All Roads Lead to Roaring Camp: Redwood Mountain Faire Celebrates Community
By Julie Horner
The legendary roots music festival was grown in the San Lorenzo Valley and has brought the entire Santa Cruz Mountains community together over the shared love of music and a heck of a good party year after year. Borne of an idea by mountain resident Julie Hendriks and taken up by her friend, Roaring Camp’s owner/operator, Georgiana Clark and the Valley Woman’s Club of San Lorenzo Valley, Redwood Mountain Faire roars into 2025 with Hallie Greene at the helm as Faire Director, Tyler Armstrong as Site Coordinator, Jim Coffis supporting site and logistics, Brackin Andrews as Security Coordinator, Courtney Faulkner as Beneficiaries Coordinator, and Bree Karpavage as Art Vendor Manager. From the first single-day festival at Highlands Park in Ben Lomond in 2010 to the much beloved two-day music and dance extravaganza we now cherish annually at Roaring Camp Meadows in Felton, this is the locals’ festival that everyone goes to.
Music Front and Center
Traci-lin Buntz has booked the musicians since 2017, along with originating member and food vendor coordinator Steven Shabry. Traci-lin said there were over 200 applications from local and national bands to choose from for the 2025 festival. California country rocker Jesse Daniel, Ben Lomond born and raised and now an acclaimed and in-demand musical personality, is one of several highlights this year. Traci-lin emphasized that they always include local musicians, and the addition of a third stage has really allowed them to bring more local acts to the Faire. “We are always cognizant of representing different genres, blues, rock, bluegrass, world music, country, all of it,” Traci-lin said. “Then we put the puzzle together and try not to have competing acts playing at the same time.” Neary 30 bands will play this year.
Country rocker and Ben Lomond native Jesse Daniel is the headline act on Saturday, May 31.
The mountains love their Dead, and this year Jerry’s Middle Finger and The Hartle Gold Band with Matt Hartle and friends will satisfy that craving. “Our audience has always had a strong connection to the Grateful Dead, as do Steven and myself,” Traci-lin said, “so we always like to have that world of music well represented.” And back by popular demand, the Felton Fillies who played in 2019. This is a supergroup of talented local women musicians including Patti Maxine, Sharon Allen, Erin Valdivia, Alison Steele, Ginny Mitchell, Vicki Coffis, Lisa Burns, Lizzie Smith, and Sunshine Jackson. Exciting local talent includes Jive Machine, Sun Hop Fat, Santa Cruda, Brotherhood of Freaks, Flypaper Blues, Dirt Rakers, Medicine Road, and Vito and Friends, among many more, and an impressive roster of internationally recognized names like The Sam Chase & The Untraditional and Laurie Lewis.
Traci-lin said, “The Redwood Mountain Faire has really started to make a name for itself and booking agents are more excited to take our calls.” They recognize the mission of the Faire is raising money for nonprofit organizations. And the musicians dig it, too. “They are always very kind to point out how friendly our staff is and how well taken care of they are.” KBCZ 89.3 FM hosts the hospitality area within Bret Harte Hall, where artists can rest out of the sun and feast upon a banquet prepared by radio volunteers. “And it doesn’t hurt to have Roaring Camp Railroads as your backdrop; they love to come to our beautiful mountains and play in the redwood forest,” Traci-lin added.
What’s New at the Faire
Moe’s Alley sponsors the Meadow Stage this year, and in a mind-meld with Faire coordinators came up with a sneak peek concert series called “The Road to the Redwood Mountain Faire.” Several Faire performers will be featured in concert at Moe’s Alley and other local venues like Discretion Brewing and Kuumbwa Jazz throughout the month of May leading up to the festival. You’ll find swag and ticket giveaways as well. The schedule of shows is listed on the website.
The Creekside Stage has been renamed the Santa Cruz Mountain Tops Stage, sponsored by the Santa Cruz based cannabis wellness purveyor. Traci-lin said, “They will offer CBD infused Mocktails. People have been asking for Mocktails at the Faire for a long time so we think this will be a big hit!” And the third stage, formerly the Henflings Stage, is now called the Generation Stage sponsored by General Electric and will feature mostly local acts. With the expanded kids area nearby, you’ll find specialty drinks for the little ones here.
Also new, “Friends of the Faire” VIP side stage hangout with a separate bar and shade for those who donate directly to the 501(c)(3). Your contribution is tax deductible, and you receive a free drink and glass as well as a T-shirt.
Eat, Drink, and be Merry
Expect delicious eats from favorites like Blue Sun Cafe and a generous smattering of local craft beer and wine stations. In an effort to ‘go green’, organizers long ago decided to offer a branded Redwood Mountain Faire pint, cider, or wine glass for a nominal fee with their drink ticket purchase.
To volunteer at Faire, view the schedule, and purchase advance tickets visit: redwoodmountainfaire.com
Redwood Mountain Faire, May 31 & June 1, 2025 at Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton.
Julie Horner is Co-Founder and Editor for the San Lorenzo Valley Post. Julie lives and works in Boulder Creek and is an active participant in the county's vibrant music scene. She loves the outdoors and is the go-to expert on Santa Cruz Mountains hiking trails.
