Catch This Radio Interview With Peter Rowan

Bluegrass great Peter Rowan has just done an interview with National Public Radio's Fresh Air show, so you might want to check it out at the link I just included.

We get the pleasure of hearing Rowan's soulful voice every Magnolia Fest and Springfest at Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park in Live Oak, Fl. -- I especially loved his sit-in this year with Keller & The Keels

Early Bird Deadlines for Magnolia Fest and Bear Creek Music & Art Festival

Today's the last day for Early Bird tickets for Magnolia Fest at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park October 21 to 24 -- That's $125 ($147 with fees included) -- through September 1. Here is my earlier post about the lineup. Since then, they've added the phenomenal Sam Bush Band.

And tickets for Bear Creek Music and Art Festival Nov. 12-14, also at Suwannee Music Park, They are $125 now -- they go up 10 $140 on  Sept. 8, y'all.

It's a good idea to buy early, and I'll let you know the dates so keep on checking festgrrl.

Bear Creek had a crazy low price of $99 for super early birds early in the year. Now that's a damn bargain, people! -- especially since James Brown's band is gonna rock it, and that's just the beginning! It's one epic lineup all around.

Thanks, Magfest!

The fine folks who put on Magnolia Festival October 21-24 at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park are giving students a giant break. The new special student ticket for four days of festing and camping is just $75 -- that's compared to $175 at the gate. It applies to students age 13 and up, and you have to have a valid student I.D. to get in. If you don't have the I.D., you will have to pay regular price at the gate.

They've also extended early bird price -- $125 ($147 with fees included) -- through September 1. The lineup this year is really excellent. Here is my earlier post about the lineup. Since then, they've added Newgrass pioneer Sam Bush and his band. Basically, some of the finest string musicians in the world will convene at Magnolia Fest for four days in the finest weather we get all year. Bring your Halloween costume and your pumpkin for carving and let's get witchy, y'all.

Suwannee Springfest Was Special Indeed

Suwannee Springfest had about half its usual attendance (2,700  advanced tickets sold, estimated 3,500 in the park.) which turned out to be a special  treat for fans. There was plenty of room and much face time with artists. The whole vibe was intimate and the music was OUTSTANDING. Leftover Salmon's 3-hour Saturday night set was one to remember. Dizzyingly fast picking, tremendous variety, humor, and just a pyycho slamgrass good time. One fan noted: "I  need more time to absorb what I just saw. I'm in a daze!"

Fest newcomer Ruthie Foster was a knockout with driving, Aretha-like vocals. Her slowed-down gospel version of "Oh Susannah" was hauntingly beautiful in the Spanish moss-draped ampitheatre. If she's playing near you, do not miss it.

Other standouts were Nashville's year-old 18 South, sort of a Lyle Lovett-meets-Little Feat-meets-Bonnie Rait vibe with Guthrie Trapp's super cool guitar stylings; Grant Peeples and the New 76ers, with political lyrics and kick-ass vocals; punkgrass talents Tornado Rider; singer-songwriter Jonathan Edwards;  Peter Rowan, Dread Clampitt,  and Donna the Buffalo.

Sunday was an intimate party among artists and friends, tapped off by a wondrous late-night jam between Jeff Mosier (Blueground Undergrass) on banjo and the freakishly talented Rushad Eggleston of Tornado Rider on cello. Mosier says he was so inspired that he wants to do a cello-banjo trance record with Rushad. That would be cool.

The whole experience left fetgrrl filled up with music and love, and reminded her that supporting events like this is more important than ever. Let's keep our scene going long into the future. Every year we get treated to some new awesome talent. Thanks Randy and Beth!

