daily Crawfish Eating Contests. This year brings expanded areas for young children and teens with free arts and crafts, a Kid’s Corner featuring a very active and popular Children’s Stage hosting fun activities all day long, including a reptile show. Pay parking is across the street. Or avoid traffic — from the end of the Blue Line light rail, it's walkable, or there is an obscure local bus that serves the Blue Line station and stops across the street from the festival. ✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
(Zydeco Stage:)
♪ Mark St. Mary Louisiana Blues & Zydeco Band
♪ T Broussard & The Zydeco High Steppers
♪ New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band
♪ Pine Leaf Boys; Grammy noms
♪ Dennis G & The Zydeco Trail Riders
♪ Brian Jack & The Zydeco Gamblers
♪ Bonne Musique Zydeco
- - - -
(New Orleans Stage — formerly the Blues Stage:)
♪ Bernie Pearl
♪ Whiteboy James
♪ Café R&B
♪ Jimbo Ross & The Bodacious Band
♪ Louie Cruz Beltran
♪ Seville & Company
♪ MJ Brass Band
♪ Jumpin' Jack Benny
♪ Soulicious

________________________________________


Jun 21-24, 2017:
"ROMP FEST" in Owensboro, KY; http://rompfest.com
✔ TIX: $135-$155.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Truly great acts at this one. But fewer acts, overall, than the prevailing trend. All these bands are soooo good that you'll want, and be able, to enjoy long sets by each. Which, of course, points-out what's being lost at all those fests with jam-packed lineups. Sadly, today's trend is to deliver many acts, so ticket-buyers have come to think that more acts equals a better buy. If you like full concert sets at a festival, get to that Ol' Kentucky Home...
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Yonder Mountain String Band
♪ Los Lobos
♪ Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
♪ Punch Brothers
♪ Rhiannon Giddens
♪ Peter Rowan
♪ The SteelDrivers
♪ Pokey LaFarge
♪ Dailey & Vincent
♪ Becky Buller
♪ Billy Strings
♪ The Wooks
♪ Snyder Family Band
♪ Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys
♪ High Fidelity

________________________________________


Jun 22-25, 2017:
"COUNTRY FEST" in Cadott, WI; http://countryfest.com
* TIX: $275-$450.
✔ CAMPING: Yes
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Blake Shelton
♪ Thomas Rhett
♪ Eric Church
♪ Alabama
♪ Chris Young
♪ Dan + Shay
♪ Jamey Johnson
♪ Brothers Osborne
♪ Wynonna & The Big Noise
♪ The Oak Ridge Boys
♪ Cam
♪ Cadillac Three
♪ William Michael Morgan
♪ Tucker Beathard
♪ Brandy Clark
♪ Drake White & The Big Fire
♪ Ryan Hurd
♪ Luke Combs
♪ Whiskey Myers
♪ Runaway June
♪ DJ Du
♪ Caitlyn Smith
♪ Reverie Lane
♪ Morgan Wallen
♪ Lucie Silvas
♪ Lit
♪ Chris Hawkey
♪ Olivia Dvorak
♪ Jake Worthington
♪ Elizabeth Lyons
♪ Derek Norsworthy
♪ Bobby McClendon
♪ Kaleb Hensley
♪ Alan Turner and The Steel Horse Band
♪ Alexandria Corn
♪ Sasha McVeigh
♪ Elizabeth Mossell
♪ Radio Romance
♪ Morgan Alexander
♪ Roadhouse 6
♪ Cody Hicks
♪ Shane Martin Band
♪ Jimmy Sarr
♪ Stetsin and Lace
♪ Kat Beal
♪ Them Coulee Boys
♪ Aileeah Colgan
♪ Diesel Drive

________________________________________


Jun 23-25, 2017:
"WILCO'S SOLID SOUND FESTIVAL" is the every-other-year fest at the MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA 01247; http://solidsoundfestival.com
✔ TIX: $159, kids age 6-11 are $50; tix include access to the entire MASS MoCA gallery all weekend. One-day only, Fri or Sun, $69; Sat only, $109.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE: Festival website features the listenable "Official Solid Sound 2017 Playlist" of booked acts.
✔ THE SCENE: Sponsored and hosted by the band WILCO, and happening only every other year, this fest is returning to the stunning MASS MoCA in 2017 for a weekend of music, comedy, art, camping, and more.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Wilco
♪ Alloy Orchestra
♪ Andy Shauf
♪ The Autumn Defense
♪ Big Thief
♪ Daniel Bachman
♪ Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones
♪ Dawn of Midi
♪ Deep Sea Diver
♪ Gustafer Yellowgood
♪ Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids
♪ Jeff Parker Trio
♪ Joan Shelley
♪ Kacy & Clayton
♪ Kevin Morby
♪ Kurt Vile & The Violators
♪ Max Hatt / Edda Glass
♪ On Fillmore
♪ Peter Wolf & The Midnight Travelers
♪ Quindar
♪ Robert Glasper Experiment
♪ Television
♪ The Nels Cline Four
♪ The Shaggs
♪ Tweedy

________________________________________


Jun 23-25, 2017:
"MADSUMMER MELTDOWN" in Schuylkill Haven, PA; www.jibberjazz.com/home.html
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "A full weekend music & camping festival, featuring 27 musical acts, 3 stages , solo artists, food & craft vendors, late-night indoor jams, kids activities, light shows, fire performances, parades, yoga workshops, a musical madness improv stage and so much more."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced by press time (end of March, 2017).

________________________________________


Jun 24 & 25, 2017:
"ARROYO SECO WEEKEND" festival in Pasadena, CA; www.arroyosecoweekend.com
* TIX: $125-$225.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ Presented by GoldenVoice and inclusive of top Folk-Americana stars and acoustic singer-songwriter/band acts with global stature. This new Southern Cal fest is a big deal that will sell-out early.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Alabama Shakes
♪ Dawes
♪ Fitz & The Tantrums
♪ Galactic
♪ Mumford & Sons
♪ The Shins
♪ Alice Smith
♪ Andrew Bird
♪ Andy Grammar
♪ Broken Social Scene
♪ Charles Bradley & The Extraordinaires
♪ Con Brio
♪ David Lindley
♪ Jamtown
♪ Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
♪ John Mayall
♪ Lettuce
♪ Live
♪ Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
♪ NK Band
♪ Preservation Hall Jazz Band
♪ Roy Ayers
♪ The Bennie Maupin Ensemble
♪ The Meters
♪ The Mowgli’s
♪ The Revivalists
♪ The Shins
♪ Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
♪ Weezer
♪ William Bell
♪ ZZ Ward

________________________________________


Jun 24-25, 2017:
"LOUISIANA CAJUN-ZYDECO FESTIVAL" is FREE in Louis Armstrong Park, 901 N Rampart St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116; www.jazzandheritage.org/cajun-zydeco.
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Runs 11:30 am-6:30 pm, both days.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced by press time (early April).

________________________________________


Jun 25, 2017:
"HONKY TONK FEST" at Grumpy's Northeast, 2200 4th St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418;
✔ TIX: $10.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: An Alt-Country, Americana, Country music one-day fest as a benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Minnesota.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Trailer Trash
♪ Leo Rondeau
♪ Katey Bellville and the Sonsabitches
♪ The Beavers
♪ The Hillions
♪ Doug Otto and the Getaways
♪ Country Mike

________________________________________


Jun 28-Jul 9, 2017:
"SUMMERFEST" in Milwaukee, WI; www.summerfest.com
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE: Everything you can imagine musically, and then some.
✔ THE SCENE: "The World's Largest Music Festival hosts over 800 acts and 1,000 performances on 11 stages across 11 days in Milwaukee, WI."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ With 800+ acts over twelve days, you need to look at their site.

________________________________________


Jun 29-Jul 2, 2017:
"HIGH SIERRA MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Plumas County Fairgrounds, 204 Fairground Rd, Quincy, CA 95971; www.highsierramusic.com
✔ TIX: available online; 4-day pass is $275.75, $150.75 for teens, $60 for kids age 5-12.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Reeeally eclectic mix that includes some top folk-fest headliners. It's a trek to an event that some swear by. Geographically, this is as far north as you can go and still be in the Sierra before they become the Cascades.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Trey Anastasio Band
♪ Ween
♪ STS9
♪ Andrew Bird
♪ Snarky Puppy
♪ Galactic
♪ Mike Gordon
♪ The Greyboy Allstars
♪ Hard Working Americans
♪ Deer Tick
♪ The Travelin’ McCourys
♪ Keller Williams’ Grateful Gospel
♪ The Record Company
♪ White Denim
♪ Jeff Austin Band
♪ Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles
♪ Ott & The All-Seeing I
♪ Con Brio
♪ Fruition
♪ Keller Williams
♪ Earth, Wind & Power (The Nth Power, TAB Horns & More)
♪ Dopapod
♪ The Suffers
♪ The Werks
♪ Carolyn Wonderland
♪ Phutureprimitive
♪ Aoife O’Donovan
♪ Billy Strings
♪ River Whyless
♪ The Nth Power
♪ I Draw Slow
♪ Bokante
♪ The Lil’ Smokies
♪ Polyrhythmics
♪ Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons
♪ Afrolicious
♪ Gene Evaro Jr.
♪ Big Something
♪ Achilles Wheel
♪ Kat Myers & The Buzzards

________________________________________


Jun 29-Jul 2, 2017:
"HIGHBERRY" Festival in Ozark, AR; www.highberryfestival.com
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: It's hard to figure, by band names, what's going on. Because it appears to be a mix of opposites.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Dopapod
♪ The Floozies
♪ Dark Star Orchestra
♪ The Nth Power
♪ Aqueous
♪ Jade Cicada
♪ Old Shoe
♪ Aaron Kamm & The One Drops
♪ Opal Agafia & The Sweet Nothings
♪ Friends of the Phamily

________________________________________


Jun 30-Jul 4, 2017:
30th annual "WATERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL" at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, OR; www.waterfrontbluesfest.com
✔ TIX: early-bird five-day festival pass is $40; “Buddy Pass” with perqs is $89; day tix not yet available; buy early and save online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: It's a well-established event that books great acts. Cajun & zydeco music are also featured here (acts below). In its 30th year, the Waterfront Blues Festival continues to raise necessary funds for Oregon Food Bank's mission to eliminate hunger and its root causes in Oregon and Clark County, Washington.
* 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Chris Isaak
♪ Joss Stone
♪ Big Head Blues Club
♪ Big Head Todd & the Monsters
♪ Billy Branch and Ronnie Baker Brooks
♪ Galactic
♪ Booker T Stax Revue
♪ Elvin Bishop
♪ Canned Heat
♪ JD McPherson
♪ Chubby Carrier
♪ Pimps of Joytime
♪ Fantastic Negrito
♪ Bokanté
♪ Sonny Landreth
♪ Cedric Burnside Project
♪ Eric Gales
♪ Pine Leaf Boys
♪ MarchFourth
♪ Southern Avenue
♪ Greyhounds
♪ The Revelers
♪ Blynd
♪ Jontavious Willis
♪ Brother Yusef
♪ Dirty Bourbon River Show
♪ Donna Angelle
♪ Dustbowl Revival
♪ Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
♪ Sons of the Soul Revivers
♪ Chris Cain
♪ The Suffers
♪ Monkey Junk
♪ Duffy Bishop
♪ Big Monti
♪ Cedryl Ballou & TooLoo
♪ Big Monti
♪ Cedryl Ballou & The Zydeco Trendsetters
♪ Chris Cain
♪ Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
♪ Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band
♪ Dexter Allen
♪ Dirty Bourbon River Show
♪ Dirty Revival
♪ Donna Angelle and Her Zydeco Posse
♪ Greta Kohan And Juan Soria
♪ Greyhounds
♪ Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys
♪ Jontavious Willis
♪ King Louie's Blues Revue: Larhonda Steele, Andy Stokes, Lisa Mann
♪ Lady "True Blue" Kat
♪ Monkey Junk
♪ NW Women Rhythm & Blues, Featuring Claudette King
♪ Rae Gordon Band
♪ Southern Avenue
♪ The Duffy Bishop Band
♪ The Suffersse
♪ Jeffery Broussard
♪ more to be announced

________________________________________


Jul 1, 2017:
"OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Shrine on Airline, Zephyr Field, Metairie (New Orleans), Louisiana; www.outlawmusicfest.com
✔ TIX: $50-$250, online. Use the EARLY PURCHASE / discount code from Offbeat magazine; enter promo code "offbeatoutlaw" at: http://www1.ticketmaster.com/outlaw-music-festival-metairie-louisiana-07-01-2017/event/1B00528EEC752D79. All other tix go on sale Friday, April 21, 2017, at 10 am at that url.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Venue is a baseball stadium, with reserved seats on the field and in upper and lower decks of the stands. This is a festival that is set to appear as a tour in six cities, beginning in New Orleans, LA, on July 1. It continues through Dallas, TX; Rogers, AR; Detroit, MI; Milwaukee, WI; and ends on July 16, 2017 in Syracuse, NY. Artists performing in each of the six cities vary, with Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow anchoring all locations. For example, Bob Dylan and his band join them in Detroit and Milwaukee; the Avett Brothers play only New Orleans and Dallas. In addition, each location "will feature a range of festival attractions including local cuisine, craft beers, and crafts by local artisans to provide music fans in each city with an unforgettable concert experience."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Willie Nelson & Family
♪ The Avett Brothers
♪ Sheryl Crow
♪ Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
♪ plus other artists tba

________________________________________


Jul 2, 2017:
"OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Starplex Pavilion, Dallas, TX; www.outlawmusicfest.com
✔ TIX: $50-$250, online. Tickets on sale Friday, April 21, 2017, at 10 am.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This is a festival that is set to appear as a six-city multi-band concert tour in large outdoor venues. It begins in New Orleans, LA, on July 1. It continues through Dallas, TX; Rogers, AR; Detroit, MI; Milwaukee, WI; and ends on July 16, 2017 in Syracuse, NY. Artists performing in each of the six cities vary, with Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow anchoring all locations. For example, Bob Dylan and his band join them in Detroit and Milwaukee; the Avett Brothers play only New Orleans and Dallas. In addition, each location "will feature a range of festival attractions including local cuisine, craft beers, and crafts by local artisans to provide music fans in each city with an unforgettable concert experience."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Willie Nelson & Family
♪ Sheryl Crow
♪ The Avett Brothers
♪ Hayes Carll
♪ Margo Price
♪ Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
♪ plus other artists tba

________________________________________


Jul 4, 2017:
"4TH OF JULY BLOCK PARTY" is a one-day festival at Grand Park and The Music Center, 200 N Grand Av, downtown Los Angeles, CA 90012; http://grandparkla.org/event/4thofjulyblockparty/?instance_id=93778
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: The 4th of July Block Party returns, 2-9:30 pm, with eclectic activities and a broad mix of music. Featuring picnics, play, music, dancing and a new fireworks show, the event is jam-packed with ways that make Fourth of July the ultimate summer holiday celebration. The afternoon offers games and art making for all ages including soccer, tag, bubble fun and chalk art. Two musical stages with DJs throughout the day and live performances in the evening will entertain audiences with sounds from America featuring everything from '70s Funk and Soul, to a full-scale Pops orchestra. Fireworks begin at 8:30 pm from the roof of The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and will be visible throughout downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. The event offers a multitude of dining options from more than 30 vendors including the return of gourmet food trucks, and it encompasses all of the park, from Grand Avenue to Spring Street, plus the surrounding streets.
✔ NOTE: Don't even think of trying to drive there. take the Metro Red or Purple Line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station, or the Gold Line to Little Tokyo/Arts District Station. Be aware that Metro has raised its prices and has begun charging for its park and ride lots — so it isn't the nice deal it used to be, but you'll need it for this festival.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not announced by press time (mid-April, 2017).
♪ We do know that live classical music will be performed for the fireworks.

________________________________________


Jul 4, 2017:
"COLUMBIA’S GLORIOUS 4th OF JULY CELEBRATION" at Columbia State Historic Park, Main St & State St, Columbia, CA 95310; 209-532-3772; www.columbiacalifornia.com; http://www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com/event/columbias-glorious-4th-july-celebration/
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ THE SCENE: "Come to Columbia State Historic Park on the 4th of July and participate in the many activities the 49ers enjoyed way back when, including a glorious parade up Main Street at noon. Folks in Columbia began the 4th of July parade tradition in 1852. After the parade, listen to the Great Mother Lode Brass & Reed Band concert, dance in the street, and try your skill at the many contests popular in the early days of Columbia. The kids will enjoy trying to climb the greased pole, and participating in the bucket brigade and the cake walk. Other contests for kids of all ages include nail pounding, watermelon and pie eating, egg relay race and egg toss, and a five-way tug-of-war. The parade and concert are free, and entering the contests only costs a buck. A pulled pork barbecue is served at 4 pm. Barbecue tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children under 10. Come early for the best parking and bring lawn chairs. The festivities begin with a ceremonial flag raising and black powder musket salute at 11 am." Activities are extensive; see their web page. Sponsored by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Information: 209-536-1672.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Great Mother Lode Brass & Reed Band
♪ Faux Renwah

________________________________________


Jul 6, 2017:
"OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Walmart AMP, Rogers, AR; www.outlawmusicfest.com
✔ TIX: $50-$250, online. Tickets on sale Friday, April 21, 2017, at 10 am.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This is a festival that is set to appear as a six-city multi-band concert tour in large outdoor venues. It begins in New Orleans, LA, on July 1. It continues through Dallas, TX; Rogers, AR; Detroit, MI; Milwaukee, WI; and ends on July 16, 2017 in Syracuse, NY. Artists performing in each of the six cities vary, with Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow anchoring all locations. For example, Bob Dylan and his band join them in Detroit and Milwaukee; the Avett Brothers play only New Orleans and Dallas. In addition, each location "will feature a range of festival attractions including local cuisine, craft beers, and crafts by local artisans to provide music fans in each city with an unforgettable concert experience."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Willie Nelson & Family
♪ Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
♪ Sheryl Crow
♪ Margo Price
♪ Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
♪ plus other artists tba

________________________________________


Jul 6-9, 2017:
"COMMON GROUND MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Adado Riverfront Park, Lansing, MI; www.commongroundfest.com
✔ TIX: 4-day pass $79, kids $30. One-day, $29 to $39, depending what day. Kids age 5 and under are free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This lineup really shows what's happened to Nashville's ruination of country music. The festival site finds it necessary to explain who is "country" and who is whatever else. And all those "else's" sure don't look or sound a damn thing like country. Here's their promo: "Presented by Miller Lite, the 18th annual festival in downtown Lansing will feature performances from national, regional, and local acts across two stages. Large video walls give virtually every guest a front row experience at the Auto Value Main Stage, and a more intimate experience can be had at the Pavilion Stage with multiple performances throughout each evening... This year's killer lineup (Toby Keith, Big Sean) plus past activities (a fun run, hammock hangout, and the world’s tallest and longest mobile zipline) equal one hotly-anticipated Michigan summer fest."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Toby Keith
♪ Big Sean
♪ Alessia Cara
♪ Fetty Wap
♪ Kyle
♪ Locash
♪ AJR
♪ James Arthur
♪ Phoebe Ryan
♪ Aileeah Colgan
♪ Drew Hale
♪ DJ Jay Vee
♪ Lisa Mary
♪ Olivia Millerschin

________________________________________


Jul 7-9, 2017:
13th annual "BIG HORN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL" at Johnson County Fairgrounds, Buffalo, Wyoming; www.bighornmountainfestival.com
✔ NOTE 1: Not to be confused with the 6th annual "BIGHORN MUSIC FESTIVAL" on Mt. Baldy, California, Aug, 2017 (see listing).
✔ TIX: Discounted before June 1st. Full 3-day $85 adv, $95 gate; One-day Fri $40 adv, $45 gate; one-day Sat $55 adv, $60 gate; one-day Sun $25 adv, $30 gate.
✔ CAMPING: Yes; tent, camper, and RV.
✔ THE SCENE: Each year, Wyoming's beautiful Big Horn Mountains are the backdrop for this festival of Acoustic, Americana, Folk, Old-Timey, Bluegrass & Traditional Music. There are stage performances, a variety of workshops presented by festival performers, plus a Saturday afternoon "Band Scramble." They have "instrument raffles, food and craft vendors, a pancake breakfast, great folks, and lots of jamming," and they add, "It will all add up to a super time."
✔ NOTE 2: Festival options include "Bluegrass Camps for Kids."
✔ NOTE 3: VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT: "If you want to volunteer in exchange for a day or weekend ticket, fill out an online application..."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Dale Ann Bradley
♪ Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
♪ The Jalan Crossland Band
♪ Jeff Troxel & Brian Wicklund
♪ John Roberts y Pan Blanco
♪ The Two Tracks
♪ The Craft Brothers
♪ Prairie Wildfire

