Mountain Ranch Music Festival 2008
Lita and the Reel generate some heart-throbbing blues and classic rock. Band members include (left to right): Josh Weeks, lead guitar; Lita Hope, lead vocals and guitar; Ralph Garbitio lll, drums; and Brandon Hilliard, bass.
Story and Photos by Greg Kristapovich
Mountain Ranch is a small town of only about 2,000 up Mt. Ranch Road about eight miles out of San Andreas. There’s a nice little place there called Mountain Ranch Park. ON July 19th, seven musical acts – plus belly dancers converged there to perform at the third annual Mountain Ranch Music Festival. A full spectrum of music was presented from the “world of music” of Alma Meldiosa, to the heavy metal theatrics of Stratus. The promoter of the event, Doug Quintal even performed; playing bass with his group DDQ and Friends! Amidst the music and dancing were craft booths and concessions, including Norman and Aimee Gunsell’s (who also operate Aimee’s Mountain Ranch Kitchen). “We’re certified organic growers and producers of livestock, poultry and produce!” Norman proclaimed. The small admission charge for the festival went to towards improvements at the park. See you next year at the fourth annual Mountain Ranch Music Festival.
Modified Choke, a Murphys based blues-rock-alternative band rocks the stage! Lead guitarist John Liechty (left) and Bob Millier on bass pound out some solid riffs, as Jordan Fillmore (in background) keeps the beat. Tone Jorgensen (far right) belts out the vocals.)
Kasidee’s Corner was one of several craft booths. Here, Kasidee Hesser, 11, of Auburn sells earrings, “little snow people,” fairies and rings, and other things.
Festivalgoers moved by the music, broke into a little Woodston-style dancing!