A Message from Our Magnolia Fest Friends

Here's a missive from the folks who run Magnolia Fest, lots of fun info in here:

Dear Festival Folks:
The 12th Annual MagnoliaFest is right around the corner and we are requesting that everyone on our email list help us spread the word about the festival. We've got lots of new for you today.
Today we're covering:

* MagnoliaFest History
* The Lee Boys & Oteil Burbridge @ Smith's Old Bar
in Atlanta this Friday October 10th
* Get your MagnoliaFest Advance tickets NOW
* Schedule - what Schedule???
* The MagMusic Radio Show
* MagFest Kickoff:Inca Maya & TNS Freebird Live Oct 18th
* Laugh, Love, Dance & VOTE

BIG COSMO'S SUNSHINE DAYDREAM WEEKEND AKA MAGNOLIAFEST
When we began MagnoliaFest 12 years ago as Big Cosmo’s Sunshine Daydream Weekend, it was dedicated to the music and spirit of the late Jerry Garcia. Beth and Randy were both longtime Deadheads with hundreds of shows attended between them. Jerry's untimely passing left a huge musical void for them and many of their friends. After establishing Suwannee Springfest in March of 1997, they planned a fall celebration with a distinct Dead-ish flavor. The first lineup included former Garcia collaborators like the Old & In The Way Bluegrass Reunion featuring David Grisman, Vassar Clements, and Peter Rowan, Merle Saunders & the Rainforest Band, and 60's San Francisco ballroom favorites Gary Duncan & Quicksilver Messenger Service. And Donna the Buffalo was introduced to the Florida & Southeastern GD crowd, too.

This year's MagnoliaFest marks a special tribute to the late Garcia with several more of his former band mates appearing. Thursday will find former Grateful Dead vocalist Donna Jean Godchaeux performing along with her new band the Tricksters. Donna Jean & the Tricksters concentrate on the Muscle Shoals R&B which she started her singing career with (Elvis, Aretha Franklin) plus some blues and Dead songs. On Friday, Melvin Seals and the JGB Band are scheduled to render those sweet Jerry Band tunes. And on Saturday, the new trio featuring former Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann will headline. Kreutzmann is joined by Allman Bros. and Aquarium Rescue Unit bassist Oteil Burbridge and Max Creek guitarist Scott Murawski. The group has been turning heads and opening ears across the nation this summer and they make their Southeastern debut at MagnoliaFest 2008. The band is called KBM and their repertoire includes some fresh original material with lyrics by former Grateful Dead songwriter Robert Hunter, along with other tasteful covers and plenty of classic GD music, too. The band is set to perform for 3 hours to close out the Saturday schedule. Then on Sunday Peter Rowan will be sure to honor both Jerry and Vassar as he deals out a solo set that will morph into our traditional Sunday Bluegrass Set.

MagnoliaFest will take place October 23-26 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Pa rk in Live Oak, FL. For secure tickets and complete information please visit the festival website www.magmusic.com


TICKETS FOR MAGNOLIAFEST
You may order tickets online or call 904-249-7990 to order by phone.
Our office hours vary tremendously, but generally Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm. If you get a voicemail, leave a message and someone will call you back. We do call backs at all kinds of hours!

All tickets ordered now are being held for pickup at WIll Call.
For complete MagnoliaFest Ticket information go to http://www.magmusic.com/ticketsformagfest.htm

SCHEDULE FOR MAGNOLIAFEST
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I have it from a very good source that the complete schedule will be posted within the next 24 hours.
It's not up as of the sending of this email, but VERY SOON!
http://www.magmusic.com/scheduleformagfest.htm
MagnoliaFest 2008 October 23-26
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park Live Oak, Florida

THE MAGMUSIC SHOW
Join us every Tuesday evening from 7-9pm CT (that's 8-10pm in the East) for "The MagMusic Show". Hosted by Randy "Big Cosmo" Judy and Beth Judy. The show can be heard online at Wildman Steve Radio, www.wildmansteve.com. Go by and visit with Wildman Steve himself at MagnoliaFest.


MAGFEST KICKOFF PARTY
Come out to Freebird Live in Jacksonville on October 18th
Inca Maya with TNS & Late Nite Transfer
$5 cover gets you a free draft beer & free download of Inca Maya's new album
MagFest Ticket Holders get in free (we suggest you copy your tickets & don't risk losing them)!

VOTE VOTE VOTE
We want to gently remind you all to exercise your citizenship and get out to the polls for this upcoming election. It's important - like laughing, loving and music! Please Vote!

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!

In Harmony,
Iris Blooms (speaking for Beth & Randy)
Magnolia Music & Events, Inc.
www.magmusic.com
904-249-7990













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