BajaWonderGrass: Bluegrass & Roots Music at its Best
If rock ‘n roll no longer rocks your boat and commercial country-western music leaves you cold, there’s a viable alternative. BajaWonderGrass, a down-home bluegrass and roots music festival, will return once again to the East Cape from April 23 – 25.
The event will feature two stages, more than 10 bands, and three days of music from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. nightly along the majestic Sea of Cortez. This laid-back, family-friendly event takes place at La Tuna, a beach bar in El Sargento near the beautiful coastal town of La Ventana. The venue has a beach stage as well as a hilltop bluff stage with soaring views of the sea and mountains. A steel festival margarita cup will be included with each general admission ticket.
Food and beverage and lodging options are available in both towns.
Among the bands scheduled to perform:
The Brothers Comatose – Based in San Francisco, this roots-infused bluegrass band is known for its infectious blend of Americana, folk and traditional bluegrass. Founded in 2008 by the brothers Ben and Alex Morrison, the group’s upbeat, rollicking sound is defined by tight harmonies, virtuosic string instrumentation, and a foot-stomping, back-porch spirit.
The Fretliners. A band defined by its songwriting—told in powerful harmonies and dynamic arrangements—the Fretliners lean into the tradition of acoustic string instruments but reach well beyond the genre. Celebrated for its originality and heartfelt lyricism, the band swept both the Telluride Bluegrass and RockyGrass competitions in 2023.
Magoo. Based in Denver, Magoo is a progressive bluegrass quartet known for its electrifying live performances. The band (dobro, guitar, mandolin, bass) is known for its extended improvisations, intricate arrangements and tight three-part harmonies. Honoring the roots of bluegrass while forging a modern path, Magoo’s energetic stage presence has earned a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.
Cordovas. This folk-rock band, which melds southern and Californian Americana themes in its music, is led by frontman Joe Firstman, who works with a rotating cast of musicians at a farm in Nashville and at a hideout in Todos Santos to compose tunes that are both timeless and universal.
Bonfire Dub – This Colorado-based quintet plays a deep, powerful blend of roots music—original songs with rich, soulful melodies featuring downtempo, acoustic-laced and electric-driven reggae, folk and dub.
Anna Moss. Born and raised in the rural Ozark Mountains and now living and recording in New Orleans, Moss serves up a folksy gumbo of indie pop and existential rhythm-and-blues.
Others acts scheduled to appear include Vince Herman (of Leftover Salmon), Silas Herman, DJ Sleepy, The Bo Show featuring Adam Frehm, and the New Bajamians.
In addition, a welcome gathering at Polvora will feature various festival artists on Wednesday, April 22. This event is priced at $25 USD. The closing ceremony, on Sunday, April 26, will be hosted by the New Bajamians at Baja Joe’s.
Renowned for its wind and kite surfing from November to March, La Ventana offers a myriad of activities in April. They include hiking through a cardon cactus forest, mountain biking, soaking in natural hot springs, fishing, snorkeling, paddle boarding or simply relaxing on the beach.
Ticket information: the adult 3-day pass (18+) is $294 USD, with $10 USD per ticket donated to Mexican non-profits. Youth tickets (ages 17 and under) are free.
To stay up to date on festival news access https://winterwondergrass.com/baja.