Kristina Kendrick, Managing Editor
Hundreds of Birkenstocks stomp, bringing-up tiny earth particles from the ground. Strategically placed speakers’ boom crowd favorites while these weekend warriors take in the assorted smells and eatery options. The bright summer season is quickly coming to a close but a variety of quality events still lay in the horizon for those who grove to the beat of the festival drummer.
“Festivals are a great way to experience music and relax away the stress from school,” said TMAC Major John Martin.
CSU Monterey Bay students, staff and faculty alike partake in the festival culture that is so unmistakably raw and unadulterated. One night concerts or farmers markets only temporarily fix the itch of a festival fans need for a weekend of action packed music, food and drink.
The peak season of summer hosts the majority of these festivals due to the nice weather and absence of school and some find they travel up and down the coast to see as many shows as possible.
Festival aficionado and ISSM Major Dan Carnam enjoys every opportunity he gets to relish in the laid back fiesta environment.
“The last festival I went to was the Reggae Fest at the Monterey Fairgrounds,” said Carman. “I go every year and it’s always a great way to spend the day listening to music with friends,” continued Carman.
The Reggae Fest has come and gone but Oct. 5-7, another annual festival comes to the Bay. The Big Sur Jade Fest takes center stage at the Pacific Valley School for the sixteenth year. Located off Highway 1, 65 miles south of Carmel, near Jade Cove, is this yearly event that attracts more and more people each year.
Considered the largest lapidary arts show of its kind, this weekend features a variety of musical acts, yummy food and jade goods. Rock bands The Mighty Croondogs, Frank West Band and Sweetrock mix with the less traditional genres of bluegrass, folk and world music to meet any fan’s needs.
Not only is admission free but the event is to benefit the Pacific Valley School PTO and the Pacific Valley Community Center. Kirk Brock, Jade Fest alumni and organizer has been with it from the start, and the man cares about the work he is doing.
“It’s all volunteer work and it takes all your time,” said Brock.
A clear sense of community is felt as vendors sell their handmade work and local musicians share their craft. Fill up the car, pack a snack and make the drive to one of the last festival events of the season.
This gem of a festival only comes around once a year and more information can be found at bigsurjadeco.com/festival.html or by calling 659-3857.
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