By Priya Hutner ·
Monophonics ·
There is no doubt that Guitarfish Festival founder Brent Dana is passionate about music. Once the late-night stage manager for High Sierra Music Festival and the current producer for Concerts at Commons Beach in Tahoe City, Dana was inspired to start his own music festival and Guitarfish was born.
Now its fifth year, the Guitarfish Festival not only brings an excellent line up of music to the South Fork of the Yuba River in Cisco Grove, the event also brings a rocking fun party with a message.
“Our mission is to bring awareness of overfishing, pollution of the ocean and to help preserve our fresh watersheds, rivers and streams. We all need to be stewards of the planet. We are looking for new and innovative ways to clean up waters and how can we make a difference in world,” Brent explains.
Lebo | photo by Blakesberg ·
Headliners such as Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Orgone, Dumpstaphunk and Kinky are among the bands bringing high-energy, dance music for four days of action-packed fun with an amazing line up of eclectic music that includes lots of funk and groove, with a bit of Americana and Gospel.
Lebo and Friends take the stage this year bringing their unique sound. Performing with Lebo (vocals and guitar) will be ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) band member Steve Adams on bass, Ezra Lipp on drums from Phil & Friends, Sean Hayes and Lesley Grant, a vocalist from Katdelic.
“I am psyched to go back. It’s a great community vibe, people dress up, it’s musically exciting, and the interplay between the bands creates an amazing camaraderie. It’s a very celebratory event,” Lebo explains.
Also performing at Guitarfish is second-year veteran, Con Brio with their R&B sound that pushes the boundaries. Ziek McCarter, lead singer of Con Brio, says that he is thrilled to be playing the late-night stage this year.
McCarter says that they are inspired by raw energy and passion.
Founder Brent Dana ·
“It could be the magnitude of chilling on the beach near the Golden Gate Bridge, seeing two lovers on the street, watching a young kid play basketball or a little girl dance,” he explains. “We’re bringing the sun out at midnight this year, with new tunes were excited to play with lots of kinetic energy.”
“We have plenty of well-known music veterans and a number of up and coming bands,” said Dana of the four stages packed with great music. “I am stoked about the line up.”
And, Dana adds that he is a big fan of storyteller Steve Poltz, who will be performing this year.
The festival is family friendly with Kindred Arts of Truckee on hand to offer children’s programs. Yoga will be offered in the mornings along with mountain bike shuttles for those interested in riding Hole in the Wall. An interactive display of Burning Man art from Ken Rose, creator of The Temple of Transition, may be explored in the Illuminous Zone.
Blue is the New Green is the theme of this year’s festival, so break out the costumes for Guitarfish and get dressed for all things blue, green and ocean related. And, there’s a Full Moon Party on Friday night.
All of the late night shows are free from 12:30 to 2:30 a.m. Con Brio, Ron Kat Kadillic and Funkadelic are on the schedule for some late-night partying and dancing.
Guitarfish offers camping on site and all tickets include camping. As well, there will be a ride share program for those not camping at the festival. For more information and tickets, visit guitarfishfestival.com.
July 30-Aug. 2
$64-$84 day pass | $139-$189 multiday passes
Cisco Grove, Calif.
