Highway to Schell

Over the first weekend of June, music lovers gather in Nevada’s eastern edge for a one-of-a-kind festival experience. Bands and musicians across the musical spectrum take the stage and shroud Steptoe Valley in a ripple of harmony. Combined with attached glamping and open landscapes, it’s a high-end festival in the high desert.

The festival in question is called Schellraiser. Its namesake is inspired by the Schell Creek Range – your mountainous view for the weekend – and “raiser” calls to the festival’s commitment in giving back to the community. The restoration of the historic McGill Theater and donations to the Nevada Northern Railway Foundation to restore the train tracks between Ely and McGill are just two examples of past or ongoing projects.

Schellraiser’s lineups have been well-curated and eclectic in choice. Several bands have already achieved national recognition, while others are just on the fringe. Past Schellraiser acts include: the Old 97’s, The 40 Acre Mule, The Paranoyds, Blonde Redhead, Blue Water Highway, Houndmouth, Asleep at the Wheel, and so much more!

A wide range of genres are meant to satisfy several song palates. Country, rock, and even wispy softcore performers have been well represented in the past. It all reads into Schellraiser’s musical motto, “Diverse and Divergent.”

In their own words, “Schellraiser is a family-owned micro-festival that is passionate about bringing live music and culture to our overlooked and underappreciated corner of the West, while creating unique experiences for festivalgoers, bands and volunteers alike.”

A large piece in achieving these goals is the location. Schellraiser takes place at the McGill Pool Park, a truly surreal setting. Views of the mountains encapsulate the park and trees around the perimeter provide shade during the day. The elevation of McGill also lends to visitors’ comfort. Temperatures stay warm but never overheat, and 70-degree nights provide perfect relief during nighttime performances. Attendees always end headlining sets in cool fashion.

The party each night does not end when the stage lights go down, however. Both performers and spectators keep the festival going even after the nightly music ends. The McGill Club, for example, became a popular stop for locals, visitors, and the weekend’s musicians providing a friendly and entertaining atmosphere. Everyone may also decide to make the quick trip back to Ely and take in the nightlife there. The chance to live it up with the bands themselves makes for amazing memories and is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Another area that keeps the energy flowing from the late-night music is the Schellraiser Campground. This 80-acre private campground is where you’ll find glamping tents, tiny homes, car, and regular tent camping just a couple miles north of McGill. The air becomes filled with campers playing their own music and vibing under a pristine dark sky, the Milky Way in full view overhead. The campground sites are also able to be rented and stayed at year-round.