www.montereycountynow.com JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 29 MUSIC Multi-instrumentalist Dave Holodiloff dreamed of creating a music festival for a decade before it took place—under unfortunate circumstances. The inaugural Holo-Fest was hosted by the P.G. Meetinghouse in December 2024 as a fundraiser to help him cover the cost of serious health issues. This year, circumstances are much better. The festival has expanded and is moving to “one of the coolest live music venues on Earth,” according to Holodiloff: Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur. The annual and popular Jerry Garcia “birthday bash” is part of the festival. This year’s format consists of five separately-ticketed concerts over three days, with Balkan String Projekt, one of Holodiloff’s many efforts, kicking off the celebration on Friday night. The mandolinist likes to explore the folk music of countries like Bulgaria and Moldova. “It’s the harmony, the rhythm, the complexity, the diversity,” he says. This will be Balkan String Projekt’s first concert after a year-plus-long hiatus. Holodiloff is exploring his Slavic roots along with Elijjah McCullar (on oud, cumbus, violin and bouzuki), Avi Sinai (percussion) and Juneau Rowe (piano). They will be accompanied by Big Sur and Bay Area dancers, plus some surprise musical guests. “We decided to keep the momentum going,” Holodiloff says about the idea to continue with Holo-Fest. “The last time it started with one concert. But the word spread and soon about 75 musicians came forward and donated their time. It was absolutely fantastic.” This year, the money will go to the Henry Miller Library and the Arts Council for Monterey County, the main nonprofit sponsor of arts in the county. Holodiloff is not only a prolific musician, but also a curator of many events, starting with annual Jerry Garcia bashes he has been putting together for 17 years—celebrations of the music and life of the legendary leader of the Grateful Dead. The bash is coming to the library for the fourth time. Guitar masters such as Nelsen Hutchison and Michael Martinez will also perform, nestled underneath the redwoods. All ages are welcome to get comfortable on the lawn or deck area with blankets and chairs. “Bring layers and dance,” the organizers encourage. Holo-Fest 2.0 Friday, July 31-Sunday, Aug. 2. Henry Miller Memorial Library, 48603 Highway 1, Big Sur. $55- $189. (831) 667-2574, henrymiller.org. ALINA MARKINA Holo Gram String instruments rule the second edition of Dave Holodiloff’s music festival. By Agata Popęda From left to right: Juneau Rowe (piano), Elijjah McCullar (violin), Dave Holodiloff (mandolin), Dan Robbins (bass), Will Bates (drums) comprise the Balkan String Projekt. BRISCOE TUESDAY AUGUST 4TH LIVE IN THE VINES WWW.FOLKTALEWINERY.COM
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