Who: There’s something strikingly beautiful (and infinitely satisfying) about seeing your favorite bands performing against the backdrop of a sunset. Nature provides the stage lighting. No doubt that’s one of several reasons Utopiafest is now in its sixth season, showcasing a wide variety of touring and local bands.
What: Designed as an alternative music festival experience, Utopiafest limits admission to about 2,000 attendees to keep the atmosphere intimate. Utopiafest also likes to mix things up by putting the spotlight on different musical genres in the festival line-ups, and there are added bonuses like free camping, a variety of activities and – something any music lover would appreciate – no musical overlap. There are only two stages used at Utopiafest, one at a time, so you won’t miss a thing.
When: Technically, the fest started last night with Golden Dawn Arkestra, Calliope Musicals and Keller Williams. But never fear – you have two more days of bands to enjoy at Utopiafest. Today, the bill includes GZA teaming up with Brownout, Aaron Behrens & The Midnight Stroll, Keller Williams’ project Grateful Grass, Father John Misty (featured on today’s Austin Music Minute), The Wheeler Brothers, Sour Bridges, Sucka Please, KP & The Boom Boom, Ranch Ghost and Syd Fly. The music begins at 4 p.m. After hours, you can take your pick of Utopiafest’s Silent Disco action with deejays Roger Sellers, Felix Pacheco, :::tek(-_-)nik::: and KUTX Live music series partner-in-crime Mixer Rogers; or enjoy some lovely late-night acoustical sets with Grace Park, Benji Hughes, and Patch.
Where: Four Sisters Ranch, located at 1555 Lemond Rd. in Utopia, TX., just three hours outside of Austin.
Why: So, all in all, you can enjoy musical adventures in a natural setting, within a festival environment that isn’t too crowded. That is the magic of Utopiafest. Go for it. Recommended.
– Photo courtesy of Bella Union.
