Oakchella musical festival will help to raise funds for My Club

The family-friendly Oakchella music festival is returning for its third year with a stacked lineup on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Oakhurst Community Center.

It’s the largest annual fundraiser for the MY Club Teen Center in Oakhurst amid a tapestry of tunes.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the festival runs from noon to 9 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs.

“Oakchella was created with a very specific purpose, to financially support the MY Club Teen Center and ensure that the older youth in our community have a safe place that belongs to them,” said Jennifer Simmons, MY Club executive director.

“After our very first Oakchella, we were able to use the funds raised to make the down payment on our Teen Center building and open its doors to local teens. That is something our community should be incredibly proud of.”

All proceeds directly support the Teen Center, allowing MY Club to continue providing a free, safe place for local high school students to receive homework help, participate in workshops and sports, explore career opportunities and spend time with their peers after school.

This year’s festival will feature a full day of live music from Mom’s Leftovers, John Pemberton, High Praise, Fritzoe, The Roots Rockers, JNX and Raised by Radio.

Guests can also enjoy the Grub Hub, Vendor Village, Kids Zone, South Gate Beer Garden and our new Art & Wine Pavilion featuring local wineries and artists.

New this year is the Teen Maker Hub where young entrepreneurs can showcase and sell their handmade products.

“Oakchella typically welcomes between 300 and 400 guests but we are expecting an even larger turnout this year because the event falls during Labor Day weekend when many visitors come to the mountain area,” said Darhinka Medina, MY Club community relations director.

Tickets are $25. Parking is free. Visit Yosemite Madera County will run the Oakhurst Trolley.

Medina said OakChella is more than just a music festival — it brings the community together while helping keep the MY Club Teen Center free and accessible to local teens.

The why of MY Club

My Club’s executive director reflected on the underlying reason for the Oakchella fundraiser.

“When people come to Oakchella, they’re not just coming out for a day of great music and fun,” Simmons said.

“They are helping us keep the doors of the Teen Center open and showing our teens that this community believes they are worth investing in. That is what Oakchella means to MY Club.”

None of this would be possible without the community’s support.

“It is essential that we continue to invest in programs and spaces for teenagers,” Simmons emphasized. “As kids get older they don’t stop needing a safe place to go, positive adults in their lives, opportunities to try new things and a place where they feel like they belong. In many ways they need those things more than ever.”

OakChella lineup

Returning to the Oakchella stage, performers Mom’s Leftovers are familiar faces in the local music community. After helping launch the Oakchella season at this year’s Pool Party, they’re back for another energetic performance.

Central Valley country artist John Pemberton has performed since childhood and began touring with his family band at age 12. He was named CCR International Radio’s Male Vocalist of the Year and his single, “That was Then,” topped the International Hot Country Music Chart.

High Praise is a reggae band bringing upbeat rhythms, positive energy and feel-good music to the Oakchella stage, organizers said. Returning to the festival this year, the group’s lively sound offers something the whole family can enjoy.

Fritzoe, aka Fritz Alvarez, is an R&B artist with acoustic Afro, kompa and acoustic vibes bringing smooth vocals and a soulful sound to this year’s Oakchella lineup. His performance adds a fresh rhythm and blues style to the festival’s diverse day of live music.

The Roots Rockers are a reggae band bringing vibrant rhythms, laid-back island-inspired sounds and plenty of positive energy to the Oakchella stage. Medina said their feel-good performance will keep the festival atmosphere lively and audiences moving.

Pronounced “jinx,” JNX is a young hardrock and metal trio from Mariposa featuring Jonah Dacanay on lead guitar and vocals, Xavier Dacanay on drums and Roger Dacanay on bass. Inspired by bands like Van Halen, Metallica and Pantera, the group has performed throughout California and released its debut album, “Love, Hate, Apocalypse” in 2024.

The band Raised by Radio delivers a punk-influenced sound that fits its nostalgic music-loving name. The group released three projects in 2025, including its self-titled EP, “Loaded Gun Love,” and “Smashville,” giving Oakchella guests plenty of original music to discover.

Sponsors include the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, CalViva Health, Melanie Barker for Madera County District 5 Supervisor, Summit Real Estate, River Creek Golf Course, Emadco Disposal, Dari Beauty Artistry and Sullivan’s Tire Pros.

South Gate Brewing Co. is sponsoring the Beer Garden.

For tickets and information about this critical fundraising event, visit: my.onecause.com/