If You Aren't Getting Ready for Bear Creek, You Should Be!

Bear Creek Music Festival Highlights from Jeremy Sewell on Vimeo.

Enjoy this awesome video teaser for what's going to be an absolutely killer fest starting this Wednesday!!!

Magnolia Fest Announces Excellent Partial Lineup!

Our friends at Magnolia Fest, held October 21 to 24 at the beautiful Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida,have released an initial lineup! Here is their notice detailing who will be playing. It looks like a FINE lineup indeed!

Cornmeal is sure to bring to MagnoliaFest more of their highly-charged & energetic Midwestern newgrass they have displayed in their rapid rise up the festival ladder. This band is one of those that once you hear them, you will come back for more.

Appearing will be 7 Walkers featuring legendary drummer and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, Bill Kreutzmann, together with funky bluesman and voodoo electronic pioneer Papa Mali. 7 Walkers also features bass virtuoso Reed Mathis (Tea Leaf Green, JFJO) and multi-instrumentalist Matt Hubbard (Willie Nelson and Friends). 7 Walkers recently spent time at an Austin, Texas studio, recording an album to be released later this year. In addition to a brand-new batch of Robert Hunter (Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, NRPS, and Jim Lauderdale lyricist) originals that were co-written with the band, the new album offers up favorites from the Grateful Dead repertoire, Papa Mali originals, and some New Orleans and Southern songbook interpretations. Overall, the result is a fiery and funky collection of tunes that quite brilliantly capture the unique collaboration between these two very different musical shamans.

Wet Willie, after the Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd, was the hardest-rocking of the Southern bands to come to national attention in the early '70s. For seven years, from 1971 until 1978, they produced an enviable array of albums awash in good-time music, rollicking high-energy blues-rock, and white Southern soul, and for their trouble they racked up just one Top Ten hit ("Keep On Smilin'") and a lot of admirers. The band, originally called Fox, got together in Mobile, AL, in 1969 behind the powerful vocals and distinctive sax of Jimmy Hall, with Jimmy's brother Jack on bass and banjo, Ricky Hirsch on lead and slide guitars and mandolin (as well as writing a lot of the songs), Lewis Ross on the skins, and John Anthony (later succeeded by Mike Duke) playing the keyboards. In the 1990s, Wet Willie re-formed around a core of keyboardist John Anthony, guitarist Ricky Hirsch, and Jimmy Hall, with other musicians -- including Smith, Duke, and Lively -- filling out their ranks. Everyone at MagFest will keep on smiling as Wet Willie rocks the amphitheater.

Festival powerhouse Railroad Earth has built a nationwide following based upon their experience & dedication to solid songwriting and musical craftsmanship. RRE never fails to deliver an exciting live experience anywhere, but they are especially pleased to be playing under the live oaks at the Suwannee.

MagnoliaFest will also present Keller and the Keels, a configuration which combines two of the most talented, unique, and respected acoustic music talents around in the state of Virginia’s own Keller Williams and Larry & Jenny Keel. Their new recording, Thief, was just named the #1 selling bluegrass album on the Billboard charts and they appear this very weekend at no less than the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Bot h Keller and The Keels have graced our stages separately over the years, so we’re very pleased to bring these guys back to share their music and talents with us once again.

Grayson Capps first discovered music in Alabama where his father and friends would sit around the house getting drunk, telling stories and strumming acoustic guitars. They’d run down songs by Hank Williams, Tom T. Hall, Glenn Campbell and Woodie Guthrie to name but a few. Today, the southern troubadour’s live performances are ignited by sanctified

Southern soul, howling back-country stomp and raucous roadhouse blues. Having drawn comparisons to the likes of Tom Waits, Townes Van Zandt and Drive By Truckers, we predict Grayson will be a new favorite for MagFest.

Perennial Magfest favorites Donna the Buffalo will also be returning to MagnoliaFest. This veteran band of roots rockers continue moving forward stronger and more focused than ever on making more meaningful, relevant, and danceable music for the body, mind, and spirit of all ages.

The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band consists of dyed‐in‐the wool traditional players with over 100 years of combined live gigging experience. Joining guitarist Peter Rowan are Jody Stecher, mandolin; Keith Little, banjo; and Paul Knight, bass. The ensemble has graced the stages of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Grey Fox, Merlefest, Rothbury and numerous other festivals, entertaining audiences with original songs executed in vibrant harmony.

Col. Bruce has been making his brand of greasy, southern r & b music since he formed his first band way back in 1963. He has been in constant motion ever since with bands like The Hampton Grease Band, The Late Bronze Age, and of course, The Aquarium Rescue Unit. Along the way he starred in the cult classic movie "Outside Out" and also appeared in "Sling Blade." Anytime Col. Bruce is on stage you are sure to remember it -- at times his guitar solos seem as though he is summoning spirits!

