Please help support them by purchasing one of these limited “We Will Survive” pins
100% profits go straight to Rob and Casey. The set is limited to 100 for the first run, so act quickly. $25.00 and includes shipping. The pins looks like the image on the right. There is also a website for donations located at http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/-help-on-the-way-a-fund-to-help-the-decker-rua-family/164606
Written By: Kristen Mack-Perry
Bluegrass power house Leftover Salmon will be starting their next tour at the Vogue in Indiana this Thursday, May 1st. Joining the band will be friend and producer, Bill Payne of Little Feat. The Vogue holds a deep history in Indianapolis and is currently known as “the place to be” when it comes to live music and dancing.
Leftover Salmon has been back on the scene now for several years, going strong since their eight year hiatus and the loss of founding member Mark Vann in 2002. The friendship between Bill Payne and the group was forged when a benefit show for Vann brought together Salmon and Little Feat.
When the band returned in 2012 they also came back from that hiatus to tour in support of a new album, Aquatic Hitchhiker. In 2013 Leftover Salmon then teamed up with Breckenridge Brewery of Colorado to release four new songs to fans which were released exclusively through the brewery’s 12-pack Sampler Packs and are now available on iTunes. Recently the band released their 2004 self-titled album for the first time on all major digital outlets. To celebrate the digital release of the album, Leftover Salmon is offering a free stream and download of the track “Whispering Waters” featuring Bill Payne: http://bit.ly/LOSWhisperingWaters. The band is stronger than ever and ready to embark on their next tour, which will feature special guests like Bill Payne, Jeff Austin, Danny Barnes, Eric Thorin, Yarn and the Jon Stickley Trio.
Join Leftover Salmon on May 1st at the historical Vogue in Indianapolis, IN (www.thevogue.com ) – doors open at 8PM and the show is at 9PM, Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of the show, this is a 21+ show.
Looking back over the past 25 years of rootsy, string-based music, the impact of Leftover Salmon is impossible to deny. Today, Leftover Salmon is: Vince Herman (vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin); Drew Emmitt (vocals, mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar, mandola, fiddle); Andy Thorn (vocals, acoustic and electric banjo, National guitar); Greg Garrison (vocals, acoustic and electric bass, acoustic guitar); Alwyn Robinson (drums, percussion).
Photo gallery: http://jamsplus.smugmug.com/TonyVasquezPhotography/Christina-Perri/
Written by: Rosemary A.W. Roberts
Having lived in Mobile for almost 20 years, I’ve seen a large number of concert events at the gorgeous Saenger Theatre. Some of these concerts have featured performances by musicians like Neil Young, The Rippingtons, or the recent Southern Soul Assembly, in which you expect to sit in the comfortable theatre seats and listen in quiet enjoyment. Other shows, though, like Hippiefest and Jethro Tull were amazingly rocking, but the audience seemed stubbornly glued to their seats, as if an unspoken rule prevents rockin’ out in the Saenger. I assure you, nothing could be further from the truth; and after seeing Gov’t Mule in February, and now Umphrey’s McGee, I am proud to report that Mobile Alabama DOES know how to get up and get down, even in our beautiful Saenger Theatre!
The show on Wednesday April 16th 2014 started a bit lukewarm, with opening act Lionize catching some of us off guard, as the tickets did not indicate they were playing. But when lead singer/guitarist Nate Bergman enticed us to our feet (“This isn’t a Sunday social!”), a fair number of us stood up to dance out our mid-week woes. As the audience slowly trickled in, Lionize put forth a solid set of heavy rock grooves, demonstrating commendable confidence by playing all original songs except a brief tease of Cream’s “White Room”. The band recently released a new album, Jetpack Soundtrack, and they’ll be playing throughout the USA all summer on the Vans Warped Tour, so keep your eyes out for Lionize.
