Head to northwest Montana July 20-21 and hear 10 bands play blues, rock, country and folk during the annual Yaak River Fest.
The Yaak River Tavern hosts the annual gathering – now in its fifth year. Originally called the Yaak River Jam, the festival boasts a laid-back atmosphere, a variety of genres, inexpensive tickets and free camping. And of course, says organizer Gwen Allen, “The Yaak in itself is a very unique place.”
Returning bands include the CD Woodbury Trio, Jameson and the Sordid Seeds, the 508 Band, Denim Wedding and Shiloh Rising. Newcomers are Trego (formerly Folkinception), the Brent Jameson Duo, GFW Reggae, BJ’s Country Roads, and the Electric Cajones.
Allen says she’s especially excited about Saturday’s line-up. Festival headliner CD Woodbury is an award-winning contemporary blues, roots, rock, and multi-genre guitarist, vocalist and songwriter.
Trego (formerly known as Folkinception) won the 2018 Inlander Readers’ Poll for Best Original Band (and topped the 2017 list of favorites too). The band’s Americana/folk-rock sound has made it a staple of the Spokane music scene.
Flathead Valley favorite Jameson and the Sordid Seeds is a rock/reggae/blues/soul powerhouse known for electric live performances. (Band founder Brent Jameson also brings his duo to the stage.)
Free camping is available, with food on site for purchase; friendly dogs are welcome on a leash.
Tickets are $30 for the weekend ($25 if purchased in advance), $10 for Friday only; and $25 for Saturday only. Kids 14 and under are free.
For more information, call 406- 295-4706, or visit the festival on Facebook.