LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS — Sunshine Hootenanny at Florida Sands Music Ranch 2024

by Spencer Storch • December 28, 2024

Can I get a group Hoot!? Welcome to the Sunshine Hootenanny! Ok, so let me tell you about a beautiful boutique festival in Brooksville, FL. Nestled amongst the rolling hills, endless Live Oaks, and on the edge of Lake Sometimes lives a gorgeous live music venue called Florida Sands Music Ranch (formerly Sertoma Youth Ranch and home to the beloved Orange Blossom Jamboree). Please allow me to introduce you to the inaugural Sunshine Hootenanny presented by Sunshine Music Fests. For three days, throngs of eager music fans come together to enjoy the sonic stylings of moe.! These jam juggernauts have been melting faces since their formation in Buffalo in ‘89! This is their first pair of performances at FSMR but hopefully not their last. Joining them for a weekend of fun is indie rocker Karina Rykman (bassist for Marco Benevento) and the progressive powerhouse of Dogs in a Pile. The lineup rounds out with the legendary Bobby Lee Rodgers Trio, Jerryland, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine and a ton of local favorites.

First let me set the scene. Florida Sands Music Ranch has the amenities to host such an event, with a large pavilion that houses the main stage known as the Sunshine Stage, concessions stand (bar), as well as a set of bathrooms. To your left, the Moonlight Stage beckons, just a few steps away, with fans lounging in lawn chairs, rotating between the two stages for the best of both worlds. FSMR also has a ton of RV power/water spots in addition to the acres of primitive camping, bath houses, and trails under the trees! The lush landscape with towering Live Oaks and peaceful views of Lake Sometimes make it the perfect backdrop for the weekend’s sonic adventure.

The production for this event is great! The stages and sound were on point. Several bands even note how this event was both smooth and quick for change overs while fans enjoy sparkling sound and prompt performances. They do such great work at Sunshine Music Fests Events! Oh and by the way, Laser Fox, the visionary behind these shimmering laser strings, has transformed the Sunshine Pavilion with his twinkling, interactive art installation. Fans who have seen his work at Suwannee Hulaween’s Spirit Lake will recognize the stunning, sparkling displays.

I fully intended on arriving on Friday for The Reality, Bobby Lee Rodgers Trio, Karina Rykman, and of course moe. but life had other plans. So my story begins on a beautiful, cool, and breezy Saturday at my very first Sunshine Music Fest Hootenanny. But, here are some photos from Friday to enjoy, courtesy of the festival &Brier Media Photography!

First up on the Moonlight stage, for me anyways, is Royal w Cheese. A 80’s and 90’s cover band focusing exclusively on songs from Quinten Tarintino movies. Yes! They are all wearing the black and white suits from the crime/thriller Reservoir Dogs. Royal w Cheese begins with Kool & the Gang’s funky tune, “Jungle Boogie,” a staple of Pulp Fiction (1994). The band’s clean playing continues with Steppenwolf’s classic “Magic Carpet Ride” (Reservoir Dogs) and really work the crowd into a lather with “Son of a Preacher Man” (Pulp Fiction) featuring vocalist Pam Middleton. She sounds great and the whole set was a ton of fun. Royal w Cheese came hot and fresh even though this was only their third time playing together.

Over on the Sunshine stage, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine is sporting some sharp tongues. Fronted by award-winning flatpicker Brett Bass, Benny McDowell on banjo, and Rex Putnam on upright bass, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine is, in their own words, “an unsanctioned nuclear warhead.” Tongue-in-cheek humor, scathing social commentary, unbridled savagery, and a heavy metal attitude paint their original songs with blood, booze, and testosterone. This threesome of a bluegrass band are unafraid and proudly “unwoke.” My first song is “Asexual Blues” featuring Putnam on the bass while McDowell also raises hell with a quick banjo solo in the song.

As I soak in the music, my buddy Sam arrives with an Igloo cooler packed with gin and lemonade—his own version of ‘cough medicine’—which he dispenses liberally with a turkey baster. I might be a bit wet afterwards, but I still think it’s the perfect vessel for this gorgeous afternoon. When real life has got you down, festivals and concerts are a great way to feel better! This utopian society has everyone being so nice to each other and it’s hard to be sad or stressed when you are dancing to great music!

