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Sounds of Solstice photo by Rikki Alley

SOS Lineup Includes Bootstrap Circus, Ten Ton Chicken, And More

Sounds of Solstice photo by Mat Sands 2016Submitted by Mathew Sands —

OAKHURST — This marks the third year for one of the most highly regarded live music events in the Yosemite area. Sierra Tel presents 2016 Sounds of Solstice Music Festival on Saturday, Jun. 18 at Oakhurst Community Park. All proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst. Bootstrap Circus, The Green Machine, Ten Ton Chicken and The Executive Rocker Show headline the show.

Sounds of Solstice Music Festival is a family-friendly music festival featuring live entertainment from musicians that travel several hundred miles, as well as many talented local artists. Concert-goers have the pleasure of listening to recognizable rock hits, original compilations, and solo performances sure to keep the crowd on their feet.

The Executive Rocker Show will take the stage at 2 p.m.. With excellent vocal harmonies, spot-on musicianship and effervescent personalities, this local band plays high energy Classic Rock, Oldies, Modern Country and a mixture of danceable Funk songs. This will be the second year The Executive Rocker Show will play this festival.

RIK_3365 -1From Berkeley, California, Ten Ton Chicken will be back for their third year in a row. Guitarist Gary Morrell handles most of the vocals, while absolutely laying it down on his six-string with a flavor the likes of Leo Nocentelli to Jerry Garcia.

His voice is extremely distinct and with a confident, fluid delivery, it really adds a cool dynamic to the band. Other select vocal tunes are sung by rock-solid bassist, Tom Fejes and Saxophonist Jamison Smeltz who is a terror on tenor sax. Rich Dibenedetto’s commitment to the rhythm pocket on drums will resonate throughout the set. Ten Ton Chicken is scheduled to take the stage at 3:40 p.m.

What happens if you mix a reggae band with a jam band, mystic female vibes, spiritual Rasta message and phunky jam dub? That’s correct: you get The Green Machine! Taking the stage at 5:20 p.m., The Green Machine travels to us from the Central Valley and plays in the Oakhurst area a few times each year. As result, they’ve generated quite a following.

Sounds of SolsticeJoining the festival for the first time this year is Bootsrap Circus from Mariposa. Bootstrap Circus combines rock, folk, ska and eastern European influences to create music that is both energetic and richly melodic.

The eclectic songwriting of Adam Burns reflects his passion for the bluesy melodies of Jack White, the lyrical wit of Elvis Costello and the unbridled energy of The Clash. The band has become known for their vivacious live shows, characterized by playful interaction with each other and their audience. They will take the stage at 7:00 p.m. and will play a two hour set.

“We are really excited to be part of Sounds of Solstice this year,” says Adam Burns of Bootstrap Circus. “This festival will be a great opportunity to experience a diverse array of music and perform for an audience that is excited about hearing something new. It’s so great to have an event like this on our doorstep”

RIK_3324 -1Attendees can enjoy shopping with the local vendors that will be selling jewelry, clothing, crafts and much more. Adults can enjoy alcoholic beverages from our local brewery, South Gate Brewing Co. and local wine from Idle Hour Winery.

Dinners, snacks and nonalcoholic drinks will be available to purchase from several food vendors. Children can enjoy jumping in the bounce house and competing in several fun games and contests, in addition to all of the regular activities the park has to offer.

Bring anything with that you would normally take to the park, such as a comfortable chair to lounge in, a canopy for shade, a football to throw around, a kite to fly, a squirt gun to keep cool, the family dog to play fetch with and even an ice chest with snacks and cold water. Sorry, absolutely no outside alcohol will be permitted.

The Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. All festival proceeds benefit our local club to help with general operating expenses.

RIK_3393 -1Tickets will be $20 at the gate. Discounted tickets are available to purchase online. The sooner you buy, the more you save. On both days, children 12 and under are free with a paying adult.

Tickets are available for purchase online at Sounds of Solstice. Gates will open at 1 p.m. and the concert will begin at 2 p.m. with no opening act. Check the map for Oakhurst Community Park.

Event sponsors include Sierra Tel, Queen’s Inn by the River, Macaulay Insurance, Oakhurst Online, Premier Lending, Idle Hour Winery, Vulcan Materials, Yosemite Mortgage, 4th Place Carpet One Floor & Home, and South Gate Brewing Co.

 

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online