BajaWonderGrass: Three Days of Bluegrass & Roots Music
If commercial country-western music leaves you cold and you no longer live for rock ‘n roll, here’s a viable alternative. BajaWonderGrass, an intimate bluegrass and roots music festival, is coming to the East Cape, on April 24–26.
According to the festival’s website, this laid-back gathering will have “no hype, no packages, and just an ‘X’ on the map with some of our favorite artists. The event is small, simple, and family-friendly.”
BajaWondergrass is technically located at La Tuna in El Sargento, but according to festival organizers, “both La Ventana and El Sargento (about 45 minutes south of La Paz) are closely located to the festival site and will offer similar vibes, views, and experiences.” Numerous food and beverage options are available in both towns. Lodging options range from campgrounds and bungalows to hotels, resorts, and hostels.
Among the bands scheduled to perform:
Fruition – This Portland, Oregon-based quintet, featuring three lead singer-songwriters, has grown from a rootsy folk band into a “full-fledged rock band with an easy but powerful grasp of soul, blues, and British Invasion era pop,” according to NPR. “On their new album Labor of Love, Fruition shows the complete force of their newly expanded sound…and sophisticated, melody-minded song craft.”
The Lil Smokies – Formed in Missoula, Montana, The Lil Smokies have reimagined their approach to roots music on Tornillo, their third studio album. The band has built a national following through constant touring, performing at Red Rocks, LOCKN’, High Sierra, Telluride, and Bourbon & Beyond.
WinterWonderWomen – An offshoot of the WinterWonderGrass festival, this spirited band is a rotating showcase of the many talented women in the extended bluegrass world. Expect everything from traditional Appalachian spirituals to covers of classic hits by Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, Olivia Rodrigo, Otis Redding, and more.
Pickin’ on the Dead – This bluegrass tribute band takes its cue from the songbook of the Grateful Dead, including classic favorites such as Truckin’, Casey Jones, Althea, Friend of the Devil, Scarlet Begonias, Ripple, and many more.
Bonfire Dub – This quintet plays a deep, powerful blend of roots music—original songs with rich melodies featuring downtempo, acoustic-laced, and electric-driven reggae, folk, and dub.
Special Guests – Mark Morris (fifth-generation Colorado musician); Jess Clemons (singer, songwriter, part-time Baja resident).
In addition to scheduled performances, a free Farewell Party at Polvora, featuring the artists of BajaWonderGrass, will be held on the evening of Saturday, April 27.
While La Ventana is known for its wind and kite surfing from November to March, the coastal town has much to offer in April. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, walking through the Cardon cactus forest, soaking in the natural hot springs, fishing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Ticket information: the Adult 3-Day Pass (Early Bird) is $249 USD. Kids 3-Day Pass (ages 13 – 17) is $39. Kids 3-Day Pass (ages 12 and under) is FREE. Ticket prices include a Baja event fee and nonprofit donation.
Join the BajaWonderGrassers Facebook group to ask questions and stay up to date on festival news and updates.
Details: https://winterwondergrass.com/baja