The High Sierra Music Festival (HSMF) returns to Quincy, CA, for yet another spectacular Fourth of July weekend of music and magic on July 3-6. Discounted 4-day tickets are now available (see below for a code). There are also options for “FestivAll” VIP experiences, “glamping” tent rentals, single-day tickets, RV parking, and more.
As always, High Sierra will present a wide variety of bluegrass, jam, Americana, funk, folk, and worldbeat acts. This year’s lineup includes Molly Tuttle, Lyrics Born, ALO, Dogs in a Pile, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, and rising superstar Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge. And then there’s John Craigie, The Slip, Mikaela Davis, Steve Poltz, and a very special appearance by Amy Helm and the (Levon) Helm Midnight Family Ramble.
Producer David Margulies is thrilled to welcome HSMF veterans and newcomers. “Our incredibly talented and dedicated team is working with renewed energy to make sure we deliver the kind of unforgettable experience that has defined High Sierra for over 30 years.” (And don’t believe the rumors—Margulies assures us that HSMF25 is NOT canceling!)
If you don’t know what you’re doing in early July, we’ve got ten reasons for you to jump on the HSMF bandwagon.
1) HSMF is the ONLY camp-out music festival west of the Rockies on Fourth of July weekend this year. It’s the perfect escape from the stress of “real life” in these uncertain times. You can count on experiencing the magic of a High Sierra parade, feeling the mellow vibe melding HS “lifers” and newbies, and hearing a mélange of musical styles from over 60(!) incredible performers. Plus, where else are you gonna find a kickball game at dawn where you can play with pianist extraordinaire Holly Bowling?
2) It’s all about YOU! HSMF producer Margulies sums it up: “It's about the people. Everybody brings something of themselves to the festival, and that is what collectively raises the bar to create the magic.” From the campgrounds to the stage, HSMF attendees, musicians, volunteers, vendors, and everyone else contribute to making each HSMF a treasured memory.
3) But it’s also about the music! This year will feature a new stage, providing even more music than ever before. The new, indoor Lagniappe Lounge will have a full performance lineup each day running alongside the well-established Grandstand Stage, Vaudeville Tent, and Big Meadow Stage.
The only stress is musical FOMO! You can’t possibly see every performance. But it always works out, because wherever you are, it’s all so good. Margulies, who is as much a live-music fan as the rest of us, summed up the festival experience perfectly: “You do that whole journey with FOMO, but then you get to a place where you're in deep appreciation for what you DO get to see.” And there is nothing but good stuff to see and hear at HSMF!
4) Unique musical collaborations. You never know who will jump on stage to jam with an act at HSMF! Also, don’t miss the HSMF “Playshops,” one-of-a-kind showcases for musicians who typically do not perform with each other. Playshops often revolve around unconventional and offbeat themes, artist tributes, and alternative genre explorations. See the full lineup at https://www.highsierramusic.com/playshops
One of this year’s Playshops will delight fans hungry for anything related to Phish and Trey Anastasio; four members of Trey Anastasio Band (drummer Russ Lawton, keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, trumpeter Jennifer Hartswick, and trombonist Natalie Cressman) will perform a set of improvisational jams with JRAD’s Scott Metzger and others on Sunday in the air-conditioned High Sierra Music Hall.
5) Beat the heat. It’s too soon to say for sure, but the weather outlook for Quincy on the Fourth of July weekend this year is not daunting. Still, HSMF is adding more shade structures on the Grandstand Meadow and elsewhere. The Grandstand Stage, High Sierra’s largest venue, is also starting its programming later in the day to avoid the hottest hours. And the smaller High Sierra Music Hall (home of the Playshops) and new Lagniappe Lounge stage are in air-conditioned buildings.
6) The Third Mind. Psychedelic rock that will blow your mind with a heavy flavor of Quicksilver Messenger Service and 1960s Grateful Dead. Don’t miss the shredding lead guitars by Dave Alvin (The Blasters) and David Immerglück (Counting Crows). Camper Van Beethoven bassist Victor Krummenacher is no slouch either.
7) Grace Bowers and The Hodge Podge. Don’t be fooled by her age. Bowers may be only 19 years old when she makes her premiere on the High Sierra stage, but she wields a blues axe with startling force and creativity. Singer Esther Okai Tetteh is equally stunning.
HSMF Director of Operations Theresa Hayle says, “High Sierra is where headliners get discovered!” This set is destined to be one of those experiences—don’t miss this chance to see Grace Bowers and the Hodge Podge on a small stage before they blow up big time.
8) Helm Family Midnight Ramble. This will be the first time Amy Helm presents a session of the famed Midnight Ramble, a tradition begun by her father, Levon (the revered drummer and vocalist for The Band), outside of the family compound in Woodstock, NY. Just another example of the intimate, unique experiences HSMF delivers every year.
9) Everything else. Costume themes. Kids’ activities and babysitting services. Great food. Arts, crafts, and clothing vendors. Yoga. Silent disco. Glamping. Local public pool. Clean mountain air. Top-notch lighting and sound. Multiple stages. Intimate troubadour sessions. Warm hospitality from the Quincy community (please support local merchants!). And best of all, the HSMF family—which includes you!
10) Tickets and discounts. Visit https://www.highsierramusic.com/ for ticket options (including 4-day and single-day passes, RV and glamping options, and late-night shows). The 4-day passes, which include onsite tent camping, can be purchased at a discount using this code: 15Sierra