As the time for headliner Umphrey’s McGee approached, the crowd began to take full advantage of the “General Admission” status of the venue for the evening, standing all the way to the front of the stage as if the seats weren’t even there. The Saenger staff obliged, and let people go where they pleased; and it worked amazingly smoothly, with the amiable fans ready to dance the night away. It wasn’t just the local Mobile crew, with fans from Atlanta GA and everywhere in between in attendance. When the band took the stage, their massive light show was in full effect, as if rainbows were melting over the crowd. A cleverly crafted jam-laden two sets of music ensued, and it seemed like each band member took a turn in the driver’s seat throughout the evening. There were large spans of instrumentation, and some stellar guitar work, keys, and drums, but also plenty of space for vocals.
I guess prior to this Saenger show, I had only seen Umphrey’s in outdoor festival settings; but seeing them in this theatre allowed me to have a more fully immersed experience, and I was blown away. Like a well-oiled machine, the band seamlessly transitions between complex time changes, using eye contact and sometimes hand signals to be sure they stay on the same page. They are masters of segues, with setlists filled with ‘>’ ‘s. After a long chain of melodies slickly strung together, when they finally paused for a breath, the crowd would erupt in thunderous cheers and applause. It was a dance party extraordinaire, and it was wonderful to see our Saenger Theatre filled with joyful folks content to be on their feet enjoying the music all night long.
Many thanks to HUKA Entertainment for bringing us yet another fine evening of musical delight, to the Saenger Theatre for letting us get up and dance, and to Umphrey’s McGee for a fabulous concert!
Set I: There’s No Crying In Mexico > Resolution > Water, Uncle Wally > Domino Theory, Tribute to the Spinal Shaft > The Bottom Half, Partyin’ Peeps > Dear Lord > Partyin’ Peeps
Set II: Slacker, Wappy Sprayberry > Miss Tinkle’s Overture, Reelin’ In The Years, Der Bluten Kat > Nemo > Der Bluten Kat
Encore: In The Kitchen
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park has been full throttle over the last few years, with new festivals gracing the grounds at a fevered pace. While the park is capable of hosting massive gatherings of music fans, there is a unique vibe flowing through the old-growth trees when the turnout is a bit more tame. Each year as Spring creeps closer to its conclusion, an intimate event takes place that is far more than a music festival, and would best be described as a family reunion to celebrate this dynamic life we share together, and especially one that was taken away from us far too soon.
Purple Hatter’s Ball is special in ways that are hard to articulate. Approaching its 7th incarnation, the non-profit event is put on in memory of Rachel Morningstar Hoffman, who was murdered during a botched police operation in Tallahassee, FL. The police department faced public outrage and came under extreme scrutiny for their mishandling of Rachel. Their shameful conduct eventually led to reforms in the way authorities deal with citizens they’ve enlisted in their perpetually failing war on drugs.
Many of Rachel’s closest family and friends attend the event each year, along with folks who just appreciate the usual highlights of Suwannee Park- amazing music, picturesque camping, visionary artwork, and a sense of community that encapsulates all who enter the sacred grounds. The event’s lineup is fantastic every year, and only seems to grow as time goes on, adding new talent while staying true to its roots.
This year’s lineup includes:
Beats Antique – Emancipator Ensemble – The New Mastersounds – The Heavy Pets – The Nth Power – DubConscious – Space Capone – Rising Appalachia – Greenhouse Lounge – Catfish Alliance – Locos Por Juana – Grandpa’s Cough Medicine – Applebutter Express – Sir Charles – Vlad the Inhaler – Zak tha Blak
… and many, many more.
If you enjoy a bit of a smaller crowd, some of the best music the country has to offer, and the warmest ensemble of smiling faces & celebrating souls one could hope to find, be sure to join us at SOSMP in Live Oak, FL, May 9-11. Check the links below for tickets and details.
http://
https://www.facebook.com/
Written By: Ryan Emke
Dose Hermanos, the world’s premier psychedelic keyboard duo features Grateful Dead space masters Tom Constanten and Bob Bralove
For More Information on Dose Hermanos: bobbralove.com/doshermanos or facebook.com/dosehermanos
base photo via gratefulweb.com
written by: Brad Lee
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: shakykneesfestival.com
Springtime in Atlanta usually means sky-high pollen counts and Braves baseball, yet May of 2013 saw the inauguration of a new springtime staple: Shaky Knees Music Festival. Fourteen thousand fans came to Historic Old Fourth Ward Park and Masquerade Music Park to hear twenty-eight bands play over the course of two rainy days, and despite the weather, the outcome was nothing short of positive.
