Allen Stone’s annual Stone Family Field Trip is now one of my favorite events of the year. Held on the shores of Liberty Lake, WA, at the Zephyr Lodge, the venue transforms from a tranquil wedding location in the summer into a loud, (sometimes) raucous and vibrant setting for this unique and incredibly intimate music festival. What started as a small private event only for friends and family has blossomed into an intimate and lovely music festival open to the public.
In the warmer months, the lodge serves as a sought-after wedding venue, offering couples a gorgeous backdrop on the lake for their special day, complete with rooms in the lodge and updated cabins for the wedding party and guests. However, when the Stone Family Field Trip comes to town, Zephyr Lodge at Liberty Lake takes on an entirely different energy. The festival brings together music lovers, families (the event is very kid friendly), and friends for an unforgettable weekend, where live performances, community spirit despite sometimes cold temps, and the stunning outdoor setting all come together to make the greatest musical event of my year. Every year, Allen curates a unique lineup of not only talented musicians, but also friends, each of whom bring their own vibe and creating a diverse and electric atmosphere. As the official photographer for the event, I feel lucky to not only make so many new friends every year, but have a roster of new artists to share with everyone I know that loves music as much as I do!
Featured Musicians:
The 2024 Stone Family Field Trip was filled with incredible talent from a wide range of genres, and it was impossible not to be swept up in the collective energy. From the smooth, soulful tunes of headliner Allen Stone to the infectious energy of the Australian artists, the variety of performances kept the us all engaged, energized, and feeling the warm fuzzies of the greatest hang of the year.
As the event photographer for the event, which is held at the Zephyr Lodge at Liberty Lake every year, I had the privilege of capturing the connections between the artists and their audience, and there’s no better way to reflect on the weekend than by highlighting the performances that made it unforgettable. Each musician brought something special to the stage, and their energy was contagious. Here’s a closer look at the talented artists who made this year’s Stone Family Field Trip a truly unforgettable experience and all the kick ass people you should give a follow, listen to, and catch a show when they come through your town.
Allen Stone
Allen Stone should need no introduction around these parts. He’s the man in charge and my frequent boss: over the years I’ve had the opportunity to work with Al quite a bit, from the ridiculous movie we made during the pandemic, to his karaoke tour, to all recent years of Stone Family Field Trip. Al, per usual, delivered an exceptional weekend, along with multiple performances that left him almost voiceless by the end of the weekend thanks to how much fun we all had. If for some crazy reason you don’t know who Allen Stone is (even though you know me), you should check out his soulful crooning and luscious locks. SFFT wouldn’t be the same without him – his connection to the event is clear, as he brings not only his music but a genuine sense of joy and warmth that resonates with fans and the other musicians year after year.
Mac Ayers
Mac Ayers is no stranger to SFFT – he performed in 2022 as well. Mac hails from New York, which he still calls home, and his music is deeply rooted in classic soul influences with modern R&B. He’s got the most gregarious smile that I absolutely adore photographing and his music always invites me to slow down and appreciate the quieter moments. You can catch Mac on tour this year with Keshi where in addition to touring Australia and New Zealand, he’ll be performing for hometown shows at Madison Square Garden. Mac’s new album Cloudy is out this month.
Alex Lambert
Hot damn this man’s set was my absolute favorite from the weekend. Alex said after the set that he’s not sure where his energy came from but damn did we all love it. He was a rollicking, rolling good time. It was fun to find out that Alex hails from DFW also, but now calls Nashville home. His music is refreshing mix of soul, americana and country, but with a modern twist, emotionally driven lyrics and songs that I can really get behind like “Wine.” At times soft, at times powerful, at times raucous, his set was full of surprises and I can’t wait to see more from this young talented artist.
