Huichica Music Festival returns to Gunbun June 10 and 11

Now in its seventh year, the Huichica music festival is in full swing this weekend, starting tonight, June 10, in the historic 'Redwood Barn' at Gundlach Bundschu Winery and then again on Saturday, June 11, on three stages showcasing 30 acts over the two-day event.

The festival was conceived by Jeff Bundschu and musician friend Eric D. Johnson, who thought it might be fun to pair some indie-rock bands with local food and wine. Johnson was in the Fruit Bats at the time and that band, along with others, made up the first festival.

Again this year, many of the acts arnen't household names – and Bundschu likes it like that.

'I've always liked to introduce people to new music, and the festival gives us that opportunity,' said Bundschu. 'We really want to introduce acts to Sonoma as we do our wine, in an approachable intimate setting with no pretense.'

This year there are several returning bands and many new ones, including the alt-rock Radio Fliers who are made up of local Sonoma Valley musicians, now residing in El Cerrito. Three are Sonoma Valley students who have put college on hold to concentrate on the band: drummer Owen Barrett, singer/guitarist Jesse Summers and guitarist Miles Hagin. They are joined by bass player Sammie Fishcer who graduated from Marin School of the Arts and now attends Ex'pression College in Emeryville.

With far too many bands to showcase individually, we've picked some that caught our eyes and ear.

* After a three-year hiatus induced by a tragic life-changing event, Eric D. Johnson and the Fruit Bats are back in action and at the festival, along with a new album, 'Absolute Loser.' 'I'm finding my identity again,' says Johnson, 'which is somehow, weirdly this dumb fake punk-rock name that I put on a four-track tape.' The new album is a conglomeration of styles from the previous releases of the band, which focuses on Johnson's vocals, and complex musical structures, with some songs having 10 layered guitar tracks. You can catch the Fruit Bats on the Barn Stage tonight, June 10, at 9:20 p.m. and Johnson playing a solo set today at 3 p.m. on the same stage.

* Rodrigo Amarante is quite a coup for the small festival. The Brazillian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is known world-wide as a member of the act Los Hermanos, and has recently gone solo with an album released in 2014 called 'Cavallo.' The album consists of songs created by Amarante based on his vision of his home town, one he realizes only exists in his mind. Amarante will be performing solo tonight, June 10, on the Barn Stage at 7 p.m.

* A combination of East Coast and West Coast performers, Heron Oblivion could be called an 'All-Star Indie Band' with members carrying credentials from stints with 'Comets on Fire,' 'Sic Alps,' 'Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound,' 'Espers,' 'Howlin Rain,' 'Lowdown' and more. Band members Meg Baird, Noel V. Harmonson, Charlie Saufley and Ethan Miller started the act just as a jam improv ensemble, with members playing instruments they were familiar with but not known for. The act has a decidedly different vibe from song to song, with some sounding like a a '20s speakeasy all the way to ones with screaming electric guitar and effects. On the songs that have vocals, Baird's voice is soothing and haunting all at the same time. You can catch the act on the Barn Stage on Saturday, June 11, at 5 p.m.

* Dengue Fever combines two unlikely genres – Cambodian pop and psychedelic rock – into a truly unique sound. A sound that even Peter Gabriel thought enough of to sign them to his emerging record label, 'Real World Records.'

Dengue Fever formed in 2001 after founding member Ethan Holtzman returned from a trip to Cambodia. He then sought out a vocalist that could sing in Khmer, one of the languages of Cambodia, and discovered Chhom Nimol in a nightclub in Long Beach, California. And the act was complete. With now 10 album releases under their belt, the band also gives back to the Cambodian community by partnering with many charitable organizations in that country, including forest and wildlife preservation. You can catch the act at 8:10 p.m. on the Amphitheater Stage.

Like we mentioned, far too many great acts to cover them all, and for more info and schedule, point your browser to huichica.com.

Parking is complimentary for Gundlach Bundschu wine club members and to encourage carpooling, free parking will be available to vehicles carrying three or more passengers or full 2 seat vehicles and motorcycles, otherwise parking fees will be in effect and are cash only.

Tickets will be available at the door and the venue requests no coolers, pets, chairs, outside food or beverages or bad attitudes.