The Rock 'N' Ride Music Festival 2008 will bring eight bands to Lion's Park west of Hailey this weekend for an all-ages, afternoon music bash.
The Alaskan band Matt Hopper and the Roman Candles, the Jeremiah James Gang, and Darren Smith will headline the festival, which runs from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Proceeds from the festival will go to two Wood River Valley organizations: the Music N' Me Sid West Scholarship Fund and Road and Dirt.org.
The Music N' Me Sid West Scholarship Fund provides opportunities for underprivileged kids to get music instruction and instrument rentals in the Wood River Valley. Road and Dirt .org is a local organization dedicated to providing opportunities for kids in the Wood River Valley to ride and race mountain bikes.
"Despite living in one of the most expensive and lavish parts of the country, there are still many kids who can't afford the $20-per-month rental fee for instruments," said Piers Lamb, who coordinated the festival along with Mitzy Mecham, owner of Notes Music on River Street in Hailey.
Lamb is a guitarist and songwriter who also runs the youth programs for the Blaine County Recreation District. Mecham leads after-school music programs for kids the valley.
Sponsors for the festival include New Belgium Brewing, Soundwave in Ketchum, Hailey-based Rocky Mountain Hardware and Marketron in Hailey. Food, beverages and beer will be served. Vendors include P/V Catering and Toni's Ice Cream.
Mountain Rides, the Rec District, Big Wood Backcountry Trails, Notes Music and many other local organizations will have display tents with offerings and useful information. There will also be raffles and auctions for guitars, amplifiers, bikes, bike trailers, skis, ski passes and more.
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 at Notes Music at 221 South River St. or Lost River Sports, 516 North Main St., in Hailey, or purchased at the gate for $18. Kids and students get in for $10 at the gate.
