A variety of artists will be hitting the stage at J-H Ranch in Oakdale for the sixth annual Sierra View Music Festival as local resident and business owner, Jim Brunk, brings big name bands and sounds to this small town on Saturday, Aug. 23. Gates open at 1 p.m. and the music will start at 1:30 p.m.

The lineup includes: Thin Black Line, LuvPlanet, The High Voltage Band, Remedy, MoonAlice, April Wine, John Waite, and the Marshall Tucker Band.

“There are a lot of musicians that are really excited to come play here,” said Brunk.

The event has been held for the past six years in honor of Brunk’s late wife, Heidi Brunk. As stated on the Sierra Music Fest website, she lived in Oakdale as a “wife, mother, daughter, music teacher and friend to hundreds.”

Heidi Brunk lost her life in a tragic accident in 2008, but her love of music and passion for teaching lives on in the Heidi Brunk Foundation.

The foundation is a 501(c) 3 organization that raises funds through donations and ticket sales to offer students an opportunity for a music scholarship.

Scholarship recipients since the beginning of the festival in 2009 include Michael Alstead; in 2010 James Cwick, Baylie Jimenez, Todd Medema, Meghann Jones; in 2011 Amber Vanderford, Rachel One, Kelly Brodi, Emily Wallace, Julie Bolme; in 2012 Stephanie Faircloth, Andrew Markel, Amy Bolme, Courtney Burroughs, Theresa Ramirez; and in 2013, Richard Gonzalez.

Brunk plans the concert in August in remembrance of his wife due to her passing in that month. There are also several concerts, fairs, and other events going on in August which makes it challenging, Brunk explained.

“Several people have asked why I continue the festival since it is a lot of work,” Brunk admitted. “Well, because that is the way I can keep her close to my heart.

“It’s part of my whole existence now.”

As an Oakdale High School alumni and former OHS football player, Brunk would like the support of the community for the annual event to provide scholarships for the kids in the local area as well.

“We want people to come because it’s a good time and a great fundraiser,” he said.

The ticket price is $40 per ticket; however, he has discounted the price to $30 for teachers and students and will make tickets available at the high school.

The event is located at Brunk’s 50-acre ranch that will have a stage set up for the artists, beverages, craft vendors and approximately 10 to 12 food vendors. The ranch is large enough to welcome approximately 2500 to 3000 people.

“We aren’t trying to make it a commercial event,” stated Brunk. “That is what is different, is that when the performers come to Oakdale they are not getting hounded and it is a little more relaxing.”

New to the venue this year will be shade awnings in the general admission area just in case it is a hot summer day in August to make guests more comfortable.

The Sierra View Music Festival is slated to run from 1:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., entertaining crowds for a full day with American Southern rock, country rock, adult contemporary, and some classic rock.

“It is about bringing culture to this town and have a good time and give back to the kids and that’s what it has always been about,” stated Brunk.