Steve Poltz Announces Return of his Bahootenzie SongSchool & FolkFest to Joshua Tree, CA Joshua Tree, CA: Steve Poltz is presenting the 2nd Annual Bahootenzie; a SongSchool (May 2-4) and FolkFest (May 5 & 6). He’s teamed up with the Joshua Tree Music Festival family, and it all takes place at the festival venue at the Joshua Tree Lake Campground in the shadows of the otherworldly Joshua Tree National Park.
Steve is an alt-folksinger, master storyteller, prolific songwriter, and comedian. He’s one of the greatest solo entertainers roaming planet earth today. No Depression Magazine crowned him, “A sardonic provocateur with a lighthearted acoustic-driven wit, suggesting at times a sunnier, less psychedelic Todd Snider, or maybe a less wan, washed Jackson Browne,” while the Associated Press dubbed him “part busker, part Iggy Pop and part Robin Williams, a freewheeling folkie with a quick wit and big heart.” Steve has released 20+ albums, and has co-written with Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, Nicki Bluhm, Jewel (on the mega hit “You Were Meant For Me”) Oliver Wood, and many more. While he clearly LOVES to perform, Steve is equally inspired by encouraging others to hone their songwriting skills. For the SongSchool, he’s enlisted his wildly talented friends – Maya De Vitry, Amber Rubarth and Tim Bluhm (of The Mother Hips) – to coach up songsmiths of all levels – newbies and old pros alike.
What is Bahootenzie you ask? Says Steve, “My dearly departed Dad, Joe Poltz, used to say it after he’d cough or sneeze. One day I asked him what it meant, and he said “many blessings”. And I said, “Oh, I thought it meant; let’s go nuts”. Then dad suggested “let’s combine it and make it “many blessings, let’s go nuts!” I loved that. So instead of shouting “many blessings, let’s go nuts”, I just say Bahootenzie!” About the SongSchool – May 2-4 All levels of writers, players and music lovers are welcome. Even if you’ve never written a song before, you will. You’ll learn from experienced songsmiths, Steve Poltz, Maya de Vitry, Amber Rubarth and Tim Bluhm. These dedicated artists are committed to mentoring aspiring musicians and writers, and will help you take your songwriting skills to the next level.
Over 16 hours of small group instruction in a magical outdoor setting, delivered with the ideal blend of encouragement, creativity, and kindness. Says Steve, “Now, I love nothing more (well, almost nothing) than performing. But I truly dig the fine art of crafting a song and writing music. And teaching others to find their muse and blossom.” About the FolkFest – May 5 & 6 The FolkFest is on Fri and Sat, May 5 and 6, with performances by Steve Poltz (each day), Keller Williams, Lisa Sanders, Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket), The Rainbow Girls, Tim Bluhm, Amber Rubarth and Maya de Vitry. More than 12 performances over the two days and nights. Camp on site at the Joshua Tree Lake RV Campground (RV hook ups available), rent a cozy camper trailer (w/ AC) right backstage, or stay nearby in an AirBnB or Hotel. The Joshua Tree Music Festival venue has sweeping desert views, plenty of shaded spaces, and lots of room to safely gather outdoors.
The one of a kind venue was created with the live music experience in mind! Bahootenzie FolkFest & SongSchool Info & Tix: https://joshuatreemusicfestival.com/bahootenzie/ About the Joshua Tree Music Festival Founded in 2003, the Joshua Tree Music Festival takes place every May and October at the gateway to the world-renowned Joshua Tree National Park. The four-day festivals are immersive, inclusive, and inspiring experiences catering to music loving funsters and families with a sense of adventure. Family and friends come together with passion, purpose and a mission to foster social interaction on a deep level, and to create positive, life-changing moments. For more info log on to: www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com
