Festival at Sandpoint: From rock to folk, country and classics
Published: August 6, 2009
Up for a road trip? Point the wheel toward the star-studded skies of North Idaho and settle in Aug. 6-16 for the Festival at Sandpoint.
The 27th annual festival opens at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6 with Firefall and Poco, two bands that sprouted from the fertile soil of American rock and folk music in the 1970s ($34.95). During its 30-year history, Firefall has transcended and embraced many labels – rock, soft rock, country rock, unplugged and Americana. Poco also spearheaded the birth and continuation of the country rock/folk rock sound of the ’70s. A complimentary glass of champagne adds to opening night festivities.
Blues Traveler, headed by harmonica virtuoso John Popper, takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 ($44.95). JJ Grey and Mofro open the evening with their energetic fusion of rock, soul, groove-heavy blues and infectious funk.
Iconic singer/songwriter Boz Scaggs, who first found acclaim as part of The Steve Miller Band, headlines Super Saturday on 6 p.m. Aug. 8. The New Orleans-based Subdudes open with a vibrant cauldron of meaty grooves, jazzy dynamics, soulful R&B swagger, easy vocal harmonies and cheeky rock ’n roll attitude ($49.95).
Two stellar singer/songwriters take center stage at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13: Jonatha Brooke, who began her career as part of the female duo The Story and has recently earned accolades for The Works, which pairs her original music with previously unheard lyrics of Woody Guthrie; and Michelle Shocked, whose self-proclaimed status as “the most sophisticated hillbilly you’ll ever meet,” belies the erudite and focused artistry that has garnered her critical acclaim at every juncture of a vast and varied career ($29.95).
A double-header at 7 and 9 p.m. Aug. 14 features guitarists/songwriters Keller Williams and Donavon Frankenreiter ($34.95). Williams, dubbed “music’s mad scientist,” fuses his virtuosity on guitar with quirky songwriting; and surfer Frankenreiter delivers a sound that is undeniably, and unabashedly, organic.
Grammy-winning country singer Clint Black, who fuses traditional country songwriting with hook-laden, radio-rock sensibilities, performs at 6 p.m. Aug. 15. The innovative Nashville-based country act Jypsi opens ($49.95).
The Spokane Youth Orchestra offers a family concert, “Green Eggs and Hamadeus,” 4:30 p.m. Aug. 9 ($5); and the Spokane Symphony Orchestra presents "Swing, Swing, Swing!," a tribute to Benny Goodman, in the festival finale at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16 ($34.95), preceded by the “Taste of the Stars” wine tasting at 4:30 p.m. (complimentary for all concert-goers over the age of 21 years).
Call 888-265-4554 or visit www.festivalatsandpoint.com for details.
