High Sierra Music Festival 2006

Another beautiful festival in the high sierras, and the perfect re-entry to life in California!

I had another great year camping with the
Happy Brigade, who always knows how to BRING IT! With the Stoke-O-Meter perpetually gauging the level of stoke amongst passerbys, a Rock the Earth benefit party with members of Railroad Earth, and a kazoo marching band parade through the festival grounds, I couldn't have asked for a better crew to spend my festival with.

This was my fifth consecutive year at High Sierra, and I'm positive that each year gets better. Friends and families coming together, constantly growing connections, and a palpable feeling of love all around. This year was also my first year volunteering with the Hospitality Crew at the Big Meadow stage. I am so grateful for the opportunity, and can't wait for more good times in the years to come.

Oh, right, and the music! Lots of great music, all day long, all night long... Who needs sleep anyway!? At High Sierra, there's always something for everyone. There were a couple of great sets with the Hot Buttered Rum String Band for the bluegrass-inclined.  Lotus, with their ambient psychedelic grooves rocked the house late night with Hairy Apes BMX, if you're looking for something more alternative. Brother showed up for an odd combination of world sounds, including didjeridoos and bagpipes. Toubab Krewe became my new favorite band this year with their afro-caribbean surfer style. Then there was Chris Berry and Panjea who made an impression on me with their conscious lyrics and positive message along with danceable beats and some fine horn players. Another new favorite was Stymie and the Pimp Jones Luv Orchestra who really brought the FUNK!

The music, the people, the perfect weather, the trees all around, the free sunscreen (!).... yeah, it was the perfect welcome home. High Sierra rocks my world.