If you like Eastern European (predominantly Romani) influenced jazz, folk and rock, then Gypsy Fest is going to be your jam.
The "Bohemian campout experience," which is going into its third year, will feature over 30 bands, buskers and performers -- plus, vendors and food! The VIP experience starts on Friday, June 8, at DeAnza Springs Resort in Jacumba and general admission kicks off on Saturday, June 9, starting at 11 a.m. and going late into the night.
"Quel Bordel got the idea of putting on their own festival after spending the summer of 2015 with French group Bandapart -- who has a similar festival that they've been throwing in the south of France for a few years longer. It was one of the most memorable and exciting shows of the tour, so Quel Bordel decided to create their own festival in the San Diego desert to return the favor when Bandapart came out to tour the U.S. the following summer," said festival organizer Jake Skolnick, who is also a talent buyer at the Holding Company and Tipsy Crow and general manager at Mannequin Vanity Records.
This year, Gypsy Fest will feature national headliner Larry & His Flask, in addition to a substantial increase in stage and production value. But who else will be filling all four stages, you ask? Well, Clint Westwood, Skolnick's own band Quel Bordel, Coral Bells, Kys, Roma Ransom, House of Rabbits, Chugboat, Spencer Yensen, MohaviSoul, BJ Jezbera and Ass Pocket Whisky Fellas, just to name a handful.
"Very excited to have Larry & His Flask -- they are an amazing headliner. Also excited to see who makes it out for the VIP night," Skolnick said.
"We have a team that works year-round to put this thing on.... We have four unique sound teams that handle each stage," he added.
VIP is $60 and general admission is $45, both of which include tent camping. Other camping and glamping options are available at www.sdgypsyfest.com.
Rutger Ansley Rosenborg has been an Associate Editor at NBC SoundDiego since 2016. Find out more here, or contact him here.