Music festivals have experienced a nice little growth spurt in the past few years. All over the country new events are entering the scene, trying to carve out their own spot and make a name for themselves. But what separates success from the fizzling duds is all in what that name stands for. Events such as Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Coachella are not just festivals, they are brands with serious staying-power and a loyal fan-base. Where Lollapalooza was built on the blood and sweat of alternative rock, Bonnaroo was founded on more of a jammed out vibe. Although evolution often occurs, establishing a direction is key in launching a festival, and Shaky Knees has set off on the right path in this respect by declaring themselves the indie-rock festival of Atlanta. The name itself is even taken from a My Morning Jacket lyric, while front-man Jim James endorsed the festival by playing its debut. Other notable artists from 2013 include The Lumineers, Band of Horses, Dr. Dog, and Gary Clark Jr.
The success of year one has paved the way for a new, re-imagined festival. Having relocated to Atlantic Station, everything that 2013 offered, 2014 will offer more of. Instead of two days, the festival is now three days. Instead of three stages, there are now four, aptly named after four of Atlanta’s busiest roads: Peachtree Stage, Piedmont Stage, Ponce de Leon Stage, and Boulevard Stage. This certainly adds to the hometown feel of the festival for native Atlantans, while another nod to the hometown hero is that all vendors are local food trucks. Ultimately the most significant area of growth this year is in the artist line-up, which has more than doubled in size from last year’s line-up. A total of fifty-eight bands will take the stage this year on the festival premises, while several more will play late night shows at various clubs around Atlanta. Terminal West, The Earl, Masquerade: Hell, Centerstage and Vinyl are all promoting late-night after party events, which gives the festival a city-wide feel.
The addition of a fourth stage and a third day makes for a more structured festival, as there are clear cut headliners for each day. Friday features brooding indie act The National, who have experienced some recent success with the release of their album Trouble Will Find Me. Their performance will surely be one to catch, supported by Spoon, Cage The Elephant, Man Man, White Denim, and The Whigs to name a few. Saturday’s headlining slot brings Modest Mouse, whose on-stage presence always carries anticipatory surprise and in-the-moment rawness, as Johnny Marr is far from predictable. Other notable Saturday performances include The Replacements, Portugal. The Man, Dawes, Cold War Kids, and Lord Huron. Sunday is sure to cap off the weekend wonderfully, as Alabama Shakes bring their soulful persuasion and powerhouse vocal stylings. A band rooted in 60’s-esque soul and sophisticated fidelity, the Shakes are a great fit to close out the festival, following the likes of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, Violent Femmes, Local Natives, Iron & Wine and Blitzen Trapper to name a few. With such an expansive line-up this year, Shaky Knees’ sophomore effort will undoubtedly attract indie-rocking Atlantans from all corners of the perimeter.
Written by: Mike Gregory
This year’s SweetWater 420 Festival came out swinging for the fences announcing heavy hitting all-stars Galactic, Steel Pulse, Sublime with Rome, G. Love and Special Sauce and Chris Robinson Brotherhood. This year we were playing against a formidable opponent, none other than Mother Nature, and she would not go down without a fight. Though, when all was said and done, a festival win would be logged into the record books.
SweetWater 420 celebrated its 10th anniversary in a new location, Centennial Olympic Park, nestled in the heart of Atlanta (past festivals were held in Candler Park, also in Atlanta). The festival is all about being “green” and people were encouraged to take public transportation, or ride and park their bikes in the Bike Valet inside the park. Bags for recycling were scattered throughout the park and people pitched in to do their part.
