By Phil Lacombe

In the heart of the desert’s underground music scene, an event is rising with purpose, passion, and a powerful message. SkyFest isn’t just another local music showcase—it’s a community-driven gathering built around remembrance, inclusivity, and support. Set for June 6, the event brings together an eclectic lineup of artists including Doppelgängers, layer:0 SUPER GROUP, Violuminescence, Bronca, He Films the Clouds, Gxllium, Call Me the Boxer, Arph, Day of Peace, and Space in Sound for an afternoon and evening of live music and connection.

More than entertainment, SkyFest is being held in loving memory of Skylar T. Berry while also benefiting the SJCH Transgender Health Program and ICE Out of California. With music running from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Music House and the night continuing at Oasis, the event reflects the spirit of a local scene that continues to evolve—not just creatively, but socially and emotionally as well.

I caught up with Event Promoter, Matt King, to talk about what this event means to him and others that loved Skylar.

CVW: SkyFest is tied to both celebration and remembrance. Can you talk about who Skylar T. Berry was and why honoring her memory through music felt important?

King: “Skylar Berry is truly a singular human. I was very lucky to have met Skylar, I believe at Pappy & Harriet’s, as she was in a band with a friend of mine, Zach Rivizzigno. That band is Layer:0, and their description of their sound alone drew me in: “Coachella Valley SoCal grindcore anomalous technology infused blast beats and chainsaw riffs.” I checked them out, and honestly fell in love with their sound, which I described as “a politically charged punk/metal hybrid that features lightning-fast drumming and guitar, as well as frenzied and frenetic vocals.” Berry handled the vocals, screaming and shouting her way through poetic phrases touching on resistance, while Rivizzigno shredded and slaughtered over complex beats. The band’s live shows were frantic, loud, and filled with a chaotic energy that not only invited plenty of mosh pits, but also some accepting and welcoming vibes, as both Berry and Rivizzigno would take time to offer messages of hope to the crowd.”

“Music is the medium that Berry used to reach people, to inspire people, and to educate people, so it made sense that music is the way we are remembering her. She loved music, both creating it and enjoying it, and I’m so glad that the lineup is filled with friends, bands she was a fan of, and an homage to her project.”

CVW: The event benefits both the SJCH Transgender Health Program and ICE Out of California. Why were these organizations chosen, and what do they represent to you personally?

King: “These two organizations were chosen because they were near and dear to Berry’s heart. Both in her music and in her day-to-day life, Berry was a strong advocate for equality amongst identities and ethnicities. As a transgender woman, Skylar believed in the mission behind the St. John’s Community Health Transgender Health Program, and as a member of our local community, she despised how immigrants were being treated at the hands of ICE agents, so ICE Out of California became the other priority. I admire how she was able to use her platforms to raise awareness on key issues in our society, and being able to raise funds for these organizations is super important, because we can continue to help the groups that Skylar loved so much.”

CVW: The lineup pulls together a really diverse mix of artists and sounds. What was your vision when curating the bands for this event?

King: “There is a touch of Skylar in all of the bands on this lineup. Space in Sound features friend/organizer Billy Gargan, Day of Peace features friend/bandmate Sean McCune, she was a big fan of Arph, Call Me the Boxer, and Gxllium, He Films the Clouds features friend/bandmate/organizer Zach Rivizzigno, she admired the political hardcore band Bronca, and I just recently became their bassist, Violuminescence features friends and organizers Moon Wahal and Bri Maloney and Doppelgangers is a tribute to one of her favorite bands, The Fall of Troy. Layer:0 will also perform a set that encompasses the band’s entire discography, featuring guest vocalists and performers.”

CVW: Local DIY music scenes often become safe spaces for people who feel overlooked elsewhere. How important is that sense of community to SkyFest?

King: “DIY music spaces function as a place where trans and queer voices can be highlighted. Marginalized artists have difficulty getting booked and headlining at traditional venues, so DIY spaces are built from the community itself and serve as a place to platform all members in the scene. Most of Skylar’s shows were at DIY music spots. She loved connecting with her community, and many younger queer people were deeply inspired by her. Skylar had so much love for who her community was and who she was, and everyone returned it a thousandfold in these spaces. Skylar was always looking out for people and the arts, and she recognized how sacred our local DIY community was. SkyFest is hosted at Music House Indio and Oasis on Miles because these are venues that truly care for the community. These are places run by people who treat other people with kindness and spread love, two things that Sky was all about.”

CVW: Events like this often carry emotional weight behind the scenes. What emotions have come up for you personally while organizing SkyFest?

King: “It’s been extremely tough having to plan this event. I’m thankful to be organizing this alongside Billy Gargan, Zach Rivizzigno, Skylar Kardon, Moon Wahal and Bri Maloney. We are all grieving, and meetings to plan out the event have doubled as therapy sessions, which has been helpful to deal with this tragedy. We are growing closer after the passing of our friend, and combining efforts to put together this event has brought us closer to Skylar too. We all are learning new things about her every time we share stories, and we are truly putting everything we can into this event in the hopes that it celebrates the life of a truly tremendous person.”

CVW: What do you hope attendees walk away feeling after the night is over?

King: “SkyFest is going to be an emotional event. We will be mourning the loss of our friend, but also celebrating the life she lived, the art she created, and the expression she inspired. I hope attendees learn more about a beloved member of our community, and understand how short life is. Love is important, so spread it while you still can.”

SkyFest represents the kind of event that reminds people why local music scenes matter. It’s not just about loud amps, packed rooms, or stacked lineups—it’s about people finding connection through art, grief, identity, and shared experience. In honoring Skylar T. Berry while raising support for meaningful causes, the organizers are proving that underground music can still be a force for compassion and change.

For one night in the Coachella Valley, SkyFest aims to create more than memories—it hopes to create understanding, visibility, and unity. And in today’s world, that might be the most important encore of all.

Skyfest – June 6th

Music House – 82777 Miles ave. – 1-5:30pm

Oasis – 82713 Miles ave. – 6pm

$10 suggested donation