JOSHUA TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 18-21 2023

By Cassie Morrow

Crowd, credit Foster Snell

Lake at Night,
Credit Amandala Photography

Smiles, credit Foster Snell

Joshua Tree Music Festival has been delighting local music lovers since 2003 with eclectic lineups of on- the-rise artists who’ve later gone on to have illustrious careers (Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Elle King, the Avett Brothers, John Butler Trio, and Chicano Batman have all previously graced the JTMF stage). Global icons like Chali 2na and Fatoumata Diawara have also graced the humble desert stage. The genres and styles represented are diverse, the acts unified by the sizzling live performances they deliver. Phenomenal live music, experienced in an intimate environment in magical Joshua Tree, is the ‘something special’ that keeps people coming back and bringing new friends each time.

Happy people, credit Foster Snell

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This May, New Orleans funk legends Galactic are headlining, along with live producer/multi- instrumentalist Balkan Bump, rebel rockers The Last Internationale, Thievery Corporation founding member Rob Garza, and many more. New for 2023, the Late Night Headphone House, JTMF’s take on silent disco, will add rocking house DJ sets to keep the night owls dancing late night and into the early hours of the next morning.

The JTMF lineup features some amazing local talent. Q.varo elegantly creates harmonious melodies together looping guitar, bass, vocals, and beats into a unique soundscape bound to take listeners on a mysterious and sultry trip. Mikey Reyes and the Feeling is comprised of local desert denizens. Led by Michael Reyes (Desert Rhythm Project), they pour their heart and soul into weaving a poignant tale of love, loss, fury and the funk. Coachella Valley favorite Giselle Woo & the Night Owls is an eclectic, bluesy and psychedelic rock band who call their sound Chicano desert rock.

Love Everybody, credit Jacob Avanzato

Cimafunk at Joshua Tree Music Festival May 2022, credit Lostinconcert

California Honeydrops, credit Moriel O_Connor

Energy, credit by Jacob Avanzato

Art Stars, credit Jacob Avanzato

Beyond the music: Joshua Tree Music Festival works with incredibly talented local artists that create pieces before and during the event. The build crew just started on site preparing for the May event, using many repurposed materials to create and add to the festival site. Additionally, JTMF has been focusing on creating safe spaces for different groups in the community. Last year they added daily AA meetings which were very well received, this year they are adding a sober-friendly lounge space, and the ‘Queer Salon’ – an LGBTQIA+ affirming space uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices through queer and trans art, music, performance, skills- share, youth and local resources.

For more information go to
www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com

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