Swatkins and Moorea Masa
I don’t think it’s doing these two a disservice to combine them together for the purposes of this write up because they are indelibly entertwined in my head. Swatkins, who fronts his own group Swatkins and the Positive Agenda, in addition to touring with Allen Stone and Scary Pockets, is married to the beautiful, angelic Moorea Masa, who headlines her own project, Moorea Masa and the Mood. They are a powerhouse husband-and-wife duo and they shared the stage together, swapping between songs from each, bringing a unique, sometimes soulful, and ALWAYS funky energy to the Stone Family Field Trip stage. Moorea’s voice is rich and emotive. Their presence together, whether on stage for themselves or backing Allen stone, is frankly electric. They leave you loving them as much as they clearly love each other. It’s gross really. Their natural chemistry and shared passion and borderline annoying positivity for life and music shone through in every note – their set a standout highlight of the weekend. I jest, of course, but really, they are over the top cotton candy effervescent brightly lit globes of human beings.
Zac Clark
Where do I start with this man. What a surprise he was. At a glance, one might pigeonhole Zac into a very distinct corner. Currently, Zac is (self-professedly) only dressing in neutrals and he exudes the coolness, pastiche and style that every girl who’s ever been to Palm Springs wishes she had. A reader, a philosophizer, and wordsmith, and an intoxingly calming presence, I was drawn to Zac because he also has an indescribable secret flair for being just a bit knavish. It adds a unique slightly subversive and surprising charm to his character and it catapults out of him in his song lyrics. On stage, his indie-folk sound is overlaid with witty, quirky, and reflective lyrics. The end result is a connection so intimate it’s as if you wake up and aren’t sure where you are or how you got there. You’ve been invited, for a brief moment, into Zac’s world. It’s just a little off-kilter – watch your step! His set was not only a musical highlight for me, because I had NO idea what to expect from this man that I had so many fascinating and wonderful connections and conversations with over the weekend, but also was a testament to his magnetic, multifaceted personality.
Katie Tupper
It is entirely unfair to any of my generation that any child can be as effortlessly beautiful, talented, smart and most infuriatingly funny as Katie Tupper. I mean, I get told all the time that my portrait sessions are like being at a comedy hour but this girl puts me to shame with her lightning fast retorts. On top of that, she’s got a jazzy soulful voice of mf-ing angel and the face to go along with it. Dreamy vocals? Check. Relaxed yet engaging vibe? Check. She is a soul-stirring R&B powerhouse with a contemporary twist, a twinkle in her eye, and a mischievous grin. I adore her and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this incredible musician.
EJ Worland
I love this man, I love his wife, and I’m so honored to consider them friends. They light up a room. EJ Worland exudes classic soul but with tiny surprises. How about a side of psychedelic pop every once in awhile? I’ve seen him play tiny rooms with 100 people and I’ve seen him play SFFT with 800 – regardless of the audience size, he manages to create an intimate and engaging experience with everyone. He’s a beautiful reminder that someone can sing slow soulful sweet ballads but also rage until dawn riding bikes inside like the silly fucks we are. EJ’s new EP Tunnels is available anywhere that you stream music and his new song “Save Me” was released this past weekend.
Tommy and the High Pilots
I met Tommy Cantillon in 2020 when we created a small, insanely hilarious, borderline ridiculous movie for Allen, alongside the likes of Julian Gavilanes and Teddy Swims. At that point, Tommy had put music on the back burner to focus on his growing family, which has since expanded by one precious daughter. So, when Tommy and the High Pilots announced they were coming out of musical hibernation to play a multi-night residency in St. Louis, Allen couldn’t resist adding them to the Stone Family Field Trip lineup. “THIS IS MY FAVORITE BAND OF ALL TIME!” he enthusiastically proclaimed on stage as he introduced them.
The band took to the stage, led by Tommy and his brother Mike on keyboards, with our favorite human Steven Libby on bass and their current drummer, Dan Moore (who shall henceforth be known as Captain John Essen Von Steuben). The high-energy vibes of Tommy and the High Pilots were a welcome burst of adrenaline in the mid-afternoon. Tommy is a natural frontman (and actor) whose infectious energy got the crowd on their feet, hands in the air, and everyone singing along. It was easily the most rock-and-roll moment of the weekend (other than Swatty standing on his own keyboard bench, but that’s another story). The audience—and I—loved every second of it.
