Shasta Base Camp concert stage in Mount Shasta

Over 200 music lovers of all ages gathered in the cozy backyard of Shasta Base Camp to visit, picnic, and enjoy the sounds of Elephant Revival and Sons of Jefferson playing on the new Shasta Base Camp Stage.  “This is a cool thing to see happening right across the street from Berryvale,” said Ken, a part-time resident of Mount Shasta.  “I had no idea of the size of the stage.  It’s a very nice size venue.  It’s great.”

Many of the concertgoers were familiar with Elephant Revival and enjoyed hearing them play in the outside venue where they could spread out blankets and lawn chairs and snack from ice chests.  Holistic practitioner, Andrea Shanti, described the vibes of the evening as amazing.  “It’s been a really good mix of community,” she said.  “I think the community’s really been needing something like this, live music outside and someplace to gather.”

Food and drinks were served up at the Mountain Star Café stand and products were available from booths set up by Shanti, South American Imports, and Evolution Gallery and Gifts.

Sarah, tour manger for Elephant Revival, said the band loves Mount Shasta and has been coming here off and on for years.  Before the concert they even took a swim in Lake Siskiyou to cool off.  “One of our favorite parts of the country to tour is the west coast,” said Sarah.  They play nationwide and will travel to Canada this year for the first time.  Sarah described Elephant Revival’s music as an eclectic mix of gypsy, folk, and Scottish with a bluegrass influence.  “They have a positive vibration.”

Shastafarian Entertainment owner, Chad McCall, said he approached Shasta Base Camp owner, Styles Larson, sometime in May about a place for Elephant Revival to play.  He wanted to turn it into a community effort and a good cause.

McCall’s vision is to bring a “pulse to the community” and create family events for everyone to enjoy. Community volunteers and friends helped make improvements to the lot, along with contributions from local businesses.  Yreka Shasta Forest Products discounted the cost of the bark ground cover. Jamie Wright, Petals Flower Shop owner, donated 25 stems of sunflowers and two bouquets for decoration.  Mike Karseboom provided the sound system, and Gaia Landscaping volunteered time to help improve the area for the concert.

Shasta Base Camp is in the process of working with its neighbors and the city to establish an outdoor center.  Any future events that may possibly be held on that site will be posted on the Shasta Base Camp website.   

Julie and Lennie May along with mom, Sandy Pruett, learned about the concert from McCall. Others said they saw the flyers or were invited by friends. The Mays and Pruett were excited to also attend the Summer String Summit Concert the following night at College of the Siskiyous.  “We have great music two days in a row,” they said.

Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Siskiyou Land Trust.  Kathleen Hitt, Conservation Director, was overwhelmed by their donation offer.  “They’ve just been incredibly generous,” she said. “I know Chad, but didn’t know that his vision was larger than just music.  It’s about supporting the arts and our community.  It’s really thoughtful.”

Ana Holub may have summed up the event for all attending with her post on the Shasta Base Camp Facebook page that said, “Just danced with my Shasta family to the sweet, incredible music of Elephant Revival. Thank you to Shasta Base Camp and all who put that event on! It was epic.”