________________________________________


Jul 8, 2017:
"OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI; www.outlawmusicfest.com
✔ TIX: $50-$250, online. Tickets on sale Friday, April 21, 2017, at 10 am.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This is a festival that is set to appear as a six-city multi-band concert tour in large outdoor venues. It begins in New Orleans, LA, on July 1. It continues through Dallas, TX; Rogers, AR; Detroit, MI; Milwaukee, WI; and ends on July 16, 2017 in Syracuse, NY. Artists performing in each of the six cities vary, with Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow anchoring all locations. For example, Bob Dylan and his band join them in Detroit and Milwaukee; the Avett Brothers play only New Orleans and Dallas. In addition, each location "will feature a range of festival attractions including local cuisine, craft beers, and crafts by local artisans to provide music fans in each city with an unforgettable concert experience."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Willie Nelson & Family
♪ Bob Dylan and His Band
♪ Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
♪ Sheryl Crow
♪ Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
♪ plus other artists tba

________________________________________


Jul 9, 2017:
"OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Summerfest, the giant, multi-day festival in Milwaukee, WI; www.outlawmusicfest.com
✔ TIX: $50-$250, online. Tickets on sale Friday, April 21, 2017, at 10 am.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This is a festival that is set to appear as a six-city multi-band concert tour in large outdoor venues. It begins in New Orleans, LA, on July 1. It continues through Dallas, TX; Rogers, AR; Detroit, MI; Milwaukee, WI; and ends on July 16, 2017 in Syracuse, NY. Artists performing in each of the six cities vary, with Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow anchoring all locations. For example, Bob Dylan and his band join them in Detroit and Milwaukee; the Avett Brothers play only New Orleans and Dallas. In addition, each location "will feature a range of festival attractions including local cuisine, craft beers, and crafts by local artisans to provide music fans in each city with an unforgettable concert experience."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Willie Nelson & Family
♪ Bob Dylan and His Band
♪ Sheryl Crow
♪ Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
♪ Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
♪ Margo Price
♪ Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
♪ plus other artists tba

________________________________________


Jul 9-14, 2017:
"CAJUN-CREOLE WEEK AT AUGUSTA HERITAGE CENTER" in Augusta, West Virginia; https://augustaheritagecenter.org/augusta-schedule/cajuncreole
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ THE SCENE: Music and cooking workshops and dancing. There's host / producer info at American Heritage Center's YouTube Channel. "It's a great way to get out of the heat and head for some of the most scenic mountains in the East. Over the years a lot of Floridians have attended."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not announced by press time (mid-April, 2017).
________________________________________


Jul 13-16, 2017:
"NORTHWEST STRING SUMMIT" in North Plains, OR; http://stringsummit.com
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE: Considering that Oregon is an adjoining state and this festival has such a delightful lineup, this one should be a de riguer pilgrimage for Southern Cal bluegrass fans.
✔ THE SCENE: Stunning bookings. "Touring legends, YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND hosts their friends for a weekend of bluegrass paradise in the shady forests of North Plains, Oregon. Multiple sets, late name jam session, and unique collaborations are all part of the fun. The Northwest String Summit (known as "Strummit" to festies) boasts some incredible camping at beautiful Horning's Hideout."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Yonder Mountain String Band
♪ Greensky Bluegrass
♪ Elephant Revival
♪ Fruition
♪ Shook Twins
♪ California Honeydrops
♪ Chatham County Line
♪ Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
♪ The Del McCoury Band
♪ JJ Grey & Mofro
♪ Turkuaz
♪ Travelin’ McCourys
♪ Blitzen Trapper
♪ Dead Man Winter
♪ Danny Barnes
♪ The Lil’ Smokies
♪ Scott Law & Ross James’ Cosmic Twang
♪ Charlie Parr
♪ Todd Snider & Great American Taxi
♪ Dave Simonett
♪ Sierra Hull
♪ Split Lip Rayfield
♪ Noam Pikelny
♪ Darol Anger
♪ Benny “Burle” Galloway
♪ Sally Van Meter
♪ Sideboob
♪ Rushad Eggleston
♪ Left Coast Country
♪ Asher Fulero Band
♪ The Grant Farm
♪ John Craigie
♪ Alder Street
♪ The Copper Children
♪ Jonathan Warren and The Billy Goats
♪ The Riverside

________________________________________


Jul 13-16, 2017:
"GREAT SOUTH BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Patchogue, NY; www.greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "The Great South Bay Music Festival is the largest three day, 'American Themed' music, art & cultural family event on Long Island. Featuring over 45 musical artists on 3 stages, and presenting top name, as well as local up & coming artists in contemporary & classic rock, jazz, jam-band, country, folk, zydeco, funk and all types of American music."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Gov’t Mule
♪ G. Love and Special Sauce
♪ Rusted Root
♪ ...and 43 more acts tba.

________________________________________


Jul 13-16, 2017:
"COUNTRY THUNDER WISCONSIN" in Twin Lakes, WI; http://wisconsin.countrythunder.com
✔ TIX: $75-$160.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: It's yuge. "Grab a cowboy hat, an RV or tent if you want to camp, and come and enjoy the world's premier country acts with the camaraderie of over 100,000 fans!"
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Jason Aldean
♪ Keith Urban
♪ Thomas Rhett
♪ Billy Currington
♪ Big & Rich
♪ Old Dominion
♪ Maddie & Tae
♪ Dan + Shay
♪ Tracy Lawrence
♪ Restless Heart
♪ Chase Bryant
♪ Cam
♪ Tucker Beathard
♪ Runaway June
♪ Frankie Ballard
♪ High Valley
♪ Brandon Ray
♪ Dallas Smith
♪ William Michael Morgan
♪ Ryan Hurd
♪ Michael Ray
♪ Dorado Dorado

________________________________________


Jul 14-16, 2017:
15th annual "GRAND ENCAMPMENT COWBOY GATHERING" in Encampment, WY 82325; 307-326-8855; www.grandencampmentgathering.org
✔ TIX: not announced on their site.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Along with all the entertainment, there are "Historic Tours of Grand Encampment Museum." It's "A non-profit outfit dedicated to preserving & promoting Cowboy & Western Ways & Life through Events, Activities, History, Worship, Poetry & Music."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Cowboy Poet Chuck Larsen
♪ Cowboy Singers Mike Blakely and Almeda Bradshaw
♪ Presentation of Pioneer Award
♪ Campfire Jam Session featuring all entertainers
♪ and more

________________________________________


Jul 15 & 16, 2017:
"THE CLASSIC WEST" is a two-night pseudo festival / mega-concert in Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA; www.theclassic.com
✔ TIX: on sale via Ticketmaster since April 7.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Six bands, one ticket, two nights. The first time ever that these six bands have played together (3 and 3) on the same stage. Many festival trappings are included, with plenty of food alternatives, many vendors, and the possibility of one or more secondary stages outside the stadium. We 'spect this kind of thing will catch-on quickly as aging bands see the chance to make more money by teaming-up in festival formats, especially using concert-adaptable baseball stadiums during the seasonal All-Star Break. Complete info from the promoter, and view the event trailer, at above website.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
(Sat:)
♪ The Eagles
♪ Steely Dan
♪ The Doobie Brothers
- - - -
(Sun:)
♪ Fleetwood Mac
♪ Journey
♪ Earth Wind & Fire

________________________________________


Jul 16, 2017:
"OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Lakeview Amphitheater, Syracuse, NY; www.outlawmusicfest.com
✔ TIX: $50-$250, online. Tickets on sale Friday, April 21, 2017, at 10 am.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This is a festival that is set to appear as a six-city multi-band concert tour in large outdoor venues. It begins in New Orleans, LA, on July 1. It continues through Dallas, TX; Rogers, AR; Detroit, MI; Milwaukee, WI; and ends on July 16, 2017 in Syracuse, NY. Artists performing in each of the six cities vary, with Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow anchoring all locations. For example, Bob Dylan and his band join them in Detroit and Milwaukee; the Avett Brothers play only New Orleans and Dallas. In addition, each location "will feature a range of festival attractions including local cuisine, craft beers, and crafts by local artisans to provide music fans in each city with an unforgettable concert experience."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Willie Nelson & Family
♪ My Morning Jacket
♪ Sheryl Crow
♪ Margo Price
♪ plus other artists tba

________________________________________


Jul 20-23, 2017:
"WANDERLUST SQUAW VALLEY" in Squaw Valley, CA; http://squaw.wanderlustfestival.com
✔ Tix: available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "Wanderlust is a one-of-a-kind festival bringing together the world's leading yoga teachers, top musical acts and DJs, renowned speakers, top chefs and winemakers, and much, much more — all in a setting of breathtaking natural beauty. We're talking about fun in the sun and dancing under the stars. Hiking on peaceful trails and gettin'your down dog on at the top of the mountain. Sipping poolside cocktails with your friends, and then enjoying a tasty farm-to-table dinner with views of the surrounding mountain peaks. Early morning meditations and all-night chakra spinning musical performances — it's an all-out ecstatic celebration in the most awe-inspiring locations in the world."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced (as of the end of March).

________________________________________


Jul 20-22, 2017:
"COUNTRY JAM USA" in Eau Claire, WI; http://countryjamwi.com
✔ TIX: $115-$175.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: See their website.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Dierks Bentley
♪ Cole Swindell
♪ Locash
♪ Kane Brown
♪ Carly Pearce
♪ Miranda Lambert
♪ Gary Allan
♪ Old Dominion
♪ Jana Kramer
♪ Tim Sigler
♪ Luke Bryan
♪ Brett Eldredge
♪ Trace Adkins
♪ High Valley
♪ Cody Johnson

________________________________________


Jul 20-23, 2017:
"SOMERSET FOLK HARP FESTIVAL" at the Sheraton, Parsippany, in Parsippany, NJ; www.somersetharpfest.com
✔ TIX: Early bird full fest is $395 through May 1. There are many options. $15/day gets you a visitor ticket into the Exhibit Hall with Harp Tastings and daytime concerts.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: It has daily concerts and 100+ workshops and classes from more than 30 presenters. From the Celtic Harp opening day to all forms of trad folk and more innovative harp, this festival is an amazing 4-day conference celebrating the diversity of music, talent and experience of the folk harp world. Whether you want to focus on one style or type of music, solidify some specific skills, or try out something new, the breadth of this year’s workshop offerings is sure to expand your musical horizon. Our Exhibit Hall is the best harp and music shopping under one roof you'll find anywhere on the East Coast. Daily concerts will inspire you. Come for the whole festival or just one day—plenty of registration options.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(daytime concerts incl. w/ visitor tix)
♪ Bedside Harp Ensemble directed by Leslie Stickley
♪ Dominique Dodge
♪ Kim Robertson
♪ Alfredo
♪ Martha Gallagher
- - - -
(evening concerts:)
♪ Headliners to be announced in June, 2017

________________________________________


Jul 22, 2017:
"NATIONAL DAY OF THE AMERICAN COWBOY" at the George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center, Norco, CA; 951-270-5632; www.norco.ca.us/depts/parks/events/cowboy.asp
✔ TIX: $5, free for ages 10 and under. Parking is $2.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This is a relatively recent commemorative day that's been officially proclaimed by states throughout the US and by the Canadian parliament and several provinces. The big fest the Autry Museum has produced in recent years is not scheduled to return in 2017. But we have this, which looks to be a fine event in the Southern Cal town that bills itself as "Horsetown USA." Expect western/cowboy music in town for the event. Their promo says, "Horsetown USA invites you to join us for a fun-filled, action-packed family event which helps preserve and honor America's cowboy and Western heritage which helped to build our country." Last year, the Pacific Coast Junior Bull Riders Rodeo was part of the event, with mutton busting and bull riding, wagon races, a boot scramble, and a stick barrel race during the festivities.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Jul 26-29, 2017:
"EDGEWOOD ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Wildlife West Nature Park, 87 W Frontage Rd, Edgewood, NM; 877-981-9453; http://wildlifewest.org/wwblog/2015/12/coming-up
✔ TIX: One-day Saturday $25; one-day Sunday $15; two-day Sat & Sun $35; youth under 12 are free. Friday Chuckwagon Music Show is $25, reservations required.
✔ CAMPING: Yes; Free dry camping at the 122-acre Nature Center.
✔ THE SCENE: Thursday and Friday Chuckwagon BBQ and Western Swing Barn Dance. Full day Saturday music runs 10:30 am‑10 pm. Children's activities throughout the 4-day event. One of the best outdoor foot-stomping bluegrass/western swing/country music events in new Mexico; two stages of national, regional, local performers, plus workshops, jam sessions, environmental education. All‑ages acoustic music festival. Bands change every hour on two covered stages. Performances are held in covered amphitheater and indoor "bean barn" with shade, shelter and plenty of seating. This fabulous Music Festival benefits native, non-releasable wildlife. "Hosted by Wildlife West, the Edgewood Arts and Music Festival invites guests to experience three days of artisic expression with a diverse lineup of talented musicians. Featuring workshops, open jams and a free camping option, the event provides guests with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the festival experience. Held in a covered amphitheater as well as at various indoor venues, the performance spaces provide guests with the option to enjoy live shows in a variety of settings. Come join in the festivities."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Colorado Blue Canyon Boys
♪ Hot Texas Swing Band
♪ JeeZ LaWeeZ
♪ and 10 more bands on 2 stages

________________________________________


Jul 26-30, 2017:
"FLOYDFEST" in Floyd, VA; http://floydfest.com
✔ TIX: $160-$255.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "The homegrown Floydfest has only one modest aim: 'Our mission is to be the best music experience of our time.' The lofty promise is generating results as each year the lineup gets deeper and the names get bigger. The famous Blue Ridge Parkway serves as your living room for the weekend."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Thievery Corporation
♪ Michael Franti & Spearhead
♪ St. Paul & The Broken Bones
♪ Leftover Salmon
♪ Railroad Earth
♪ Steel Pulse
♪ Shovels & Rope
♪ Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
♪ White Denim
♪ Turkuaz
♪ Fruition
♪ The Hip Abduction
♪ Larry Keel Experience
♪ Nicola Cruz
♪ Keller Williams/Keller Williams’ KWahtro/Keller & The Keels
♪ Tauk
♪ The Steel Wheels
♪ HoneyHoney
♪ Big Something
♪ Shook Twins
♪ Baskery
♪ Aaron Lee Tasjan
♪ Zach Deputy
♪ That 1 Guy
♪ Jack Broadbent
♪ Davy Knowles
♪ Trae Pierce & The T-Stones
♪ The Lil’ Smokies
♪ People’s Blues Of Richmond
♪ Rebekah Todd & The Odyssey
♪ Hillbilly Casino
♪ Urban Soil
♪ T Sisters
♪ Banditos
♪ Jon Stickley Trio
♪ The Tillers
♪ Alanna Royale
♪ The Stash! Band
♪ Strange Americans
♪ Whiskerman
♪ The Brother Brothers
♪ Honey Island Swamp Band
♪ The Mantras
♪ Edward David Anderson
♪ Dead 27s
♪ McLovins
♪ Hayley Jane & The Primates
♪ The Drunken Hearts
♪ Strange Machines
♪ Kansas Bible Company
♪ Liver Down The River
♪ Broccoli Samurai
♪ Howard Falco
♪ Dixon’s Violin
♪ Oakley The Greenman

________________________________________


Jul 27-30, 2017:
7th Annual "GUITARFISH FESTIVAL" in Joshua Tree, CA; http://joshuatreemusicfestival.com/index.html
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced (as of the end of March).

________________________________________


Jul 28-30, 2017:
"NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL" at Fort Adams Park in Newport, RI; www.newportfolk.org
✔ TIX: Already sold-out. 3-day passes (adults $199, kids $60). 2-day passes ($159, kids $40). One-day tix, depending on day (adults $85-$90, kids $20.) Kids tix are for ages 3-12.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: The granddaddy of all folk fests. Officially, "One of the oldest and most iconic music festival in the country." Newport is where Bob Dylan went electric. It's where you can see Fleet Foxes, the Avett Brothers, the Punch Brothers, and more. And, it's sure to sell out. (Alas, it has.)
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Fleet Foxes
♪ Aaron Lee Tasjan
♪ Seratones
♪ Big Thief
♪ Drive-By Truckers
♪ Angel Olsen
♪ Marlon Williams
♪ Rhiannon Giddens
♪ Margaret Glaspy
♪ Choir! Choir! Choir!
♪ Punch Brothers
♪ I’m With Her
♪ Julian Lage
♪ John Prine

________________________________________


Jul 28-30, 2017:
"ROCKYGRASS FESTIVAL" in Lyons, CO; www.bluegrass.com/rockygrass
✔ TIX: $65-$160.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: One of the West's best musical experiences, produced by the same folks who bring us the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. "RockyGrass is held at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, Colorado — located along the wooded banks of the beautiful St. Vrain River. The historic quarry town of Lyons is just 15 miles north of Boulder in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The town is known for its antique stores, restaurants, artists, and musicians."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Sam Bush Bluegrass Band
♪ The Del McCoury Band
♪ Earls of Leicester featuring Jerry Douglas
♪ The Infamous Stringdusters
♪ Tim O’Brien Band
♪ Darrell Scott Bluegrass Band
♪ Peter Rowan
♪ Kruger Brothers with the Kontras Quartet
♪ Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands
♪ Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
♪ Becky Buller
♪ Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
♪ Molsky’s Mountain Drifters
♪ Sister Sadie
♪ Front Country
♪ The Lil’ Smokies
♪ Trout Steak Revival
♪ The Lonely Heartstring Band
♪ The Wooks

________________________________________


Jul 28-30, 2017:
"WATERSHED FESTIVAL" in George, WA; www.watershedfest.com
✔ Tix available online.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE: What a great name for a town: George, Washington.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Bailey Bryan
♪ Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots
♪ Chase Rice
♪ Chris Stapleton
♪ Darius Rucker
♪ Eric Paslay
♪ High Valley
♪ Josh Abbott Band
♪ Lauren Alaina
♪ Lee Brice
♪ Luke Bryan
♪ Maddie And Tae
♪ Michael Ray
♪ Old Dominion
♪ Randy Houser
♪ The Cadillac Three
♪ William Michael Morgan

________________________________________


Aug 3-5, 2017:
"WE FEST" in Detroit Lakes, MN; http://wefest.com
✔ TIX: $120 (earlybird discount available thru Apr 12 is cheaper).
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "80,000 rowdy country fans descend on the tiny town of Detroit Lakes at this blowout. There’s ten campgrounds to stake out your territory with different areas for different lifestyles. And better leave the kids at home for this one — as the website states: '…we do not recommend that you bring your children.'"
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Luke Bryan
♪ Zac Brown Band
♪ Lady Antebellum
♪ Alan Jackson
♪ Darius Rucker
♪ Brett Eldredge
♪ Randy Houser
♪ Eli Young Band
♪ Kelsea Ballerini
♪ Kane Brown
♪ Cody Johnson
♪ Michael Ray
♪ Brett Young
♪ RaeLynn
♪ Logan Brill

________________________________________


Aug 3-6, 2017:
"PICKATHON" in Happy Valley, OR; http://pickathon.com
✔ TIX: $310.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Some top folk and roots acts are in there with rock and whatever else. But, hey, you already knew that Portland is a center for acoustic eclecticticism. "There's plenty that could be said about Pickathon: the diverse and expertly crafted lineup; the festival's pioneering ways in zero-waste food and beverage service; the celebration of Portland's food-truck culture; six stages creating unique environments for the performers, who all play twice over the course of the weekend; the emphasis of quality over quantity, with a 3500 paid attendance capacity; the family-friendly environment."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Dinosaur Jr.
♪ Ty Segall
♪ 939 Ensemble
♪ Alex Cameron
♪ Andy Shauf
♪ Anna & Elizabeth
♪ A-WA
♪ Big Thief
♪ Billy Strings
♪ Black Milk & Nat Turner
♪ Brent Cobb
♪ Cat Hoch
♪ Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires
♪ Courtney Granger
♪ Courtney Marie Andrews
♪ Deer Tick
♪ Dori Freeman
♪ Drive-By Truckers
♪ Dungen
♪ Ex-Cult
♪ Hiss Golden Messenger
♪ Huun Huur Tu
♪ J Mascis
♪ Jonathan Richman
♪ Jonathan Toubin
♪ Julia Jacklin
♪ Kaia Kater
♪ Kelsey Weldon
♪ Khun Narin (Electric Phin Band)
♪ King
♪ Mandolin Orange
♪ Marlon Williams
♪ McTuff feat. Skerik
♪ Pinegrove
♪ Robyn Hitchcock
♪ Sunflower Bean
♪ Susto
♪ The Last Artful, Dodgr
♪ Ty Segall
♪ TYuS
♪ Wolf People
♪ Y La Bamba
♪ Xenia Rubinos

