Community members attend the Rock’N the Ranch at the Rusty Ravin Music Festival in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, July 8, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Community members attend the Rock’N the Ranch at the Rusty Ravin Music Festival in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, July 8, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Rock’N the Ranch to bring ‘get up and dance’ bands to 2-day festival

Bands will again descend on Rusty Ravin Plant Ranch for the Seventh Annual Rock’N the Ranch at the Rusty Ravin next weekend, July 7 and 8.

Ravin Swan, co-owner of the ranch, said that “good Alaskan bands” will be on display, with all proceeds of the nonprofit music festival going to Nuk’it’un, a transitional home for men that Swan also founded. She said that the festival is the biggest source of income for the home.

“This is what keeps the home running,” Swan said. “This is the number one thing.”

The home was founded because Swan and the other founders saw a need in the community for the home — especially for men.

Swan described the talent as “foot stomping, get up and dance kinds of bands,” with several familiar names who have played the festival in previous years. On Friday, River Front Gang, Danger Money and Blackwater Railroad will perform. On Saturday, the music starts with the Tune Weavers, followed by the Ridgeway Rounders, JUNOSmile, Hot Mess, Avery Wolves and Braided River.

Swan said that the energy only builds through each day. By midnight both nights, “everyone’s moving.”

The ranch is a great venue, Swan said, and the rain won’t stymie the fun. She said folks can stand covered in the greenhouse or out in front of the stage — either way, there won’t be many mosquitoes because they’re by the water and the facility surrounded by open pasture.

There will be a beer garden available, as well as food and craft vendors and onsite camping.

“Come on out, have a great time, supporting a great cause,” Swan said.

Rock’N the Ranch will run July 7 and 8. On Friday, music starts at 5 p.m. with the River Front Gang. On Saturday, music starts at 11 a.m. with the Tune Weavers. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com or at the door — but Swan said last year the festival sold out and encouraged locking down tickets online earlier.

For more information, visit “Rock’n the Ranch at the RustyRavin” on Facebook.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

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