The festival coordinators thought of everything, right down to hammocks for the fans that needed to get off their feet for a few moments. Two stages alternated bands throughout the weekend complete with VIP areas stocked with “free” beer, a cash bar, indoor bathrooms, shelter, and even an oversized JENGA puzzle standing 4 feet tall! A comedy tent, the Not So Silent Disco, Artist Village, Kidzone, Food Court, Craft Beer tent, Easter Egg Hunt and a Cornhole Tournament kept patrons stirring about like a beehive in the springtime.
Surrounded by Atlanta’s cityscape, complete with a gigantic ferris wheel towering overhead, the festivities began promptly at 4pm on Friday. With Easter being a time for family gatherings, a festival of this magnitude could have been a risky venture, let alone the weather forecast of steady rain. Everyone hoped the forecast was wrong, but the green blob on the radar seemed to hunker down and make itself comfortable over downtown Atlanta. Mother Nature may have brought the rain, but Friday’s music line-up brought the thunder and lightning!
The crowd represented Atlanta’s most loyal music fans; they were in no way swayed by the gloomy skies and were rewarded as such with a funky display of southern rock by Louisiana’s own, Honey Island Swamp Band. They play together like a well-oiled machine and love doing it from the looks on their faces! The band played numerous gems off their latest release, Cane Sugar, produced by Grammy winner John Porter—worthy of serious attention! Fans lapped up guitar and mandolin solos while the keyboardist played his Hammond B-3 organ like it was his last day on earth. The crowd showed their love clapping, cheering, hooting and hollering. No doubt they added a few more Swamp Rats to their fan base after that blazing performance. Honey Island Swamp Band laid the groundwork for what would be a magical weekend of music, albeit a wet one.
It quickly became apparent that forecasts were correct and the rain was here to stay, but spirits remained high regardless. Some were prepared for the rain better than others. Gas South came to rescue those in need, handing out hundreds of ponchos as people made their way to the main stage to catch another Louisiana favorite, Galactic. Galactic played a stellar 2-hour set with a bit more vocals than past performances adding another dimension to an already top-notch band. The crowd couldn’t contain their enthusiasm as they shook their booties to the funkiest of New Orleans funk. Smiles were plentiful as SW420 flowed from the tap just as steady as the rain coming down.
While Galactic was laying down the grooves, just a short distance away Conspirator was busy running their sound check at the Planet 420 Stage. Conspirator could be described as a band that plays electronic music on actual instruments. The crowd gathered in anticipation and I could tell there were some serious Conspirator fans in the group. Judging by the influx of people at the stage, the Not So Silent Disco crowd loves this band! A bit later, the colorful and animated Steel Pulse pumped out reggae beats to close out the opening night of SweetWater 420 Festival. Band members spread out across the stage appearing larger than life.
From 8-11pm, the comedy tent engaged many people looking to stay dry. Others found shelter in the SweetWater experience tent for beer cocktails. No matter where you went, smiles and laughter could be heard; that is, except for at the Disco. Nothing but people jamming out to DJs Sugar Kayne, Nextakin & Daddy Dough Tag Set, Eddie Gold, An-Ten-Nae and Two Fresh. A good portion of the disco was under shelter so it would remain a good spot to stay dry for the entire weekend. After the sun went down, the rain and cold began to have an effect on concertgoers. As the night wore on, the crowd thinned out revealing a muddy pit; and this was only day one.
On Saturday, the party picked up where it left off from the night before, though Mother Nature would repeat her performance with soaking rain throughout the day. It was readily apparent that crews were up all night trying to dealing with the mud. Metal planks were laid down from the stage to the sound booth for people to stand on. Of course there were those that were perhaps swine in their previous lives and decided to wallow in the mud. About 2000 people ran in the 5k race and those that stuck around would see Wesley Cook, EOTO, Sublime with Rome, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, and Anders Osborne. The disco sported DJ Applejuice, Sorted, MK Ultra, Ployd, NiT GriT, Up Until Now, Paul Basic & Supervision, and George Acosta spinning groves for the crowd that seemed to love it. The comedy tent featured Brian Emond, Cherith Fuller, Jake Head, Kevin Saucier (of course he is), Paige Bowman and Rob Haze among others. The tent was packed to the gills all day and offered up laughter to those looking to forget about life for a while.
