Festival season is definitely upon us, and this weekend is a big one as the annual Redwood Mountain Faire makes it way to Roaring Camp in Felton. (Longtime locals will fondly remember The Redwood Mountains Fine Arts & Crafts Faire and Folk Music Festival that ran at Highland Park years ago. The event was rebooted/renamed in 2010 and relocated to Roaring Camp.
) Besides being an amazing event in a gorgeous setting, it’s also a fundraiser for organizations supporting schools, arts and theater programs, local Rotary clubs, and animal rescue. These days, the festival spans two full days over three stages, this year hosting 26 bands. In addition to mainstage headliners — including blues great Coco Montoya and Jerry Garcia Band alumnus Melvin Seals — the Redwood Mountain Faire is known for showcasing a LOT of local bands.
Traci-lin Buntz, who leads the six-person planning committee, says “about 300 bands apply each year from all over the world. I would say about 30% of those are local bands.” The local angle of the fair is something special, but they leaned into it even more so this year.
Buntz adds: “We have worked really hard to give more local artists a chance to showcase their talents at the Faire. This year’s lineup is about 80% local talent.” In addition to well-known artists, the event is a great chance to take in a lot of new-on-the-scene Santa Cruz bands.
Kentucky Mule plays on Saturday. They’re a high-energy mix of what singer/rhythm guitarist Colin Tidwe.
