Picture this: golden sunlight filtering through towering Ponderosa Pines, the sweet sounds of acoustic music floating across a meadow, and three grown men with a hidden flatulence machine ambushing unsuspecting festival-goers. Welcome to our adventure at the Strawberry Music Festival!
Nestled in the picturesque Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, this twice-yearly gathering transforms an ordinary fairground into a vibrant community of music lovers. With my cousin Nick visiting from Spokane for his first festival experience, we dive headfirst into what veterans affectionately call "The Strawberry Way" – that special blend of camaraderie, respect, and lighthearted fun that defines this beloved event.
Between spontaneous three-part harmonies of Beatles classics and wandering through food vendors offering everything from tri-tip sandwiches to organic crepes, we explore what makes this festival so special. The meadow fills with approximately 3,000 attendees lounging in low chairs, families play together without electronic devices, and live performances broadcast across the grounds via Hog Ranch Radio.
What strikes me most during our wanderings is the genuine connection happening all around us. Children play with real toys instead of staring at screens. Strangers share laughs and music recommendations. Musicians like Anna Moss captivate the crowd with songs that echo across the sun-dappled field. After 27 years of attending, I'm still discovering new magic in these meadows.
Whether you're a festival veteran or considering your first musical gathering, join us for this audio postcard from one of California's most cherished music traditions. Have you experienced the unique community of a music festival? Share your story with us and discover why some traditions are worth keeping year after year.
View all episodes
By Pat Walsh
5
66 ratings
Picture this: golden sunlight filtering through towering Ponderosa Pines, the sweet sounds of acoustic music floating across a meadow, and three grown men with a hidden flatulence machine ambushing unsuspecting festival-goers. Welcome to our adventure at the Strawberry Music Festival!
Nestled in the picturesque Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, this twice-yearly gathering transforms an ordinary fairground into a vibrant community of music lovers. With my cousin Nick visiting from Spokane for his first festival experience, we dive headfirst into what veterans affectionately call "The Strawberry Way" – that special blend of camaraderie, respect, and lighthearted fun that defines this beloved event.
Between spontaneous three-part harmonies of Beatles classics and wandering through food vendors offering everything from tri-tip sandwiches to organic crepes, we explore what makes this festival so special. The meadow fills with approximately 3,000 attendees lounging in low chairs, families play together without electronic devices, and live performances broadcast across the grounds via Hog Ranch Radio.
What strikes me most during our wanderings is the genuine connection happening all around us. Children play with real toys instead of staring at screens. Strangers share laughs and music recommendations. Musicians like Anna Moss captivate the crowd with songs that echo across the sun-dappled field. After 27 years of attending, I'm still discovering new magic in these meadows.
Whether you're a festival veteran or considering your first musical gathering, join us for this audio postcard from one of California's most cherished music traditions. Have you experienced the unique community of a music festival? Share your story with us and discover why some traditions are worth keeping year after year.
224,128 Listeners
63,465 Listeners
11,642 Listeners
14,248 Listeners
40,719 Listeners
34,041 Listeners
3,540 Listeners
18 Listeners
7,537 Listeners
27,797 Listeners
48,529 Listeners
44,186 Listeners
38,264 Listeners
12,785 Listeners
14,620 Listeners