Anders Osborne jammed intense solos that spoke to the souls of onlookers—a crowd favorite for sure. An estimated 16,000 people showed up on Saturday, and no doubt Sublime brought them there. The stage show was a little weak and boring though the crowd enthusiastically sung along to the lyrics. The Cornhole Tournament set up on a sidewalk courtyard. This disrupted the flow of people walking from stage to stage. Equally, it disrupted the tournament. Plans for next year’s tournament may want to include a tent in the grassy area in case of inclement weather.
Mother Nature finally relented on Easter Sunday with abundant sunshine for everyone to enjoy; so much, in fact, that those without sunscreen would be red-faced by the end of the day. It breathed new life into an already fun festival. Masses of crowds were everywhere. Sunday smelled like a festival, with funnel cakes and food trucks catering to everyone’s taste. The food court and market were bustling with action the entire day. Everything was magnified from the previous two days. Surprisingly, Centennial Olympic Park drains off pretty well. Don’t get me wrong, it was still a mud pit and I was shocked to see people dressed in white walking around as if we were in the middle of a drought. The usual cast of characters was in the crowd as well—a girl dressed as a butterfly, a guy with no shirt wearing what appeared to be a wolf skin, something right out of Dances with Wolves.
Music wise, it was another big day on the stages and at the disco. Sunday’s DJs included Ralphie and Louie, ATLiens, RL Shine, Jiriki, Ill Esha, PhuturePrimitive, and Archnemesis while the Dirty Dozen Brass Band brought a little slice of New Orleans feel good music to the party at the main stage. Kung Fu kicked it up more than a few notches when they took the stage. They play their instruments with ferocious finesse that can only be described as unscrewing the cap off a fire hydrant and music coming out! Seeing this band live is where it is at, but if that is not an option check out their latest release Tsar Bomba; heck, check it out anyway! These guys rocked it and are coming back to Atlanta in the fall. Schedule your life accordingly! People continued to pile in the park as G. Love and Special Sauce took the main stage late afternoon. He was dressed in a robin egg blue color leisure suit playing a guitar of the same color. Reggae Rock band, the Dirty Heads, have amassed a loyal following and they showed up in full force to dance to the beat they were laying down.
Sunday peaked with the Chris Robinson Brotherhood performing from 7-9pm. The vibe was mellow for the first few songs and then progressively picked up momentum until it was time to go home and catch a few Z’s before the Monday morning rat race would begin. SweetWater 420 Fest pulled off another winner. Can’t wait until next year!
Written and Photos By: Joey Pye
It is that time of year again when The Spirit of The Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) has music lovers and festival goers pouring in from afar. Wanee Music Festival is one of, if not the biggest festival held there annually. In the past, it generally produces anywhere from 20-40 thousand attendees. This year, the anticipation of meeting that goal was far from boring. There was a shift in the date, unusual band billing and on top of that, the co-headliner, Lynyrd Skynyrd, was double booked for Saturday at another venue. It had been a few years since I had been back to Wanee and wanted to see how these conflicts were going to be resolved. Despite the mix up, all the wrinkles were ironed out and everything went smooth. Skynyrd ending up playing on Friday before the Allman Brother’s Band and the rest of the schedule was spread out comfortably. The only, and mind you very hard scheduling decision of the weekend, was between Tedeschi Trucks Band and Melvin Seals and The JGB.
