Artist Playshops are a delight to fans and musicians alike. These one-of-a-kind fun sets—whether it be a collaboration with other artists, a tribute session celebrating the work of an important musician or a theme-based set—have become part of the High Sierra experience. It’s an opportunity for fans to see musicians in a unique setting, and it’s also a chance for artists to stretch out and shine some light on an artistic side of themselves that doesn’t get to come out in public that often.
All Playshops are in the High Sierra Music Hall.
Artist Playshops
2024 Playshops
There Goes Rhymin’ Simon: A HSMF All-Star Exploration of the Paul Simon Songbook
From iconic generational folk-anthems, New Orleans and gospel infused rhythm and blues, to pioneering world music crossover albums, there hasn’t been much musical territory Paul Simon has left untapped in his six + decade spanning career. His lasting musical contributions to the Great American Songbook are undeniable and continue to this day. This year, some of High Sierra’s veteran musicians have taken it upon themselves to celebrate Simon and offer up a sliver of his catalog so we can all dance and sing along as we bounce into Graceland.
With musical director Ezra Lipp (ALO, Magic In The Other) at the helm, this playshop will include a crack team of beloved HSMF All-Stars including Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz (ALO), Reed Mathis (Billy & The Kids, Electric Beethoven), Murph (New Monsoon), Jordan Feinstein (Mars Hotel), and Gary Kehoe (Sambada), with special appearances by Steve Poltz, Holly Bowling, Anna Moss (Handmade Moments), Cris Jacobs, all the members of ALO, and more!
FUNKIFY YOUR LIFE: A celebration of the music of the Meters with the Cris Jacobs band and special guests featuring members of the California Honeydrops and more.
The Meters (George Porter Jr., Art Neville, Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste and Leo Nocentelli), a pioneering funk band from New Orleans, have had a significant impact on popular music since their formation in the late 1960s. Their tight grooves, infectious rhythms, and innovative instrumentation have influenced countless artists across various genres. The band's unique blend of funk, soul, and R&B has been sampled by hip-hop artists and admired by musicians around the world. The Meters' legacy continues to resonate in modern music, solidifying their status as icons of funk and influential figures in the history of popular music.
Join The Cris Jacobs Band and others as they pay tribute to one of High Sierra's favorite bands of all time!
Scott Pemberton's Soul Jazz Excursion
Soul Jazz emerged in the late 50's, 60's and 70's providing a platform for musicians such as Grant Green, Lonnie Smith, Jack McDuff, Horace Silver and others to infuse jazz with the raw emotion and energy of soul music. The astinado rhythms, streamlined harmonies, and blazing improvisations were revolutionary and have proven timeless in its contribution to modern jazz (and) jam bands as well as the art of improvising.
Guitarist Scott Pemberton started as a jazz musician and has developed his electrifying and versatile sound in part by embodying the groove, bluesy melodies and easy to grab onto rhythms of the soul jazz sound. To have Scott lead a Playshop that celebrates the powerful spark that helped connect the jam band community with the jazz community makes perfect sense, so get ready to be transported on a musical journey filled with grooves, improvisation and soul-stirring energy as Pemberton along with special guests pay homage to the legends of the soul jazz sound.