Events

8th Annual Sawtooth Valley Gathering

JUNE 22-25, 2023

THIRD ROUND OF PERFORMERS ARE ‘OFF THE CHARTS’ FOR SAWTOOTH VALLEY GATHERING

SAVE THE DATE AND PURCHASE FOR THE 8TH ANNUAL SVG, JUNE 22-25, 2023 

Presenting over 30 live performances from national, regional and local acts

STANLEY, IDAHO—As the list of performers grows, so does the need to must-see these great musicians live and on the stage in Stanley, Idaho, especially those artists making their way to the Sawtooth’s for the first time. Sawtooth Valley Gathering adds another round of artists to its roster for the 8th annual Sawtooth Valley Gathering (SVG), June 22-25, 2023, and the Festival is breaking boundaries for the level of artistry committed to playing in the Sawtooths

Adding to the excitement of the 2023 Sawtooth Valley Gathering, Humboldt County, California’s Diggin Dirt will make its festival debut, bringing a West Coast funk sound that is like no other. Preceded by their reputation for a deep original sound and high-energy performance, Diggin Dirt is known as a premier ensemble with a captivating scene.

And there’s more, as SVG welcomes the Nicki Bluhm + Ross James Duo, an artist combination that will be an event for all music lovers. Nicki’s modern and clear-eyed perspective grabs the heart and keeps you holding on to every word. Her history of appearances and collaborations includes Phil Lesh, Dawes, The Band of Heathens, Little Feat and The Infamous Stringdusters. Ross James is a multi-instrumentalist who spent ten years with Terrapin Crossroads and traveling the world with Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead. In addition, Ross shared the stage with John Scofield, Billy Strings, Bob Weir, Jim James and John Mayer—this duo will capture everyone’s attention.

Another debut band for SVG 2023 is Water Tower. Multi-instrumentalist Kenny Feinstein’s brainchild, Water Tower, includes Feinstein’s masterful song-crafting, fiercely DIY approach, and genre-bending sonic identity fusing bluegrass/old-time revivalism with a distinctly punk-rock edge. With a growing horde of loyal fans, Water Tower has maintained an ongoing reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

In addition, and a Festival favorite, SVG could not be more pleased for the seventh appearance of Free Peoples. Tim and Mike D. have graced the Sawtooths with their musical stylings for nearly 20 years. It would not be a festival without them.

“We have wanted Diggin Dirt for years because they bring the party,” says founder James Fowler. “And Nicki Bluhm + Ross James Duo are top performers who have played with the best, and along with Water Tower making their debut too, we are beyond thrilled as these bands have been on the SVG radar for years. And part of our SVG family, Free Peoples performing for 2023, makes this year’s festival even more special.”

SVG brings some of the best songwriters and musicians to the stage at the foot of the majestic Sawtooth Mountains creating a spirit and vibe like no other. With several venues, including three outdoor stages, late-night shows at the Mountain Village Resort’s Velvet Falls Dance Hall, and the Kasino Club, along with DJs and other performers, SVG is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s walkable, affordable, and friendly, all in Stanley. Live music will take place Thursday, June 22, and Sunday, June 25, at Mountain Village Resort, a long-time SVG sponsor, and the Sawtooth Valley Pioneer Park, thanks to the Town of Stanley, on Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24. On-site and off-site camping will be available, from Wednesday, June 21, through Monday, June 26.

Festival goers must have a Sawtooth Valley Gathering festival pass to camp at any of the Sawtooth Valley Gathering designated campsites. Camping and late-night tickets are sold separately from festival passes.

SVG is lining up all of its 2023 festival partners and vendors for its on-site and in-Stanley beverage, food, arts and crafts vendors, workshops, and much more to create the authentic and celebrated Sawtooth Valley Gathering experience many anticipate and enjoy every summer.

Since the inception of the Sawtooth Valley Gathering, giving back to the Sawtooth Valley community and others to support the endeavor has been part of the Festival’s mission. For every festival, single, two-day, and three-day pass purchased, $1 is donated to nonprofits, including the Stanley School Parents Association, the Stanley Sawtooth Rural Fire Department, Sawtooth Search & Rescue, and the Salmon River Clinic.

sawtoothvalleygathering.com