Festival Music

🥁🎶 T-Ranch and the Kidd – Where Tribal Meets Trance 🎶🥁

Live at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival!

Get ready for a musical journey like no other with T-Ranch and the Kidd — a genre-defying Americana duo blending the raw rhythm of tribal beats with the hypnotic pull of trance grooves.

🎸 Featuring award-winning banjo player and prolific songwriter Tarantulabanjo (aka Andy Roberts) and former LA session drummer and vocalist Jon Kidd, this duo pulls from old-time, rock, folk, and world music traditions to create a sound that's both primal and poetic.

Their performances are deep, dynamic, and unexpected — a true fusion of tradition and innovation that gets into your bones and moves your soul.

🌲🎶 The Jespersons – Indie Folk from the Heart of the Sierra 🎶🌲

Live at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival!

Born in the shadows of Yosemite’s granite peaks, The Jespersons are an Indie Folk duo whose music feels like mountain air — fresh, earthy, and soul-stirring.

✨ Featuring Jared Jesperson, with his rock and jam band roots from Southern California, and Kaye Jesperson, whose folk, country, and gospel influences come from her homeland of New Zealand and Australia, this couple met in the mountains in 2010 and have been blending their voices and hearts ever since.

Their sound is grounded in tight, rich vocal harmonies and expressive instrumentation on cello, mandolin, and guitar — creating music that is evocative, uplifting, and deeply human.

🎵 Expect touches of bluegrass, blues, and jazz wrapped in an authentic folk spirit that will stay with you long after the last note fades.

🎶☀️ The Blue Skies Trio – Jazz Under the Mariposa Sky! ☀️🎶

Live at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival

For over a decade, The Blue Skies Trio has been delivering world-class jazz to the Sierra foothills — and now they’re bringing their timeless sound to the Mariposa Butterfly Festival!

🎹 Inspired by the iconic piano-bass-drum trios and small jazz combos of the 1940s to today, Blue Skies celebrates the music of legends like Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Horace Silver, Bill Evans, and more. Their performances are smooth, soulful, and unforgettable.

Featuring:

Greg Ennis on piano

Kevin McHatten on drums

Dave Hofland on acoustic bass

Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or simply want to soak up some sophisticated sounds on a spring afternoon, this trio sets the perfect vibe. Come tap your toes, sway to the rhythm, and enjoy jazz the way it was meant to be.

🎶❤️ Mike & Gail – Live at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival! 🎶❤️

From the talented roots of the Meltwater Bridge Band comes a duo that’s all heart and harmony — Mike & Gail!

These two veteran musicians blend original songs with a few well-loved covers, creating a musical experience full of love, longing, and lyrical storytelling. 🎸 Gail brings her acoustic guitar and warm vocals, while Mike lays down smooth electric bass and harmony, adding depth and soul to every tune.

Expect a mix of folk, country, and rock — all wrapped in chemistry built from nearly a decade of playing together.

🌄🎶 Olga Leonard – A Voice Rooted in Tradition 🎶🌄

Live at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival

With a voice that echoes through the Andes and a heart full of ancestral spirit, Olga Leonard brings the rich traditions of her Ecuadorian Indigenous heritage to life through song.

Raised among the vibrant sounds and stories of traditional Andean music, Olga’s journey into performance has been one of courage, transformation, and deep connection. Though once shy, motherhood, resilience, and a longing to reconnect with her roots led her to find her voice — and now, she shares it with the world.

🎤 With vocals that resonate with emotion and authenticity, and guitar in hand, Olga weaves stories of her people, her journey, and the enduring beauty of her culture.

Join us in honoring this powerful and personal performance — a celebration of heritage, healing, and harmony.

🎶 Live at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival – SONGS OF ALABAMA! 🎶

We’ve all played in bands together over the years, but something was missing… Until the idea struck: what if we formed a tribute band? But not just any tribute band — we wanted to do something different. Something timeless. One name kept coming up: ALABAMA.

With 41 number one hits, Alabama’s music shaped the sound of the 80s and 90s. But we realized something—when was the last time you heard those songs played live?

We dove in headfirst. What started as band rehearsals turned into full-blown vocal rehearsals. Three- and four-part harmonies. Hours of listening, learning, and loving every moment. Every session became a new goal reached.

🎤 Our mission? To bring the memories flooding back. We hope when you hear Songs of Alabama, you'll say:

✨ “I remember that song!”

✨ “That takes me back...”

🎶 Scott Patrick Live at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival! 🎶

Straight from the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills, Scott Patrick brings his signature blend of indie-folk and country to the stage — and you won’t want to miss a note. 🌄✨

With soul-stirring melodies and lyrics that capture the highs and lows of love and heartbreak, Scott has earned a place in the Nashville music scene and now tours the western U.S. sharing his music with audiences who feel every word.

🎤 A gifted multi-instrumentalist, his passion and authenticity shine through in every performance — making him a true must-see for fans of heartfelt, Americana-inspired music.

🎶🌸 Mike Wichmann – A Local Favorite at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival! 🌸🎶

For over 30 years, Mike Wichmann has been a cornerstone of the Mariposa/Yosemite music scene — strumming his acoustic guitar and ukulele, singing stories that span decades and genres, and bringing people together through music.

As Mike says:

✨ “It’s a Mariposa thing — making our own entertainment and building community through music.” ✨

His performances are woven with memories, melodies, and meaning — songs you know and love, shared with heart and gratitude. From folk to classic rock to originals, Mike brings upbeat springtime vibes and a deep appreciation for the vibrant musical spirit of this small but mighty community.

🌌🎸 The Soul Galaxy – Live at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival! 🎶🌟

Hailing from right here in Mariposa, CA, The Soul Galaxy has spent over a decade captivating audiences across the Yosemite and Western Sierra Slope region — and now they’re bringing their cosmic sound to the Butterfly Festival!

