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What Is a Schellraiser?

Posted on June 6, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Scott Dickensheets

Scott Dickensheets

Photo of Dinosaur Jr.

Schellraiser headliner Dinosaur Jr. (Debbie Hickey/Getty)

🎸 Yeah, what is it? It’s a three-day music and culture festival, beginning tomorrow, in rising new Nevada hotspot of, er, McGill? Up near Ely, it’s a 4.5-hour drive from here — not a bad getaway. “Our lineup reflects our love of independent and alternative music,” organizers say. This is the festival’s second year.

🎸 What’s with that name? Schellraiser is a rock ’n’ roll twist on the name of some nearby mountains, the Schell Creeks, said to be the state’s longest range.

🎸 Have I heard of anyone performing? Depends. Heard of Dinosaur Jr.? Asleep at the Wheel? Titus Andronicus? Blitzen Trapper? The Joy Formidable? The Secret Sisters? Not insignificant names. Full lineup here. There will also be food vendors, artisan booths, and more.

🎸 What’s happening besides music?Artist Steve Keene, whose work is definitely rock-adjacent, will be on hand, as will author and music chronicler Jim Ruland. “I believe I was added to the bill because the Meat Puppets, the original headliner, had a strong connection to SST Records,” Ruland says. That label was the subject of his acclaimed book, last year’s “Corporate Rock Sucks: The Rise & Fall of SST Records.” “I’m ready to talk about all sorts of SST bands, from Black Flag to Blind Idiot God.”

🎸 Say I impulsively go. Where will I stay? If you haven’t already made lodging plans, your options are limited — but aren’t yet zero. There are some camping and glamping options available.

🎸 How much? Admission is $50-$210. Ticket information is here.

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