Festival at Sandpoint brings big names for music under the stars

For 35 years, the Festival at Sandpoint has brought some of music’s biggest names to the area for summer after summer of music under the stars.

Acts like B.B. King, Dierks Bentley, Trampled by Turtles, Judy Collins and Josh Ritter have performed at the festival in the past, and this year’s lineup is just as diverse.

Here’s a look at the acts gracing the festival stage this year.

Pink Martini

Thursday: 7:30 p.m., $44.95

If any act can kick off Festival at Sandpoint on the right foot, it’s Portland’s “little orchestra” Pink Martini, which played the 2012 festival. Since pianist Thomas Lauderdale formed the band in 1994, the group, fronted by co-lead vocalists China Forbes and Storm Large, has charmed listeners with its blend of classical, Latin, pop and jazz. The band’s latest album, “Je dis oui!” (“I say yes!”) takes that fusion even further, featuring songs in eight languages. Instead of an opening act, Pink Martini will perform two sets, with an intermission in between. As a special treat for fans, martini specials in colorful glasses will be available at the Festival Bar.

The B-52s with Biddadat

Aug. 4: 7:30 p.m., $54.95

It’s been nearly a decade since new-wave all-stars the B-52s released an album, but you won’t hear fans complaining. Riding the success of hits like “Rock Lobster,” “Roam” and, of course, “Love Shack,” the quartet of vocalists Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, and multi-instrumentalist Keith Strickland, who no longer tours with the band, has entertained audiences around the world, turning every stage it plays rainbow bright. Funk duo Biddadat, whose members met in Seattle but grew up in Sandpoint, will open the show. Note to audiences: The venue will be configured differently for this show to create a bigger dancing/standing area in front of the stage. There will still be sections for blankets, low chairs, and high chairs, reserved patron and sponsor seating and seating availability in the grandstands.

Jake Owen with Mitchell Tenpenny

Aug. 5: 7:30 p.m., $74.95

“You know they make Saturdays/For doing whatever you want/The weekend’s where it begins,” country singer Jake Owen sings on “Good Company,” the third single from his fifth album “American Love.” With this mindset, the Florida-born, Nashville-based musician’s Saturday show should be easy-breezy, just right for a summer night. Nashville-based singer-songwriter Mitchell Tenpenny, who released the “Linden Ave” EP earlier this month, will open the show.

Family Concert

Aug. 6: Gates open at 2:30 p.m. for children’s activities, and the musical performance begins at 5 p.m., $6

In “The Frog Prince,” a spoiled princess, after dropping a gold ball into a pond, encounters a talking frog. After the princess gives the frog a smooch, it is transformed into a handsome prince. At this year’s Family Concert, the Festival Community Orchestra and Sandpoint’s Studio One Dancers will bring the story, featuring music by Jules Massenet and choreography by Marc Spielberger, to the stage. Before the concert, while the kiddos enjoy an instrument petting zoo, an animal petting zoo, pony rides, clowns, face painting and games, parents can get a complimentary mini-massage at the Parents’ Corner.

7B Stars-Charley Packard Memorial Concert

Aug. 9: 7 p.m., $20

In honor of Sandpoint’s Charley Packard, a legendary singer-songwriter who died this year, nearly 20 acts will perform to raise money for the Charley Packard Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was established to further Packard’s mentorship of young musicians. Performing at the Charley Packard Memorial Concert are: The Packard Boys (featuring Packard’s three sons), Shook Twins, Bridges Home, John Craigie, Justin Landis, Neighbor John Kelly, Peter Lucht, Craig Bonault, Harold’s IGA, Justin Landtrip, Truck Mills, Beth Pederson, Ken Mayginnes, Dennis and Carol Coats, John Stohl, Michael Wagoner, Jacob Robin, Tom Newbill, and Sheldon and Robbie Packwood.

The Head and the Heart with Matt Hopper & the Roman Candles

Aug. 10: 7:30 p.m., $44.95

This won’t exactly be a hometown show for the Head and the Heart, but it will be pretty close for the six piece, which formed after a series of open mic nights in Seattle. With songs like “Lost In My Mind” and “Down in the Valley” leading the way, the Head and the Heart, which played the 2014 festival, quickly became indie-folk darlings after forming in 2009. The band’s third album, “Signs of Light,” featuring “All We Ever Knew” and “Rhythm and Blues,” was released last year. The Alaska-born quintet Matt Hopper and the Roman Candles, who played shows at nYne and Gonzaga University in April, will open. Note: Brew Tasting tickets are available for $10, which includes a commemorative pilsner glass and premium microbrew tastes. The Brew Tasting begins at 6 p.m.

Iration and The Wailers

Aug. 11: 7 p.m., $54.95

The Hawaiian-bred musicians in the California-based reggae rock band Iration can’t help but bring the sunshine with them wherever they go. The band’s latest album, “Double Up,” finds the quintet switching gears and acoustically reworking songs, including hits like “Reelin’,” “Time Bomb” and “Summer Nights,” from throughout its catalog, though even unplugged, the band’s sunny vibes remain intact. Legendary reggae act the Wailers, born from Bob Marley & the Wailers, fronted by bassist and founder Aston “Familyman” Barrett and featuring original members of the group, is also performing at this show. Note to audiences: This is a dance show.

George Thorogood and the Destroyers with the White Buffalo

Aug. 12: 7:30 p.m., $74.95

In their 40-year career, blues-rock legends George Thorogood and the Destroyers have made a name for themselves with originals like “Bad to the Bone” and “I Drink Alone” and their takes on tunes like Chuck Berry’s “Reelin’ and Rockin’ ” or Bo Didley’s “Who Do You Love?” Thorogood will return to his solo performer origins when he releases his debut solo album, “Party of One,” on Aug. 4. Those in attendance might get a sneak peek at one (or more) of the album’s 14 tracks, which pay tribute to musicians like Hank Williams, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and John Hammond Jr. The White Buffalo, aka Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Jake Smith, who will release “Darkest Darks, Lightest Lights” in the fall, will open the show.

Grand Finale Concert: Nordic Nights

Aug. 13: Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for Taste of the Stars Wine Tasting, and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m., $39.95/adult, $10.95/youth

Gary Sheldon will lead the Spokane Symphony Orchestra in this Scandinavian inspired concert. The show opens with Jeremiah Clarke’s “The Prince of Denmark’s March” and Hugo Alfven’s Swedish Rhapsody No. 1. Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto follows and features piano soloist Tien Hsieh. The second half of the program features Grieg’s “Peer Gynt Suite” and Jean Sibelius’ “Finlandia.” Before the concert, the festival’s Taste of the Stars Wine Tasting, complimentary for concertgoers 21 and older, will take place. After the show, a fireworks finale, made possible by Avista Utilities, will close the festival.