Young bluesman Seth Walker has just completed a move to Nashville, but don’t look for any country from this Texas-based guitar slinger and songwriter when he hits the stage at Magfest. Seth’s latest record has gained him well-deserved recognition everywhere from the West Coast to the Wall Street Journal and all points in between.

Founding members of Blueground Undergrass, The Mosier Brothers Band brings 30 years of experience to this latest project of alternative Cosmic Americana and bluegrass-laced roots rock. At the helm is electric banjo frontman (and former Phish bluegrass coach) Jeff Mosier (A.K.A. “The Reverend”) along with brother Johnny Mosier on guitar. Legendary Widespread Panic fiddler David Blackmon underpins the front line, and drummer Jack Watson and bassist Dustin Sargent bring the rock solid array of styles to fill in the eclectic genre-bending arrangements for which the Mosier Brothers are best known. Always high energy and entertaining on ev ery level, each show is like a musical journey.

We wish to recognize the recent release of a new CD from our Florida friends Dread Clampitt. The new recording “Learnin to Live” features newgrass sensei Sam Bush, who performed with the band on the Music City Roots radio program and at a nearly-sold-out showcase held at the world-famous Station Inn in Nashville recently. Congratulations are in order and we look forward very much to hosting Dread Clampitt again at this year’s MagnoliaFest. Rumor has it that other special guests may be joining DC’s Magfest celebration. Be sure to stay tuned for further information as it becomes available.

Mike & Ruthy, the folk-rock duo formerly of The Mammals, will also join us at MagnoliaFest. They are releasing their new album Million to One on July 27th, 2010. The story behind the making of Million To One is as compelling as the album’s songs themselves. Where most bands limit fan involvement to the occasional live show “stomp, clap and sing-along” and post-show merch table pleasantries, Mike + Ruthy took things a two-step further. They issued a massive fan-list call-out inviting the full breadth of their fanbase to help make what’s being called their “folk-rock masterpiece.” < /span>We bet some of you helped make this record!

The complete lineup of over 30 performers, who will be appearing on the festival’s four stages, will be announced very soon. Discounted Early Bird tickets are on sale now at MagnoliaFest.com, check out the new home for Magnolia Fest.

Stay tuned for our next newsletter announcing the rest of the lineup. Thank you for your time. We appreciate your support and commit to bringing you quality events that feature great music, a joyful community spirit, healing vibes, and that are just plain fun!

More Acts Announced for Bear Creek!

They just keep making that lineup better and better for Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park Nov. 12-14!  Tickets are still just $99 until February 17. There's just no excuse not to buy early at that price. Here are the additions to the (already funkalicious) lineup:

Maceo Parker Band


The New Deal

The New Mastersounds x 2

Perpetual Groove x 2

The Everyone Orchestra

Elliot Lipp

Alex B

Brock Butler

Josh Phillips Folk Festival

Orgone

Bear Creek Initial Lineup Announced

OK, I know it's not until November, but the Bear Creek Music and Art Festival initial FUNKY lineup is out:

Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk x 2
Lettuce x2
Soulive
George Porter's Running Pardners x2
Papa Grows Funk
Toubab Krewe x2
Zach Deputy x 2
John Brown's Body x2
Will Bernard Band
The Macpodz x2
Garaj Mahal x2
Rebirth Brass Band
Eric Krasno and Chapter 2
Adam Deitch and Break Science
The Dead Kenny G's
Big Sam's Funky Nation
The Tony Hall Band
Brian Stoltz
Dr. Claw
The Sam Kininger Band
Rubblebucket Orchestra x2
DubConscious
Lubriphonic x2
The Nigel Hall Band
The Legendary JC's
Avis Berry's Soul Revue
Matt Grondin w Snarky Puppy
Cadillac Jones
The Malah
Green Hit
Greenhouse Lounge
Burnin Smyrnans
Entropy
Spiritual Rez

Artists at Large
Fred Wesley
Skerik
Mike Dillon
The Shady Horns
Kofi Burbridge

Nice Bear Creek Montage!

Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival Montage from Jeremy Sewell on Vimeo.

Early Bird tickets for Bear Creek 2010 are supposed to be on sale now for $99, but the link doesn't seem to be working....Enjoy the video in the meantime!

BUDDAH SAYS KEEP ON FESTING WHILE THE WEATHER'S FINE!

May is JUMPIN, Y'all!'

Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, May 1-3, St. Johns County Fairgrounds, more info is here

Full Moon Festival, Alachua (outside Gainesville) May 8-10. $40 for the weekend. $15 to $20 sliding scale for the day. This fest is normally just one night, but this is a special three-day show at a different venue, just 5 miles from the old one. Rowan Brothers, Gator Bone, Crazy Fingers, Glass Camels,Third Stone, Quartermoon and more. More info is here

Mossy Headz, DeFuniak Springs, May 14-17, Pre-sale tickets are $66 for 4 day pass, $80 at the gate. Oversize vehicle pass is $25. Fabulous lineup: DubConscious, Ralph Roddenberry, Burnin' Smurnin's, Rebecca Jean Smith, Green Hit, Waco Ramblers, Fusebox Funk, and more. More info is here

Florida Folk Festival, May 22-24, Info is here

Acoustic Cafe, May 22-24, outside Birmingham, Alabama, $40 for the weekend. in a gorgeous intimate mountain setting. Edgar Meyer & Mike Marshall, Dread Clampitt and more. VW busses or tents only on the mountain, other RVs have to park a ways down. To car camp, get an up the hill pass while they last. Info is here.