________________________________________


Aug 4 & 5, 2017:
"HINTERLAND FESTIVAL" in Des Moines, IA; http://hinterlandiowa.com
✔ TIX: $95.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Folky-rootsy-bluesy big names alongside we're-not-sure what. "It’s a weekend of great music under the stars and skyline. It’s two days of music hand-picked by First Fleet’s Sam Summers for the gorgeous backdrop of Water Works Park, a 1,500 acre oasis in the center of our city. In our first year, Hinterland will feature a diverse blend of relevant artists, cyclist events, on-site sculpture and art installations, craft vendors, family engagement and more."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ alt-J
♪ Ryan Adams
♪ Gary Clark Jr.
♪ The Head and the Heart
♪ Dwight Yoakam
♪ Shakey Graves
♪ Foxygen
♪ Nikki Lane
♪ JD McPherson
♪ The Cactus Blossoms
♪ Max Jury
♪ Annalibera

________________________________________


Aug 4-7, 2017:
"ARISE MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Loveland, CO; www.arisefestival.com
✔ TIX: $169.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Bigtime bluegrass, folk and roots Americana acts amidst a very diverse eclectic lineup at a new-agey event — which sorta says it all about Colorado. "Located in Loveland, Colorado the ARISE Music Festival features 3 days of Music, Yoga, Workshops and co-creative experiences of all kinds. Surrounded by national forest, the festival takes place at Sunrise Ranch – an oasis in the heart of Colorado’s legendary Front Range. Featuring sweeping vistas and beautiful meadows, this magical and secluded landscape is a perfect container for participants to entertain and be entertained, be inspired, explore their creative potentials, connect with nature, stretch out, dive in, and get down."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Dopapod
♪ Atmosphere
♪ Tipper
♪ Ani DiFranco
♪ Rising Appalachia
♪ The Expendables
♪ Brother Ali
♪ Desert Dwellers
♪ The Grateful Ball
♪ The Travelin’ McCourys
♪ Jeff Austin Band
♪ Late Night Radio
♪ Wookiefoot
♪ Dirtwire
♪ Bass Physics
♪ Brasstracks
♪ The Brothers Comatose
♪ The Ghost of Paul Revere
♪ Maddy O’Neal
♪ Rdgldgrn
♪ ProJect Aspect
♪ Unlimited Gravity
♪ Templo
♪ kLL sMTH
♪ Dustin Thomas
♪ Elijah Ray
♪ Häana
♪ Bridget Law
♪ Fractal Tribe
♪ Cycles
♪ Skydyed
♪ Kat Wright Band
♪ Mikey Thunder
♪ Evanoff
♪ Earth Guardians
♪ We Dream Dawn
♪ Tnertle
♪ Pandas & People
♪ Bonfire Dub
♪ Satsang
♪ Yaima
♪ The Moments
♪ The Broadcast
♪ Woodland
♪ Tierro
♪ Bana Kuma Orchestra feat. Chris Berry
♪ The Copper Children
♪ Ginny Mules
♪ Jyemo Club
♪ Miss Jaedha
♪ Miscomunicado
♪ Shane Burke
♪ The Heartifact
♪ Calvin Hobbes
♪ Intuit
♪ unexotic
♪ Buddha Bomb

________________________________________


Aug 4-13, 2017:
"MUSIKFEST" in Bethlehem, PA; www.musikfest.org
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "10 days in August, filled to the brim with music, food and fun in downtown Bethlehem, PA."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(first, the ticketed shows:)
♪ Santana
♪ Chicago
♪ Toby Keith
♪ The Band Perry
♪ Lee Price & Justin Moore
♪ Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson
(now, the free shows:)
♪ Not yet announced by press time (mid-April, 2017).

________________________________________


Aug 10-12, 2017:
30th annual "ARIZONA COWBOY POETS GATHERING" at the Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W Gurley St, two blocks W of the Courthouse Plaza, Prescott, AZ ; 602-445-3122; http://azcowboypoets.org
✔ TIX: Info will be on their site in June, 2017.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "This event is now and has always been about gathering a group of poets and musicians who are doing their part to preserve the culture and heritage of the American West and providing them an opportunity to share their talent. The Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering has maintained a standard that has been abandoned by most other gatherings: that of inviting men and women who are now or have been in the past a part of the working cowboy’s environment and workplace. It is respected by the cowboy poets as one of the best gatherings in the country."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
(Thursday night:)
♪ Jay Snider, Host
♪ Amy Hale-Auker
♪ Steve Lindsey
♪ Slim McWilliams
♪ GIG Award presentation
♪ Chris Isaacs
♪ Broken Chair Band, Dani Sue Carter
♪ Jay Snider
♪ Featuring: Dave Stamey
- - - -
(Friday daytime:)
♪ Jim Buchanan, Gathering Chairman
♪ Don Fernwalt
♪ Marina Davis
♪ Dave Stamey
♪ Trinity Seely
♪ Don Edwards
- - - -
(Friday night:)
♪ Tom Weathers, host
♪ Student poets
♪ Kevin Davis
♪ Ross Knox
♪ Trinity Seely
♪ Tom Weathers
♪ Slim Farnsworth
♪ Avery Ervien
♪ Floyd Beard
♪ Featuring: Trinity Seely
- - - -
(Saturday night:)
♪ Yvonne Hollenbeck, host
♪ Student poets
♪ Ray Fitzgerald
♪ Dale Burson
♪ Yvonne Hollenbeck
♪ Mikki Daniel
♪ Curt Brummett
♪ Featuring: Don Edwards

________________________________________


Aug 10-13, 2017:
"SUMMER MELTDOWN" in Darrington, WA; http://summermeltdownfest.com
✔ TIX: $215.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: This one is heavy on bluegrass witn some top acts. The Guide attended the former "Darrington Bluegrass Festival" here, and can attest that the amphitheatre stage, surrounding forest, and stroll through the woods to the river are all delightful. "Summer Meltdown is a multi-day grassroots music festival featuring 4 stages of music, onsite camping, late night performances, river access, kids activities, music workshops, beer garden, green village and so much more!"
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ The String Cheese Incident
♪ Nahko and Medicine For The People
♪ The Polish Ambassador
♪ The Floozies
♪ The Infamous Stringdusters
♪ G Jones
♪ Opiuo
♪ Elephant Revival
♪ The Wailers
♪ The Grouch
♪ Tauk
♪ Russ Liquid Test
♪ Brasstracks
♪ The Main Squeeze
♪ Flowmotion
♪ Polyrhythmics
♪ The Dip
♪ Polecat
♪ Acorn Project
♪ Yak Attack
♪ SGB
♪ Decent at Best
♪ Mr. Feelgood and the Firm Believers
♪ Plus Milk

________________________________________


Aug 10-13, 2017:
"THE PEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Scranton, PA; http://thepeachmusicfestival.com
✔ TIX: $135.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Eclectic and rock with some roots-Americana and Irish music, and guitar legend Joe Bonamassa.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Widespread Panic
♪ My Morning Jacket
♪ Gov’t Mule & Friends
♪ Joe Bonamassa
♪ Umphrey’s McGee
♪ Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
♪ Lettuce Featuring Chaka Khan
♪ Mike Gordon
♪ Les Brers
♪ Jaimoe’s Jassz Band
♪ Dark Star Orchestra
♪ The Magpie Salute
♪ God Street Wine
♪ Steve Kimock & Friends
♪ The Record Company
♪ The Marcus King Band
♪ The Soul Rebels
♪ Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
♪ The Mastersounds
♪ Fruition
♪ The Werks Featuring The Shady Horns
♪ Eric Krasno Band
♪ Whiskey Myers
♪ Pink Talking Fish
♪ Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
♪ Aqueous
♪ The Hip Abduction
♪ Moonalice
♪ Butcher Brown
♪ Spafford
♪ Tom Hamilton’s American Babies
♪ Holly Bowling
♪ Mungion
♪ The Jauntee
♪ Lespecial
♪ Ghost Of Paul Revere
♪ Scott Sharrard & The Brickyard Band
♪ Gabriel Kelley
♪ Caverns
♪ The Steppin Stones
♪ Elise Testone
♪ Bobby Lee Rodgers

________________________________________


Aug 11-13, 2017:
"JERRY DAZE" festival at Baldy Notch, top of the Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts; parking is at the bottom of the lifts at 8401 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy 91759; 909-982-0800; http://mtbaldyskilifts.com/event/jerry-daze-2017-08-11
✔ TIX: Will be available online.
✔ CAMPING: Yes. "Set up camp and enjoy; bands will be performing as late as 12 am each evening. Book a tent cabin now to ensure a comfortable spot."
✔ THE SCENE: It's three days of "mountain top jamulation... in celebration of the life and music of Jerome 'Jerry' Garcia and the Grateful Dead," presented by the Orange County Jam Band Society. "Patrons of this event can expect an exciting line up of bands performing on 3 stages over the course of the weekend. Live jams will continuously perform back to back so the music never stops. Enjoy the Sugar Pine Chairlift ride straight up to 7800 ft above the sea! Great food and micro brews await your arrival at the Top of the Notch Restaurant. Escape the sounds of the city for some live dead, home grown jams and many special guests joining in this Grateful Experience in the mountains of SoCal."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced by press time (mid-April, 2017).

________________________________________


Aug 11-13, 2017:
"OUTSIDE LANDS FESTIVAL" in San Francisco; www.sfoutsidelands.com/home
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "A bike valet, wine tasting tent, and local organic food vendors are just a couple of signs that you’re in San Francisco at Outside Lands. The quirky and wonderful Golden Gate Park hosts a wide range of acts and has quickly grown into a highlight of the San Fran summer. Bring a hoodie with you. Just because it’s August doesn’t mean that the fog won’t join the party."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced (as of the end of March).

________________________________________


Aug 12, 2017:
12th annual "PORT GAMBLE MARITIME MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Port Gamble, WA; www.portgamblemaritimemusic.com
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: A nice, one-day sea chantey festival. It's "a day of maritime music set in a natural amphitheatre overlooking picturesque Gamble Bay. We present the cream of the Northwest maritime music community, plus some more far-flung guests... The festival promotes the living legacy of maritime music from all corners of the globe, as played by the many local and national artists who live here in the Puget Sound area and across the country. Food, drinks, & snacks are available at the top of the amphitheatre (which is also the back of the audience) in the Port Gamble General Store. There's parking, and a rain stage across the street."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced by press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Aug 12-13, 2017:
"LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL" at Rainbow Lagoon Events Park, N side of Shoreline Dr, at Shoreline Village Dr. & Linden Av, Long Beach, CA; www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com
✔ TIX: will be available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE: This'll be held in the lovely 12-acre park around a lagoon, but the website currently (early April 2017) still shows the 2016 info.
✔ THE SCENE: This one is distinguished by the MASSIVE platters and buckets of crawfish cooked on-site in the biggest cauldrons you've ever seen; they're served with tasty side dishes. You need to PRE-ORDER THAT CUISINE or it'll be sold-out and only available to those who reserved it. There is plenty of other regional food from vendors, too. Big open-sided circus tents are filled with tables and chairs to accommodate all that eatin'. Musically, it has one big stage with a large covered dance floor, and it books top Louisiana bands.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced at press time (early April). It always features plenty of Louisiana Cajun & zydeco, and some trad New Orleans bands.

________________________________________


Aug 17-20, 2017:
"PICKIN' IN THE PINES COLORADO" at Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch, 22799 N Elbert Rd, Elbert, CO 80106; http://pickininthepines.dudaone.com
✔ TIX: $35 per person for those arriving Thu or Fri; $20 per person if arriving Sat; Kids age 12 and under are free.
✔ CAMPING: Yes, included with admission.
✔ VOLUNTEER: "If you would like to volunteer for set up, manning the gate, clean up or anything else please let Greg know," at: 303-918-0335.
✔ THE SCENE: It's "an almost-stageless... annual bluegrass festival / pick / jam / camp-out that is put on for and by the bluegrass musicians of Colorado. It is 'almost' stageless because there is an open mic on Saturday night to which the other campers are invited... [it all] occurs annually in August, on a beautiful, family-friendly boy scout ranch in Elbert, CO. Pickers from all across Colorado gather in this serene setting to create some soulful music in the pines. There is a great room that everyone gathers in on Saturday night to enjoy a pot luck dinner together plus a show-a band scramble of sorts and a talent show for others. The atmosphere is laid back and the jamming is plentiful. Camping is primitive. There are no hook ups."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Whoever shows up!

________________________________________


Aug 17-20, 2017:
32nd annual "MONTANA COWBOY POETRY GATHERING AND WESTERN MUSIC RENDEZVOUS" has its "day headquarters" at Fergus High School, 1001 Casino Creek Rd, Lewistown, MT; www.montanacowboypoetrygathering.com
✔ TIX: 3-day pass is a $10 "Collectible Pin Pass" and gets admission to over 50 hourly sessions of cowboy poetry and western music; Welcome BBQ & Open Mic Show tix $20; Saturday night show gen adm $20, reserved $30; VIP Pre-show meet & greet tix $50. Art & Gear show included with tix and is free admission to the public on Sunday.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: It's the 2nd oldest "Cowboy Gathering" in the country, founded just one year behind the midwinter "National Cowboy Poetry Gathering" in Elko, Nevada. Here, over 120 cowboy poets, western musicians and artists — primarily from Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, South Dakota, Colorado and Canada — convene to share their talents and perpetuate the traditions of the American West. The Saturday night "Grand Stage Show" is held at the Fergus Center for the Performing Arts at Fergus High School. Other highlights of the gathering include 50+ hourly sessions of cowboy poetry and western music, discovery workshops, a Friday night Jam ‘n Dance, and Sunday morning Cowboy Church. Teachers can earn up to six continuing education credits for attending the gathering. The American Bus Association selected the festival as one of the "Top 100 Travel Events" in 2010. A Western Art & Gear Show featuring artists of all genres and their endless western wares, is also produced in conjunction with the gathering. This "4-day cultural festival [is] dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history, heritage and values of the cowboy lifestyle of the Upper Rocky Mountain West. Through cowboy poetry and western music lyrics, an oral history of the American cowboy is shared."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
♪ Dave Stamey, with Mary Kaye opening, headlines the "Grand Stage Show."
- - - -
There are MANY more musicians and poets/storytellers over the four days:
♪ John Bacon, Dillon, MT
♪ Owen G Badgett, Ingomar, MT
♪ Jeff Bolstad, Helena, MT
♪ Ramblin' Rangers, Hot Springs, SD
♪ Ed Brown, Oak Lake, Manitoba
♪ Noel Burles, Coalhurst, Alberta
♪ Carr Family Cowboy Band, Whitman, NE
♪ Jesse Colt, Priddis, AB
♪ Keith Cowie, Cheyenne, WY
♪ Gale Drewry, Lewistown, MT
♪ Charlie Ewing, Claresholm, Alberta
♪ Dominic Farrenkopf, "Dusty Trail", Hamilton MT
♪ Terry & Judy Fosbery, Kalispell, MT
♪ Bill Garcia, Belgrade, MT
♪ John Glawson Ol' Ugly, Nanton, Alberta
♪ Richard R. "Dick" Hall, Thermopolis, WY
♪ Steven Ray Hughes, Lewistown, MT
♪ Emily Ireland, Onoway, Alberta
♪ Perry Jacobson, High River, Alberta
♪ Thomas King, Decatur, AL
♪ Lynn Kopelke, Enumclaw, WA
♪ Dennis "the Menace" Lent, Billings, MT
♪ Neal Lewing, Polson, MT
♪ Poppa Mac, Winnipeg, Manitoba
♪ Dale W Mailand, Harlem, MT
♪ Pat McAllister, Billings, MT
♪ Lloyd & Meryl McKenna, Lewistown, MT
♪ Leonard Meyer, Billings, MT
♪ Craig Nelson, Lawtey, FL
♪ Leo Everett Osburnsen, Keenesburg, CO
♪ Angelo Pecora & Gus Duquay, Condon, MT
♪ Bob Petermann, Wibaux, MT
♪ Kay Peterson, Cut Bank, MT
♪ Phyllis Rathwell, Elkwater, Alberta
♪ Phil Robertson, Roberts, MT
♪ Christine Schuman, Big Timber, MT
♪ Trinity Seely, Cascade, MT
♪ Doc Shores, Aberdeen, WA
♪ BJ Smith (Bryan), Linden, Alberta
♪ Warren Taylor, Malta, MT
♪ Stan Wall, Kremlin, MT
♪ Bob Weber, Hamilton, MT
♪ John Wehren, Grass Range, MT
♪ Tom Wilson, Lewistown, MT
♪ Jeannette Zollner, Medicine Hat, Alberta

________________________________________


Aug 18-20, 2017:
15th annual "SUMMERGRASS" at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N Santa Fe Rd, Vista (north San Diego County), CA; http://www.summergrass.net/festival-info
✔ TIX: options: $20 one-day Fri or Sun; $30 one-day Sat; $70 for 3-day pass, adv. only; Bluegrass Music Camp for Kids (see Note 1), $55, and it sells-out early, as does camping.
✔ CAMPING: Yes, and central to the experience; available beginning Wed at 4 pm.
✔ THE SCENE: A big-deal festival renowned for fun and richly blessed with things to do for all ages, but it can get hot there in August. Festival features a "Bluegrass Music Camp for Kids" that sells-out early (see Note 1). This fest features great instrument raffles, so get in on that if you go. The site is the historic Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, and the festival "rents the entirety of the museum during Summergrass weekend. The museum gate opens at 8 am Friday, and as Summergrass guests, you’re welcome to explore the grounds from the time you arrive Friday through Sunday." Museum staff and docents demonstrate many of the collection's operable machines on Saturday. The museum's food court features great BBQ and more. Also, the nearby historic Rancho Guajome Adobe is another attraction and within walking distance.
✔ NOTE 1: "Bluegrass Music Camp for Kids" is for ages 6-16. Pre-registration is required, and closes July 28, 2017. Register by June 3, 2017 for a tuition discount.
✔ NOTE 2: VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT. Festival organizers say: " We LOVE our volunteers and can't do the festival without them! We still have some openings for volunteers to help in a variety of areas, we only ask that you perform your volunteer time before you claim your ticket. Be sure to sign up soon so you don't miss the mandatory Volunteer Training Party on Saturday, August 5th ! Contact Volunteer Coordinator Jim Henderson for more info or send an email to volunteer@summergrass.net or call (760) 301-6626."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass
♪ Bluegrass Etc.
♪ Sideline
♪ Nu Blu
♪ Chris Jones & The Night Drivers
♪ Chris Cerna & Bluegrass Republic
♪ Mojavi Soul
♪ Front Porch Music Preservation Society
♪ Prairie Sky
♪ The Brombies
♪ Vulcan Mountain Boys

________________________________________


Aug 18-20, 2017:
27th annual "ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOLKS FESTIVAL" at Lyons, CO; www.bluegrass.com/folks/
✔ TIX: 3-day passes, single-day tix, and camping are on sale now at www.shop.bluegrass.com or 800-624-2422.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "In contrast to the hot licks and hyper tempos of RockyGrass, the mellower moods of Folks Fest are the perfect antidote for the warm Colorado sun... From morning 'til 11pm each night, the world's most inspired songwriters share their songs and stories, projected through the best sound system at any festival in the country. The festival opens with the prestigious Folks Songwriter Showcase." A favorite activity is cooling off in the St. Vrain River, which flows along one side of the site. Jackson Browne had this to say: "This is probably just about the nicest festival I've ever driven into."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Dave Rawlings Machine (Sun)
♪ Gregory Alan Isakov (Fri)
♪ The Revivalists (Sat)
♪ Lake Street Dive (Sun)
♪ Josh Ritter (Sun)
♪ Rhiannon Giddens (Fri)
♪ The Wailin' Jennys (Sun)
♪ The Weepies (Fri)
♪ Peter Himmelman
♪ Ben Sollee & Kentucky Native
♪ Shel
♪ Mollie O'Brien & Rich Moore
♪ The Mae Trio
♪ Korby Lenker
♪ "Songwriter Showcase"
♪ and many more tba

