Father John Misty Is Playing on Top of Mt. Tam

In just under two weeks, Father John Misty will headline this year’s Sound Summit on top of Mt. Tam. Sound Summit is a one-night music festival that feels more like an intimate gathering surrounded by towering trees and sweeping Bay Area views. On September 12th, Father John Misty will be joined by Guster, Jerry Harrison’s 50 Years of Talking Heads, La Luz, and Angeline Saris & The Snack Machine for what promises to be a pretty unforgettable night.

If you’re looking for a night of great music with a little adventure mixed in, Sound Summit is pretty hard to beat. It’s a concert that gives back to the mountain you’re enjoying. It’s part music festival, part intimate gathering, and part fundraiser. Limited to just 4,000 people, it takes place each year at the Mountain Theater atop Mt. Tam, where the stunning setting and small crowd create an experience that feels more like a shared community gathering than a traditional festival. With less than half the capacity of Berkeley’s Greek Theatre, Sound Summit offers a rare opportunity to see musicians where it feels more personal, relaxed, and distinctly intimate.

Headlining the festival is Father John Misty, aka Josh Tillman. Known for his poetic songwriting and theatrical live shows. He came to Sound Summit back in 2021 and did an acoustic set. This time, he’s bringing his whole band.

The longtime indie-rock favorites are known for their catchy melodies and strikingly gorgeous harmonies. 

Jerry Harrison is a founding member of Talking Heads. He’s taking the time at Sound Summit to celebrate 50 years of the band with a set packed with the sounds of New York’s new-wave scene. 

They bring a dreamy mix of surf rock, psychedelic pop, and synth sounds to the stage. This all-female band seamlessly blends doo-wop and folk-inspired vocals while carving out their own path in indie music and following their own unique artistic sensibilities.

Rounding out the lineup is local favorite Angeline Saris with The Snack Machine, bringing their blend of funk and groove to the mountain.

The price of your ticket not only gets you access to a great show, it also helps support conservation efforts on Mt. Tam. Sound Summit is produced by Roots & Branches Conservancy, and so far, the event has raised more than $300,000 for conservation efforts on the mountain. That money goes toward everything from trail and bridge restoration to fire prevention, water conservation, emergency equipment and more.

The Mountain Theatre itself is a sight to see. Tucked into Mount Tamalpais State Park, the nearly 100-year-old venue was built out of natural stone in the 1930s and is perhaps best known locally for hosting the annual Mountain Play. Unlike more commercial venues, the Mountain Theatre feels like it’s just part of the park. So when you’re there for an evening of music, it really feels like you’re hanging out in nature and listening to great music under the stars.

Tickets available at SoundSummit.net with all-in pricing, including fees and taxes. There is also a shuttle from Mill Valley for $35 or reserved parking for $75

Visit SoundSummit.net for transportation options and full event info.