Wannee Festival, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park June 4-7, info is here. Killer lineup, Doobie Brothers, Allmans, Wailers, Little Feat and more.

Here's the whole spring lineup

OK, you asked for it: Here is the entire spring lineup in one post:

Springfest, March 26-29, Live Oak, Fla. You can see the lineup here:

I am loving The Gourds and the legendary Richie Havens on the lineup this year!

Keel Family Function, April 3-5, Lafayette, Ga., Get the info here Colonel Bruce Hampton, Blueground Undergrass, and more.

Springing the Blues Festival, April 3-5, Jacksonville Beach, (not a camping fest, but a free fest on the beach) Info is here

Florida Earth Day Jam, Tallahassee, April 18, info is here

Stringfest, Brooksville, Fla. April 17-19, info is here The Waybacks, The Greencards, and more.

Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, May 1-3, St. Johns County Fairgrounds, more info is here

Florida Folk Festival, May 22-24, Info is here

Acoustic Cafe, May 22-24, outside Birmingham, Info is here. Dread Clampitt and more.

Wannee Festival, June 4-7, info is here. Killer lineup, Doobie Brothers, Allmans, Little Feat and more.

More information on these excellent festivals is available by looking back at my older posts in February and earlier in March.

The music is coming!

Zach Deputy in Tallahassee, Fl.

Zach Deputy was one of the best acts at Bear Creek Music Festival in Live Oak this year, and what a super cool fellow he is. He plays at the Engine Room in Tallahassee Saturday night. $8 cover.

Anyone who dropped by Zach's tarp-shaded campground stage at Bear Creek left with a smile. The guy is just plain having fun, and he's got the groove going!

People compare him to Keller Williams because he uses loops and is a one-man band, but he's really not like Keller Williams. Anyway, go check him out!

Here's the promo from Zach's site:

"Truly a one-man band, he is a powerhouse of performance, technical chops, and one hell of a charismatic presence. Put simply, Zach Deputy does what is called live looping: layering sounds through the magic of technology to create a full band effect. He isn’t the only performer out there doing this, but he has taken the technique to the next level. First and foremost, however, Zach Deputy is a songwriter, a shredding guitarist and a soulful singer with a 4+ octave vocal range. He can also drop freestyle rhymes with the best of them. The Zach Deputy sound is essentially roots rock, but in his case the roots are in soul, calypso and dancehall, underpinned by driving hip-hop, rock steady, Motown and Stax backbeats created with his layered vocal beatboxing. On top of the backbeat, Zach Deputy’s nylon strings pull multiple duties as bass, rhythm and lead guitar. Riding over that, a plethora of sounds-- keyboard, steel drums and an entire horn section-- come pumping and grinding out of the speakers when Zach takes the stage. He is a one man dance party, but he can also bring an audience to rapt attention with a heartfelt love ballad."

One more fest on the spring lineup

Memorial Day Weekend May 22 and 23, Acoustic Cafe. This is a very small fest in northern Alabama, with some newgrass and bluegrass greats, including the great Dread Clampitt. We all basically camp in Steve, the promoter's, yard. It's a steep mountainside and he has ample acreage. He says: "the largest gathering of earthy tie-died people in Alabama. The music is what brings people to the mountain; the sense of village that we have created is what keeps people coming back. Among this colorful crowd of VW buses and dread locks is a real feeling of love. The children are polite, camp sites are clean, & we even sort the recyclables out of our trash. I continue to invite this crowd to my home because they know how to act and they leave the place as pretty as they find it. I dare say there is not a better crowd anywhere."

One band plays on stage at a time, which I love because everyone experiences the sme thing at the same time, and I don't have to make any decisions! Oh so relaxing. This is a very kid-friendly event. Very sweet spot, lots of cool rock ledges. You can only have tents up there, RVs have to park down the mountain. Steve makes an exception for VW busses.

We heard Dread Clampitt acoustic in Steve's natural ampitheatre, where the rocks seem to convey the music. The music was intricate and soulful, and the audience was silently awed. I will never forget it, one of the absolute highlights of my life as a music lover.

Steve has porta potties, a hose to wash down with, one food vendor, and free coffee - !! - on his porch. Best to come fully prepared with all your supplies and your smile. We met some of the most wonderful folks there last year and Steve himself is a gem and so generous to offer up his land for music magic.