________________________________________


Aug 18-20, 2017:
"CUSTER COUNTY COWBOY GATHERING" at A Painted View Ranch, 3115 County Rd 160, Westcliffe, CO 81252; http://custercountycowboygathering.com
✔ TIX: will be available online; not yet announced by press time.
✔ CAMPING: Yes, including RV with electric hook ups.
✔ THE SCENE: High in the midst of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and formerly called the "Wet Mountain Western Roundup," the Custer County Cowboy Gathering has become an even larger family event. Along with the music, there's a chuckwagon dinner and Chuck Wagon Cook-Off competition with cash prizes in a variety of categories including best wagon, best beef, potatoes and cobbler.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ R.W. Hampton, Western Music Association (WMA) Hall of Fame
♪ Belinda Gail, Seven-time winner WMA ‘Female Performer of the Year’
♪ Sons and Brothers
♪ Jim Jones, 2016 Will Rogers Award ‘Song of the Year’
♪ Jeneve Rose Mitchell, Final 14 – American Idol
♪ Floyd Beard, 2016 Western Music Association Male Poet of the Year

________________________________________


Aug 18-20, 2017:
25th annual "STONY PLAIN COWBOY FESTIVAL" at Stony Plain Heritage Park, 5100 41 Avenue, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada; http://stonyplaincowboyfestival.com
✔ TIX: Weekend Pass $65 (does not include Sat. Headline Show w/ Aaron Pritchett); Aaron Pritchett Saturday Night Headline show $35; one-day Fri $25; one-day (daytime) Sat $35; one-day Sun $20.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "For 25 years the Stony Plain Cowboy Gathering Society has been celebrating the cowboy scene through music, cowboy poetry and the visual arts & crafts. The Stony Plain Cowboy Gathering Society, a Not-for-Profit society, is made up of a brave group of dedicated volunteers committed to 'The preservation and presentation of historical and contemporary Cowboy Music, Poetry and Art.'"
✔ NOTE: "Looking for Volunteers, Earn FREE Tickets!"
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Roger West
♪ Steve Newsome
♪ Topher Mils
♪ Aaron Pritchett
♪ Jennie Harluk
♪ Jim & Lynda McLennan
♪ Shane Harluk

________________________________________


Aug 19-20, 2017:
27th annual "COTATI ACCORDION FESTIVAL" celebrates "Year of the Woman" in 2017, in La Plaza Park, Cotati, CA; www.cotatifest.com; 707-664-0444.
✔ TIX: $17 either day, $27 both days; seniors discounted; youth age 15 and under are free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE 1: One of the year's best fest posters; see their site.
✔ NOTE 2: Host town and festival location are north of San Francisco. This is a big deal there, and it would be anywhere.
✔ NOTE 3: Runs 9:30 am-8 pm each day. The festival is a non-profit organization established in 1991 to promote the love of the accordion and to support local youth service organizations. To date it has contributed in excess of $320,000 to the youth of the local community. Check their site for organizations supported in 2013 and a list of the beneficiaries.
✔ THE SCENE: "...features Western Artists and our stellar international line up as well." Plus, top acts take the much-maligned instrument center stage across multiple Folk-Americana genres. And we like that a lot.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Amy Jo Sawyer
♪ Royal Jelly Jive
♪ Gail Campanella
♪ En Canto with Jamie Maschler
♪ Conjunto Dominacion Norteña with Liz Olivo
♪ Tiia Karttunen - Finland
♪ Ljubinka Kulisic - Serbia
♪ Thee Hobo Gobbelins
♪ La Familia Peña-Govea
♪ Cory Pesaturo
♪ Ginny Mac
♪ Alpen Band
♪ The Steve Balich Polka Band
♪ Jim Gilman and Guests
♪ Oddjob Ensemble
♪ Golden State Accordion Club Band
♪ Squeezy Peezy
♪ Future Accordion Stars
♪ The Great Morgani
♪ The Mad Maggies
♪ MotorDude Zydeco
♪ The Truccos
♪ The Wild Catahoulas
♪ Mark St. Mary
♪ Big Lou's Dance Party
♪ T Luke and the Tight Suits
♪ Gordon Kohl
♪ "Free Accordion Jazz 101 Workshop" by Paul Betken
♪ more bands are listed on the event's site as they're confirmed

________________________________________


Aug, 2017: mid-to-late month, on a Fri-Sun:
6th Annual "BIGHORN MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Baldy Notch, top of the Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts; parking is at the bottom of the lifts at 8401 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy 91759; 909-982-0800; robby@mtbaldyskilifts.com; www.bighornmusicfest.com
✔ NOTE 1: Not to be confused with the 13th annual "BIG HORN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL" in Buffalo, Wyoming, Jul 7-9, 2017 (see listing).
✔ TIX: not yet available. Past year prices: Single-day $25 available, with a substantial discount available. Full weekend pass $75, with a substantial discount available. Parking at the bottom of the ski lift is $5.
✔ CAMPING: Yes. Free with festival tix. Tent cabin available from $109.
✔ THE SCENE: Alpine air and surroundings that include dramatic perched-on-the-edge-of-the-world drop-offs. Trail hikes beckon. The music is nearly all acoustic, with 25 bands on 3 stages. Their past year promo says, "the best local festival in terms of a wild alpine experience" and superbly talented young Folk-Americana / Nu-Folk bands and artists along with some truly accomplished artists. It’s high atop the San Gabriel Mountains in Baldy Notch, at the top of the Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts. Fans of trad and alt country, bluegrass, blues, Americana, old time, and nearly every other form of American roots music will love this mountain-top musical event. You start with a 20-minute scenic ride up the canyon on a chair lift; it’s not every festival where the fun begins en-route. Anyone terrified of the chair lift's birdlike airiness can choose a steep hour-and-a-half hike, instead, but going down that trail in the dark should be factored-in. Once up there, this is a music festival with all the amenities you expect, and it’s at an elevation of nearly 8,000 ft. above sea level, high atop the sharp, undulating ridge that leads up to 10,064-ft. Mt. Baldy. The Guide attended two of the first three annual editions of this festival, including the inaugural year, and we rate it highly. The drive is about an hour from nearly anywhere in Southern California, but this mountain festival is more like the famous events that lure festivarians to the high Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Folks are free to pitch a tent and set up camp within eye and earshot of the live music and festivities; bands perform as late as 11 pm each evening. Take everything together, and the “Bighorn Music Festival” is far more than just live music. It’s a nicely affordable weekend getaway, up out of the stifling heat, up into the fresh mountain air with breathtaking views, world class hiking, and fine adventure. Sponsors cleverly say, “Escape the sounds of the car horns and leaf blowers of the city for some of the finest homegrown American Roots music in one place anywhere in Southern California.” Indeed, they’ve delivered that at each of the festivals in past years. Tasty food is available at the festival site at the Top of the Notch in a full restaurant / full bar and from additional food vendors on-hand for the festival.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Aug 25-27, 2017:
4th annual "CIMARRON COWBOY MUSIC AND POETRY GATHERING" at Historic St. James Hotel and The Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron New Mexico; 719-330-1797; www.cimarroncowboygathering.com/cimarron.htm
✔ TIX: This must be America's most affordable festival that books good touring acts in its music genre. Adult tix are $10 at the door; ages 6-12 are $5, and age 5 and under are free.
✔ CAMPING: Yes, at the Philmont Scout Ranch for $10 / night. That includes a platform tent, electricity, private shower and bathroom.
✔ THE SCENE: "Performed by those who live and work in the West." There's breakfast music, sidewalk serenades and lunch at The St. James Hotel; most other events are at the famous Philmont Scout Ranch. Food is available all day Friday and Saturday. Chuck Wagon meal tickets and Commissary meal tickets are available. You can visit the Philmont Museum and book store while you are there.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Floyd Beard
♪ Jim Jones
♪ Valerie Beard
♪ Peggy Malone
♪ Broken Chair Band
♪ Terry Nash
♪ Dale Burson
♪ Dale Page
♪ Janice Deardorff
♪ Sandy Reay
♪ Doug Figgs
♪ Dennis Russell
♪ Purly Gates
♪ Rod Taylor
♪ Danner Hampton
♪ Washtub Jerry
♪ Randy Huston
♪ Jim Wilson
♪ Jill Jones

________________________________________


Aug 31-Sep 4, 2017 (Labor Day Weekend):
"FALL STRAWBERRY MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Westside (the old Westside lumber mill and RR terminal, all now in the woods), 17807 Tuolumne Rd, Tuolumne, CA 95379; 209-984-8630; http://strawberrymusic.com
✔ TIX: Early Bird prices through June 23rd at midnight do not list any single-day or no-camping options. Early Bird full 4-day pass with camping, $225 adult, $95 teen, $45 child. There is a Thursday night lineup, and early arrival to catch it or camp requires addt'l ticket.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE: There's a "LISTEN" tab with selectable music of booked artists, at: http://strawberrymusic.com/playlist
✔ THE SCENE: It's their 66th Strawberry Music Festival in their 35th year, since they do fall and spring (see listing) festivals. "The Fall Festival at Westside offers lots of great camping space to choose from in expansive conifer-studded meadows, amongst sprawling oaks, nestled into wooded folds and perched along winding hillside trails set on 175 acres. Amenities include hot showers, bathroom facilities, hand washing stations, and access to potable water. Nestled on the doorstep to the Stanislaus National Forest in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills, the charming gold rush town Sonora is just minutes away with lots of services including lodging, dining, recreation and all the provisions you'll need for four days of fun. Directly adjacent to Westside lies the quaint and quiet town of Tuolumne with a nice park, ball diamond, library, swimming pool, museum, and Veteran's Memorial Hall just a short walk away. Explore the scenery of the Sierra foothills or settle in for the weekend with a variety of cuisine in the food court and lots of great shopping opportunities. With plenty of space for groups of any size, the Fall Festival is your perfect getaway destination." And, "This year Strawberry presents the gold standard in main stage entertainment, intimate side stage performances, top-notch children's programming, workshops and activities for the whole family, and some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Programs like the Breakfast Club and the Band Scramble, live broadcasts by Hog Ranch Radio, and Strawberry's legendary camp jam culture are what makes this YOUR festival. Please join us this season with your instruments and radio in tow, ready to laugh, play, sing, dance, eat, and be entertained!"
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Fall fest)
♪ Hot Rize
♪ Mavis Staples
♪ Bryan Sutton Band
♪ The Infamous Stringdusters
♪ Jeff Austin Band
♪ Amy Helm & the Handsome Strangers
♪ Western Centuries
♪ Kahulanui
♪ Lindi Ortega
♪ Laura Love
♪ Ghost of Paul Revere
♪ Painted Mandolin
♪ Front Country
♪ Risky Biscuits
♪ Banana Slug String Band
♪ and more tba

________________________________________


Sep 1-3, 2017 (Labor Day Weekend):
"KERRVILLE FALL MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Hwy, Kerrville, located 9 miles S of the Guadalupe River on TX Hwy 16 (Medina Hwy) between Medina & Kerrville, TX; 830-257-3600; www.kerrville-music.com
✔ TIX: Not announced at press time (early April, 2017).
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE: they're obviously going to get past the giant, 18-day-long "Kerrville Folk festival" in May & June (see listing) before they publish the info for the fall event.
✔ THE SCENE: "The Kerrville Fall Music Festival (formerly called "KERRVILLE WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL") or 'Little Folk' as some call it, has a similar musical format to that of the Kerrville Folk Festival, but the focus is also on Texas Wines & Texas Craft Beers. Held each year over Labor Day weekend this annual 3-day event, combines camping, music, and the best wines Texas winemakers and beer brewers have to offer. In addition to afternoon and evening concerts, there are weekend wine & beer seminars which pair food morsels with the vintners choice of wines & brewers choice of beers."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Sep 1-3, 2017: (Labor Day Weekend)
"ABILENE TRAILS, RAILS & TALES" in Old Abilene Town, 100 SE 5th, Abilene, KS 67410; 785-263-2681; http://chisholmtrt.com
✔ TIX: Two-day pass, adult $15, child (age 6-16) $7.50, children age 5 and under free; one-day tix, sat or Sun, $10 adult, $5 child (ages 6-16).
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: The 2017 festival celebrates the 150th Chisholm Trail Anniversary with music and activities for the whole family, organized by the Dickinson County Heritage Center. There's top western music stars and plenty to do. Highlights include: a Saturday morning "Saddle Up, Let’s Ride!" parade; an authentic longhorn cattle drive; a free kids Buckaroo Camp with stick horse races, rope a steer, and more; Cowboy poets, storytellers, and Western music; Chisholm Trail Classic Auto Show; a chance to "be photoed" with a longhorn; Blacksmiths, silversmiths, and historic artisans; a Native American educational exhibition; Buffalo soldiers, cavalry, and arena-style demonstrations; a re-enactment of the first rail shipment of longhorns; a chance to have "a true Cowboy meal at the Chuckwagon breakfast'; the Bull’s Head Saloon where you can try your hand at Texas Hold’Em; a Cowboy Church service; and more. Few festivals can claim such historic ground: Jesse Chisholm, using his Cherokee roots, established trading posts along a trail from Texas that was blazed from buffalo migratory patterns. The Chisholm Trail followed easy paths through the rough terrains of Texas and Oklahoma enabling drovers to move thousands of longhorn from ranches to the railheads to feed the post-Civil War North, while employing ex-Confederate soldiers, ex-slaves, and Native American cowboys alike. More: "Gunslingers, can-can dancers, cowboy poets, skilled artisans, buckaroo camps, fast draw competitions, Saddle Up Let's Ride Parade, longhorn drives and authentic loading onto a railroad cattle car, fast draw competitions, Native American Spirit Dancers, Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, and much much more to bring 1867 back to life in the wildest re-enactment of the West."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Red Steagall
♪ Sons of the Pioneers
♪ Michael Martin Murphey
♪ Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show
♪ and more tba

________________________________________


Sep 1-3, (Fri-Sun) 2017: (Labor Day Weekend)
20th annual "RHYTHM & ROOTS FESTIVAL" subtitled "Music and Dance Festival" at Ninigret Park, Charlestown, Rhode Island; www.rhythmandroots.com
✔ TIX: 3-day w/ camping, adult $225 adv / $250 at gate, teen $110/$125; 3-ay w/o camping adult $175/$210, teen $85/$105; any one-day adult $60/$75, teen $30/$35.
✔ CAMPING: Yes. See above, plus check-out "French Quarter Camping" in an 18'x10' Bell tent.
✔ THE SCENE: This one is loaded with Grammy winners and nominees, and that's not easy to do with Roots-Folk-Americana music. Located in a lovely green parkland surrounded by hardwood trees, this year they're "expanding hours of operation to a full three days of programming on Friday through Sunday to celebrate our 20th Anniversary." There's a "large variety of regional food, craft & specialty vendors... freshly prepared foods," and their craft vendors have nice handmade items. Plus, the camping scene offers nice options and showers.
✔ NOTE: VOLUNTEER registration for NEW volunteers opens Thursday, June 1st. They have 350+ volunteers each year.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ The Mavericks; Grammy winners
♪ Roseanne Cash; Grammy winner
♪ Masters of the Fiddle with Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy
♪ The Squirrel Nut Zippers; Grammy noms
♪ The Knickerbocker All Stars; incl. Jimmie Vaughan, Duke Robillard, Al Copley, Monster Mike Welch, Ricky Russell, Willie J Laws, Brian Templeton, Sugaray Rayford, Rich Lataille, & more.
♪ The New Orleans Suspects w/ Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett of Little Feat
♪ Marcia Ball, Grammy nom
♪ Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys; Grammy winners
♪ Shinyribs
♪ Hat Fitz & Cara
♪ Jeffrey Broussard & the Creole Cowboys
♪ The Pine Leaf Boys; Grammy noms
♪ 10 Strings and A Goatskin featuring Leonard Podolak of the Duhks; modern style Irish/Maritime trad music in both French and English.
♪ Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys; western swing/country boogie from California.
♪ Sarah Potenza and Ian Crossman
♪ The Turtle Duhks
♪ Los Texmaniacs; Grammy winners
♪ Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express
♪ Woodsmith & Hersch
♪ Sunday Gospel w/ Sarah Potenza
♪ Christine Ohlman and Cara Robinson
♪ The Revelers; Grammy noms
♪ The Alex Meixner Band
♪ Ed Poullard & Preston Frank
♪ more tba

________________________________________


Sep 1-3, 2017 (Labor Day Weekend):
"PEPSI GULF COAST JAM COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Panama City Beach, 16200 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413; www.gulfcoastjam.com; or, same event, different info, at: http://springjampcb.com
✔ TIX: $40-$999, became available April 2nd at their website.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "Get to the Gulf, twang-enthusiasts and ballad-lovers... you can guarantee this year’s fest will be a crowd-pleaser."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Fri:)
♪ Sheryl Crow
♪ Colbie Caillat
♪ A Thousand Horses
♪ Craig Campbell
♪ Delta Rae
♪ Will Thompson
(Sat:)
♪ Darius Rucker
♪ LOCASH
♪ Charles Esten
♪ Lauren Alaina
♪ Sammy Arriaga
♪ Gal Friday Band

________________________________________


LABOR DAY WEEKEND FESTIVALS... Sep 2-4, plus or minus days. Listed by start / end dates. See listings for...
- - - -

✔ "FALL STRAWBERRY MUSIC FESTIVAL" Aug 31-Sep 4 (Tuolumne, CA)

✔ "KERRVILLE FALL MUSIC FESTIVAL" Sep 1-3 (Kerrville, TX)

✔ "NINIGRET RHYTHM & ROOTS FESTIVAL" Sep 1-3 (Charlestown, RI)

✔ "PEPSI GULF COAST JAM COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL" Sep 1-3 (Panama City Beach, FL)

✔ 3rd annual "FISHSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL" Sep 2 & 3 (Kernville, CA)

✔ 22nd annual "SEBASTOPOL CAJUN ZYDECO & DELTA RHYTHM FESTIVAL" Sep 2 & 3 (Sebastopol, CA)

✔ 41st annual "LABOR DAY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" Sep 3-6 (Grapeland, TX)

________________________________________


Sep 2 & 3, 2017: (Labor Day Weekend):
3rd annual "FISHSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Kernville Rodeo Grounds, 11447 Kernville Rd, Kernville, CA 93238; http://howardpresents.com/upcoming-events
✔ TIX: "on sale soon" as of press time (early April, 2017).
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "A Weekend of Family Fun on the Kern," and produced by Howard Freiberg, this festival benefits "Friends of the Hatchery," a 501c nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping trout numbers healthy in Kern River country... and to educate the public through programs such as 'Trout in the Classroom' and 'Trophy Trout Program.'" In addition to the music, the festival brings a liquid light show, fish fry, bake sale, silent auction, raffles, vendors and more.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Mighty Cash Cats, tribute to Johnny Cash
♪ Creedence Concert Revival, tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival
♪ The Neil Deal, tribute to Neil Young, and to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
♪ Lady Zep, tribute to Led Zeppelin
♪ Grateful Bluegrass Boys
♪ Alice Wallace, Americana/Country music artist (and a Guide favorite)
♪ Rachel Sedacca, nu-folk singer-songwriter
♪ and more tba

