Headliner Michal Menert & The Pretty Fantastics, an electronic-music band that draws from Eastern and Western musical traditions, appears on Saturday.
By Marcy Stamper
Music from bluegrass to rock to punk to ska will resound on the hills around Patterson Lake at this weekend’s Rendezvous Festival.
The multi-day festival is designed to be an opportunity for people to combine enjoyment of running, boating, biking and yoga with listening to great bands from the Methow, the Northwest, and across the country.
Headliners are the Methow’s own Saint Claire (John Sinclair); Michal Menert & The Pretty Fantastics, an electronic-music artist who draws from Eastern and Western musical traditions; and Joshua James, a folk songwriter whose music has been featured on the “Sons of Anarchy” TV show.
Saint Claire grew up in Twisp before embarking on a music career as a vocalist and violinist who collaborates with hip-hop artists Macklemore and Raz Simone.
Other Methow acts include the Americana band Danville, headed by Solomon Woras; and Danbert Nobacon & The Axis of Dissent, whose music explores the intersection between art and science.
Methow-based soul/indie rockers Bitterroot Beets (their catchy slogan is “Lettuce Turnip the Beets for you!”) will also be on hand.
The Rendezvous Festival slate will also include Methow-based Full Uplift, a ska-punk band that got its start in Antarctica; and Royal Jelly Jive, who bring dance music and San Francisco soul.
Free yoga, Ultimate Frisbee, croquet and a kids’ fun run round out concertgoers’ independent exploration of area trails.
People can rent mountain bikes and kayaks at the festival, and can book a horseback ride at Sun Mountain Lodge. Guided rock climbing with North Cascades Mountain Guides is available in Mazama during the festival. People are urged to book ahead for horseback riding and rock climbing.
The Rendezvous Festival is at the Patterson Lake Cabins. Limited camping (for a fee) is available further up Patterson Lake Road.
Parking for the festival is at the Methow Valley Rodeo Grounds off Twin Lakes Road, with shuttle service to the festival grounds. There is no parking at the festival for anyone not camping there. There is also shuttle service from the camping area and from Sun Mountain Lodge.
Fresh food and local wine and beer will be available for sale from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning.
The festival grounds open at noon on Friday. The first act is at 4:15 p.m. on Friday. Saturday morning begins with yoga, Frisbee and croquet; music starts at 1:40 p.m., with the last act at 10 p.m. After breakfast on Sunday, the festival grounds and camping close at noon.
Catch Danville and Saint Claire on Friday, and The Axis of Dissent and Joshua James on Saturday. For a complete schedule and detailed information about camping, the shuttle and other activities, visit www.therendezvousfest.com.
The Rendezvous Festival is a fundraiser for Outdoor Arts & Recreation, a nonprofit that promotes healthy lifestyles through events including outdoor recreation and the arts. Donations beyond the cost of the admission ticket are tax-deductible.
Tickets are $120 for a weekend pass, $60 for Friday only, and $70 for Saturday only. Admission is free for those 17 and under.
Volunteers are needed on Saturday night and get a 50-percent discount on admission. Contact sarah@outdoorartsandrec.org.
