Building on a reputation for showcasing stellar artists, the Festival at Sandpoint this year will headline acts such as Cake, Steve Miller Band and the Avett Brothers.
Festival at Sandpoint began in 1982 with a mission to bring classical and symphonic music to the town, but the genres have expanded over the years. More than 30 years later, the festival has drawn audiences of up to 20,000 each season to the Lake Pend Oreille shoreline. Barenaked Ladies, Kenny Loggins and Counting Crows appeared last year, and B.B. King and Tony Bennett once performed there.
While Cake is no King, the alternative rock band from California is widely known for their song “Short Skirt/Long Jacket.” More recently, the band created its own label, Upbeat Records, and released “Showroom of Compassion,” the first Cake album to debut high on the Billboard charts. Cake performs Friday.
Thursday opens with Indigo Girls, a folk rock duo.
Rosanne Cash performs Saturday. The eldest daughter of Johnny Cash and his first wife, Vivian Liberto Cash Distin, Rosanne has won a Grammy for her song “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me,” and has 11 No. 1 country hit singles, as well as two gold records.
The festival’s first week concludes with a family concert for $6. The Spokane Youth Orchestra and students from Sandpoint’s Studio 1 Dance will perform “Sleeping Beauty.”
The next week shoots off on Aug. 8 with the John Butler Trio from Australia.
The Steve Miller Band, on Aug. 9, is already sold out. This late ‘60s band is recognized by all ages for “Jungle Love,” “The Joker,” “Rock ‘N’ Me,” “Abracadabra” and “Fly Like An Eagle.” The band even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Aug. 10 is host to The Avett Brothers, who have been called a mix of Buddy Holly, the Ramones and the Beatles. Rolling Stone named them the artist to watch in 2009.
The grand finale concert on Aug. 11 will feature the Spokane Symphony Orchestra and guest solos from pianist Francisco Renno and violinist Jason Moody. Gates open early that day for the annual “Taste of the Stars” wine tasting, which features Northwest wineries and an art auction by Timberstand gallery. The wine tasting is complimentary for all concert goers over 21. The night concludes with fireworks.
Just under 2 1/2 hours from Moscow, the arrival at Sandpoint can be celebrated with libations, from home or from vendors on site. Food and beverages are welcome at all of the concerts.
Seating is general admission on the lawn and grandstands at a first-come, first-served basis. Chairs with back legs shorter than 4 inches and backrests no higher than shoulder length are allowed in the blanket seating area, while lawn chairs are allowed in the designated area behind blanket seating. Ticket prices range from $6 to $59.95.
The mainstage concerts will take place on Memorial Field at 855 Ontario St., Sandpoint.
For ticket prices and information, visit www.festivalatsandpoint.com.
Treffry can be contacted at (208) 883-4640 or ltreffry@inland360.com. Follow her on Twitter at: @LindseyTreffry.
->if you go: WHAT: Festival at Sandpoint WHEN: Thursday through Aug. 11. Most shows start at 7:30 p.m., 6 p.m. Saturdays WHERE: Memorial Field, 855 Ontario St., Sandpoint, Idaho COST: $6 to $59.95. Ticket prices can be found at festivalatsandpoint.com.
