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June Lake Arts and Sierra Music Cooperative Partner to Expand Live Music Across the Eastern Sierra

New partnership aims to support artists, activate venues, and expand music education from Coleville to Lone Pine.

Eastern Sierra, CA. — June Lake Arts, producer of the annual June Lake Jam Fest, has announced a new partnership with Sierra Music Cooperative, a recently formed nonprofit focused on expanding live music and music education across the Eastern Sierra.

The collaboration brings together June Lake Arts’ established programming and regional presence with Sierra Music Cooperative’s mission to create new opportunities for musicians and young people throughout the region.

“We’re stronger working together,” said Janet Hunt, Executive Director of June Lake Arts. “This partnership allows us to build on what we’ve created and expand opportunities for live music across the Eastern Sierra.”

Both organizations view the Eastern Sierra as a connected region rather than a collection of competing towns.

“This isn’t about Bishop versus Mammoth, Lone Pine, or Independence,” said Dave Surber of Sierra Music Cooperative. “We love all of these communities. The Eastern Sierra is connected by the land, the people, and the culture. Working together makes our mountain and high desert communities stronger.”

Regional Music Initiative

As part of the partnership, June Lake Arts and Sierra Music Cooperative are launching a regional initiative to strengthen the live music ecosystem across the Eastern Sierra.

Spanning communities including Coleville, Walker, Bridgeport, Lee Vining, Benton, June Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, Big Pine, Independence, and Lone Pine, the effort aims to connect venues, artists, and audiences across the Highway 395 corridor.

The initiative will focus on:

• Bringing touring musicians to the region
• Supporting local performers
• Activating venues across the Eastern Sierra
• Expanding music education programs for youth

From small listening rooms and community events to emerging outdoor venues like Mill Creek Station, the Eastern Sierra already has the foundation for a vibrant music scene. This initiative will connect those spaces and artists while helping establish a cohesive live music corridor along Highway 395.

The partnership also prioritizes expanding access to arts and music programming in rural communities, ensuring that residents and young people across the Eastern Sierra have greater opportunities to experience and participate in live music.

By strengthening the region’s music scene, the initiative will support local economies, attract cultural tourism, and position the Eastern Sierra as a destination for both outdoor recreation and authentic arts experiences.

The organizations plan to pursue grant funding and regional partnerships to support live music events, artist development, and youth programming throughout the region. ###

About June Lake Arts

June Lake Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting arts, culture, and community in the Eastern Sierra. Best known for producing the annual June Lake Jam Fest, the organization has helped bring live music, artists, and cultural programming to the region while celebrating the unique character of the Eastern Sierra. Through festivals, events, and partnerships, June Lake Arts creates opportunities for artists and fosters vibrant cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Learn More and Donate: https://www.junelakearts.org

About Sierra Music Cooperative

Sierra Music Cooperative is a nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to live music and music education across the Eastern Sierra. The cooperative supports local musicians, brings touring artists to the region, and develops music programs for youth, including opportunities for Indigenous and rural communities. Through collaboration with venues, nonprofits, and local partners, Sierra Music Cooperative strengthens the region’s music ecosystem and builds sustainable opportunities for artists and audiences.

Learn More and Donate: http://millcreekpresents.com

Media Contacts:

Assets: https://shorturl.at/DK7Ar

Sierra Music Cooperative
Rebecca Brinegar
[email protected] 760-209-6341

June Lake Arts
Charlene Buff

[email protected]
541-606-5558