DreadFest!

If you love Dread Clampitt, then get yourself up to the hills outside Birmingham this weekend, for Dreadfest Just $30 for what will be one hell of a show, mark my words...

A Stellar Time Was Had

I just can't say enough good things about the Farm To Family Full Moon Fest. This one was held at the Lion's Club in High Springs. Standouts were: Brian Smalley, a singer songwriter who is so very talented, he writes like a poet and sings like an angel; The Burnin' Smyrnin's, who mix up Eastern European folk riffs with jazz with ska with punk with rock.....ya gotta hear it!; Femi Kako, killer Afro Beat that had everyone up and dancing; jammy bands Absolute Free and Juniper Spring, both of them with tasty licks; and Boss Lady and the Company, a groovefest for all.

Third Stone, a reggae/funk band out of Gainesville, continues to amaze, with soaring vocals, great messages and an all around cool-as-shit groove.

The fest crowd was small and intimate. The Santa Fe river was within walking distance. I was told there were a bunch of happy hippies in the water in the wee hours under the full moon, singing Amazing Grace!

I can't tell you how many times strangers drove by my camp asking if I needed anything at the store. That's the "family" part, and it warms festgrrl's heart!

FULL MOON FEST!

What a nice Labor Day weekend treat! For just $20, 3 days of world beat, ska, jam, funk, and steppy bluegrass at the Farm To Family Full Moon Fest. This month it has a new location at the Lion's Club Music Park in the lovely old town of High Springs. African jams tonight, Friday, bands from noon-10:30 Sat., and noon to late night Sunday.

This is a bargain! And though festgrrl isn't so excited about this part, they will have big screen TVs to watch the Gators play... whoever they play.

But the music will be fine! Burnin' Smyrnans on Sunday night not to be missed. I'd describe them as a Klesmer punk band and they are definitely high energy and a lot of fun. Also, Boss Lady's funky reggae grooves are bound to please. 3rd Stone is an enormously talented reggae-ish band that shouldn't be missed. I also really like Brian Smalley, a singer-songwriter who will kick things off Sat. at noon.

This is a family-friendly event. Usually there are one or two food vendors and some excellent hippie wares to buy. People are super chill, and Don sets up a tent facing the stage to keep folks out of the sun. Just a lovely group, lovely tunes, and a beautiful weekend to enjoy it!

If you get too hot, you can always head over to the nearby Poe Springs and dip yourself in the Florida's cold, cobalt heart.