Full Slate of Bands Announced for Novato Festival

Celebrating its 30th year as Marin County’s largest free festival, the Novato Festival of Art, Wine and Music strives to appeal to a vast audience.

“Whether you’re 60 or 25, there’s at least one or two bands that you think is great,” said Novato Chamber of Commerce CEO Coy Smith, who is tasked with coordinating the annual event. He credits the music committee for their work. “They try and put together a mixture of good music from different genres.”

“People from all over northern California come to enjoy our show,” Smith said. “We’re proud of our festival.”

The official slate of musicians has just been finalized for the two-day festival, schedule for June 8-9.

Sat., June 8 — Redwood Stage

10:00-10:45 am: Black Cat Bone. Novato’s favorite acoustic warriors.

11-11:45: Kenan Boyle. From Novato to Nashville, troubadour performs California country.

12:15-1 pm: Natalie Smith. From Novato and L.A. Original songs from quirky pop singer-songwriter  

1:30-2:15: The Americans. Rock and roll rooted in early American folk, blues – on Letterman Show!

2:45-3:45: Lara Johnston. From Novato, T.V. shows “Rock The Cradle,” “American Idol,” original songs, big vocals.

4:15-5:15: Luvplanet. Fresh original sound with memorable melodies, meaningful lyrics and soulful guitars

5:45-7:00: The Tubes, featuring Fee Waybill. Tied for number one band in the world.

Sat., June 8 — Seventh Street Stage

10:30-11:15 am: TBD

11:45-12:30: Bret Bradford & The Tide. A modern sound fusing styles of 70s singer-songwriter to 90s grunge.  

1-2 pm: Firewheel. Merging roots rock and Americana into an engaging foot-stomping experience. 

2:30-3:30: Pamela Rose & Her B-3 Party! Jazz and blues queen.

4-5: Levi Lloyd. This blues veteran’s well-worn guitar and lowdown vocals tell it all.

5:30-6:45: Metal Shop. Bringing back all the greatest classic rock anthems and hard rock hits from 70s to the 90s.

Sun., June 9 — Redwood Stage

10-45 am: Matt Jaffe & the Distractions.

11:15am-noon: The North Bay Blues Revue. Upbeat, danceable blues.

12:30-1:15: Third Rail. Rocking country music from Sonoma County

1:45-2:30: Tender Mercies. Americana folk roots rock, includes members of Counting Crows 

3-4:15  Aja Vu. Celebrating the music of Steely Dan.

4:45-6: Davey Pattison. Classic hard rock by the lead singer from Gamma and Robin Trower. 

Sun., June 9 — Seventh Street Stage 

10:30-11:30 am:  TBD

Noon-1 pm: The Tickets Band. Original rock and covers, including blues, funk, world beat and shovel-ready rock and roll.

1:30-2:30: Caroompas Room. Celebrate R&B, blues, New Orleans funk and soul.

3-4: Iriefuse. An irie fusion of rock, reggae and dub.

4:30-5:45: Tom Rigney & Flambeau. Original fiddle-driven roots music with Cajun, blues and New Orleans grooves.