FIBAark has always brought great musicians to Salida to celebrate whitewater and this year is no exception as they raise the bar again, with an outstanding lineup Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Grab your friends, a spot on the lawn, perhaps a cold New Belgium brew and enjoy the sweet sounds of these fine musicians.
Bruce Hayes
Thursday, June 17th 5 – 6:30 pm
Bruce Hayes, a Salida local, plays Rhythm & Celtgrass music, a fusion of styles that combines acoustic and electric instruments with elements of Rock, Bluegrass, Blues, Celtic, and R&B music. Collaborating with The String Cheese Incident and Acoustic Junction, Hayes helped create the acoustic jam band sound. He continues this tradition performing original songs and arrangements on Mandolin, Guitar, Dobro, foot board, and his latest creation, the Stratobassto.
The Meters Experience featuring Leo Nocentelli, guitarist of The Meters
Thursday, June 17th 8 – 10 pm
In their 41-year history, The Meters have grooved their way around the globe. They have toured with such talents as The Rolling Stones, and have been the rhythm for such diverse artists as Dr. John, Paul McCartney, Robert Palmer, and Patti Labelle. Considered by many to be the founding fathers of funk, The Meters created a unique sound that lasted through the sixties and seventies and was reborn in the late eighties. Their trademark sound blends funk, blues, and dance grooves with a New Orleans vibe.
Head for the Hills
Friday, June 18th 5:30 – 7:30
The shared vision amongst the members of Head for the Hills is not only to carry on the spirit of bluegrass, but also to expand the general definition as they venture through the post-traditional bluegrass era. Head for the Hills draws significant inspiration from the sounds of the bluegrass forefathers such as John Hartford, David Grisman, and Bill Monroe, but also appeals to anybody who enjoys experiencing the excitement, innovation, and element of youth that is incorporated into each and every performance. Many respected avenues have sighted Head for the Hills as the next breath of fresh air to emerge from the acoustic realm. With direction from a Grammy award winning musician and an ever-evolving approach to progressive acoustic music, there is no telling what successes lay ahead for this group of talented musicians. Head for the Hills is
Adam Kinghorn on guitar and vocals; Joe Lessard on fiddle and vocals; Matt Loewen on bass and vocals; and Mike Chappell on Mandolin.
“Head for the Hills is a talented group of musicians on the cutting edge. Listeners will fully enjoy this unique sound”
-Drew Emmitt (Leftover Salmon)
BoomBox
Friday, June 18th 8 – 10 pm
BoomBox is Producer/Engineer/DJ/Drummer Russ Randolph and Producer/DJ/Vocalist/Guitarist Zion Rock Godchaux. This pair of dynamic artists uses their rich musical history and their vision of music and popular culture to deliver a style of music distinctly different from anything heard or seen in music today. Their signature sound and show brings live music to a new, elevated level. BoomBox evolved through the common visualization of two forward-thinking artists from diverse musical backgrounds. Raised by supportive and musically inclined parents, both Godchaux and Randolph had an obsession with music at very young ages. Godchaux, who grew up with deeply embedded rock and roll roots, began playing drums at the age of two, and played guitar and wrote his own songs as a teen. During the 90s, Godchaux was a well-received touring DJ based out of the San Francisco area. As much producers as they are musicians, it is Randolph’s understanding of soundscape and Godchaux’s knack for songwriting that keeps BoomBox resonating at higher levels.
Lukas Nelson
Saturday, June 19th 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Raised on a strict diet of country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll, California-based Lukas Nelson, and his band, The Promise of the Real, are starting to make waves with their infectious, no-nonsense brand of the classic American sound. “The recipe is simple,” writes Sam Sanborn in the March 9th issue of The Oregon Music News, “possibly because it’s plain home-cookin’. Three parts genuine rock ’n’ roll, two parts American heart ’n’ soul, one part blues, one part funk, and a pinch of country. Fiercely proud of his roots and of his family background (Lukas’s father is Country Legend Willie Nelson!), Lukas Nelson is a dedicated and focused young man, a man on a mission to prove that he has what it takes to succeed on his own merit. Watching Lukas and his band perform live, one gets the impression that this young Texan has what it takes to do just that, irrespective of who his father is. Go and see him live, you won’t regret it. Lukas Nelson and The Promise of the Real’s debut EP, Brando’s Paradise Sessions is out now. A new album should follow sometime this year.
Hot Buttered Rum
Saturday, June 19th 7 – 10 pm
Hot Buttered Rum, one of the hardest-working and fastest-rising acts in acoustic rock, began in the San Francisco Bay Area with five uniquely talented singer-songwriter/instrumentalists setting out to create a new Northern California sound. They are Aaron Redner on fiddle, mandolin, & vocals; Bryan Horne on double bass & vocals; Erik Yates on banjo, flutes, accordion, clarinet, & vocals; Matt Butler on drums, percussion & vocals; and Nat Keefe on guitar & vocals.
“With an array of influences that range from Stravinsky to Phish and from Django Reinhardt to Bill Monroe it’s no wonder that you are likely to hear buttered-up bluegrass versions of songs from George Michael’s “Faith” to
Bob Marley’s “Small Axe.” The band melds past and present with stunning instrumental and vocal virtuosity.”
— Relix Magazine
We love to bring our two older dogs to fibark. Each year we stand by the diaper station next to a family with a member in a wheelchair. This year the fence has been moved out about 30 feet. It would be great if it were moved back in again. We still buy our food at the concessions and take turns viewing the vendor booths. We love and support fibark!