This Saturday, November 14th, the Hemp Awareness Health Advocates and the Mateel will present the 19th annual Humboldt Hemp Fest at the Mateel Community Center in Redway.  A favorite harvest-time tradition, the Humboldt Hemp Fest will feature a variety of speakers, vendors, art, music, and cuisine to honor the hemp plant and raise awareness about its’ many virtues. 

      Doors open to the public at noon and the first portion of the day will include entertainment by Marjo Wilson Trio, Mickey The Clown, and Round Valley Dancers, along with an opening prayer ceremony by Coyote Fred Downey.

      A panel of speakers will  begin at 1:35pm and will include hemp experts such as Bill Courtney MD (Medical Cannabis Consultant), Elvy Musikka (Federal Medical Cannabis Recipient), Pepples Trippet (Medical Marijuana Patients Union), Ed Soukkooja (Hemp Advocate), and Vivian McPeak (Founder of the Seattle Hempfest), along with moderator, Jimmy Durchslag.

      Also on the bill will the humorous, political folk rock of Darryl Cherney & The Patriot Act; the tropical stylings of local favorites, Lost Coast Marimbas; the eclectic rock sounds of Humboldt County’s emerging new band, Peeping Thomas; Native American hip hop with Self & Young Dru; cosmic comic, Swami Beyondananda; traditional Native dance by the Mashakai Dancers, plus belly dancing troupes, Onyx Moon and Chavelin Belly Dance.

      Headlining the show will be Willie Nelson’s son’s band, Lukas Nelson & The Promise Of The Real.  A ripping guitar player with a vocal style reminiscent of his father, Lukas plays an original blend of blues, rock, and country which was a highlight at this year’s Summer Arts and Music Festival.  With a highly acclaimed debut EP and high profile performances such as Farm Aid under his belt, he is currently on a national tour supporting B.B. King and will be taking the night off for this special Hemp Fest performance and Mateel debut. 

      In addition to the speakers and entertainment, the Humboldt Hemp Fest will also feature a variety of vendors selling a wide array of hemp and related products; art by Stu Moskowitz in the Hemp Garden Gallery; edibles by Andrew’s Organabis Kitchen, Felicia’s Indian Tacos, and Northfork Café; and a beer/ wine bar.

      A $10 - $20 sliding scale donation is requested at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.  For more information visit either www.humboldthempfest.com or call the Mateel office at 923-3368 and don’t miss the 19th annual Humboldt Hemp Fest this Saturday, November 14th.