Cantaloupers – Get Ready to Jam

Rocking the Festival 

Dishwalla 

Get ready for some spectacular rock performances on Friday night, August 23. Dishwalla, an alternative rock group from Santa Barbara, will headline the event. 

In 2015, to mark the 20th anniversary of their chart-topping album “Pet Your Friends,” which featured the group's most notable hit, "Counting Blue Cars" (Tell me all your thoughts on God…because I'd really like to meet her) with their new vocalist, Justin Fox. 

More recently, Dishwalla released their fifth studio album, “Juniper Road,” and have toured with long-standing alternative greats like Fuel, Marcy Playground, Gin Blossoms, and Tears for Fears. 

A few years before “Juniper Road,” Dishwalla embarked on extensive tours across the United States and internationally, sharing stages with notable acts such as Collective Soul, Vertical Horizon, and Nine Days. Fortunately, Nine Days will also perform for this year's Cantaloupers on Friday night. 

Nine Days 

Formed by John Hampson and Brian Desveaux, Nine Days began climbing the charts in the 1990s. The Long Island rock band released three indie albums in the 90s before their debut album, “The Madding Crowd,” which soon hit the mainstream market. Nine Days is known for "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)." More recently, the group appeared in a Travel South Dakota ad, performing a revised version of their hit, which premiered in South Dakota and nearby states during the 2024 Super Bowl. 

Henry Anderson 

Reno's Eric Henry Anderson, an award-winning songwriter and solo artist, will also open for Dishwalla.

According to Anderson, 2023 was a dynamic year for him, filled with national tours, new song and video releases, and numerous performances on the music festival cruise "Sail Across the Sun," hosted by Grammy-winning rock band Train, along with Fitz & The Tantrums, G. Love & Special Sauce, and others. 

Be sure not to miss Anderson's performance. Cantaloupe Festival executive director Adrienne Snow says, "Henry is phenomenal." 

Country Night 

Ward Davis 

Ward Davis, pictured below, is an American singer-songwriter from Monticello, Arkansas, by way of Nashville. Since his initial self-released album, “Nobody's Waiting,” in 1998, Davis has developed an impressive repertoire, writing songs performed by country greats like Trace Adkins, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and more. 

As a gifted songwriter, Davis's talent has stretched beyond the bounds of the country music genre and crossed over into rock, Red Dirt, and Texas Country music. Well-known performers like Wade Hayes, Sammy Kershaw, Bucky Covington, Jimmie Van Zant, and Carolina Rain have made Davis's songs hits. 

Before his work with Cody Jinks, Davis released "15 Years in a 10-Year Town," which featured Willie Nelson and Jamey Johnson ("In Color”). 

In 2015, Davis co-wrote and released "Unfair Weather Friend," which Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard recorded for their final album collaboration. As his last release, the song was played at Merle Haggard's funeral in 2016. 

Davis co-wrote "I'm Not the Devil" with Cody Jinks the following year. The song soared to number four on the US Billboard Country Charts. Davis continues to tour with Jinks and will share his rich country sound at this year's festival. 

Patrice 

Country music enthusiasts will have more excitement as Patrice, a talented singer-songwriter from Sparks, takes the stage Saturday night, opening for Ward Davis. Patrice gained recognition on the Cowboy Channel with her hit song "Headlights" and has shared the stage with Americana/Red Dirt band Reckless Kelly. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to her performance last year, the festival committee has invited her back, promising another outstanding concert experience. 

Wandering Songs with Steven and Raena 

Last but not least are two of Fallon's favorite local artists, Steve and Raena. This husband-and-wife duo has been making music and performing together since 2015. Their debut album, recorded in their home studio in 2021, features a blend of energetic and reflective tracks that delve into love, family, and self-discovery. 

Since September 2022, Steve and Raena have been living full-time in a renovated travel trailer called "Tiny," exploring the stunning landscapes of the high desert and beyond. As passionate travelers and videographers, Steve and Raena share their adventures on their YouTube channel, WanderingSongsAdventure.