Celebrating its 50th season, the Britt Festivals announced its 2012 season tonight with a summer of musical diversity. Located in the historic 1850s gold rush town of Jacksonville, Britt presents dozens of summer concerts, featuring world-class artists in classical music, jazz, blues, folk, bluegrass, world, pop and country music. Britt’s performance venue is a naturally formed amphitheater set among majestic ponderosa pines and native madrones on the beautiful hillside estate of 19th century photographer Peter Britt.
With many acts returning to the hill like Bill Cosby (July 21st), Earth, Wind and Fire (July 23rd), Michael Franti (August 21st), The Avett Brothers (August 24th), and Slightly Stoopid (Sept 6th), the festival boasts 62% new performers like pop-rock “We Are Young” makers fun. and Kris Kristofferson (July 13th). Touring in support of a new album, “Green Naugahyde,” rockers Bush will livening the neighborhood on June 22nd.
The festival also landed acts that have been in their “wanted” category for years. Donna Briggs, the festival director, states, “Ben Harper (July 3rd) we’ve been trying to get for a decade.” Melissa Etheridge (June 15th) has been in that category, too.
Unexpected genres like electronic duo The Crystal Method (June 29th) and Beats Antique (July 29th) will be premiering.
The season debuts on june 11th with alternative rockers Primus and concludes on September 14th with Huey Lewis and the News. Two additional performances in October have been promised.
Six local wineries – Edenvale, Quady North, Troon Vineyard, Wooldridge Creek, Rosella’s, and Folin Cellars- will be featuring their wines in kegs, but bottle sales have been eliminated for upcoming season. The reusable plastic bottle will be for sale and refillable throughout the season for a discounted price. The Britt Festival is one of the last concert venues in the country that allows guests to bring in their own beer or wine.
Tickets go on sale for Britt members starting April 12th and open up to the public on May 17th.
For the complete schedule, visit www.brittfest.org.
