_{By Mike Romero}

Boasting an impressive lineup of 36 bands, including massive headliners like Dinosaur Jr. and Blitzen Trapper as well as solid Utah bands like The Mellons and The Plastic Cherries, Schellraiser Music Festival welcomed attendees to McGill, Nevada for a thrilling three days in June.

Lasting June 1 through June 3, the music rolled across the wild grass and tall trees below the Schell Creek mountain range as patrons experienced the festival’s second year. This was a far cry from a pop music festival. This thing was built for music aficionados – the kind of people who cross their arms and bop their heads at the back of a venue before making a stank face as the guitar solo hits. You know the kind. The attitude of the whole thing felt sacred and communal. For someone who writes about music, it was just my thing.

I don’t think people realize just how rare it is to be able to mingle with artists after they’re done performing. Normally they’re backstage or whisked away somewhere secluded. But to sit on the grass and enjoy live music and great food with some of the musicians you just got done watching? That’s something special.

Our staff photographer, Ivan Martinez, also loved the festival. “I loved the diversity of the lineup,” he says. “It’s safe to say that your lineup is pretty diverse when the music ranges from psychedelic cumbia to Dinosaur Jr.”

Founded by Rudy Herndon, Schellraiser exists as a testament to the Herculean efforts and colossal collaborations of dozens of partners, non-profits, and other organizations. Not only did they deliver patrons a great experience, but they’re using the proceeds of the festival to support the long-abandoned McGill Theater. Among the organizations that helped support Schellraiser are our Utah friends at SLUG Magazine and Utah Concert Review.

Schellraiser needs to be on the radar of every Utah concertgoer. McGill is an old mining town in the middle of eastern Nevada. Salt Lake City is the closest major city to the festival’s location – even closer than Reno and Las Vegas. It’s close enough for a quick weekend trip, secluded enough to feel special, and packed with enough talent to blow your mind. Make plans to come next year. You won’t regret it.

Follow Schellraiser on Instagram and check out “Where the Light Wants to Go” by Schellraiser act The Plastic Cherries below!