Lots of Talent at 30A Songwriters Festival

The incomparable Dar Williams put on a couple of fine perfomances at the second-ever 30A Songwriters Festival over the weekend. The festival delivered intimate songs and settings with some of the finest talent around. OK, I cried. More than once. Some of these songs are just so beautiful and heartfelt. I came home with a stack of CDs, some new favorites, and a computer full of videotaped performances. For those of you who didn't make it, I'll be posting more videos here for your listening pleasure!

Here's Dar singing "February."

Talent's Coming Down for 30A Songwriter's Festival This Weekend

A massive migration of ridiculous talent heads to the Panhandle coast this weekend for the 30A Songwriters Festival . Last year's festival left me impressed by the heart-felt songcraft. I brought home a lot of new musical discoveries. Here are some of the offbeat acts that festgrrl is most intrigued to see this weekend: Lucy Wainwright Roche,  The Shadowboxers,  Madi Diaz,  Jessica Smucker , Angel Snow, Reed Waddle, The Smoking Flowers, Pat Hull, Chuck Cannon, Zach, Jen Foster, and Madison Violet.

Dumpstaphunk!

Dumpstaphunk is is one of the best funk bands playing today, no doubt. Fresh off the Jam Cruise, Ivan Neville (son of sweet-voiced Aaron) and his band come to Tallahassee Friday night, Jan. 14, at the Engine Room. Gonna be a paaaaaaarty, y'all. $12 advance, $15 at the door. Local wildman band (featuring the Sexual Manatee)Catfish Alliance open.

ATTENTION DEADHEADS!

Internet Pre-Sale tickets open this Friday, Jan. 7, at noon, for the three southeast shows on Furthur's spring tour. That's Sunday April 3, at Atlanta's Fox Theater, Tuesday, April 5 at the UCF Arena in Orlando, and Wednesday, April 6 at the Mizner Park Ampitheater in Boca Raton.

Regular sales, through Ticketmaster, open January 14 at 10 a.m. Write it down on your calendars, y'all, and see you at one of the shows!

Radiators at Wanee Festival

This is the last year to see the legendary New Orleans band The Radiators in its current form. After 33 years, they are calling it quits in mid-June 2011 (although some members want to keep going, so we'll see some great music in any case.)

The good news is we'll get to see the Rads at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Fl on Wednesday, April 13 -- the day before the Allman Brothers' annual Wanee Festival.

Also on the bill this year, the Steve Miller Band, who wrote one of festgrrl's fave songs of all time, The Window.

Looks like we're gonna keep on rockin' in 2011

All I Want For Christmas...

Happy Holidays, Faithful Readers! Thanks for all your support and here's a toast for all of us seeing some killer 2011 shows!

A Nice Florida Winter Fest Next Month

We don't stop festing down here just cause it's winter every place else! Check out the Aura Music and Arts Festival, down near Orlando, that takes place Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend (Jan. 14-16)at Crescent J Ranch in St. Cloud, Florida. Tickets are $60 advance, $65 at the gate (cash only at the gate) An RV or trailer pass is $25. Kids under 9 are free, over 9 are $15.

Here is the skinny on this event from their website:

"AURA will present 34 bands on two juxtaposed stages with zero overlap and 20 DJs in the Rage Tent, offering 18 hours of musical bliss each day. Bringing together some of the best touring bands in the underground jamtronica scene and jam community including Papadosio, The Heavy Pets, The Malah and Zoogma, festivalgoers will be treated to a variety of musical styles from rock, funk and jazz to roots reggae, jamtronica and deep house.

In addition to three days of epic musical performances, AURA presents numerous interactive attractions and activities including song writing, drum and yoga workshops; art installations produced LIVE to the beats and rhythms of your favorite bands; hooping and fire poi; food and vending areas; and onsite camping with a peaceful, intimate vibe.

AURA’s new site, Forever Florida, is a 4,700 acre wildlife conservation area with an average January daily temperature of 70 degrees. This pristine site boasts nine distinct Florida ecosystems and an endless array of flora and fauna including alligators, black bears and 200 species of birds. You can fly through the treetops on the Zipline Safari, enjoy a Wilderness Horseback Ride or just kick back and relax on a guided Coach Safari. Festival attendees can visit Florida Eco-Safaris for more information and mention promo code “AURA” to receive discounts."