It's All Love At the Purple Hatter's Ball

festgrrl photo.

It’s hard to imagine a more intimate or heart-felt festival than the Purple Hatter’s Ball. Going eight years strong, the 2015 Ball was another musical Valentine for Rachel Morningstar Hoffman, a dedicated fester who wore a purple hat, and a soul we lost too soon.

Elephant Revival. Rex Thomson photo.

Right from the get-go, the Purple Hatter’s Ball (held at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak Fl. May 7-10) showed itself to be special with ear-to-ear smiles everywhere and a spine-tingling performance by the haunting Americana band, Elephant Revival, at the Thursday night pre-party. The night filled out with a blistering funky jam band out of Kansas called Mouth (seriously check them out,) the hilarious, booty-shaking disco juggernaut that is Space Capone, Gainesville’s jazzy Flat Land, and Montana-grown Electro Thunder Funk from the band Cure for The Common.

Carly Foster of  New Earth Army. festgrrl photo.

All my festie friends were a-twitter about how great it is to be treated to new bands, music that we know we will come to love. These musical expeditions come courtesy of promoter Paul Levine, who says he is always looking for Purple Hatters Ball bands that his late friend, Rachel, would have liked. Rachel loved Athens, Ga. reggae purveyors Dubconscious, and they brought the Thursday evening pre-party grooving into the late night.

Rachel's Mama, Marige, and Paul Levine. festgrrl photo.

Josh Webster photo.

Love this guy! festgrrl photo.

Josh Webster photo.

Sweet river beach. festgrrl photo.

The temps were sizzling Friday as folks headed to the river beach, where no less than nine acts took the river stage. Back at the ampitheater  and porch stages, New Earth Army out of Destin, Fla. funked it up and the fabulous Austin,Texas funkateers, Mingo Fishtrap, brought their band of musical mayhem to the gathering. Love that band!. By happy hour, the ever-entertaining, hard-charging Tallahassee band Catfish Alliance with frontman Sexual Manatee was tearing up the porch stage, and then headliners Nahko and Medicine for the People took the ampitheater.

Nahko of  Medicine for the People. Rex Thomson photo.

Rarely have I seen such intense energy between band and crowd, with what seemed like every soul there singing along to Nahko’s positive message. After that emotional performance, The Malah, Trial by Stone and The Werks kicked it through the wee hours, with the  Silent Disco cranking from  2 -4 a.m.

Mingo Fishtrap. festgrrl photo.

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Lots of folks painted on this baby. festgrrl photo

Truth. festgrrl photo.

The river beach was jamming again Saturday when Grandpa’s Cough Medicine brought the high-energy bluegrass to the ampitheater stage and a delightful afternoon of world-beat bands – Benyoro, Raja Kassis’s Humanbeing, and Toubab Krewe began on the shady forest stage, which culminated in the epic Supermande Jam, where more than 15 people -- African drummers, singers dancers, and string players crowded onto the stage.

The Supermande jam. Josh Webster photo. 

Atlanta’s excellent Cadillac Jones turned out a blistering performance at Happy hour time. This band is a funk instrumental outfit that just keeps getting better every time I see them. Super tight arrangements and a real cool groove. Cadillac Jones delivered one of the best shows of the music-packed weekend.

Cadillac Jones. festgrrl photo. 

In early evening, we gathered at the ampitheater so Rachel’s mom, Margie, dad Irv, and friends could release Monarch butterflies for Rachel. 

Rachel Morningstar Hoffman

Margie spoke about Rachel’s Law, which reforms the way police can use confidential informants, and says she is advocating for changes nationally. Rachel’s story is a sad, sad example of the stupid drug war and police ineptitude. Rachel’s family has worked to make important change in the world. As we held Rachel in our hearts, Dubconscious took the stage, the butterflies soaring into the live oak trees above us.

Rachel's parents, Irv Hoffman and Mama Margie. festgrrl photo.

Improvisational band Tauk delivered an intricate set, followed by the STAR TIME that is Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires. Bradley spent his life doing menial jobs, being homeless, and working sporadically as a  James Brown impersonator before breaking out as a soul singer in his own right late in life, in his 60s. His soulful Purple Hatter’s set was a standout, and he was so overcome with emotion at one point that he jumped from the stage to embrace Mama Margie and members of the crowd. Bradley has been through heartbreak of all kinds, but he especially can relate to the shock of someone in the family being murdered, since he lost his brother that way. If you have not seen the film, Charles Bradley – Soul of America – please do. His story is amazing.

Charles Bradley. Rex Thomson photo.

Lots of art everywhere! festgrrl photo.

We all had Cheshire cat grins. festgrrl photo.

festivarians. festgrrl photo.