The overall sound for all shows was great, barring a few hiccups during the Blues Traveler set, but each and every band brought their “A” game. There wasn’t a bad set all weekend and every single one was worth the price of admission. I can’t tell you one show in which I wasn’t impressed or for that matter blown away. SOSMP has a special place in my heart as I attend all festivals here and in fact, had a little one of my own, when I was married there. I can’t describe the value and magic that place has, without getting goosebumps and conjuring up a silly grin on my face. The park not only puts a very high standard on the lineup and quality of music, but also in the comfort of stay and friendly atmosphere. I don’t know of any place that has the scenery, campsites, line-up and atmosphere comparable to what SOSMP has to offer. So with all of that said, here are my top 10 moments or events at Wanee 2014:
10) Thursday Night- Thursday night initially looked like it was going to be a night that we would just hang back and the shows would be of little concern or priority. Boy, were we ever wrong. Thursday was Hot Tuna Electric and Soulive, both of which were in the running for best sets of the festival. Hot Tuna turned up the heat real quick with a cover of Bobby Rush’s “Bowlegged Woman”. Soulive was highly underestimated and new to many fans. If you like the band Lettuce and can image them as a jazzy fusion, BOOM. Soulive is made up of Lettuce members Eric Krasno and Neal “The Hawk” Evans, along with drummer Alan Evans. They covered The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” and encored with “Come Together” making Thursday night a must, as well as a lesson for anyone ever thinking of just attending the weekend and playing hookie.
9) Freebird- As a Jacksonville native, Lynyrd Skynyrd has a permanent spot nestled in my soul. After dropping Furthur and Widespread Panic from the bill, there was a bit of skepticism surrounding this year’s festival line up. I admit I was one, but watching Skynyrd encore with their anthemic “Freebird” was truly amazing.
8) Guests covered- Sit ins and Covers are, hands down, my favorite aspect of any festival. And with Wanee bringing in some big guns, there were bound to be amazing sit ins and cover moments. Sit in award goes to Warren Haynes, with a close second place tie between Eric Krasno and John Popper. All 3 of them were flip flopping stages multiple times a day. Warren takes the win playing sets with Soulive, ABB, Gov’t Mule, Umphrey’s McGee and Dumpstaphunk. The Allman Brothers Band brought out Trucks’ family member #3, Duane, to play “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” and even Trey Anastasio came out to play a couple tunes with ABB on the first night. He and fellow band member, Jennifer Hartswick, joined the band for “Look Who’s Talking” and “Franklin’s Tower”. Hearing Trey with the ABB play a Grateful Dead tune is ineffable. Of course Krasno also sat in with the ABB, during “That’s what love will make you do” and John Popper during the encore for “One Way Out”. They also brought one of my favorite artists and a good friend, Roosevelt Collier, on stage with his slide guitar during “One Way Out”. It is hard to put into words how incredible that was and may be one of the most defining moments of the whole festival. It is moments like these that will make you appreciate Wanee.
7) Trey Anastasio Band– My wife is not the biggest Phish fan and it has always been tooth and nail to get her out to any “Trey” show. She was reluctant to go and see Trey’s band and at the end, was pleasantly surprised and impressed with his set. He played familiar tunes like “Alaska” and “Sand”, even did a few covers. I could do without the Gorillaz cover “Clint Eastwood”, but his soulful version of “O-o-h Child” may be my favorite song from the whole weekend.
6) Lazy Man- winner of OVERALL Wanee MVP goes to the dude in the mobile recliner. We had seen it parked at the amphitheater stage on Thursday and we were in awe, only to be stunned as he was driving it past us on Friday. So yes, he had a La-Z-Boy that was motorized and was getting from A to B on a level of comfort I could only imagine. Touche` and hats off to that gentleman! Golf cart deposit? pssshh!
5) Tortoise vs the Hare- We were walking past the Mushroom Stage when we approached a young man in overalls on what seemed to be a mo-ped. He was challenged by an older gentlemen, a Vietnam Veteran, riding his 3 wheel “Rascal” scooter. The entire surrounding area was at a dead stop and everyone had full attention on this race. You would have thought you were at the infield in Daytona. There were “fans” lined up, a countdown to the start and a photo finish. As with the fable, the hare started off with the lead but the ole veteran took him at the end. It was definitely one of those moments that if you were there, you will remember forever.
