On September 13, 3,000 people gathered for Sound Summit’s 10th anniversary at the historic Mountain Theater. Staged at this 4,000-seat natural stone amphitheater atop Mount Tam and produced by Roots & Branches Conservancy, Sound Summit’s festivities raised funds for Mount Tamalpais State Park.
CAKE returned to the theater to headline the festival. The band first appeared at Mount Tam Jam in 2013 — this was the show that Sound Summit producer Michael Nash orchestrated, and later inspired Sound Summit’s launch in 2015.
CAKE was preceded by female-driven Canadian alt-pop powerhouse Alvvays in their only California performance this year. Stand! also performed, which was a special Sound Summit celebration of musical icon Sly & The Family Stone that featured Taj Mahal, Narada Michael Walden, Martin Luther McCoy, Vicki Randle, Rustee Allen, members of Graham Central Station and more. Beloved indie rockers Real Estate performed too, as did self-described purveyors of “Cosmic Mountain Music” Wolf Jett and Youth Speaks Poetry Slam.
Longtime KNBR radio duo — known as Murph & Mac from 2003 to 2023 — Brian Murphy and Paul McCaffrey emceed this year’s festival. Andy Cabic of Vetiver returned as the all-day DJ, spinning tunes and setting the vibe between sets.
Throughout the festival, guests had access to a variety of food and beverage purveyors: Best Day Brewing; El Pipila; El Sur Empanadas; Kaböb Trölley; Lagunitas Brewery Co.; Local Motion; Naia; Pacific House Gin; Pig In A Pickle; Poke A Go Go; Red Bull; Red Whale Coffee; St. Hildie’s; and Waterloo Sparkling Water.
While the exact amount of money raised at this year’s Sound Summit is still to be determined, they have successfully raised more than $300,000 over the past decade in support of the mountain. This has helped them fund an array of projects already, from trail restorations and historic building renovations to fire prevention, water conservation, emergency resources, visitor services and more.
Keep an eye on Sound Summit’s website to look out for next year’s dates and lineup.
