GOOD VIBES, FUNKY ART, FINE TUNES: A music festival is a music festival in many places, but 'round about the Golden State we like our weekend-long sound journeys to arrive with a plethora of mind-raising, soul-broadening happenings, the kind that happen on the stage and off. Look to our biggies, like Outside Lands and Coachella, for that art-meets-tuneage partnership, and look to one of the summer-meets-fall favorites of the Central Coast, Beaverstock. Beaverstock, which takes place at Castoro Cellars, is a yearly to-do that has quite the local cred -- Templeton Education Foundation is the beneficiary -- and big arms for those who make art in the area. Surfer + sculptor Nate Tyler, who grew up in the area, will return to his home stomping grounds with a bevy of artworks to display in the Artist Grove, a nook that will feature fiber arts, paintings, cool things made with rock and metal, and a host of made-by-hand/heart gems (including that staple of a vibe-filled, be-easy festival, the kinetic sculpture). But wonders of the easel and kiln offer just one delightful dimension to the weekend, which will also include...
MUSIC, EATS, LOCAL LIBATIONS: California Honeydrops'll bring that Bay Area funk-o-sity to the play-it-live proceedings, and they're joined on the roster by a bevy of Golden State favorites, from La Santa Cecilia, The Mother Corn Shuckers, and a few outfits from places yonder, like Birds of Chicago. As befitting its winery-based location, Beaverstock also has the vinos and brews, from the goods from the host, Castoro Cellars, to other regional sip-makers like Firestone Walker and Toro Creek. There will be eats made by chefs who call the Central Coast home, and stuff to do for the young 'uns, from craft-making to corn hole to giant Jenga. It's all got a rustic attitude, and that quintessential Central-Coast-ness, which embraces a "no worry/no hurry" attitude. If you've found some music fests a bit on the big side, but you still like 'em with a hint of the free spirit, with plenty to do and see, Beaverstock could be your sweet spot.
SEPT. 19 and 20: Beaverstock 2015 makes music, and much more, over the third weekend in September in Templeton.
