Blues, Brews and BBQ in Mammoth

6th June 2012 | Josh Cooley

Dates

Aug. 3-5, 2012

Cost

$35-$160 depending on package; click here for full pricing.

Highlights

More than a dozen blues bands with a mix of styles and genres; dozens of the country’s top microbreweries serving beer at the Grand Tasting on Saturday, Aug. 4.

Insider Tips

Arrive extra early for the popular Grand Tasting on Saturday (gates open 11:30 a.m.) to avoid waiting in a long line—once you're in everything spreads out nicely. Also, make sure to bring (only) low-back beach chairs, a blanket and a warm layer for chilly evenings at 8,000 feet in elevation.

The Scoop

Live blues, brews and BBQ—it’s a combo that attracts thousands every summer to the Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., an enclave at the base of Mammoth Mountain in the grand Sierra Nevada mountains.

Relax in the tranquil, shaded woods at the Sam's Wood Site festival grounds, feast your ears on live blues (possibly the sexiest of all live music), dance to your heart’s content and savor scrumptious craft microbrews.

The 2012 music line-up is a blues-lover’s dream. Friday night's Rock 'N' Blues Kickoff Party features the Johnny Winter Band, Edgar Winter Group, Rick Derringer, Mountain’s Leslie West, Trampled Under Foot and Harper and Midwest Kind.

With so much good music and beer, it's hard to pick the best part of the Mammoth Festival of Beer and Bluesapalooza. Photo Courtesy of the Mammoth Festival of Beer and Bluesapalooza.

Saturday’s Bluesapalooza line-up presents soul singer Betty LaVette; blues harmonica master Charlie Musselwhite; blues/jazz/rock guitarist Robben Ford and The Ford Blues Band; rockabilly masters Honey Island Swamp Band, and blues powerhouse Albert Cummings. The Grand Tasting craft brew fest runs concurrent with Bluesapalooza.

Sunday’s Soulful Hangover Party features rock and roll session man Leon Russell, blues rocker Joe Louis Walker, Texas Blues guitarist Hadden Sayers and bluesman Shane Dwight.

Local restaurants will be serving delicious cuisine at the venue, or check out establishments like Hot Chicks Rotisserie, Shea Schat’s Bakery and The Stove. Get caffeinated at the Black Velvet Coffee and Espresso Bar.

If you have time, head up to Mammoth Mountain for some hiking, mountain biking or just to take in the epic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.