High Sierra Fest still grooves, now moves within easier reach of the Bay

For 34 years—and with eclectic music lineups that bridge jam band, reggae legends, folk troubadours, and classic soul-funk outfits—the High Sierra Festival (July 2-5) has been an essential part of the Bay Area festival circuit, even though it’s been, well, in the High Sierra.

You still get wild mountain loveliness and family-friendly outdoor playfulness (yes there are puppets and parades) at its new location: the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, CA. But now, this most Californian of fests is within easier reach of the Bay Area, so you can dip in for a day or two. Although with this year’s lofty lineup—including Steel Pulse, Don Was, Cymande, and Karl Denson’ Tiny Universe—you might want to roll up, hint hint, and stay awhile.

I emailed High Sierra co-founder Dave Margulies to talk about the big move and what’s on tap.

48 HILLS Hi Dave! Congrats on the move to Grass Valley. Besides a new space, what do you feel makes the festival special this year?

DAVE MARGULIES Because High Sierra is now in Grass Valley, it’s much easier for people to come up just for the day if they want. We’re offering single-day tickets, multi-day tickets, and, for the first time ever, late-night show tickets that don’t require a festival ticket. I hope people will take a look at the schedule and join us whenever they can without feeling like they need to commit to the entire weekend. 

One of the things I’m most excited about this year is the Playshops. High Sierra has always been known for its unique collaborations, tributes, and one-of-a-kind musical moments, and this year’s Playshops are especially strong. There are so many incredible artists coming together in combinations you’ll only see here.And one thing I couldn’t be happier about is the weather. Right now it’s looking like mid-80s during the day and 60s at night. After producing festivals for all these years, that’s about as good as it gets. 

This is an exciting year for us as we embark on a new chapter in the festival’s rich history. A new home in a beautiful venue with more lodging options and closer proximity to the Bay Area. Come see what makes High Sierra so special!

48 HILLS What’s a big-time memories of the festival that still sticks in your mind after 34 years? 

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DAVE MARGULIES My first year as co-producer in Bear Valley was in 1995 and our closing act, The Radiators were on and they hit the curfew at 11pm. The band had the crowd going and everyone wanted an encore. We made the call to allow that and the sheriff showed up demanding to speak to my partner who had made himself invisible for the next 11 minutes while the band launched into The Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy For The Devil.”

The sheriff was demanding to speak to someone who would make the music stop. I stepped in as a representative of the festival as the sheriff’s yelled at me to “PULL THE PLUG!” I feigned trying to get my partner on the radio, raising my voice into the walkie-talkie, but I hadn’t pressed the “talk” button so my words weren’t landing with anyone other than those within earshot. I continued the charade of trying to find someone who could make the call to pull the plug until finally the band ended and the show came to a natural conclusion.

Audience satisfied. Mission accomplished.

48 HILLS High Sierra has been woven into Bay Area music festival season for decades. What do you feel especially appeals to people here about it?

DAVE MARGULIES The passion for great music, the deep enjoyment of being in community and the core values of being good people and looking out for one another that we collectively embrace.

48 HILLS Which musical act(s) will we definitely catch you watching this year? 

DAVE MARGULIES Ha! As many as I possibly can! Cymande, Don Was and The Pan Detroit Ensemble, Judith Hill, River Eckert, Moga Family Band, The Walkaways, Steve Poltz, Maisy Owen, Paul McDonald, and Deerlady are acts I know for certain that I will see.

34TH ANNUAL HIGH SIERRA MUSIC FESTIVAL July 2-5, Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, CA. More info here.

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