Arizona bands are having a benefit show for the Sidepony Express Music Festival

By Amy Young

Anamieke Quinn and her husband, Michael Quinn, have produced the annual Sidepony Express Music Festival in Bisbee, now in its 13th year, making this unique Arizona town an even bigger destination.

For three days, November 13-15 this year, bands take over an assortment of venues and outdoor spots to perform their music. You’ll catch solo artists and full bands playing rock, funk, folk, country, and more. Styles are unlimited at this extravaganza.

As much fun as it is for attendees, many performers apply to return every year because it’s a great way to walk around, catch your friends performing, and discover new acts. Talk about Side Pony happens months in advance, with people thinking about where they’ll stay, as hotels and other lodging get booked quickly. Artists have found places to park and sleep, or grabbed sleeping bags and camped where they could, and no one really ever seems to mind. It’s all part and parcel of the fun, long-weekend event.

It’s free for attendees, but it costs the producers money, naturally, to bring it to life. On Saturday, October 3, a group of bands, with support from local radio station KWSS, will take the stage at Yucca Tap Room in Tempe to raise money for Sidepony. The entire $10 cover charge goes to the festival.

Michael Pistrui, who fronts Fat Gray Cat, led this charge and tells us what the fest means to him.

“We started playing it several years ago and just love it. It’s really fun. It’s free, and you get to meet so many other bands. It’s all done with volunteers and priority equipment, and so, as a way to say thank you to those people I have been talking about doing this for several years, I finally put it together. All the proceeds from the event will go to the Side Pony Express Music Festival, and they can do with it whatever they need to; just our way of saying thank you.”

Baretta Lynn, guitarist of queercore rockers The Pübes, who are festival regulars like Fat Gray Cat, are also jazzed about the benefit.

“Sidepony is an institution in the AZ music scene! Not only do folks get a chance to find their new favorite bands, but WE get to play for one another. The community built over that weekend is incredible, Lynn says.

Here’s the lineup for Saturday, October 3 at Yucca Tap Room:

Noon: Fat Gray Cat 1 p.m.: Terminal White 2 p.m.: I Am Hologram 3 p.m.: Manic Monkeys 4 p.m.: Painting Fences 5 p.m.: Carol Pacey & The Honey Shakers 6 p.m.: The Joeys 7 p.m.: The Pübes 8 p.m.: The Woodworks 9 p.m.: Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra 10 p.m.: Japhy’s Descent

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