The up-and-coming Jacksonville funk powerhouse Parker Urban Band dazzled with their soaring vocals and kept folks dancing. Greenhouse Lounge delivered a dreamy prelude to funk-techno-prog-rock headliner Lotus, and you can hear that show here. Just before Lotus, I went back to camp for a minute and found myself marching along with a full-on New Orleans brass second-line parade through the park, which was totally unexpected and FANTASTIC. Thanks to the band, Empire Strikes Brass, for that treat.

Benyoro. festgrrl photo.

Benyoro. festgrrl photo.

Benyoro. festgrrl photo.

Sunday morning, the Scott Campbell Band with vocalist Avis Berry covered the entire 1969 Blind Faith album, (In case ya don’t know, Blind Faith was a wildly successful supergroup collaboration between Steve Winwood and Cream’s Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker.) Guitarist Campbell and friends nailed the epic album!

Avis Berry. Josh Webster photo

Yoga people! festgrrl photo.

Unfortunately, I had to leave before Adrian Crutchfield and the Extraordinary Gentlemen, Shak Nasti, Roosevelt Collier’s Superjam, Future Vintage, Aaron Lebos Reality and Sexual Manatee’s Basshole played Sunday afternoon and evening. I drove away back to Real Life with my soulshine glowing from the sweet fest friends and inspired musical performances.

It was another one for the Suwannee record books. May the Purple Hatter's Ball lovefest continue for many more seasons!

Yes! Rex Thomson photo.

 

Upcoming Fests for Your Listening Pleasure

The Farm to Family Full Moon Concert, a periodic gathering, happens May 29-31 along the Santa Fe River. This is a sweet little bargain camping festival at Ellie Ray's Camping resort outside of Branford, Fla. Expect some cool vendors, a family vibe and some really great music you've probably never heard of. You can see the lineup - which has links to some artist recordings and videos, here. BYOB and chairs. Advanced tickets are $45, gate is $55. (RV hookups and cabins are available for an extra charge) This little fest is sooooo relaxing and fun, I love it. Nice bathrooms and hot showers available on site. Don't miss the Taylor Martin Band.

Zach Deputy

Groovemaster Zach Deputy hosts a Suwannee Disc Jam happens May 29-31 at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak. Disc golf tourney in the day, campout, and bands at night. Yes, please!

Hangout Festival Hits the Panhandle Beach This Week

Gulf Shores, Alabama

The Hangout festival happens this week in Gulf Shores, Alabama, (just over the Florida state line, west of Pensacola) with a heavy-hitting roster of national touring acts, including My Morning Jacket, Foo Fighters, Zac Brown band, Beck, Umphrey's McGee and more (for the full lineup, read on.) The fest runs Thursday through Sunday, and you can check out the schedule here.  3-day general admission (including fees) is $280. No single-day tickets are being sold.

This is not a camping festival, so you will need to find a place to stay. There are shuttle buses (for a small fee) to take concert goers to and from the venue.There are also bike racks outside the entrance for those who want to pedal to and fro.

Also, be aware, that, although this takes place on the beach, the organizers block off the water and do not allow concert-goers to swim or boat there. You cannot bring umbrellas, chairs, coolers, or sun shades into the venue.

Grammy winner Beck plays Hangout on Sunday

Here's a look at who is playing Hangout this year:

Foo Fighters

•Jack Ü 

•Zac Brown Band 

•Beck

Skrillex

 •My Morning Jacket

 •Foster The People

 •Paramore

Spoon

 Umphrey's McGee

 •Major Lazer

 •TV On The Radio

Phantogram

•Tove Lo

 •Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley

Jenny Lewis

 Dirty Heads

 •Krewella

 •Adventure Club

Lupe Fiasco

 •Cold War Kids

 •Talib Kweli

 •Future Islands

Vance Joy

 •Galactic with Macy Gray

 •ODESZA

•Sylvan Esso

Father John Misty

•Beats Antique

•Trampled by Turtles

•GRiZ

Drive-By Truckers

•St. Lucia

•Robert DeLong

 •Toro y Moi

DJ Windows 98 (Win Butler of Arcade Fire)

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

•Gramatik

 •The Lone Bellow

Lake Street Dive

 •Rubblebucket

 •Iration

 •MisterWives

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls

 •Mary Lambert

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires

 •Houndmouth

 •Zella Day

Xavier Rudd & The United Nations

•Deap Vally

•Halsey

 •Kopecky

J. Roddy Walston & The Business

•Young Fathers

JEFF the Brotherhood

•The Mowgli's

 •Strand of Oaks

 •Grizfolk

Joywave

 •San Fermin

 •The Districts

 •Colony House

 •SNBRN

Skylar Spence

 •Elle King

 •Knox Hamilton

 •Natural Child

 •Goldroom

Five Knives

•Roadkill Ghost Choir

 •Floating Action

 •Steelism

The Suffers

 •Firekid

 Elliot Root

jackLNDN

•Autograf

 •Mija

Jillionaire

 •Sean Glass

 •Gibbz

 •Marley Carroll

 •Jamell Richardson

Wanee 2015 Hits on All Cylinders

Former Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks rages it! festgrrl photo.

