I'm excited about the music for 2025, Ranchstock 12. We'll have terrific live bands, sing-a-longs for the kids, jams for musicians and future musicians (with a washboard, tambourines, shakers, and congas available for you yet-to-be discovered percussionists), drum circles and morning yoga with live ambient musical accompaniement.
And this year there will be somthing truly special. The rumors are true: This year, Ranchstock is hosting a special reunion show from Madame Twang and California Dave in the first ever production of One Big Happy Family the Musical (Abridged), an Experimental Immersive Cowboy Country Rock Opera. To make this all even more fun, everyone attending Ranchstock this year (i.e., you) is a part of the cast.
Also special are the bands we're featuring this year,
We'll be kicking things off Friday night August 9 with a set from Kindred Soulz, Kinney Creeks favorite folk rock and roots duo, who combine strong vocals with talented songwriting into an inspiring musical gumbo. Kindred Soulz have performed under different names at every single Ranchstock. Next, we'll clear the stage for a high energy, high-altitude set by The Inablers, with Inablers co-founder Matt Hynes marking his own 12th Ranchstock. Bringing the rocking evening to a groovy end will Denver rock & jam band the Groovetime Sitters. If we can wear Groovetime out (not an easy task), anyone left standing is invited to join in our Friday Night Barn Jam. Just make sure the kids are safe.
For Saturday, we'll start off once again with one of what is many folks most favorite events, a lovely and peaceful body-and-life-affiriming saturdyaymorning yoga session, led by Kaylea White, with whom Kinney Creek has an exclusive contract. C'mon, join in! And once again, yoga will be accompanied by live guitar, flute, piano and percussion by famed All-Beef Productions new-age artists the Ashcats.
We'll follow the yoga with the Songwriters Open Stage, an opportunity for you aspiring musicians to connect with folks through acoustic sets on the Barn stage. Got some songs you've been itching to play for someone other than yourself? Grab your guitar and head down to the Barn!
Saturday afternoon it's time for the dress rehearsal for One Big Happy Family the Musical (Abridged), an Experimental Immersive Cowboy Country Rock Opera. Ever dreamed of being part of the cast of a show? Then join us down in the Barn!
We'll take a break and let folks check their camp and chill a bit. And then it will be time for the show. Featuring favorites from the many superlative musicians who played Ranchstock, including Grapefruit Wille and Nancy Smith from Cliffside Rodeo, Earl "One Note" Mote from the Kinney Creek Ramblers, and Curl from Ride the Guava; special guest appearances from Trent Nelson and the Strange Americans; and unexpected cameos from others whose names we can't disclose for legal reasons. To make this all even more fun, everyone attending Ranchstock this year (i.e., you) is, by definition, a part of the cast, playing the critical roll of "the Audience." In that roll, you'll have the chance to try some method acting as you immersively interact with your co-cast members. I'm going to go out on a limb and say One Big Happy Family the Musical (Abridged) will without a doubt be the finest Experimental Immersive Cowboy Country Rock Opera in which you have ever been cast. You'll laugh, you'll cry. And walk away deeply thankful in your soul. (It's written into the script.)
As afternoon turns into early evening, the energy groove started by California Dave and Madame Twang will continue and grow in strength, as Cliffside Rodeo can't wait to hitch up the saddles and take us all on a wild swinging and rocking country and western ride. Yee - hah!
After riding horses with Cliffside Rodeo we'll be treated to a special appearance by the outstanding indie, americana rock 'n roll band Strange Americans, who for the second year in a row have as a special favor to me agreed to come and play for all you very special folk. I can't tell you how pleased we are to have Strange Americans join us again. These guys have played many stages much bigger than Ranchstock, but none more special.
Anyone not yet worn out and still wanting to make some music is invited to join in our Saturday Night Barn Jam. Also, try to check out the stars, the milky way, the dipper, and the annual Perseid meteor shower, which will be pretty much peaking Saturday night. Shooting stars on a clear night. Not much better than that.