By Jenn Sheridan ·
Photo by Sophie Daubner ·
When: Sept. 18-21 | Noon-11 p.m.
Where: Johnsville Ski Bowl | Graeagle, Calif.
Admission: $80 | Includes parking & camping
Grab your cowboy boots, turn off your cell phone and head out of town for a weekend of fantastic music and dancing in support of reopening one of the oldest ski hills in the nation.
Founded in 2013 by three ambitious college students, the Lost Sierra Hoedown is a volunteer-driven event with proceeds benefitting the Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl. Nearly 100 years before the Olympic Games came to Squaw Valley, Johnsville was home to the first organized ski races in North America and remains a largely unknown, yet important, piece of ski history.
Faced with a project that would benefit the local community while showcasing the skills they had learned at Sierra Nevada College, Drew Fisher, Rachael Blum and Cody Wilkins put their heads together to create an event that would remind people of simple living, promote sustainable practices and raise money for the mom and pop ski hill with a rich history. The first event brought some big name musicians to the stage, sold more than 300 tickets and raised more than $6,000 for the Ski Bowl.
“Last year, we pulled it together with some incredible music. I think it caught people off guard,” Fisher says.
After a successful first attempt, the group was excited to bring back their favorite parts of last year while mixing in some new attractions.
Similar to last year, ticket prices include on-site Stake-Your-Claim camping and a reusable aluminum pint glass to enjoy local brews. Beer sales at the event go directly toward supporting the Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl thanks to donations from Sierra Nevada Brewery and The Brewing Lair.
Hoedowners are encouraged to repackage anything they bring to reduce waste and bring reusable utensils and dishes to enjoy food from local vendors that will be on grounds throughout the event. The music starts at noon each day, but all are encouraged to explore the beautiful surrounding area although the lineup will make it hard to leave.
“We wanted music that people might not know, but they’ll be knocked off their feet when they hear it,” Fisher says.
Returning headliners include Dead Winter Carpenters, Miner and Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit along with an expanded list of musicians from the West Coast and beyond.
“I’ve never said the phrase ‘mark my words’ so many times before, but years from now we’ll be saying ‘Can you believe we had Willie Watson at the Lost Sierra Hoedown?’ ” Fisher says.
One of the founding members of Old Crow Medicine Show, Watson just released his first solo album “Folk Singer. ” He’s been been touring in support of the new album including a stop at the Americana Music Festival and an upcoming stop at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco in October.
Possessed by Paul James is sure to rock the crowd, as well. This one-man band is known for his live performances, taking on the energy of whatever the audience craves and delivering acoustic guitar, banjo and a little old-fashioned, foot-stomping percussion. Fisher and the crew worked hard to keep a good balance of local talent with musicians from out of the area, hoping that the blend would draw a more diverse audience.
The fun doesn’t end after the music stops on Sunday. Everyone is invited to stay and enjoy the lazy day on Monday because The Lost Sierra Hoedown is about living simply.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit lostsierrahoedown.com.
The Lineup
Thursday, Sept. 18
Noon | Gates open & camp set up
9-10:30 p.m. | Unplugged in New York
Friday, Sept. 19
Noon-1:15 p.m. | Lost Sierra Ramblers
1:45-3 p.m. | Spur of the Moment
3:30-4:45 p.m. | Neckbeard Boys
5:15-6:45 p.m. | The Lil Smokies
7:15-8:30 p.m. | Sneaky Creatures
9-11 pm. | Dead Winter Carpenters
After-hours | Funky Choney, Spun Hippo & Lonesome Locomotive
Saturday, Sept. 20
12:15-1:30 p.m. | Grover Anderson
2-3:15 p.m. | Wake of the Dead
3:45-5 p.m. | Bobcat Rob Armanti
5:30-7 p.m. | Possessed by Paul James
7:30-9 p.m. | Miner
9:30-11 p.m. | The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit
After hours | Jeremy Jones Band & The Lil Smokies
Sunday, Sept. 21
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Penny Benny and Dude
12:30-1:30 p.m. | Strung Nugget Gang
2–-3 p.m. | Paige Anderson and the Fearless Kin
3:30-4:30 p.m. | Mike Witcher Dobro Workshop and Performance
5-6:30 p.m. | Willy Tea, Chris Doud, Bobcat, Mike Witcher
7-9 p.m. | Willie Watson