In its first year since the breakup of its founding band, the Allman Brothers, the 2015 Wanee Festival delivered lots of Allman love and showcased its new headliners, Southern jam-rockers Widespread Panic.

Photo by Brian Hensley/MusicFest News

More than 20,000 music fans descended on Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park April 16-18, and it was clear that many have decided to take the week off from work to enjoy Wanee properly. By Tuesday night, most of the primitive camping areas located close to the stages were already taken, and that is highly unusual. Wednesday can get packed out, but Tuesday? This is a testament to the popularity of Georgia's Widespread Panic, who headlined both nights to capacity crowds under night skies on the Meadow Stage.

As far as the weekend’s Allman love: Gregg Allman delivered a fine afternoon performance, filled with Brothers hits, including a funked-up version of the classic ‘Whipping Post.” Former Allman Brothers guitarist Warren Haynes brought his hard-charging Gov't Mule, and they played some originals, some Allman Brothers songs, and covered Van Morrison, Elton John, and even Steve Miller’s “The Joker.” 

Oteil Burbridge playing wit Butch Trucks. festgrrl photo. 

Allman Brothers drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimoe each held their own notable sets during the weekend; Trucks rocked it (with Oteil Burbridge on bass and his son Vaylor Turcks on guitar) and Jaimoe jazzed it.The nights belonged to Panic, and here are the setlists:

Widspread panic's John Bell. Paul Haftel photo for JamBase.

April 17: Love Tractor-Travelin' Light -Who Do You Belong To? -Little Kin-Christmas Katie-Radio Child-Steven's Cat-Climb to Safety-Blight-Papa's Home-Blackout Blues-Drums-Diner-I'm Not Alone-Smokestack Lightning-Use Me-Tail Dragger-Porch Song. April 18: Makes Sense To Me-Chainsaw City-Weak Brain, Narrow Mind - Wondering-Robs and Whiskey-Stop Breakin'Down Blues-Can't Get High-Sel Sell-Barstools and Dreamers-All Time Low-Arleen-Pilgrims-Airplane-Second Skin-Surprise Valley-Red Hot Mama-Conrad-End of the Show-Big Wooly Mammoth-Mr. Soul.

Thanks to our friends at Panicstream, you can listen to many of the Wanee shows here (THANK YOU TAPERS!!!) 

Melvin Seals and JGB. festgrrl photo.

Wanee’s preparty on Wednesday night was especially sweet this year, paying homage to the 50^th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead with performances by excellent South Florida Dead cover band Crazy Fingers as well as Melvin Seals and JGB. The Crazy Fingers set was simply outstanding, one of the best sets of a great weekend, featuring killer versions of Dead classics Eyes of The World and Terrapin Station. Upcoming Jacksonville funksters The ParkerUrban Band impressed, and Tampa jammers Cope charged up the energy, especially with their wonderful homegrown song, Suwannee River Scrubdown.

Crazy Fingers. festgrrl photo.

Georgia guitarist Bobby Lee Rodgers showcased his guitar chops with his Trio Thursday, followed by Royal Southern Brotherhood, Raw Oyster Cult (featuring members of the great New Orleans band, The Radiators,) Hot Tuna Electric and Pink Talking Fish. Pink Talking Fish, which specializes in covers of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish, was a crowd-pleasing extravaganza with a fantastic light show, excellent song choice and execution. It was an absolutely incredible day of music, all held on the beautiful ampitheater stage.

Raw Oyster Cult. festgrrl photo.

On Friday, the fest opened up to two stages, and those of us who had rolled in early in the week were flagging a bit. But the new crew of Wanee weekenders who rolled in Friday brought energy to the party. I kicked off my day with a gorgeous afternoon set by Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band. 

Roosevelt Collier (left)and Robert Randolph play lap steel. festgrrl photo.

We got our gospel on during an afternoon set on the Meadow Stage by The Word, a collaboration between pedal-steel guitar master Robert Randolph, Luther Dickinson (electric guitar) and Cody Dickinson (drums) from the North Mississippi Allstars, John Medeski on keys and Chris  Chew on bass. Randolph had a cast on his hand, so pedal-steel peer Roosevelt Collier sat in with The Word to (literally) lend Randolph a hand.