Jesse Gold
At this point, it’s officially not the Stone Family Field Trip without Jesse Gold. Don’t know Jesse? You absolutely should. His thoughtful, sentimental songwriting delivers a rich, emotional experience rooted in contemporary R&B and soulful melodies. But that’s just the start. Jesse’s social media is a treasure trove of whimsy, clever humor, and just the right amount of sly charm—all served with a wink. He’s playful yet sly, romantic yet daringly unpredictable, always keeping you guessing with that signature infectious grin. And let’s face it, his music is as stylish as he is.
Need proof of just how sweet, thoughtful, and playful Jesse can be? This week, he dropped a brand-new song inspired by Up—yes, that tearjerking Pixar masterpiece. It’s a beautiful tribute to Carl and Ellie’s love story, capturing their enduring romance, unwavering support, and the magic of finding joy in the everyday. And here’s the kicker: Jesse doesn’t just sing about these values; he lives them. His music isn’t just about grand, sweeping gestures of love but also about the quiet, steady presence that carries us through life’s highs and lows.
So, what are you waiting for? Go stream “Airport Song” now—and get ready to fall in love with Jesse Gold’s world.
Blake Braley and Tristan Hart Pierce
Blake Braley and Tristan Hart Pierce, now permanent fixtures in Allen Stone’s touring band, have been close friends and musical partners for years. Their chemistry on stage is undeniable, and they complement each other beautifully. This year, the audience was beyond excited to see these two step into their own spotlight at the Stone Family Field Trip—many of us have been cheering on their journey for years.
Blake’s vocals are smooth when they need to be and irresistibly funky when the moment calls for it, while Tristan’s exceptional guitar playing adds depth and flair to every performance. Together, they create an intimate yet electric atmosphere that’s impossible to resist. If you’re in Spokane, you can catch these two weekly at Zola, or find them on tour with Allen Stone. Either way, they’re a duo worth experiencing live.
Last but certainly could never be least: The Aussies aka Rissa KL, Ellen Mara, Lana Sayah, Elishia Semaan, Andrew Chara, and Will Sutcliffe
They blew into Zephyr Lodge at Liberty Lake like a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm, earning the affectionate but oh so obvious nickname “the Aussies.” Though not a formal group, Rissa KL, Ellen Mara, Lana Sayah, and Elishia Semaan acted as one—sharing the stage, the spotlight, and a deep camaraderie. Each brought her own unique sound and style to the Stone Family Field Trip stage, but together they created a collaborative magic that was fresh, exciting, and utterly captivating.
Backed by Andrew on keys and Will on guitar, these soulful powerhouses took turns leading songs, blending their talents into a dynamic fusion. Their first-ever roundtable-style performance showcased their love and devotion as friends, amplifying the joy they were clearly having on stage together. The audience was mesmerized, and I couldn’t agree more—this format suited them perfectly. Let’s hope it’s the first of many such performances because their collective creativity was nothing short of extraordinary. This group of memorable people left a lasting impression on me for a number of reasons, each one unique to each personality. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them and for our paths to cross again.
Stone Family Field Trip is always more than just a music festival—it is a wonderful celebration of connection, creativity, and community set against the breathtaking backdrop of Zephyr Lodge at Liberty Lake. Regardless of who is on the lineup, every artists always brings something unique to the stage. From Allen Stone’s soulful performances to the Aussies’ dynamic collaboration and every jaw-dropping solo or harmony in between, this year’s event proved once again why the Stone Family Field Trip is such a beloved tradition and why I will never miss a year at Zephyr Lodge Liberty Lake.
Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt songwriting, funky beats, or discovering emerging talent, this festival offered it all in spades. And as someone who has witnessed the magic year after year, I can confidently say it’s a highlight of my calendar—and my camera lens. Until next year, here’s to the music, the memories, and the incredible people who make the Stone Family Field Trip a one-of-a-kind experience. If you landed on this page because you’re throwing a wedding or private event at the Zephyr Lodge Liberty Lake, you can check out my wedding and event work here.
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