6/11/08
Shannon Morrow
Staff Writer
It's like Christmas in the summertime for many local music lovers, as the High Sierra Music Festival returns to Quincy July 3-6, bringing another exciting lineup of top-notch musicians. A lot of people are abuzz about Bob Weir and RatDog, who headline Saturday night on the Grandstand stage for almost two and-a-half hours beginning at 9 p.m. Weir was one of the founding members of the Grateful Dead, and his rhythm guitar, vocals and songwriting helped build the Grateful Dead's huge following. This is Weir's first time performing at High Sierra, and the show promises to be special.

Many people are also excited about the return of Michael Franti and Spearhead. With his positive message, Franti was a favorite at High Sierra for several years until his absence in 2006 and 2007 left a void for some fans. Expect his return to be much celebrated, as he closes the Grandstand Sunday night from 9-11 p.m.

After a memorable show in 2005, Gov't Mule returns to Quincy with frontman Warren Haynes, who has also been part of the Allman Brothers for the past 15 years. His bluesy, Southern-rock guitar is sure to wow the audience at the Grandstand from 9-11 p.m. Friday.

Keller Williams, one of the most loved High Sierra regulars, is giving Quincy a new look this year. Rather than running solo with his mind-blowing live loops, Williams has recruited help from Keith Moseley (String Cheese Incident), Jeff Sipe and Gibb Droll. After William's cute set with the Keels two years ago that included several fun covers, fans are anxious to see what he has up his sleeve with his new group. Catch them on the Grandstand at 6:45 Sunday.

Railroad Earth is also going to stir up talk around town with their bluegrass sound and marvelous songwriting. Throw in a drum set for a flavor of rock 'n' roll and these six guys are certainly one of the most energetic shows at the festival. Look for Railroad Earth Saturday evening at 6:20 p.m. on the Grandstand.

With all the heavy talent at the festival this year, some of High Sierra's other regular artists didn't make the list. Most notably absent are Hot Buttered Rum and Brett Dennen, who have brought good energy to the HSMF family for years. They each played very special sets on the Grandstand last year that were talked about long after the festival had gone.

But rather than being disappointed about missing certain bands, music fans will surely stumble upon great new acts they have never seen before, because High Sierra is the perfect venue for discovering emerging artists.

Speaking of emerging artists, there should be plenty of Plumas County residents supporting our local bands at this year's festival. People are excited about Soldiers of Hi Fi's first big break Thursday night at the Shady Grove stage, beginning at 8:15 p.m. Just before them on the same stage, the familiar sounds of Michael Herndon will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Other "local" bands that make it to Quincy regularly even when the festival isn't in town include Blue Turtle Seduction, Sol' Jibe and Bourgeois Gypsies. Their sets at High Sierra will surely bring back memories of performances at the Dame Shirley Plaza and Pangaea Cafe & Pub.

And although the five stages of music are the main attraction, High Sierra Music Festival is greatly enhanced by exceptional food, fascinating parades, cool vendors and a wealth of other fun activities.

This is the 18th annual High Sierra Music Festival and the ninth year in a row it's come to Quincy.