Ridgestock to feature 10 bands this year

Vendors, live music, belly dancers and presentations will be part of this year's Music and Sustainability Expo

 This year’s event features experts who will be speaking on green issues, local and regional musicians, and an evening dance party. The speakers will address topics that include solar power, water, gardens and energy awareness. 

In addition, a forum held by local farmers will be held and non-profits and informational booths will fill in the pine-shaded grounds north of Nevada City.

 Ridgestock also will have a kids’ space, a puppet show, belly dancing, organic food, vendors selling crafts and a picnic area.

  The expo starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 11 p.m.

 Music will be plentiful as well as10 musical acts will play on three stages at the schoolhouse grounds.

   This year’s headline band is ALBINO, a ten-piece Afrobeat ensemble that honors the legacy of Nigerian musical revolutionary Fela Kuti. The band is known for high-energy grooves, hypnotic percussion, heavy horns, African dance, outrageous costumes and infectious group choreography.

   The Deadbeats, considered Nevada County’s most popular Grateful Dead tribute band, will be playing before ALBINO. Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead calls the DeadBeats "the best Grateful Dead cover band I've ever heard.”

   A percentage of the profits from Ridgestock will be donated to the Twin Ridges Elementary School District in order to foster and implement sustainability education and environmental awareness.

If you’re going

Ridgestock will be held from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the North Columbia School on Tyler Foote Road on the San Juan Ridge. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for those 15 and younger and free for those 10 or younger. They can be purchased at Mother Truckers on the Ridge and at BriarPatch on Sierra College Drive in Grass Valley. For more information, call 477-4724 or visit ridgestock.org.