________________________________________


Sat & Sun, Sep 2 & 3 (Labor Day Weekend):
22nd annual "SEBASTOPOL CAJUN ZYDECO & DELTA RHYTHM FESTIVAL" in Ives Park in Sebastopol (Sonoma County), CA; http://winecountrycajun.com
✔ TIX: Tix are $25 one-day, $40 two-day advance (May 1-Sep 1); thereafter, $30 one-day, $50 two-day; children under age 12 are free with adult.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE: Festival "benefits local West Sonoma County schools, non-profit and community organizations (Community Grants Projects) and Rotary International humanitarian projects through the Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise Community Foundation, 501(c)3."
✔ THE SCENE: Good acts, and it runs 11:30 am-7 pm both days. There's a different musical character each day, beginning this year — Saturday is Cajun-Zydeco, Sunday is Rockabilly.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
(Saturday lineup — Cajun Zydeco:)
♪ CZ & the Bon Vivants
♪ Mark St. Mary & his Blues & Zydeco Band
♪ The Blues Box Bayou Band
♪ Geno Delafose & the French Rockin’ Boogie Band
(Sunday lineup — Rockabilly:)
♪ The Copper Tones
♪ Mitch Polzak & the Royal Deuces
♪ The RevTones
♪ Kim Lenz & The Jaguars
♪ The Blasters

________________________________________


Sep 3-6, 2017 (Labor Day Weekend):
41st annual "LABOR DAY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" at Salmon Lake Park, 357 Salmon Lake Rd, Grapeland, TX 75844;
✔ TIX: $15-$55.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Produced by Texas Bluegrass Music, LLC. The music is Bluegrass, Country, & Gospel. Texas Bluegrass Music hosts 3 outdoor events for the entire family with as many as a dozen live bluegrass and gospel bands performing at each festival. No alcohol is sold. The event features great food vendors and arts and crafts, and miscellaneous other merchandise. Full RV hookups are available.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Trinity River
♪ Kristy Cox
♪ The Malpass Brothers
♪ Buffalo Nickel
♪ Southern Style
♪ The Baker Family
♪ Gary Waldrepo
♪ Remington Ryde
♪ Mark Phillips and III’d Generation
♪ The Marksmen
♪ Lone Star Drive
♪ Karl Shifflett and The Big Country Show

________________________________________


Sep 8, 2017:
"JOHNSON COUNTY PIONEERS & OLD SETTLERS REUNION FIDDLE CONTEST" at the Reunion Pavilion & Grounds, 111 Reunion Dr, Alvarado, TX; 817-783-8114; www.alvaradopubliclibrary.org/johnson_county_pioneers.htm
✔ TIX: Info will appear on the event's website.
✔ CAMPING: Info will appear on the event's website.
✔ THE SCENE: Produced by the Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association. the music is bluegrass, country, gospel, and Western Swing. There's an Awards show, Fiddling contests, Music festival, Baby Contest, Arts and Crafts, County Fair, Parade, Carnival, Queens Contest, Car Show, Gospel Music, and Battle of the Bands. "Bring the family out to enjoy some evening entertainment! The Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association is hosting an evening fiddle contest in conjunction with the 125th Annual Johnson County Pioneers and Old Settlers Reunion. Please join us at the fairgrounds September 8th at 7 pm in Alvarado, Texas. Order of play will be 66+, 0-15, 16-25, 26-45, 46-65, Accompanist, and Championship divisions. Prize Money will be awarded."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet published by press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Sep 8 & 9, 2017:
"SAN ANGELO COWBOY GATHERING" Festival at the Wells Fargo Pavilion, San Angelo, TX; www.sanangelocowboygathering.com
✔ TIX: General admission tix go on sale May 1, 2017, online.
✔ CAMPING: RV only at a festival sponsor RV park w/ full hookups: 325-650 0788.
✔ THE SCENE: Looks like THIS is the one for boot scootin' WESTERN SWING. It won both the "2016 Festival of the Year" Ameripolitan Music Award and the "2016 Venue of the Year" from the Cowtown Society of Western Music. It's "A gathering to celebrate the cowboy way of life and western swing music, all to benefit a local nonprofit in San Angelo, Texas each year."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys
♪ Billy Mata & The Texas Tradition with special guest Floyd Domino
♪ Jason Roberts Band
♪ Jake Hooker & The Outsiders
♪ Jeff Woolsey & The Dancehall Kings
♪ Rocky King Band
♪ Coby Carter & 5 Miles West
♪ Brady Honeycutt
♪ Case Hardin
♪ Myra Rolen
♪ Justin Trevino
♪ Darrell & Mona McCall
♪ Clearwater
♪ T. Gozney Thornton & The Old Hat Band
♪ Kelly Spinks
♪ Clifton Fifer, Jr. aka "Two Bears"

________________________________________


Sep 8-10, 2017:
"TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL" at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629; 949-496-2274; http://www.ocean-institute.org/tall-ships-festival
✔ TIX: Check the event's site in June 2017 for ticket information.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE: Another event, the "Ohana Festival" (see listing) separately happens in Dana Point at the same time, so expect traffic congestion and allow time for that. Or plan to attend both!
✔ THE SCENE: Maritime music and other acoustic folk is always a key part of this event. Things weigh anchor on Friday with the "Parade of Sail," 4-7:30 pm, which you can view from shore or get a ticket to go on-board a tall ship of "the armada," "as you cast off for adventure aboard a historic tall ship during the annual tall ships parade at sunset. Work with the crew hauling up sail or simply sit back and enjoy the spectacular demonstration of skill, knowledge and survival!" As the main events arrive on the weekend, "In celebration of California’s rich maritime history, the Ocean Institute annually hosts a fleet of historic tall ships that sail into Dana Point Harbor. History comes alive, as crews from each ship, along with historical re-enactors, engage the public in cannon battles, pirate adventures, mermaid encounters, ship tours, and much more." There are opportunities to sail aboard the vessels for the cannon battles, Saturday and Sunday. There's a main stage, plus on-board minstrels, and a kids stage for "listening to gruff pirate songs about life on the high seas to learning how to tie a bowline, the festival has it all for boys and girls, kids of all ages." This extraordinary event takes place each year the second weekend in September.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Check the event's site in June 2017. First-rate maritime music / sea shanties are always featured, sometimes with performers from Seattle or the Northeast nautical music scene.

________________________________________


Sep 8-10, 2017:
"OHANA FESTIVAL" in Dana Point, CA; www.theohanafest.com
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE: Another event, the "Tall Ships Festival" (see listing) separately happens in Dana Point at the same time, so expect traffic congestion and allow time for that. Or plan to attend both!
✔ THE SCENE: Some top Folk-Americana stars are featured. The festival's name sounds Hawai'ian, but the acts are not.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Jack Johnson
♪ Haim
♪ Ray LaMontagne
♪ Fiona Apple
♪ Glen Hansard
♪ Dr. Dog
♪ Pixies
♪ Social Distortion
♪ Eddie Vedder
♪ TV On The Radio
♪ The Naked & Famous
♪ Dr. Dog
♪ The Orwells
♪ The Frights
♪ Verite
♪ Simon Townshend
♪ Cameron Avery
♪ Conner Youngblood
♪ Liam Finn
♪ Missio
♪ Ella Vos
♪ The Mattson 2
♪ Timmy Curran
♪ Jade Jackson
♪ Corey Harper

________________________________________


Sep 8-10, 2017:
"PORT TOWNSEND WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL" at Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St, Port Townsend, WA 98368; 360-385-3628 ext 104; http://nwmaritime.org/wooden-boat-festival
✔ TIX: Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "Over 300 boats on land and water; live music all day each day with some maritime concerts; chantey sings Friday & Saturday evenings 8 pm-midnight; 120 presentations; dozens of exhibitors; interactive exhibits for kids; tour the boats — tall ships, vintage and modern wooden boats, racing schooners, and more; sail on a tall ship; three outdoor stages, four indoor stages, and a wealth of wooden boat knowledge from all over the world; paddleboard; kids' boatbuilding; pirate plays; and plenty of local food, beer, and wine options to satisfy everyone."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Sep 8-10, 2017:
29th annual "NATIONAL COWBOY SYMPOSIUM & CELEBRATION" at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane, Lubbock, TX 79401; www.cowboy.org
✔ TIX: Info not posted by press time. in 2016, any "pass" included all evening shows and a meal; it was $140 for an all-inclusive full weekend pass; $55 for a Fri pass; $75 for a Sat pass. Fri or Sat single-day tix included all entertainment stages, exhibits, shopping, special presentations and the evening concert, for $15 adult, $6 youth.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: The schedule includes cowboy music and other entertainers, poetry and storytelling, western writers and authors panels, film and movie seminars, a Youth Wild West Day, horse-handling demonstrations, a horse-themed parade, Native American Indian activities and presentations, the ever-popular Chuck Wagon Cookoff, and exhibits of Western artworks and merchandise. In 2015, NCSC featured more than 60 cowboy and cowgirl poets, musical acts, and storytellers. "The purpose of the NCSC is to celebrate and preserve our Western heritage and cowboy culture for those who know and love it, and to introduce new audiences to the heritage and culture so they may embrace it as well."
✔ NOTE: VOLUNTEERS sought. "..all volunteers must attend an evening training session the day before the start [of the event]."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced by press time (mid-April, 2017).
♪ The 2016 festival featured Dave Stamey, Chris Isaacs, Jim Jones, Washtub Jerry, Teresa Burleson, and many more.

________________________________________


Sep 9 & 10, 2017:
41st annual "RUSSIAN RIVER JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL" in Guerneville, CA (Sonoma Co.); http://russianriverfestivals.com
✔ TIX: available online, nearly sold-out as of Mar 29.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville offers a picturesque venue that rests along the beach of the Russian River, only a few miles from over 100 wineries. Music lovers have enjoyed a stellar history of acts, including the Doobie Brothers, David Sanborn, Al Jarreau, Dr. John, The Neville Brothers, Etta James and many more."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Includes JOHNNY LANG and KEB' MO. More tba.

________________________________________


Sep, 2017: date tba:
"WAILA FESTIVAL" at the Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse - Frontier Hall in the Gila River Indian Community, AZ; 602-380-7957; http://wailafestival.org
✔ TIX: info will be on website.
✔ CAMPING: info will be on website.
✔ THE SCENE: Waila music is a 19th century folk fusion of cowboy music of the Southwest with Ranchera and northern Mexican music, bringing strings played with unique tunings, harmonica, accordion, and Native American flutes. it is important American folk music that was almost lost. Waila Festival, Inc., a 501(C)(3) nonprofit, derived from the "O’odham Waila Festival" which was "born out of a desire to help preserve the traditional Waila Music & Dance of the O’odham Communities. While attending one of the many festivals, Cecil Lewis & Matt Kisto from the Gila River Indian Community were discussing how the Waila Music was slowly fading and the bands were playing more and more Cumbia. They both missed the old sound that they grew up with and thought that the younger generations might not have the opportunity to appreciate what had been such a strong tradition in the Community." And, it "provides academic scholarships to Students from the Four Sister Tribes (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, Ak-Chin Indian Community, Tohono O'odham Nation) who are pursuing a higher education. And to help preserve the Culture & Traditions of the Four Sister Tribe Communities." the first of the new Waila Festivals was held in 2011, and it's been an annual event ever since.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Sep 12-17, 2017:
18th annual "AMERICANA MUSIC FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE" in Nashville, TN; www.americanamusic.org
✔ TIX: watch their website; tix sell-out promptly when they are announced. (Get on their mailing list.)
✔ CAMPING: No, but there may be special arrangements for RVs.
✔ THE SCENE: Produced by the Americana Music Association as part of the weeklong extravaganza that confers annual music awards and recognitions, features conference sessions, and provides both free and ticketed concerts and multi-artist festival performances; this massive event takes-over Nashville, and for six days, makes it a true "Music City." The event includes performances in the Ascend Amphitheater, Nashville’s newest venue on the Cumberland Riverfront, where two stages will contribute to the overall festival setting. Other events happen in indoor and outdoor venues large and small.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).
♪ It will be EXTENSIVE and feature many Folk-Americana stars.

________________________________________


Sep 13-17, 2017:
46th annual "WALNUT VALLEY FESTIVAL" at the Winfield Fairgrounds, on 9th Av (US 160) 3/4ths mile W of downtown Winfield, KS; http://wvfest.com
✔ TIX: Five-Day Full Festival $90 adv, $95 gate if any are left; two-day combos and single-day tix are available for each day, ranging from $35 adv, $50 gate for Saturday to $15 at the gate for Sunday. Children ages 6–11 are $5, and under age 6 are free with paid adult.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Proclaiming Winfield, Kansas as "Pickers' Paradise," this is an esteemed acoustic music festival with "family fare" entertainment on 4 stages that run simultaneously. There's a large, quality, juried arts and crafts fair; workshops; and bigtime acoustic instrument contests. What began with 10 acts and 2 contests now boasts over 30 acts and 8 contests, including two international contests, 5 national contests and 1 Walnut Valley contest. It's famous for its prestigious competitions, and winners who gain national and global renown. In fact, the event was founded in 1972 with the sole purpose of producing the "Walnut Valley National Guitar Flat-Picking Championships Festival," a contest now known as the Flat-Picking Championship, and it's just one of the competitions here that bestow national titles. The main genre of music is bluegrass, but other acoustic styles are represented. It features workshops and the the previous year's "Contest Champions Concert." Well-known past Winfield winners include MARK O'CONNOR, who has won or placed in more Walnut Valley Festival contests than any other contestant. Mark won the National Guitar Flat-Picking Championship in 1975 and 1977, and also won the Walnut Valley Fiddle Championship in 1974 and 1977. ALISON KRAUSS won the Walnut Valley Fiddle Championship in 1984. GARY “BISCUIT” DAVIS is the first and only 4-time Walnut Valley Champion, winning the National Bluegrass Banjo Championship in 1979, 1988, 1996, and 2012. STEVE KAUFMAN became the first three-time winner of the National Guitar Flat-Picking Contest, in 1978, 1984, and 1986. JASON SHAW became the 2nd 3-time National Flat-Picking Champion winning in 1993, 2008 and 2010. The most recent and last of the current 3-time Flat-Pick Champions is ROY CURRY, winner in 1980, 1991 and 2012. Other musicians to reach 3 wins in championships at Walnut Valley include DAVE PETERS, 3-time Walnut Valley Mandolin Champion, JEFF PRITCHARD, RANDY HOWARD and TRISTAN CLARRIDGE, Walnut Valley Old Time Fiddle, plus LUCILLE REILLY and GEORGE HAIG, in the International Autoharp Championship. In 2009, 18-year old BRYAN McDOWELL came to the Walnut Valley Festival for the first time from Canton, NC. Bryan entered three of the eight contests at the Festival. When the dust had settled around Barn 4, the site of all of the instrument contests, BRYAN McDOWELL would hear his name called not once, but a total of 3 times. As the first place winner in the Walnut Valley Mandolin Championship, the Walnut Valley Old Time Fiddle Championship and the National Flat Pick Guitar Championship. With the new National Mandolin Championship allowing Bryan to enter again in 2010, Bryan then joined the elite group who can claim winning back to back Championships with the same instrument at Walnut Valley by becoming the first-ever National Mandolin Champion. Other Winfield winners include Mandolin virtuoso CHRIS THILE, the Mandolin Champion in 1993, and DIXIE CHICK fiddler MARTIE ERWIN SEIDEL in 1987 and '89. Festival attendance is around 15,000 annually. It is a "participation" event because most people who attend play an instrument of some kind, and a good portion of them bring their instruments and take part in the campsite picking. Hired artists who appear on the stages also go into the campgrounds and join around campfires to pick with everyone else.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Stephen Bennett
♪ Betse and Clarke with Brushy Creek
♪ Roz Brown
♪ Nick Charles
♪ Della Mae
♪ Juni Fisher (winner of 'purt near every Western Music award)
♪ Bing Futch
♪ Grass It Up
♪ Chris Jones & the Night Drivers
♪ Claire Lynch Band
♪ Marley's Ghost
♪ Andy May
♪ Tim May & Steve Smith
♪ John McCutcheon
♪ John McEuen
♪ Joshua Messick Trio
♪ Adam Miller
♪ The Outside Track
♪ The Paperboys
♪ Barry Patton
♪ John Reischman and the Jaybirds
♪ Mark Sganga
♪ Socks in the Frying Pan
♪ The Steel Wheels
♪ Still on the Hill
♪ Linda Tilton
♪ Wall-Eyed Moles
♪ and more tba

________________________________________


Sep 14-16, 2017:
5th annual "DAILEY & VINCENT LANDFEST IN THE MOUNTAINS" festival presented by Springer Mountain Farms in Hiawassee, GA; www.daileyvincentfest.com
✔ TIX: packages from $35-$110 with gen. adm. and/or reserved seating available.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: As part of their Diamond Celebration, the award-winning super-duo's 3-day festival "bringing the very best in American music," moves from its prior Denton, North Carolina location to the heart of the Georgia Mountains in scenic Hiawassee, Georgia. The event has therefore extended its name to "Dailey & Vincent LandFest In The Mountains," and will be held at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Attendees can stay on-site in a tent or RV in one of the 189 campsites offering full hook ups and amenities (make reservations early).
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Jerry Douglas Presents The Earls of Leicester
♪ Del McCoury Band
♪ Dailey & Vincent
♪ Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
♪ The Original Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
♪ Sierra Hull
♪ Primitive Quartet
♪ Monroe Crossing
♪ Audie Blaylock
♪ Larry Stephenson Band
♪ Band of Kelleys

________________________________________


Sep 14-18, 2017:
8th annual "LOST N LAVA COWBOY GATHERING" 102 S Rail St, Shoshone, Idaho 83352; 208-886-7787; www.lostnlavagathering.com
✔ TIX: Weekend Package $35; Friday Only $20; Saturday Only $20; Reserved Seating $25 each night (limited).
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "The Lost N Lava Cowboy Gathering is an annual celebration of the ranching and rural West. Through poetry, music and stories, ranch people express the beauty and challenges of a life deeply connected to the earth and its bounty. Every year, hundreds travel to rural Shoshone, Idaho to learn and share. It's been called the down to earth festival , but it is also a darned good time! At Lost N Lava Cowboy Gathering, you can discover cowboy cultures from around the world, learn a traditional skill, dance the two-step, plan for the West's future with ranchers, meet new friends, listen to tall tales, dispel myths, build bridges and be inspired. Join us for an experience you will not soon forget! Use any of the links in our banner to read more about every aspect of the Gathering." And, "Shoshone is in the desert of the Great Basin at 3963 feet elevation, and fall weather in September is varied."
✔ NOTE: trail rides are available Sep 9 through 11; register online in advance.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
♪ daytime shows not yet announced (Apr, 2017)
- - - -
(Fri night concert:)
♪ Kristyn Harris
♪ Poppa Mac
♪ Prairie Wind - Coyote Joe & Little Joe
♪ Tony Argento
♪ Brigid, Johnny and John Reedy
♪ "Jam Session" - following concert
- - - -
(Sat night concert:)
♪ Dave Stamey
♪ Lynn Kopelke
♪ Dave Anderson
♪ Thatch Elmer
♪ Panhandle Cowboys - Farmer Dave Fulf & JB Barber
♪ "Jam Session" - following concert

________________________________________


Sep, mid-to-late-month, 2017:
36th annual "POISON OAK SHOW" at Columbia State Historic Park, Main St & State St, Columbia, CA 95310; sponsored by and centered at the St. Charles Saloon, 209-533-4656 or email jackdouglasssaloon@yahoo.com
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: In addition to the music, this one is wacky: it's "like a traditional flower show, except all entries must include poison oak." Thus, there are categories (entries accepted at 10 am, Judging is at 1 pm) for Biggest branch, Biggest leaf, Best edible (recipe included), Best arrangement, Best rash (in person or photo), Best photo of poison oak, Most potent looking leaf. The St Charles Saloon is hosting, in Columbia State Historic Park. "Aren’t you just itchin’ to participate?" Located in the heart of the California Mother Lode, Columbia State Historic Park is a living gold rush town featuring the largest single collection of existing gold rush-era structures in the state. Visiting Columbia is like traveling back in time to the sights, smells, and sounds of a nineteenth century mining town—merchants dressed in 1850s attire, a whiff of coal smoke from the blacksmith shop, and the rumble of a stagecoach pulling into town. Spend the day enjoying fun activities for the whole family. Pan for gold, explore exhibits, ride the stagecoach, discover unique shops, and learn about the rich history of the California gold rush on a guided town tour."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not announced by press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________



