Music Festival Celebrates American Music and the American River

When the sixth annual American River Music Festival convenes Sept. 14-16 in tiny but so-hip Coloma, CA, two things are guaranteed. One is great music and the other is a great time.

This festival features a family-friendly vibe and music just about everywhere-- on the main stage, at three riverfront camps, on the white-water rafting trip, at hot spots around Coloma, and in spontaneous jam sessions where musicians and attendees mingle. You may already know Coloma for it's storied past as a gold rush town on Highway 49, about one hour east of Sacramento. Every September for the past five years the American River Music Festival has played host to an array of talented musicians whose genres run all along the Americana spectrum. Last year's artists included James McMurtry, Truth and Salvage, Blame Sally, Band of Heathens, MaMuse and many others. Although the line-up for 2012 has not been announced yet, the Festival attracts top talent and as a result, discriminating concert-goers.

And it isn't called the American River Music Festival for nothing. The south fork of the the river provides a constant backdrop and it's own rip-roaring adventure to kick off the festival. On Friday the 14th, a guided white water rafting trip will depart form EarthTrek, one of three participating campgrounds. You need not be an athlete to enjoy the trip but it isn't for the faint of heart either. Skilled guides teach participants the ropes, and call the shots as the rafts plunge through rock-strewn gorges. Last year's raft trip included singer-songwriter Jill Knight and her band. At lunch time, the rafts were pulled out on a sandy beach where the group's instruments were waiting, along with a delicious lunch spread. Jill and the band set up under the shade of a massive oak and entranced us with sets of music. What a magical river moment!

Friday's fun went on long after dark with a showcase of musicians at the American River Campground and more toe-tapping fun at local spots like Sierra Rizing Bakery and the Sierra Nevada House.

On Saturday and Sunday, the main stage will come alive with outstanding music from 11am to 5 pm. The stage is located at beautiful Henningsen-Lotus Park, a gorgeous crescent of green grass along a wide, slow sweep of river. The daytime temps can get fairly hot but a dunk in the river every so often (the beach is back away from the stage, near the free parking area) will keep you feeling fresh. Bring either a picnic blanket or low-backed beach chairs, and do remember hats and sunscreen. Tasty food, cold water or soft drinks, California wines, and ice cold beer on draft are offered, and there are booths selling jewelry, crafts, art, clothing-- even a massage booth! Kids are more than welcome and all kinds of games and fun are made available for them on the lovely grassy expanse.

Ticket prices run from $35 for a single day pass for an adult to just under $250 for an all-inclusive camping-festival-river rafting pass, definately the best way to roll for an outstanding weekend of fun, music, gorgeous scenery, and friendly people. Visit www.americanrivermusic.org to learn more. Go once and you'll never miss it again!