October 10th - 13th, 2024
Saratoga Springs Retreat Center
10243 Saratoga Springs Road, Upper Lake, CA 95485
Frenchy and the Punk.
Through their unmistakable blend of influences ranging from post-punk and dark folk to new wave and goth, Frenchy and the Punk have forged their own distinct path since 2005, touring across the US and Europe with their artful two-person powerhouse of sound.
Drawing inspiration from post-punk legends like The Cure, the upbeat energy and percussive textures of Adam and the Ants, the bewitching mystique of Siouxsie and the Banshees, and the quirky charm of The B-52's, they have crafted a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly authentic delivered in an unorthodox way.
The pair is proof positive that opposites really do attract. French-born singer/percussionist and former ballet dancer Samantha Stephenson, fronts the duo with her sultry yet powerful voice, often likened to iconic legends Siouxsie Sioux, Johnette Napolitano and Grace Slick. Coupled with the melodic electro/acoustic guitar stylings and live looping mastery of her American-born partner and former hardcore punk bassist Scott Helland (Deep Wound, Outpatients), the dynamic partnership is a force to be reckoned with. A real life love story against the backdrop of an unwavering dedication to the art of music and creativity as a lifestyle and personal journey.
Socials:
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/frenchyandthepunk
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/frenchyandthepunk
X - http://www.twitter.com/frenchyNthepunk
TikTok - http://www.tiktok.com/@frenchyandthepunk
Threads - http://www.threads.net/frenchyandthepunk
Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/frenchyandthepunk
Bandcamp - http://www.frenchyandthepunk.bandcamp.com
New Videos:
'Hypnotized' https://youtu.be/skNO8rtWRjI
'Like in a Dream' https://youtu.be/o4EPMsDPR64
Tempest & Nathaniel Johnstone are a dance-&-music duo that craft dynamic ritual experiences. Tempest is a world-renowned mythic dance artist and Witch focusing on sacred and darkly inspired movements that pull from her background in the traditions of North Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and beyond. Nathaniel is a multi-instrumentalist virtuoso whose music pulls from myth, fantasy, and folklore with a vibrant sound that crosses boundaries & borders. Together they create sound, myth, and movement that captivates and inspires.
Festival Favorites Sharon Knight and Winter are internationally touring musicians in the mythic-Celtic vein. Their penchant for combining fierce and gutsy bravado with ethereal beauty, a hearty dose of fantastical lyrics, and an obvious love of storytelling has inspired their own style, “Neofolk Romantique”. This often sound less Celtic and more “Folktales that ran away with the Faeries at the turn of the century and took cover in an old trunk bound for the circus, which was then commandeered by pirates.” This suits them fine.
They have shared stages with mythic music favorites such as Faun, Omnia, Corvus Corax, Wardruna, SJ Tucker, Tricky Pixie, Heather Dale, Wendy Rule, Stellamara, and many more.
Hear Sharon and Winter’s music on Bandcamp:
https://sharonknight.bandcamp.com
See Video:
https://sharonknight.net/video/
PHOTO CREDIT:
Full Band: Paul Nordin, EMB Films.
Close Up: PixieVision Productions
Originally from San Francisco, Rene Collins has been involved in music and magick his whole life. He started learning piano at age ten, studying vocals at 11 years old, and was writing original songs at 12. His voice was forged while playing with a variety of acts through high school and college.
In his early rock years in California he became lead singer with Trump Loliel, High and Outside, and dancer for The Nation Funktasia produced by Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy (creators of Toni Toni Toni and En Vogue).
Once moved to New York, he recorded two albums with “Blue Ceiling” before branching out on his own to record “Aphromystic”. His music history combined with a decades- long career of theatre acting and dancing formed the charismatic and intelligent artist he is today.
Listen to Rene’s music here: https://youtu.be/RxeecNxEqAQ
Nathan only performer bio:
Nathaniel Johnstone is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter who sings about humanity, myth and whimsy. His work includes the transhumanist fantasy The Mother Matrix and the playfully audacious The Dubious Hat and Other Tales of Ineffable Horror. Steampunk-Music.com praises his “technical dexterity and emotional expressiveness” as he blends inspiration from metal, jazz, punk, folk, rock, and blues from all over the world. The result is a unique, vibrant and multicultural sound that transcends boundaries of genre or theme. Nathaniel cheekily calls himself “polybanderous”, reflected in his lengthy history performing on stage with any singer, musician, dancer and artist who loves music and mayhem as much as he does. http://www.nathanieljohnstone.com
Celia has been described as “A cross between an Earthy Enya, Joan Baez, and Tina Fey.” She dishes up the most delicious concoction of the silly and sacred delighting audiences across the globe. Celia is known as the "Everyday Goddess" with rusty red locks and twinkling eyes which cast a spell of enchantment upon her listeners. Celia gifts those in her audience with a warm, deep and resonating experience touching your heart, your skin, your whole being.
In addition to having the kind of silky smooth voice often associated with classic Celtic Singers, such as “Celtic Woman”, Celia excels at comedy. She often transforms right on stage into one or more of her alter-egos-whose antics typically leave the audience howling with laughter. With powerful, heart-felt vocals and wacky comedic improvisations, the audience never knows what will happen with Celia on stage.
Celia has opened for notable authors: Marianne Williamson, Dr. Masaru Emoto, Susan Weed, Donna Eden, and Swami Beyondanonda (aka Steve Berhman), provided live music for the Off-Broadway production of “Rum & Vodka, & has received a “Best Storytelling CD” nomination for “Irish Tales” by the International Just Plain Folks Awards (The Grassroots of Grammies). Her “Symbol” song has been named the “Anthem for the Veteran Pentacle Quest” in support of Religious tolerance & acceptance.
Celia often uses sophisticated “looping” technology to perform duets, trios, and even larger ensembles with herself. Nothing is pre-recorded. She lays down a track then using the looping technology harmonizes with herself — all live and in real time. The result is an amazing listening experience for the audience.
Celia is originally from Wisconsin & calls Whidbey Island, WA her home. Her most recent (13th) album is titled “KARMA” and she writes and records a song every week for her Patreon Song Club. No matter how many times you think you’ve seen Celia, you can never predict what she will do and how deeply she can reach into the soul of an audience. Celia’s range of styles and entertainment is far more than a concert. It is more like a full Cabaret.
https://celiafarran.com/home
Evelie is a Phillippina witch, musician, and healer with a big voice and a bigger heart. She fronts and directs the folk-world fusion band Mahal, and has also directed music for the California Revels. Her sound is passionate and earthy, and we know you will love her!
Check her out here: https://youtu.be/FkKI_qmC1R8?si=Hef_d6_uOovnnh0m
David Gibbons
Tranquil Sound Gardens
David brings his majestic sound bath back to Hexenfest! Enormous gongs and chimes wash you in their soothing sounds. A lovely way to begin your day! Bring your yoga mat and float away on a sea of sonic delight!
DJ Outersect
Outersect is Rob Rayle, a San Francisco Bay Area based composer and producer of genre-bending psychedelic electronic music that synergizes psychill, techno-bluegrass, and 70s progressive rock styles. Inspired by sights and sounds from around the world, Outersect fuses acoustic instruments and sounds with digital production to emerge with his own unique sonic experience. Outersect's 'one-man electronic jam band' shows include live keyboard improvisation and sound loops to inspire ecstasy on the dance floor and auditory bliss. www.outersect.net
Listen on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/outersect