Sep 15-17, 2017:
"MILLPOND MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Millpond County Park & Recreation Area, Sawmill Rd off US 395 and Ed Powers Rd, Bishop 93514.
http://inyo.org/music/millpond-festival
✔ TIX: Full Weekend 3-Day Pass is $90.00 before June 30, $100 from July 1st to Aug 26th, then $110 after August 26th or at the gate. Single-day passes are $30 for Fri, $50 for sat, $45 for Sun. A student 3-Day pass is $40; a student 1-Day pass is $20. Inyo/Mono County students through 8th grade, with adult, are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
✔ CAMPING: Yes. Some of it is already sold-out for the 2017 festival, so don't dawdle.
✔ THE SCENE: This one reliably delivers great music. Its featured artists headline elsewhere, and there's plenty that's wonderful that you've never heard — but will leave a fan of. Presented by the Inyo Council for the Arts, whose staff attends bunches of other festivals and concerts to choose the best acts. The park's permanent snack bar at the top of the natural amphitheatre hill has some surprisingly good food, and there's a huge Sunday morning pancake breakfast. You can retreat up the hill under the big shade trees and still have clear sight lines to the main stage. The second stage is covered and called the "Workshop Tent," and most headline acts play one or more sets there, too. Camping for RVs is in the big permanent campground with showers; tent camping is around the tranquil lake and you can walk to the showers and laundry. Here's the official promo: The festival, at the foot of the magnificent High Sierra, "brings an eclectic collection of music to one of the most intimate festival surroundings imaginable. As always, the great music will be complimented with food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and kids’ activities – all in the beautiful outdoor setting of the Millpond County Park just outside of Bishop." It's certainly not walkable to Bishop; you could bike it, but most of the ride is on busy Hwy 395; local dial-a-ride transit goes there to/from town, but not late enough for pickup after evening shows. If you don't wanna drive that far? You can ride the Metrolink train from L.A. Union Station to the end of the line in Lancaster and catch the once-a-day Eastern Sierra transit van to Bishop; the local dial-a-ride runs from Bishop as far as Millpond & back.
✔ VOLUNTEERS: opportunities are available. Fill-out the online form at: http://inyo.org/about-us/volunteer/
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not announced by press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Sep 15-17, 2017:
6th annual "DAKOTA WESTERN HERITAGE FESTIVAL" at the Expo Center, 320 Casey Tibbs St, Ft. Pierre, SD; 605-280-8938; https://www.facebook.com/DakotaWesternHeritageFestival
✔ TIX: concert is $25 adv, $35 door, seating ltd to 600.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: There are concerts both days and a wagon train that you can ride (with tix). It's Fort Pierre's bicentennial year, and the festival is the central event. The Dakota Western Heritage Festival is a non-profit, "A celebration of Western traditions and lifestyles through poetry and music."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
♪ daytime music, cowboy poetry/storytelling and other events are not yet posted at press time (mid-Apr, 2017).
- - - -
We have artists for one of the two evening concerts.
(Sat night concert:)
♪ Suzy Bogguss
♪ Susie Knight
♪ Cowboy Poet RP Smith

________________________________________


Sep 15-17, 2017:
12th annual "PICKIN' IN THE PINES BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" in the Pepsi Amphitheatre at Ft. Tuthill Co. Park, Flagstaff, AZ; http://pickininthepines.org
✔ TIX: 3-day pass $85 (non-mbr) through Apr 30; single-day tix become available by phone on July 1. Free admission to those under age 15. All tix through Protix at 866-977-6849.
✔ CAMPING: Yes, fees are per-person and include a 3-day festival pass.
✔ THE SCENE: This festival is a world-class bluegrass & acoustic music festival held here since 2006. The festival honors the interests of the diverse membership of Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music (FFOTM). The organization sponsors the Flagstaff Folk Festival, a youth program — the Young Jammers, "concerts, jams, campouts and other events created for the education, enrichment and entertainment of our community."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
♪ Tim O’Brien
♪ The Drew Emmitt Band
♪ Mountain Heart
♪ Della Mae
♪ Balsam Range
♪ Town Mountain
♪ Foghorn Stringband
♪ The Colton House Trio featuring Chris Brashear, Peter McLaughlin & Todd Phillips
♪ Rapidgrass
♪ The Lil’ Smokies
♪ Burnett Family Bluegrass
♪ The Ping Brothers
♪ Mr. Mudd & Mr. Gold
♪ Sugar & The Mint
♪ and more tba

________________________________________


Sep 15-17, 2017:
"FRESHGRASS FESTIVAL" in North Adams, MA; http://freshgrass.com
✔ TIX: $105.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "FreshGrass is a wonderland of traditional and cutting-edge bluegrass, tucked appropriately into a 19th-century factory turned 21st-century museum in the Berkshire mountains of northwestern Massachusetts. An opportunity for enthusiasts to both appreciate and participate, FreshGrass is family-friendly and brimming with the brightest talent not just on our four stages, but also in our galleries, brick-lined courtyards, and grassy fields."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Brandi Carlile
♪ Railroad Earth
♪ The Del McCoury Band with David Grisman
♪ Del & Dawg
♪ The Wood Brothers
♪ Bill Frisell: Harmony
♪ Alison Brown
♪ Son Little
♪ The Brothers Comatose
♪ Carrie Rodriguez
♪ Darol Anger’s Republic of Strings
♪ Hackensaw Boys
♪ Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
♪ The Suitcase Junket
♪ Nell Robinson & Jim Nunally Band
♪ The Last Revel
♪ Victor Furtado
♪ Julian Pinelli
♪ The Page Turners

________________________________________


Sep 15-17, 2017:
"TELLURIDE BLUES AND BREWS" in Telluride, CO; www.tellurideblues.com
✔ TIX: available online.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: "It's a match made in Colorado heaven. Three days of blues, funk, jam, gospel, rock, and soul combined with tasting from 150+ breweries makes this beer and music festival mashup a one-of-a-kind experience. It all takes place at Telluride, a classic Colorado mountain town nestled deep in the Rocky Mountains."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Bonnie Raitt
♪ Steve Winwood
♪ Tajmo: The Taj Mahal & Keb' Mo Band
♪ Anders Osborne
♪ The Revivalists
♪ Benjamin Booker
♪ The Blind Boys of Alabama
♪ The Magpie Salute
♪ Delbert McClinton & Self Made Men
♪ Chicano Batman
♪ Tab Benoit
♪ The Record Company
♪ Samantha Fish
♪ Ben Miller Band
♪ Eric Lindell
♪ Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers
♪ Robert Finley
♪ Alabama Slim
♪ Jack Broadbent
♪ Delgres
♪ Monkey Junk
♪ AJ Fullerton featuring Stud Ford & Nic Clark
♪ JW Jones
♪ Steve Itterly

________________________________________


Sep 15-17, 2017:
"KAABOO FESTIVAL" in San Diego, CA; www.kabooexperience.com
✔ TIX: $219.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ We're listing this one because JACKSON BROWNE, ALANIS MORRISETTE, MOONSVILLE COLLECTIVE, and THE WALLFLOWERS are included in its massive lineup.
✔ THE SCENE: "Forget what you know about music festivals. This is a music experience. A completely curated three-day sound voyage that combines rock-n-roll music and tastemaking socials into a modern wonderland on the warm shores of the Pacific. Where every detail is crafted for your enjoyment and you bask in world-class music, incredible cuisine, craft libations, comedy acts, contemporary art, dancing and premium amenities. This is your escape to the perfect weekend."
✔ THE 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Red Hot Chili Peppers
♪ P!nk
♪ Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
♪ Muse
♪ Weezer
♪ Jane’s Addiction
♪ David Guetta
♪ Ice Cube
♪ Jason Derulo
♪ Logic
♪ Alanis Morissette
♪ Jackson Browne
♪ Andy Grammer
♪ Kesha
♪ Live
♪ X Ambassadors
♪ Garbage
♪ Milky Chance
♪ T-Pain
♪ Michael McDonald
♪ The Wallflowers
♪ DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal)
♪ Machine Gun Kelly
♪ Pepper
♪ Timeflies
♪ Pete Yorn
♪ The Magpie Salute
♪ Smash Mouth
♪ The Knocks
♪ Dave Mason
♪ Toad The Wet Sprocket
♪ LANY
♪ Eric Burdon and the Animals
♪ Lost Kings
♪ Le Youth
♪ The Him
♪ The Tubes feat. Fee Waybill
♪ Trevor Hall
♪ Fishbone
♪ The Motet
♪ The Shadowboxers
♪ Little Hurricane
♪ Sam Sparro
♪ Kap Slap
♪ Martin Jensen
♪ Led Zeppelin 2
♪ Emily Warren
♪ Lawrence
♪ The Stone Foxes
♪ One Drop
♪ SteevieWild
♪ Darenots
♪ The Last Internationale
♪ Ages and Ages
♪ Moonsville Collective
♪ Armors
♪ Luna Aura
♪ Jared & The Mill
♪ Ethan Tucker Solo Acoustic
♪ The Steppin Stones
♪ Tristen
♪ Cordovas
♪ Lost Beach
♪ Mamafesta
♪ Josh Arbour
♪ Zeal Levin
♪ Kira Lingman
♪ Trouble in the Wind
♪ Barenaked Ladies
♪ The Dan Band

________________________________________


Sep 16, 2017:
5th annual "LONG BEACH FOLK REVIVAL FESTIVAL" in rainbow Lagoon Events Park, Long Beach, CA; www.folkrevivalfestival.com
✔ TIX: $25; price increases to $30 on July 15th.
✔ THE SCENE: It's foot stomping, high energy fun at this family-friendly festival. It's all about bringing the community together to enjoy a slice of “True American Music.” Announced artists warrant a few words, as some are being imported and are known in their parts of the world, but not locally. Star with the "very talented Lucero all the way from Memphis, TN who will be headlining the night with support from outlaw country legend Billy Joe Shaver, former Delta Spirit front man Matthew Logan Vasquez, The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit, Valley Queen, Mapache, and more artists TBA soon... In addition to the great music, all the fan favorites from last year are back including our signature contests, amazing gourmet food & craft beers, interactive kid’s area, our 'Craft Bazaar' shopping experience & loads more fun stuff — we just couldn’t pack it all in here."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Lucero
♪ Billy Joe Shaver
♪ Matthew Logan Vasquez
♪ The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit
♪ Valley Queen
♪ Mapache
♪ "many more tba"

________________________________________


Sep 16-Oct 28, 2017:
"NATIONAL HARVEST & COWBOY FESTIVAL" at Silver Dollar City, 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616; 800-475-9370; www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park/festivals/National-Harvest-Festival
✔ TIX: A season pass is $97 adult, $87 child, $91 senior; prices go-up after Apr 30. One-day tix are $62 adult (12-61), $51 child (4-11), $60 senior (62+).
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This is a festival in an amusement park with 40+ rides & attractions. Musically, there's a daily "Barn Dance" and "Wild West Show." It includes "125 visiting demonstrating craftsmen showcasing their diverse array of talents (that's in addition to Silver Dollar City's own 100 resident craftsmen); and a Salute to the Great American Cowboy that includes wild mustangs, an old-fashioned barn dance, chuck wagon cooking and much more." There's a "Campfire Cooking - Watch as delicious recipes including Dutch Oven Desserts and Cowboy Beef Stew are cooked over on open fire." It also includes "Buck Taylor's Cowboy Emporium," and "Kent Rollins demonstrating the art of authentic chuck wagon cooking while serving up cowboy stories, poetry and humor from his restored 1876 Studebaker wagon."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Music acts were not specifically announced by press time (mid-April, 2017).

________________________________________


Sep, mid-to-late month:
47th annual "JULIAN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" in Julian, CA; www.julianlionsbluegrass.com/welcome.html
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ NOTE: Event website still shows 2016 info, as of early April, 2017.
✔ THE SCENE: Bluegrass all day, great BBQ, a raffle drawing, vendors, an all-ages event. And this: "Welcome to Julian… a quiet little mountain getaway, about an hour east of San Diego, in the beautiful Cuyamaca mountains. Our little town takes you back in time to the days of Julian’s beginning rooted in the 1870’s gold rush. For almost 50 years, in the middle of September this quiet little town comes alive with the sound of Bluegrass."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced (as of early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Sep, mid-to-late month, 2017:
x - "AMERICAN RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL" has STOPPED OPERATING in Coloma, CA; www.americanrivermusic.org
✔ TIX: Not any more.
✔ CAMPING: It was great.
✔ NOTE 1: This is a big loss. Over the past decade, this one had everybody you ever wanted to hear. Their website lists past performers.
✔ NOTE 2: Organizers say, "We're in the planning stages for a fall event [i.e., a concert], and there's always great live music in our friendly river community. We'll be in touch with the announcements to such." So email their site and get on their list if your wanderings take you towards Coloma.
✔ THE SCENE: After 10 years this festival has ended its run. Organizers, upon making that announcement, said: "A huge thanks to the Coloma-Lotus Community for their incredible support, and to everyone who gave their time and passion to make this celebration happen. To the amazing folks that shared their music on our stages — may you continue to inspire!"
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
x - It's not happening.

________________________________________


Sep 20-23, 2017:
12th annual "LARRY JOE TAYLOR'S RHYMES & VINES MUSIC FESTIVAL AND HOME BREW CONTEST" at Melody Mountain Ranch, 1290 Private Road 707, Stephenville, TX 76401; www.larryjoetaylor.com
✔ TIX: Info will appear on the event's website.
✔ CAMPING: Info will appear on the event's website.
✔ THE SCENE: It's 3 days of original acoustic and band music at this music festival and homebrew competition at Melody Mountain Ranch, just outside of Stephenville, TX. Attendance is approximately 5000 and plenty of onsite camping is available. Visit our web site for updates on camping, prices, and artist lineup on their website.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not announced as of press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Sep 21-23, 2017:
"YOUBLOOMLA MUSIC SUMMIT & FESTIVAL" at various venues throughout greater L.A., CA; www.youbloom.com/youbloomla-2017
✔ TIX: earlybird tix for the conference, speaker sessions, etc., available online (beginning in April, but not for all events).
✔ THE SCENE: With successful festivals and "summit" conferences in multiple years in both L.A. and Dublin, Ireland, this festival uses multiple established music venues in L.A. and Pasadena. Organizers say, "[At] our festival of fresh talent... all kinds of international multi-genre acts are invited. So, press the magic button and take your first step towards worldwide exposure. Apply by June 16th. Artists will be notified by June 30th, 2017. Please email any questions to artists17LA@youbloom.com"
✔ NOTE: The "call to Apply to Play" at youbloomLA 2017 was issued in early April; check their site.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ tba

________________________________________


Sep 22 & 23, 2017:
"VENICE ART CRAWL" happens throughout Venice and Playa Vista, CA;
✔ TIX: will be available online.
✔ THE SCENE: This is a combination street festival and gallery festival with lots of music in full-time and impromptu venues. The organization's commitment to tunefulness is evidenced in their April 20th mini-festival/fundraiser, subtitled "Music Connects Us" (see listing). "The VAC’s mission is to preserve the arts in Venice, a place that has historically been known as a vibrant and dynamic art community. Our goal is to share, inspire and promote collaboration within the Venice community through mixers and art events. We are an all volunteer run non-profit organization which is a committee of the Venice Chamber of Commerce."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not announced by press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Sep 22 & 23, 2017:
"BADGER CLARK COWBOY POETRY & MUSIC GATHERING" in Hot Springs, South Dakota; www.badgerclarkgathering.com
✔ TIX: Info not yet posted by press time (mid-Apr, 2017).
✔ CAMPING: No, but you're surrounded by Nat'l Parks, Nat'l Monuments, & Nat'l Forests, so with wheels, you can find camping.
✔ THE SCENE: Badger Clark (1883-1957), renowned cowboy poet, was South Dakota's first Poet Laureate. This is "a cultural festival, dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history, heritage and values of the cowboy lifestyle of the American West. Through cowboy poetry and western music lyrics, an oral history of the American cowboy is shared. Badger Clark Cowboy Music & Poetry Gathering is held each fall in the Historic Western Town of Hot Springs, South Dakota."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
Different venues each of the two days figure-in prominently.
- - - -
(Fri artists/events at the Kaan Ranch Wagon Barn:)
♪ Bunkhouse Tales
♪ Steak Fry
♪ Music & Poetry in the barn and on the deck
- - - -
(Sat artists/events at the Mueller Center in Hot Springs:)
♪ Poet's Workshop
♪ Poets on stage
♪ An afternoon with Pegie Douglas featuring Badger Clark's life and poetry set to music
♪ Pegie Douglas and the Badger Sett Band (yep, two t's)
- - - -
(Sat evening concert:)
♪ Ramblin Rangers
♪ Suzie Knight
♪ Campfire Concerto, w/ Paul Larson, Kenny Putman, Boyd Bristol & Chet Murray
♪ Kenny Putnam, two-time SD Champion fiddler

________________________________________


Sep 23 & 24:
"FRIED CHICKEN FESTIVAL" expands to two days, moves to the riverfront in Woldenberg Park, New Orleans, Louisiana; http://friedchickenfestival.com
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Located on 16 acres of land that once housed old wharves and warehouses, Woldenberg Park stretches from Canal Street and Aquarium of the Americas to Jackson Square. "The event will... feature a healthy dose of live local music, as well as additional programming like a cooking demo stage that will be headlined by chef Jeff Henderson of “Flip My Food” fame." Last year "...the event’s surprisingly high turnout—upwards of 40,000 people in Lafayette Square—created plenty of growing pains as the celebration was plagued by long lines and low inventories." Now, it's moved, expanded, and "planning for 100,000 attendees." The food? “We’re coveting some of the well-known fried chicken vendors in Los Angeles, New York and Houston," Cleveland Spers III, whose 'Spears Groups' puts on the festival," told New Orleans' based "Offbeat" music and arts journal. He added, “We truly believe that this can be a national food festival.” The 2017 Fried Chicken Festival will see the return of the fried chicken competition, which will be settled by a panel of judges.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced by press time (early April, 2017).
♪ Music on two stages, cooking demos on a third stage. It promises to "feature a healthy dose of live local music."

________________________________________


Sep 26-30, 2017:
"IBMA WORLD OF BLUEGRASS" in Raleigh, NC.; https://ibma.org.
✔ TIX: Festival ticket sales are online; that began April 4 for IBMA mbrs; tix available to gen. public starting Apr 18, 2017.
✔ CAMPING: No, but it's 15 mins to North Carolina State Fairgrounds Camping (email Lindsay Acord at Lindsay.Acord@ncagr.gov and note “IBMA WOB 2017 RV” in the subject line).
✔ NOTE 1: FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD: Currently, their site has "Bluegrass Ramble," an album of THIRTY SONGS from last year's festival as a free download (desktop or laptop only).
✔ NOTE 2: IBMA is the International Bluegrass Music Association. It is, in the bluegrass world, everything that the Grammys organization is for the pop music industry.
✔ THE SCENE: The event brings a conference, awards, showcases, gigs all over town, and a festival. "World of Bluegrass is the annual bluegrass music homecoming, a multifaceted industry event and festival with hundreds of offerings for every bluegrass professional and fan."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ It's enormous, all over Raleigh in multiple venues, and it's only partially determined as of press time (early April, 2017). See the event website.

________________________________________


Sep 28, 2017:
"TEXAS COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS" at Carthage Civic Center, Carthage, TX; 903-472-8008; www.texascountrymusicassociation.org
✔ TIX: Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: An awards show with a festival feel. Texas Country Music Association's annual awards show. "The Texas Country Music Association, Inc., is pleased to announce that the 2017 Texas Country Music Awards show is scheduled to be held on September 28, 2017 at the Carthage Civic Center in Carthage TX. Nominations will begin in May, 2017 and will be accepted from Fans well as the Texas Country Music Association members online. TCMA Executive Vice President, Nathan Hunnicutt states, 'The Country scene in Texas is saturated with immense talent, so this is an opportunity to highlight artists who really stand out — people who are making waves in the Industry. The Texas Country Music Association is a statewide organization, so we're producing a red carpet event that will make any Texan proud.' Texas Country Music Association, Inc. Founder and President, Linda Wilson said, 'I'm very excited to be producing the Texas Country Music Awards, and I know that we will be able to shine a light on the greatest talent that resides in and travels through our state. The fan participation in Texas is tremendous, so we expect an incredible amount of involvement from Country Music fans during our nomination and voting processes. For fans, this is an opportunity to support their favorite Texas artists and help them advance even further.'"
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Mark Chesnutt
♪ Brandon Rhyder
♪ Doug Supernaw
♪ Bri Bagwell
♪ Del Way
♪ and more tba

________________________________________


Sep 28-Oct 1, 2017:
26th annual "OLD WEST DAYS & NEBRASKA COWBOY POETRY GATHERING" in Valentine, Nebraska; www.oldwestdays.net
✔ NOTE: Those who have installed Facebook's ubiquitous spyware in their devices may find info the rest of us cannot see, at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/nebraskacowboypoetry
✔ TIX: Not yet announced by press time (mid-Apr, 2017).
✔ CAMPING: (see note)
✔ THE SCENE: (see note)
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ See "note" above.