🎸 Featuring co-founders Tim Hager, one of Northern California’s finest guitarists and a protégé of blues legend T-Bone Walker, and powerhouse drummer Jon Kidd, a sought-after session percussionist with L.A. roots, this duo creates a sound that’s as familiar as it is fresh.

Their music blends soulful standards, deep cuts, and originals, all wrapped in exquisite improvisation that transforms every set into a one-of-a-kind musical journey. No two shows are ever the same — and this one will be unforgettable.Hailing from the musical home base of Mariposa, CA is The Soul Galaxy. For nearly 10 years, the group has performed for every conceivable audience and every little town in the Yosemite/ Western Sierra Slope area.   The band features co-founders guitarist Tim Hager and drummer Jon Kidd along with bassist Charles Green. Tim is considered one of the finest guitarists in Northern California.  Aptly nicknamed  "The Master of the Stratocaster", Tim is a former protege' of blues guitar legend T-Bone Walker and can do things on the guitar few guitarists can.   Former L.A. session drummer and co-lead singer Jon Kidd provides the thrust for the band, chasing Tim's musical guitar whims akin to Mitch Mitchell's rhythmic sparring sessions with Jimi Hendrix. The sound created is familiar, yet original.  The Soul Galaxy enjoys performing deep cuts of Rock, RnB and Soul standards of the 50, 60 and '70s as well as it's own original material.  The group lives on exquisite improvisation that invites the listener to join along for a musical journey that's never the same.   

🤠💃 Kick Up Your Boots with UPS Sue at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival! 💃🤠

Y’all better bring your dancing shoes because UPS Sue is back and she’s bringing the boot-scootin’ fun to the festival! 🎶

Join us for line dancing lessons led by the one and only UPS Sue — she delivers more than just packages... she delivers smiles, rhythm, and serious moves! Whether you're a seasoned stepper or just want to learn the basics, Sue will have you dancing in no time.

🪶 It’s family-friendly, full of energy, and guaranteed to get your toes tappin’! Come learn, laugh, and line dance your way through the weekend.

🌺🎶 The Mariposa Uke Ensemble – Live at the Butterfly Festival! 🎶🌺

What started in 2017 with one local woman’s dream to learn the ukulele has blossomed into one of Mariposa’s most beloved music groups — the Mariposa Uke Ensemble!

This tight-knit crew of 20 strummers strong meets weekly (yes, even through the pandemic on Zoom!) and brings joy wherever they go. Their upbeat energy and crowd-pleasing cover tunes have made them a favorite at local events — and now, they're lighting up the stage at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival! 🦋

🎵 Come enjoy sweet harmonies, contagious smiles, and the happiest little instruments around — the coolest band in town is ready to play your favorites!Mariposa Uke Ensemble formed in 2017, when one local woman was motivated to learn how to strum the tiny four-stringed instrument. Today, that group of performers has crescendoed into a tight-knit community. This group grew into 20 members that meet weekly even on Zoom. Not even a pandemic could stop their music. They have been performing at local events and are a crowd pleaser.  Come hear the coolest band in town performing your favorite cover tunes!  

🎶🌿 Terry Barnes' 2nd Wind – Acoustic Folk-Rock at the Butterfly Festival! 🌿🎶

With their signature blend of acoustic folk-rock, Terry Barnes’ 2nd Wind has been serenading audiences across the Central Valley and Central Coast for over 8 years. 🎸🥁

This talented duo — Terry Barnes on guitar and vocals, and Steve Barnes on percussion — brings heartfelt originals and fresh interpretations of your favorite songs from the '60s, '70s & beyond. Their soulful sound and easygoing vibe make every set feel like a personal concert under the sun.

🌼 Mariposa has become a second home for these musicians, with performances at The Hideout, Western Days, AutoCamp, and The Grovehouse. And now they’re back for another unforgettable show at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival!

🎶✨ Home Tonight – Live at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival! ✨🎶

Meet Home Tonight, a heartwarming musical duo from Mariposa, California, blending Folk, Blues, Americana, and Acoustic Pop into an uplifting sound that feels like home. 🏡🎵

Featuring longtime local favorite Gail Dreifus on guitar and vocals, and David Budries on piano and vocals, this talented pair shares a love for songwriting, storytelling, and community connection. Most of their music is original—thoughtful, feel-good songs about life, love, and positivity—with a few handpicked covers woven in.

Gail has been inspiring others as a teacher and musician for decades, and David, a former teacher from the East Coast, discovered his voice during the pandemic and hasn’t looked back. Together, they bring joy, harmony, and smiles to every stage they play.

🎶🌄 Dan & Melissa – A Musical Harmony Rooted in the Heart of Mariposa 🎶🌄

Live at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival!

Blending rich musical traditions from the Central Valley to the British Isles, and harmonies that reflect both faith and folk, Dan & Melissa bring their unique sound and heartfelt storytelling to the stage.

🎸 Dan, a lifelong musician and performer, was raised in the same neighborhood as Buck Owens and influenced by Valley legends like Kenny Hall and Mary McCaslin. With decades of vocal training, musical theater, and songwriting experience—much of it nurtured at the Yosemite Songwriting Retreat—Dan creates songs that explore the soul of Americana, bluegrass, and world traditions.

🎤 Melissa Rowney, a gifted soprano, guitarist, and music educator, is a beloved figure in the Mariposa community. As a church cantor and member of the Mariposa Ukulele Ensemble, her voice uplifts, inspires, and brings a gentle strength to every performance.

Together, they create a musical synergy that’s grounded in tradition, lifted by harmony, and deeply connected to the spirit of Mariposa.