Apache Lake Music Festival Blends Local Music, Salt River Camping

By Lauren Gilger
Published: Friday, October 18, 2019 - 12:33pm
Updated: Friday, October 18, 2019 - 3:27pm

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Brannon Kleinlein Apache Lake Music Festival
Katie Campbell/KJZZ
Brannon Kleinlein, co-founder of Apache Lake Music Festival.

Arizona bands like Jared & the Mill grew up with the Apache Lake Music Festival.

That homegrown mix of local jams and camping set against the scenic backdrop of the Salt River is in its 10th year this weekend, standing out as a success where others have not been quite so fortunate.

You can celebrate today and tomorrow with a lineup including familiar favorites like Jared & the Mill, Kongos and Las Chollas Peligrosas — but really, how can we capture all that you’ll find at what Phoenix New Times dubbed “a humble gem of a music fest?”

The festival’s co-founder Brannon Kleinlein says you just have to experience it for yourself.

Kleinlein also owns downtown Phoenix venue Last Exit Live. Ten years ago, he sought to combine his love for the local music scene and his love for camping at Apache Lake, a place he’s been visiting since the '90s.

That’s where it all began for Kleinlein, and that’s where he continues to share his vision with festival-goers.

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