________________________________________


Sep 29 & 30, 2017:
"WESTERN DAYS FESTIVAL" in Old Town Lewisville, Main & Church Streets, City of Lewisville, TX 75029; 972-219-3710; www.lewisvillewesterndays.com
✔ TIX: Free until 7 pm with ticket you printout from their site. After 7 pm, it's $10 per person.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Three festival stages feature national and regional live music; Bluegrass, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, Rockabilly, Western Swing music, Cowboy poetry, Fiddling contests, and Rodeo. Plus the Cattle Drive Parade – featuring 20-30 head of Texas longhorns. And Native American singers and dancers, the World Tamale Eating Championship, and car shows. "Old Town Lewisville will be filled with staged gunfights, stick horse rodeo riders, world champion competitive eaters, gourmet chefs, Old West artifacts, and the best of Texas country music at the annual Western Days festival."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Site still shows 2016 lineup, as of early April, 2017.

________________________________________


Sep 30, 2017:
35th annual "FIDDLE & BANGO CONTEST AND CHILI COOK-OFF" at Columbia State Historic Park, Main St & State St, Columbia, CA 95310; www.columbiacalifornia.com; www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com/event/annual-fiddle-bango-chili
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: The "Fiddle & Bango Contest (yes, 'bango') is held at the gazebo in Columbia State Historic Park. More than 40 musicians compete for prizes in the following categories: fiddle, banjo, vocal, guitar, mandolin, miscellaneous, and original song. The grand prize is a gold nugget, and there are cash prizes in each category. The entry fee per category is $15 and contestants sign up between 9 and 10:30 am. The Fiddle & Bango Contest is free to the viewing public. Bring lawn chairs, hats and sunscreen. T-shirts will be available for sale ($20). All ages and music genres are represented in this contest, which is sponsored by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Competition begins promptly at 10:30 am, and continues all day, 10:30 am-4 pm, except for a lunch break, which features a CHILI COOK-OFF ($5). Located in the heart of the California Mother Lode, Columbia State Historic Park is a living gold rush town featuring the largest single collection of existing gold rush-era structures in the state. Visiting Columbia is like traveling back in time to the sights, smells, and sounds of a nineteenth century mining town—merchants dressed in 1850s attire, a whiff of coal smoke from the blacksmith shop, and the rumble of a stagecoach pulling into town. Spend the day enjoying fun activities for the whole family. Pan for gold, explore exhibits, ride the stagecoach, discover unique shops, and learn about the rich history of the California gold rush on a guided town tour." For more information, call 209-536-1672.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced by press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Sep 30-Oct 2, 2017:
"SABOR DE MEXICO LINDO" is centered at 6330 Pacific Bl, in Huntington Park, CA; 323-585-1155; www.hpchamber.org
✔ TIX: It's free, with free parking in public lots.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This one qualifies as an accordion festival. There are two "major concert-stages with professional entertainment..." and "The Plaza de Mariachi returns for its fifth outing." This downtown festival, nine blocks long, is on Pacific Bl from Florence Av to Randolph St. "Throughout its years of history, as the popularity and attendance of the Festival has grown, so has its size and quality. The Festival brings together more than 150 commercial, food, arts and crafts and corporate exhibitors, a free health fair, two amusement and carnival areas, a petting zoo, plus Menudo Contests and food samplings. the restaurants and residents compete in two Menudo Cooking Contests, plus the children's hand-made piñatas judging-contest. For three days and nights, the Festival opens its doors to the public free-of-charge." Runs Fri 5-11 pm, Sat 11 am-11 pm, Sun 11 am-10 pm.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Oct 5-7, 2017:
"PONDEROSA STOMP" Festival in New Orleans, LA; www.ponderosastomp.com
✔ TIX: $70-$130.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: "The Ponderosa Stomp Festival began as an annual blowout show put on by the members of the Mystic Knights of the Mau Mau, who made it their mission to rediscover and triumphantly return to the stage hundreds of the architects of American music. Over the years, it has grown and generated respect and developed a devoted and impassioned following among American music aficionados, fans, musicologists and contemporary music critics worldwide. The Festival has expanded to include a Music History Conference, Clandestine Celluloid Film Series, Hip Drop DJ Party, and record show, in addition to the two nights of legendary music performances at the Ponderosa Stomp Concert."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Gary U.S. Bonds
♪ Linda Gail Lewis
♪ The Texas Honky Tonk Revue featuring Frankie Miller, Darrell McCall & James Hand
♪ Barbara Lynn
♪ Roy Head
♪ Lil’ Buck Sinegal & The Top Cats

________________________________________


Oct 5-7, 2017:
"FALL SKUNK MUSIC FEST" at The SkunkFarm, 4063 Jordan Rd, Greer, SC; http://albinoskunk.com
✔ TIX: Online ticketing will be available when announced. Prices for the 2017 SPRING fest were: 3-day $130, 2-day $95, 1-day $40-$55; youth tix substantially less.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Albino Skunk Music Fest has two events a year — one in the spring (in April, see listing), and this one in the fall. Originally founded as a bluegrass music festival, SkunkFest now features all sorts of mostly acoustic music – including Americana, Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Alt. Country, Acoustic, Roots and Bluegrass. "SkunkFest is held on the grounds of Glynn and Susan Zeigler’s old farm place north of Greer. SkunkFest was initially private but is now open to the music-loving public. Local food vendors, Craft beers served up by The Community Tap, Handmade Crafts and Kiddieland with playground, activities, kid’s shows & drive-in movie are some of the attractions besides the phenomenal music. Primitive tent camping & RV Camping area (sorry no hook-ups) on site within easy walking distance to everything. No shuttles needed from camping areas or our parking lot. The festival got its name from the sightings of white skunks on the grounds. (Well, mostly white with a dark stripe – they’re not true albinos!) Each fall, we have a ‘theme’ for the fest, featuring original drawings of the Albino Skunk characters promoting all sorts of topical and not-so topical themes. It’s all part of the fun. We are proud of our natural setting and laid back atmosphere that takes you away from the stress and anxieties of modern living. Our goal is to provide a ‘family reunion’ atmosphere and introduce you to new talent that may very well become your next favorite band."
✔ 2017 LINEUP: (Fall Fest)
♪ Not announced as of press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Oct 5-8, 2017:
12th Annual "JOSHUA TREE FESTIVAL FALL" in Joshua Tree, CA; http://joshuatreemusicfestival.com/index.html
✔ TIX: available online (earlybird rates).
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ NOTE: The Spring and fall editions are different as night and day. "The fall fest differs musically with artists of the more rootsicana-newgrassy-folkadelic realms."
✔ THE SCENE: "These independently produced music festivals [Spring and Fall] are held annually in the shadows of the infamous National Park. [They called it "infamous." The Guide certainly didn't!] They are two (of the very few) multi-day campout music festivals in Southern California featuring live music. Music lovers of all ages enjoy this phenomenal live music in an intimate setting and magical surroundings. The spring festival features an eclectic line up of performers; dance-world-electro-funk'n groove. The fall fest differs musically with artists of the more rootsicana-newgrassy-folkadelic realms. The two different musical stylings create distinct audiences at the festivals, but many folks do attend both. The town of Joshua Tree is located in the high desert of the magical Mojave, 50 minutes from Palm Springs, 2.5 hour drive from LA, 3 from San Diego, 3.5 from Vegas, and 5 from Phoenix, at the entrance to the world renowned national park."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced (as of the end of March).

________________________________________


Oct 5-8, 2017:
66th annual "REX ALLEN DAYS" at the Willcox Historic Theater, 134 N Railroad Av, Willcox, Az 85643, and other Willcox venues; 520-312-9332 or 520-216-0062; www.rexallendays.org
✔ TIX: Not yet announced
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Voted 2016's "Best Southern Arizona Annual Event" by Arizona Foothills Magazine, it features music, a rodeo, a parade that features buffalo soldiers from Fort Huachuca, and the Annual Cowboy Hall of Fame Banquet. The festival raises money for local charities in town on on the Indian Reservation. Events include a Rodeo Queen Competition and appearances by Rex Allen Jr., and other Western movie and TV entertainers. There are re-enacted Old West gunfights, antique tractor pulls, Cowboy Poetry entertainers, a Rex Jr. Celebrity Panel Q & A, old Rex Allen movie showings, a gunshow, a car show, and a special Wine & Cheese Benefit for the Rex Allen Museum.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
♪ The 2 shows on Saturday will feature the final public musical performances of Rex Allen Jr, before he retires.
- - - -
♪ The festival will include "many live entertainers during the Fair and Carnival at Keiller Park this year, starting Friday, Oct 6th!"
♪ Schedule and artists/bands are promised "soon" on their website.

________________________________________


Oct 5-8, 2017:
29th annual "DURANGO COWBOY POETRY GATHERING" at 10 venues throughout town, hq at the Historic Strater Hotel & Theatre, 699 Main Av, Durango, CO ; www.durangocowboygathering.org
✔ TIX: Featured daytime performances (40 artists) are free. Each of the ten major events requires a separate ticket, priced from $10 to $40.
✔ CAMPING: No. But the surrounding Nat'l Forest has options.
✔ THE SCENE: The “heart” of the Gathering are the FREE "Daytime Sessions of Cowboy Poetry, Music, Storytelling and Folklore," 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, both days. That happens on three stages: in the Strater Hotel, General Palmer Hotel, and Rochester Hotel. These free stages feature a total of 40 invited performers, in four concurrent theme sessions every hour. In open sessions anyone can entertain. In addition to the western music and cowboy poetry/storytelling, there's a horse-drawn parade with prizes, chuck wagon cookout, trail rides, a trip on the steam-powered narrow-gauge railroad to Silverton, and events on a ranch and at/in ten venues in this historic old mining town. "The Gathering is an exciting, fun-filled event with evening performances and Saturday daytime sessions. Poets and musicians from throughout the country grace our intimate stage at the Diamond Circle Theatre, performing classic and contemporary poems and songs that will bring tears to your eyes and keep you in stitches. The Durango Cowboy Gathering, Inc. is a non-profit organization working to preserve and perpetuate the traditions of working ranch people in the American West. We celebrate the lifeways of rural people by creating the 'campfire' around which anyone with an interest can come to share in the appreciation of the culture and traditions unique to the West. Monies received support our annual Gathering and youth programs."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
(daytime featured performers, free shows:)
♪ Andy Hedges - Lubbock, Texas
♪ Victor Anderson - Estes Park, Colorado
♪ "Straw" Berry Cordell - Oklahoma
♪ Marleen Bussma - Dammeron Valley, Utah
♪ Marty Blocker - Cody, Nebraska
♪ Dominic Farrenkopf - Hamilton, Montana
♪ Doug Figgs - Lemitar, New Mexico
♪ Hanson Family - Veneta, Oregon
♪ Slim McWilliams - Lewis, Colorado
♪ Ken and Lynne Mikell - Verde Valley, Arizona
♪ Miss V – The Gypsy Cowbelle - Thermopolis, Wyoming
♪ Terry Nash - Loma, Colorado
♪ Sam Noble - Durango, Colorado
♪ Kay Kelley Nowell - Alpine, Texas
♪ Luke Reed - Santa Fe, New Mexico
♪ Jake Riley - Kearney, Nebraska
♪ Dennis Russell - Cimarron, New Mexico
♪ Lindy Simmons - Mancos, Colorado
♪ Del Smith - Ridgway, Colorado
♪ Tom Swearingen - Tualatin, Oregon
♪ Yampa Valley Boys - Steamboat Springs, Colorado
- - - -
(Thu evening:)
♪ Andy Nelson
♪ R.P. Smith
♪ Terry Henderson
♪ Gary McMahan
- - - -
(Fri & Sat evening, 1 show:)
♪ Gary McMahan
♪ RP Smith
♪ Rhonda Sedgwick Stearns
♪ Pat Meade
♪ Floyd Beard
- - - -
(Fri & Sat evening, other show:)
♪ Terry Henderson
♪ Andy Nelson
♪ Otto Rosfeld
♪ Yvonne Hollenbeck
♪ Trinity Seely

________________________________________


Oct 6-8, 2017:
17th annual "HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS" in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA; www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: It's enormous, having become the biggest free music festival in America. It features over 100 musical artists on 7 stages. The SF Chronicle says, "This is the great gift of Warren Hellman, the one and only, to not only the City of San Francisco, but the world of music." SF Gate adds, "Things You Must Do in The Bay Area Before You Die: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass." It's "Three days of treating you ears" to "Totally free live music in the park." HSB for short is an annual free and non-commercial music festival held the first weekend of October in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Conceived and subsidized by San Francisco venture capitalist Warren Hellman, the festival has been held every year since the first event in 2001. The only downside? It's so enormous (and yeah, crowded) that it really isn't possible to migrate from stage to stage, like at other multi-stage festivals. Here's some history of this astonishing event: "The first festival, which was simply titled 'Strictly Bluegrass,' took place on Saturday, October 27, 2001, and had a small but impressive lineup. Hellman’s one major request was that Hazel Dickens play the festival, and again, he got his way. Hazel Dickens appeared on the Main Stage, as did Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, and Dale Ann Bradley and Coon Creek, while a handful of other bands took to the Small Stage. As word of the free concert got out, the crowds started flocking to GG Park each October. The concert expanded from one day to three, and the lineups grew to include other bluegrass and country favorites such as Gillian Welch, Steve Earle and Robert Earl Keen, and without an ounce of egotism or much fanfare, Hellman himself, playing banjo with his band, the Wronglers. The roster soon grew to include typically non-bluegrass/country acts like Elvis Costello, Aimee Mann, Neko Case, and Conor Oberst. It was the inclusion of such non-bluegrass acts that led Hellman to add the 'Hardly' to the title of the festival in 2004, and it’s been Hardly Strictly ever since."
✔ NOTE: Webcasts of past year's festivals are archived at their site.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced by press time (early April, 2017).
♪ Without doubt, you'll see some of the biggest names in Bluegrass and Americana music, as always at this festival.

________________________________________


Oct 6-8, 2017:
3rd Annual "DIRTYBIRD CAMPOUT FESTIVAL" in Silverado, CA; http://dirtybirdcampout.com
✔ TIX: available online; earlybird flash sale is on JUNE 17 at 10 am.
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ This one may be turning less folky and more techo; the lineup is not yet announced, so we can't say for sure. So we're reading the tea leaves.
✔ THE SCENE: "Between the summer camp-style games, the mouth-watering barbecue and the legendary music, there’s a lot to love about Dirtybird Campout! In this rare, insider interview our very own Counselor VonStroke sat down to share a preview on what we can expect in the 2017 edition of Dirtybird Campout. Including a few words on why this year will be the best one yet."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced (as of the end of March).

________________________________________


Oct 6-8, 2017:
28th annual "LONE PINE FILM FESTIVAL" at the Lone Pine Museum of Film History and Lone Pine High School, Lone Pine, CA; 760-876-1152; www.lonepinefilmfestival.org
✔ TIX: Full festival passes will be available online in June. Day passes, available only at the box office, are $30 and permit access to all movies and panels for that specific day.
✔ CAMPING: No, but there are plenty of nearby options.
✔ THE SCENE: The event includes concerts from top Western music stars. TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz returns this year to host the Saturday evening keynote program featuring Scott Eyman, author of definitive biographies of John Ford and John Wayne. Eyman’s new book explores the 50-year friendship between Henry Fonda and James Stewart, along with a screening of their film, "The Cheyenne Social Club." True West Editor Bob Boze Bell; Paul Andre Hutton, author of "Apache Wars"; and John Lagellier, author of "Fighting for Uncle Sam: Buffalo Soldiers in the Frontier Army," will explore the "reel" versus "real" stories of the American Indian Wars through screenings and panel discussions. A further highlight this year will be a tribute to Robert Mitchum, in honor of his 100th birthday. Following a screening of his first starring role in "Nevada," Western producer/historian Rob Word will interview Mitchum’s daughter, Petrine. Additional topics, celebrities and panels will be posted on the festival website as they are finalized. Master of Ceremonies is award-winning cowboy poet Larry Maurice. Guest authors and panelists include Cheryl Rogers Barnett, Bob Boze Bell, Scott Eyman, Paul Andre Hutton, John Lagellier, Wyatt McCrea, Petrine Day Mitchum, William Wellman, and Rob Word.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Music lineup not announced by press time (late April, 2017).

________________________________________


Oct 6-8, 2017:
45th annual "NATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL" at the International Storytelling Center, 116 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659; http://store.storytellingcenter.net
✔ TIX: 3-day adult $165, sr $150, child (age 6-17) $145; Sat & Sun tix $140/$130/$120; single-day tix range from $110-$55 adult, $105-$50 sr, $100-$45 child, based on which day. Extra events cost extra. The Yarnspinner Party is $100; Midnight Cabaret Friday is $20; Ghost Story Fri or Sat are each $10. Pre-Festival Concerts are $20 each.
✔ CAMPING: Nearby; the site has a list of state and other campgrounds, with contact info.
✔ THE SCENE: The Festival, acclaimed as one of the Top 100 Events in North America, has, as it's grown, sparked a renaissance of storytelling across the country. The organizers say, "after years of scientific research in 17 different fields, analysts conclude that storytelling is our most powerful tool for effective communication." In addition to the festival's main stage, there's "Swappin' Ground" tradition in Storytelling Park; the "Yarnspinners' Party"; "Ghost Stories" with frightening tales beneath the nighttime sky; the "Story Slam!"; the "Exchange Place" of "Diverse American storytelling"; the "Midnight Cabaret" with its "Rollicking, grown-up fun"; a Wine and Beer Garden, and the festival's "Marketplace." Special events are presented during the Festival weekend and before, with "pre-festival concerts" on Wednesday & Thursday evening. If you go, catch all you can. A bit o' historY: "Over 40 years ago, a high school journalism teacher and a carload of students heard Grand Ole Opry regular Jerry Clower spin a tale over the radio about coon hunting in Mississippi. And the teacher, Jimmy Neil Smith, had a sudden inspiration: Why not have a storytelling festival right here in northeast Tennessee? On a warm October weekend in 1973 in historic Jonesborough, the first National Storytelling Festival was held. Hay bales and wagons were the stages, and audience and tellers together didn’t number more than 60. It was tiny, but something happened that weekend that forever changed our culture, this traditional art form, and the little Tennessee town... As news of the Festival and of the movement aired on national television and in magazines as diverse as Los Angeles Times Magazine, Reader’s Digest, People, and Smithsonian, the story of how a happenstance hearing of a folktale on a car radio ignited a national movement. Did the story get told again and again because people like stories about innocent beginnings, or because they like to marvel at what can happen with the serendipitous timing of a good story and a carload of receptive listeners, or simply because it’s a colorful tale? No matter the reason, it’s a classic example of how a simple story breathes life into information people want to share with each other. As millions of story lovers all over the world already know, there is no substitute for the power, simplicity, and basic truth of the well-told story."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
Carmen Deedy
Corinne Stavish
♪ Sheila Kay Adams; 7th generation ballad singer
♪ Willy Claflin; musician & storyteller
♪ Claudia Schmidt - New Voice; powerful vocalist
Vicki Juditz
Ben Haggarty - International Teller
Anne Shimojima - New Voice
Oba William King - New Voice
Josh Goforth - New Voice
Bil Lepp
Megan Wells
Donald Davis
Geraldine Buckley
Lyn Ford
♪ David Holt; Four-time Grammy award winning musician
Jim May; Emmy award-winning storyteller
Gene Tagaban

________________________________________


Oct 7 & 8, 2017:
"TICKET TO THE TWENTIES" at the Homestead Museum, 15415 E Don Julian Rd, City of Industry, CA 91745; 626-968-8492; www.homesteadmuseum.org/festivals
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: The music of the 1920s-era is a pure delight, and this is probably the only place you can hear multiple bands perform it live, including vocalists who perfectly replicate the styles. Silent movies screen with live piano and organ accompaniment, just as they did when the great movie palaces were built. Special exhibitions and tours of the museum are free during the festival. Period dress is encouraged — and Prohibition is strictly enforced! There's a car, truck and tractor show of vehicles of the era. safely distanced from the stages, you can listen to hand-crank Victrolas playing the very thick records of the time. And you can even bring a picnic to enjoy in the museum’s picnic area or by the picturesque pond, and many do that in full a920s style. Bring spending money for food and shopping. Runs 3-7 pm both days; arrive a bit early to get parking, because the lots fill-up completely.
✔ NOTE: Free ONLINE MUSIC. Get a blast from the early days of recorded music with the Homestead's "Ticket to the Twenties" playlist. It features music from past festival artists and 1920s hits. Everything from festival artists Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys, Ian Whitcomb, and Dean Mora, to vintage originals by Duke Ellington, Paul Whiteman, Eddie Cantor, and many more. You must be logged in to Spotify to listen (https://www.spotify.com/us/). Then click the festival's link.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not announced by press time (early April, 2017).
♪ Music will happen on two stages.