Earth Wind & Fire. festgrrl photo.

1970s funk legend Earth Wind and Fire hit the stage during the gorgeous afternoon with a high-energy dance party. I was looking forward to this set immensely, and although I loved hearing many of my favorite hits, my fellow festivarians and I thought that the show suffered from poor song choice. (or did I just not realize how many draggy ‘80s ballads the band produced when I wasn’t paying attention?)

Zappa Plays Zappa, led by the late Frank Zappa’s son Dweezil, turned out faithful renditions of the quirky legend’s tunes to a packed-out ampitheater crowd, ending with a killer Whipping Post-Muffin jamout. They were followed by Colorado bluegrass whoop-assers Leftover Salmon, who sparked a Friday night dance blowout. After Gov't Mule (You can hear their set here) and Widespread Panic wowed at the Meadow Stage, New Orleans’ Dumpstaphunk kicked it old school with a 1970s late-night set featuring covers of P-Funk, Rick James, The O’Jay’s, Sly and the Family Stone, the Temptations and even Joe Walsh’s Funk 49. Most excellent!  You can hear that show here.

Dumpstaphunk's Ian Neville offers a rare smile for the camera. festgrrl photo.

Saturday’s JJ Grey and Mofro show at the Meadow stage showcased our hometown Jacksonville-boy-made-the-big-time and he did not disappoint, with a soulful, spine-tingling show. JJ is a star, people! You can hear it here.

JJ Grey. festgrrl photo.

Nostalgia came in again during the afternoon, with a set by classic rockers Cheap Trick, and a Steely Dan cover set by New Orleans supergroup, the Nth Power. 

The great Ivan Neville of Dumpstaphunk festgrrl photo.

Gregg Allman, Panic, Yonder Mountain String Band and Galactic rounded out the last night of Wanee 2015, another one fit for the record books.

This cool fester says:See ya next year! festgrrl photo.

festgrrl photo.

Time for The Purple Hatter's Ball

We Honor Rachel Morningstar Hoffman

The mah-velous Purple Hatter’s Ball happens this VERY weekend --May 8-10-- at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Fl. with a pre-party starting at 6 p.m. tonight. This is an intimate, dance-y fest held annually to honor music fester Rachel Morningstar Hoffman (she of the fuzzy purple hat,) who left this earth way too soon.

Expect a young-ish crowd and some new bands for discovery. You’ll see funk, world-beat, soul, reggae, dub, electronica, bluegrass, jazz and jam on four different stages, including a stage out at the lovely Suwanee river beach.

Nahko and Medicine for The People

Three-day weekend tickets, which include primitive camping, are $140. Tickets to the Thursday night pre party, which features Elephant Revival, Space Capone, DubConscious, Mouth, Cure For The Common, and El Dub, are $50.

Here is a look at this year’s Purple Hatter’s Ball lineup:

Lotus
Nahko and Medicine For the People
Alex Grey & Allyson Grey
Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaries
Toubab Krewe
The Werks
Random Rab
Roosevelt Collier's Suwannee Jam
Adrian Crutchfield and the Extraordinary Gentlemen
DubConscious
Greenhouse Lounge
TAUK
The Malah
Catfish Alliance
Benyoro
Mingo Fishtrap
Raja Kassis' Humanbeing
Kansas Bible Company
Cadillac Jones
Grandpa's Cough Medicine
Mouth
Cure For The Common
Trial By Stone
Empire Strikes Brass
Les Racquet
Shak Nasti
MZG
Scott Campbell Band w/ Avis Berry
SuperMande Jam
Parker Urban Band
New Earth Army
Future Vintage
The Galbraith Group
Lucky Costello
Sex Manatee’s Basshole
Aaron Lebos Reality
Daria & The Hip Drops
Firewater Tent Revival
Lava
Tambor
Bells and Robes
Flat land
Grit
Ruby & Friends
Vlad the Inhaler
Sir Charles
Zak the Blak
Ben Danner
Combustible
bleek 'n coy.
Charlie Hustle
Cry Havoc
Chews
Ardency
Brother Dan

You can check out the schedule here.

festgrrl highly recommends this laid-back, sweet fest. Rachel was a sweet girl who was murdered by thugs because of wrong-headed public policy and incompetent authorities who put her in harm's way, promised to protect her, and didn't. Her parents fought for statewide changes in the law to try to prevent another senseless tragedy.Make sure you make it to the special ceremony at 6 p.m. on Saturday in the ampitheater, where Rachel's family and friends honor her in a beautiful butterfly release ceremony.