4) All Night Wrong- Umphrey’s McGee was slated twice on the bill and the second event was dubbed “All Night Wrong”. They are known for their pristine execution of cover songs and exemplary light shows. The first set was during the day and was mainly them playing originals with a few fun covers thrown in like the “Inspector Gadget” theme. It was the closing set or second show that really stood out. The whole set was an organized cover set with guest after guest after guest* (see setlist). It was absolutely incredible and a perfect way to end the festival.
*Set I: Life During Exodus, The Song Remains the Same, Rock the Casbah > Miss You*, Hey 19 > When the World is Running Down You Make the Best of What’s Still Around**, Breathe (dub), A GoGo***, Immigrant Song^, Black Water^, Baba O’Riley, Power of Soul, Cheap Sunglasses Enc: Runnin’ With the Devil, I Want You (She’s So Heavy)^^Notes: *w/John Popper **w/Oteil Burbridge ***w/Adam Deitch and Eric Krasno ^w/Warren Haynes ^^w/Eric Krasno
3) Mushroom Stage- Any regular to SOSMP knows exactly what I am talking about. That amphitheater stage or “Mushroom Stage” is possibly the best venue in the U.S. An amphitheater with natural acoustics, resonating through trees filled with Christmas lights and patrons swinging blissfully in hammocks. The decorations and light show get better and better each time. Many SOSMP regulars and newcomers alike, spend all day at the venue, rarely returning to their campsite. It even seems as if the artists fight over getting to play that stage even though it isn’t considered the “Mainstage”.
2) Framily- It was incredible to watch my little brother soak everything in with such welcoming enthusiasm. We camped with old friends we had met at other SOSMP festivals and spent nights around the campfire reminiscing over that day’s adventures whilst listening to some live acoustic guitar. A dear friend and very talented artist, Albert Simpson, played tunes for us after the music ended on Saturday. He plays every morning at every festival there in the SOS Cafe. I don’t think there is any amount of money in the world I would take over being there at that moment and sharing it with my wife and my youngest brother for his first time.
1) Led-Phunk- It is hard not to give that last event the number one slot, or any of the aforementioned occurrences for that matter, but I must give credit where credit is due. Dumpstaphunk has opened the festival with full cover sets, tributing bands like The Meters and Parliament Funkadelic. This year, they tackled their toughest challenge yet, Led Zeppelin, and ABSOLUTELY crushed it** (set below). The bar was set high for the whole weekend, as you could see the influence they had on the other artists. Led Zeppelin became a recurring theme as most bands tried playing at least one song, as if they were not to be outdone by Dumpstaphunk. It reminded me of the year Levon Helm died and to pay homage, “The Band’ was covered almost every set. I am really excited to see what they pull out of the hat next year as they are becoming a household Wanee name almost as much as the ABB themselves. I think I would retire my Wanee shoes if I heard them do an all Sabbath set. ** Rock & Roll, Black Dog, Dancing Days, Custard Pie ^, Houses Of The Holy, Nobody’s Fault But Mine ^, Misty Mountain Hop, What Is & What Should Never Be, The Wanton Song, Good Times Bad Times, Trampled Underfoot, Out On The Tiles, D’yer Maker, The Ocean *, Fool In The Rain *, Ramble On * E: Whole Lotta Love * Immigrant Song * – ^ with John Popper – * with Warren Haynes
There were many other great acts like Blues Traveler, Bobby Lee Rodgers, Gov’t Mule and Shakedown Street shows with AppleButter Express. It was hard to catch every show and get it all in. Gregg Allman held an interview on Friday morning addressing the rumors of the band breaking up and said “They are not true”. I am not sure what the future holds for the ABB regarding their relationship with Wanee. I hope they remain the headliners and the festival doesn’t change. Regardless, I do not see Wanee stopping on account of them or slowing down anytime soon. I hope the ABB will forever be a part of Wanee, but if one day the time comes when they DO retire….I will be front row, in front of Ivan Neville awaiting that inevitable ABB inspired Dumpsta set.