________________________________________


Oct 7 & 8, 2017:
39th annual "FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W Gurley St, two blocks W of the Courthouse Plaza, Prescott, AZ ; 602-445-3122; https://sharlot.org/az-history-adventures/yearly-festivals
✔ TIX: dailt admission, $10 adults, $8 museum members, free for age 17 and under.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE: PERFORMER APPLICATIONS are being accepted online (late Apr, 2017).
✔ THE SCENE: It's the longest-running folk music event in Arizona, with 200-plus musicians and more than 90 groups performing on four stages throughout the Museum's four-acre campus. "This premier event includes educational and informative workshops on musical history, musical styles and iconic musicians. There are plenty of opportunities to jam on our beautiful grounds - the porch on the historic Territorial Governor's Mansion has proven to be a popular venue year after year. If you are a musician, be sure to bring your instrument - all levels are welcome." Throughout the two-day event, workshops on a wide range of musical subjects are conducted by the performers and group members.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not announced by press time (late Apr, 2017); see above note.

________________________________________


Oct 12-15, 2017:
28th annual "LINCOLN COUNTY COWBOY SYMPOSIUM" at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, 26225 U S Hwy 70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346; 575-378-4140; www.cowboysymposium.org
✔ TIX: "a variety of ticket packages available this year. Call 575-378-4140." Daily Admission $20; Sunday admission $5. Thu or Fri night concerts are $75 each. The sat dance is $50. Other individual event tix vary from $15-$25.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: There are three music stages all day and one main stage at night, all with dance floors and open spaces. Lincoln County was where Billy the Kid rode, but there's no mention of that in the promo. This one calls itself, "The nation's finest cowboy festival with old west storytellers, noted historians, poets, musicians, chuckwagon cook-offs, western artists and craftsmen, cowboy competitions, horse demonstrations, western swing dancing, kids rodeo and educational activities." In 1996, the symposium was selected as the "Best Cowboy Cultural Event" by the National Cowboy Symposium Association. In addition, the LCCS has been named one of North America's top 100 events by the American Bus Association. This year includes the "Albertson's Market LCCS World Championship Chuckwagon Cook-off Competition. "To reserve a plate, mark your calendars for June 1st when tickets go on sale." The 2017 Western Expo will feature over 100 booths from all over the country.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
(daytime:)
♪ The Time Jumpers
♪ Moe Bandy
♪ Jody Nix
♪ Dave Alexander Band
♪ Janie Fricke
♪ Coby carter
♪ Tommy Allsup
♪ Billy Mata
♪ Tawnya Reynolds
- - - -
(Thu eve concert:)
♪ Asleep at the Wheel
♪ Red Steagall
♪ Dave Alexander Band
- - - -
(Fri eve concert:)
♪ Bri Bagwell
♪ Tracy Byrd
- - - -
(Sat eve concert:)
♪ Floyd Domino Trio
♪ Mickey Gilley
♪ Jody Nix

________________________________________


Oct 12-15, 2017:
"FESTIVALS ACADIENS ET CREOLES" is FREE in Girard Park, Lafayette, Louisiana; www.festivalsacadiens.com
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE 1: KRVS, "Radio Acadie," broadcasts live from the festival grounds. Interviews, as well as live music, will hit the airwaves throughout festival weekend. Listen to that, and CATCH CAJUN MUSIC ANYTIME on their live stream, at: http://krvs.org
✔ NOTE 2: Dick Brainard has a special hotel rate for Cajun-Zydeco dancers and aficionados at the Ramada Inn in Lafayette during this festival. He tells us, "Our rate will again be $65 + tax/night. This rate will apply from Wed., Oct 11 through Mon, Oct 16." Email Dick for the needed booking code at dickbrainard@gmail.com. Then call the hotel to reserve, at 337-233-6815 and ask for Carla.
✔ THE SCENE: If you want REAL, TRADITIONAL, CAJUN MUSIC, this is the one. Several parallel and affiliated festivals that include folk craft celebrations. The music fest, " Festival de Musique," has six stages and happens "beneath the spreading oaks of Girard Park in Lafayette, LA... 'Festival de Musique Acadienne' now attracts Louisiana's best Cajun and Zydeco bands and draws thousands of people from across the country and around the world. 'Festival de Musique Acadienne,' celebrating 36 years of entertainment, originated as the 'Tribute to Cajun Music Festival,' an event that was designed to attract and educate the younger generation to the traditional values of the Cajun culture... Celebrate the rhythm of Cajun and Creole life... Dance to a traditional waltz. Two-step to the upbeat rhythms of accordions, fiddles and ti fers (triangles). Step back in time as traditional crafters demonstrate their artistry. Festivals Acadiens et Créoles pays tribute to the Cajun and Creole cultures with a combination of FREE festivals. Held the second weekend in October!"
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Oct 13-15, 2017:
4th annual "BOB WILLS FIDDLE FESTIVAL & CONTEST" at multiple venues in Greenville, TX; https://www.twinfiddleproductions.com
✔ TIX: Watch their website.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Western swing is the Official State Music of Texas. Aphorisms like, "If you're gonna play in Texas, you've gotta have a fiddle in the band" are alive and well (and taken seriously in the Lone Star State). This festival is all about celebreation the rich legacy of that heritage and making sure it continues in the hands of accomplished and talented young players alike.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not announced by press time (late-April, 2017).
♪ This event books Grammy noms and winners and other top acts.

________________________________________


Oct 14 & 15, 2017:
"SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES" in Seaside Park at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W Harbor Bl, Ventura CA; www.seaside-games.com
✔ TIX: Discount tix through Oct 1 are $18 single-day, $28 two days; Seniors & military $15 single-day, $23 two days. At the gate, $20 single-day, $30 two days; seniors & military $17 one-day, $25 two days; children age 6-12, $5 two day tix. Free for children age 5 & under.
✔ NOTE 1: the festival kicks-off Fri, Oct 13, with a concert and Scottish evening at the Four Points (separate ticket).
✔ NOTE 2: To enter the games (Scottish Heavy Athletics, etc., men's and women's), contact Rick LaVallee at caberdroper@gmail.com
✔ CAMPING: Yes, for RVs only.
✔ THE SCENE: It's a large, well-run, respected and respectable Scottish/Celtic festival with plenty of music and trad highland games that include Scottish Heavy Athletics — or, as the festival promo always put it, "Large men throwing stuff." There's also Whisky Tasting. With its Massed Pipebands, parades and competition, the sanctioned Scottish Fiddling Competition, sheepdog herding demonstrations, Scottish Entertainers, Clan Tents, Children's Glen, British and Scottish Food, Highland Dancing, Battle Re-enactments, and classic British car show, the Festival atmosphere will transport you to the Scotland of yesterday and of today and will lay before you the music, dance, games, food and drink of that great culture.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
(music stages:)
♪ Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).
♪ Expect a solid mix of nationally-touring trad Celtic, Scottish, Irish, and Celtic rock.
- - - -
(Scottish Country dancing in McBride Hall:)
This one is booked:
♪ Traditional dance demos on Saturday.
On Sunday, it's primarily a music stage, with:
♪ Rigel (local scottish folk and dance music group)
♪ Three for Joy (upbeat young Scottish music/country dance)
♪ The annual open Celtic Jam Session
- - - -
♪ Plus, contestants perform in the sanctioned Scottish Fiddling Competition

________________________________________


Oct 20-22, 2017:
"LOGANDALE FALL FESTIVAL" in the Clark Co. Fairgrounds, Logandale, NV; http://logandalefallfestival.com
✔ TIX: not yet available. Site shows 2016 prices of $10 one-day, $30 three-day.
✔ CAMPING: may be limited to dry RV camping; in 2016, camping included ONE 3-day pass.
✔ THE SCENE: Temps have cooled-down by late October. This fest began many years ago as a purely bluegrass festival. Now it has many added aspects. "With a Bluegrass Festival–BBQ Cookoff–Craft & Stuff Show–Kids Zone–Small Animal Fair–Rock and Gem Show... this is an annual festival in Nevada's Moapa Valley, in the town of Logandale." That's off I-15, NE of Las Vegas, on the way to the interstate's dramatically scenic trip through the Virgin River Canyon (which is a must-do drive).
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced: their site still shows the 2016 bands, which were:
Cassidy Shewmake Project
Chris Cerna and the Bluegrass Republic
Desperado Bluegrass Band
Frequent Flyers
Get Down Boys
Grasslands
James Reams and the Barnstormers
Johnny Campbell and the Bluegrass Drifters
One Button Suit
Out of the Desert
Pittman Wash All Star Strings
Stillhouse Road
stillhouse-road-band-photo
Stuck in Reverse

________________________________________


Oct 26-29, 2017:
7th annual "HANGTOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL" at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Dr, Placerville, CA 95667; http://hangtownfestival.com
✔ TIX: $40 – $170.50. "A very limited number of 'Blind Faith' [pre-lineup announcement] 4-Day Passes" with deep adv.discounts went on sale Apr 13, at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hangtown-music-festival-2017-tickets-33469566374?aff=bucket
✔ CAMPING: Yes.
✔ THE SCENE: Along with a record of fine lineups, it's family-friendly with extensive kids activities. A hallmark of this one is: "For those who like to enjoy music into the wee hours, our Late Night shows offer unique musical pairings for fans of all tastes. All artists performing in Late Night shows also perform on the daytime stages." The Guide's 2016 advance coverage concluded, "This one warrants a road trip."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced by press time (mid-April, 2017).
♪ The 2016 lineup featured The Infamous Stringdusters, Railroad Earth, The Brothers Comatose, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Whiskey Shivers, and the great Joe Craven in a huge lineup.

________________________________________


Oct 27-29, 2017:
27th annual "RED STEAGALL COWBOY GATHERING AND WESTERN SWING FESTIVAL" at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, Ft. Worth, TX; http://redsteagallcowboygathering.com
✔ TIX: Not yet available. In 2016, 3-day tix without the Saturday Night Rodeo were $75, $90 with the rodeo; Child's Rodeo tix (ages 3-12) $15; daily all-access tix were $35-$40, with children age 12 and under free (excluding the rodeo). Tix box office: www.stockyardsrodeo.com ✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: This was "voted ‘Best Gathering and Best Family Event’ by the readers of American Cowboy Magazine." There's a 5-day wagon train journey/trail ride from an appreciable distance away and you can buy tix to participate. There are plenty of real trappings of the Old West. Organizers say, "Come enjoy these great events during the weekend: Wagon Train and Trail Ride from Jacksboro, Exciting Ranch Rodeo Action, Chuck Wagon Camp and Competition, Trappings Show, Cowboy Poetry and Cowboy Music, Ranch Cutting Horse Assn. Rodeo Finals, Youth Poetry Contest, Youth Fiddle Contest, Youth Chuck Wagon Cook-off, Texas Trail of Fame, Cowboy Church, Cowboy Gospel Concert, Western Swing Dances and NEW Texas Lone Star Open Live Bid Calling Contest."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet published at press time (mid-April, 2017).
♪ Last year featured top acts, including Don Edwards, Jean Prescott, R.W. Hampton, Kristyn Harris, and Red Steagall & The Boys in the Bunkhouse.

________________________________________


Sat, Oct 28, 2017: (prospective)
"GRAND AVE ARTS: ALL ACCESS, MUSIC CENTER ON TOUR" in ten venues throughout downtown Los Angeles; http://grandavearts.tumblr.com/ (still shows 2016 info at press time).
✔ TIX: It's free.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: From The Guide's 2016 write-up: "Using some iconic L.A. locations and venues, this brings a cavalcade of artists and rich variety of activities. There are kid-friendly performances to light up the family stage on The Music Center Plaza, and a vast offering of music in a bunch of venues nearby, atop Bunker Hill, inside the Music Center and beyond, ten venues, with informal activities all the way down the cascading Grand Park to across from City Hall Plaza, all a very big FREE deal." The 2016 event included Folk-Americana / roots artist Moira Smiley leading two sessions of "The Big Sing" for packed houses inside the Music Center for all who signed-up. Venues / major host institutions:
• Center Theatre Group at the Mark Taper Forum and Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N Grand Av.
• The Music Center including Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Music Center Plaza and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, 135 N Grand Av.
• Grand Park, 200 N Grand Av.
• REDCAT at the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex: 631 W 2nd St.
• L.A. Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Av.
• L.A. Phil at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Av.
• Los Angeles Master Chorale at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Av.
• MOCA, 250 S Grand Av.
• Colburn School of Music, 200 S Grand Av.
• Los Angeles Central Library: 630 W 5th St at Grand Av.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not announced by press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Oct 28-29, 2017: (Projected dates)
"SOUTH LOUISIANA BLACKPOT FESTIVAL AND COOKOFF" in Vermilionville, Louisiana; http://blackpotfestival.com
✔ TIX: will be online.
✔ CAMPING: Yes. Tix will be online.
✔ THE SCENE: "Walking distance from the Lafayette Regional Airport and several hotels, with considerable improvements over the old venue: bigger better dance floor, bigger chapel, more camping area!" Earlier promo: "The South Louisiana Black Pot Festival & Cookoff is one of the most unique festivals in Louisiana. Held annually at Lafayette’s Acadian Village, the festival celebrates its 5th year this October with two days of great music, dancing, food, camping & jamming. The festival is a cooperative of south Louisiana musicians, artists and Southern culture enthusiasts, creating an unprecedented gathering of south Louisiana’s hottest roots bands, as well as a number of groups from all over the country. Live performances range from Cajun & Zydeco, to Creole, Swing, Hot Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, Americana, Irish & Old-Time. Plus, an old-fashioned black pot cook-off, accordion contest, 'called' square dancing, and ample camping space for tents & RV’s."
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Nov 3-4, 2017:
"THE WESTERN SLOPE COWBOY GATHERING" "featuring Cowboy Poetry and Western Music," at the Museum of the West, 462 Ute Av (at 5th), and the Whitman Educational Center, 248 S Fourth St (at Ute), Grand Junction, Colorado; www.westernslopecowboygathering.com
✔ TIX: Info not announced by press time (mid-Apr, 2017).
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Presented by the Museums of Western Colorado, the largest multi-disciplinary museum complex between Salt Lake City and Denver. But — other than getting their lineup announced early — there just isn't much online about this festival for this or past years.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Kristyn Harris
♪ Al Albrethsen
♪ Floyd Beard
♪ Valerie Beard
♪ Jerry "Brooksie" Brooks
♪ Nona Kelley Carver
♪ Great Western Heritage
♪ Annie Hughes
♪ Randy Huston
♪ Susie Knight
♪ Slim McWilliams
♪ Peggy Malone
♪ Terry Nash
♪ Dennis Russell

________________________________________


Nov 8-12, 2017:
"WESTERN MUSIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE & AWARDS" at the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, 800 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104; www.westernmusic.org
✔ TIX: will be available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ THE SCENE: Western Music is the folk music of the Western life style and vista. Like most other genres of Folk-Americana, the Grammys have no awards for any of its many rich facets — traditional or contemporary cowboy / ranch music, western swing, male and female vocalists, best band, best songwriter, best performance, etc. So, this event takes the place of those missing Grammys, and this is the music's annual global celebration. Some Western Music originates from roots in English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh ballads, as well as musical influences from the European countries of immigrants who "went west" and some carries jazz and blues origins. The WMA, with chapters worldwide, does for Western Music what the Grammy organization does for pop music. It celebrates and honors artists and their accomplishments and promotes and preserves history, culture, heritage of all genres of Western music, from cowboy ballads to original songwriting to western swing bands. The annual event offers numerous workshops and live performances, and always features plenty of jams. In addition to the prestigious awards determined by member votes, the event features Harmony, Yodeling & Poetry Contests. Wear your hat and they'll greet you with a big howdy.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
- - - -
(Wed, "Swing Dance Spectacular" features:)
♪ Syd Masters & The Swing Riders
♪ The Swing Sisters
- - - -
♪ Lineups for the many other events and concerts were not announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


Nov 11 & 12, 2017:
23rd annual "HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS" at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 2850 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626; www.scdh.org
✔ TIX: will be available online.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE: Presented by the nonprofit Southern California Dulcimer Heritage (SCDH).
✔ THE SCENE: Each of the days is different. Saturday is filled with workshops, all-day jamming, mid-day and evening concerts, vendors, displays of beautiful handmade instruments, and opportunity drawings from 9 am-8 pm, with the evening concert at 8 pm; all at the main site in Costa Mesa. Sunday moves from Costa Mesa to two intensive workshops presented by the festival's headliner artists; one is "Hammered Dulcimer & Other Instruments" 10 am-2 pm in Fullerton, the other is "Fretted Dulcimer & Other Instruments" 11 am-3 pm in Downey. (This is the same festival that was held for many years in Culver City.)
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Heidi Muller, fretted dulcimer (OR)
♪ Bob Webb, multi-instrumentalist (OR)
♪ Ruth & Steve Smith, she on hammered dulcimer, he a multi-instrumentalist (NC)
♪ Plus local artists and teachers perform, lead a youth ensemble concert, and more.

________________________________________


Sat, Nov 25, 2017: (Projected dates)
"AL BERARD MUSIC FEST" in Henderson, Louisiana; www.alberard.com
✔ TIX: check their site.
✔ CAMPING: check their site.
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Not yet announced at press time (early April, 2017).

________________________________________


SOURCES... ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS... THANKS...

While details and info on numerous individual festivals came from diverse sources and searches far and wide and alllll over de place — The Guide acknowledges the very valuable PRINCIPAL SOURCES that were used to prepare this 2017 Festival Guide:

✔ www.musicfestivalwizard.com
✔ www.eventbritemail.com
✔ www.folkworks.org
✔ Brad Sjoblom and his long-running "Southern California Cajun Zydeco" website: http://Zydecobrad.com. You can subscribe to Brad's FREE concert/dance/events e-newsletter at: Zydecobrad@aol.com (tell him the Acoustic Americana Music Guide sent you).
✔ www.gatorboyproductions.com
✔ We note that many Cajun-Zydeco festival listings were compiled by Jim Hance directly from prominent band and festival websites, and we add our appreciation for his yeoman efforts.

________________________________________

Finally...

1) CHANGES IN FESTIVAL LINEUPS AND STAGE TIMES are common, especially as additional acts are booked. So, as Jim Hance cautions, "Refer to both the event websites and websites of your favorite artists appearing at the festivals prior to making your travel plans."

2) Please SEND US info on any festival we may have missed — if it's in one or more of the genres we cover — or write to us to correct any errors that appear in our listings. (And our thanks in advance for that!)

Title your email: FESTIVAL INFO

Send to:

tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
________________________________________

ENJOY YOUR tuneful festivities at 2017's FESTIVALS! (You're welcome!)

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

LEGALESE, CONTACTING US, 'N SUCH...

Boilerplate? Where's the main pressure gauge? And the firebox?

What "boilerplate"? Who came up with that goofy term for the basic essential informational stuff...
________________________________

Direct to the Guide's current editions /

MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY

editions load quickly at
.
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to:

Tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Contents copyright © 2017,
Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
♪ The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS — and views of interest to artists everywhere — more specifically to musicians and the creative community and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music. That includes both traditional and innovative forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues (now undergoing a major update), and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues from the monumentally large to the intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops, conferences, and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the swamp water roots of the blues and the bright lights of where the music is headed now.
.
The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell. The porch'll be here anytime you come back from the road.

<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>