Back on the Moonlight stage is a Jerry Garcia cover band named Jerryland! This Tampa Bay supergroup formed about a year ago from members of Dead Set Florida. The bassist, Christian Walker, is absolutely passionate about the music they are playing. Beginning with “Box of Rain,” Jerryland is an absolute delight. They kiss the crowd on the forehead with Marvin Gaye’s 1965 tune “How Sweet It Is” before the guitarist, Paul Wolff, rips a gorgeous solo for the people. Next, is “Friend of the Devil” a Grateful Dead original. The band stays on time with drummer Mike Garrie from Antelope, the fantastic local Phish tribute band who today receives a helping hand from moe. drummer, Vinnie Amico on Jimmy Cliff’s “Harder they Come.” He also warms up our hearts and minds when he sits in on “They Love Each Other.” The powerful LED board behind the band is helping to solidify the psychedelic vibes with rotating colors and shapes. This band is tight, together and judging by their faces, they love this music too. The sun drops behind the trees and the temperature leaves with the light. What a fantastic golden hour! Look to see this great band play at Cage Brewing in St. Pete in early ‘25!

So the following act is supposed to be Tony Tyler (formerly of Comeback Alice) and a fantastic band doing the songs of Gov’t Mule. Unfortunately for us, they were unable to perform. So Chris Sgamatto comes to rescue the stage. You might know Chris from his band Displace, who has a mainstay renegade set on Jam Cruise. Displace drummer Evan Thibeault joins Sgamatto and Dogs in a Pile’s Jeremy Kaplan (keys) and Sam Lucid (bass) for a set of great music. Sgamatto in a Pile leads off with “The Chicken.” This song by Pee Wee Ellis was popularized again by Jaco Pastorious and Weather Report is a great way to get the party started as the crowd begins to grow to full force. The jam is full of familiar christmas song licks and riffs, giving the set a warm family feeling. Jimmy Law joins them on stage for “Valerie” before Brian (guitar, vocals) joins them to play “Eyes of the World.” They complete a few others before the couple of canines have to leave to prepare for their set on the Moonlight stage. So they fill the time with students from Sgamatto’s music school doing various covers. Green Day’s “American Idiot” amongst others.

Earlier today a friend had the idea of making a broccoli and cheddar grilled cheese sandwich. When she noticed there was a grilled cheese vendor on site, she asked to use their equipment to realize her dream. I can tell you now, with a smile on my face and a mouth full of broccoli cheddar goodness, this is a great idea.

Dogs in a Pile is a climbing the lineups with their own version of what a jam band should sound like. Merging funk, jazz, and rock and roll with psychedelia, this New Jersey quintet is both fun and impressive. Taking their name from a Grateful Dead song, “He’s Gone,” these cool cats are playing at Hootenanny under a tin roof stage, they’re called Dogs in a Pile. When they play there’s nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile. At first they perform a few originals: “You Didn’t Hear it from Me,” “My Disguise,” and “Ugly Song,” but soon they have guitarist Al Schnier from moe. up on stage to play the Dead’s “Feel Like a Stranger.” A wailing battle ensues between Schnier and Dogs guitarist Jimmy Law to end the song. Al comes to the mic and showers Dogs in a Pile with several heartfelt compliments. This festival just has that loving caring vibes, even on stage. Back to the music, these guys just know how to jam. Their songs are constantly progressing, from one thought to another, across the spectrum of sounds we travel. Over the hills and far past the point you thought we would go. Dogs push through the mountains and out onto the bay. Now we are on a tiny ship in the ocean bobbing back and forth, shouting into the winds; “‘Tillie’ is always a good time until it ends!” Psychedelic is an understatement as I find myself fading from one movie set to another as this group works effortlessly to transport our minds to another level in “Samba for Sam.” A cover of Jefferson Airplanes’ “White Rabbit” caps off a fantastic festival set. The group finishes with “Bulge on a Shelf” before showing their teeth in appreciation to the rabid crowd. Howling and cheering: this place is loud for the progressive powerhouse, Dogs in a Pile. Check them out at Saturn in Birmingham, AL on February 12th and on the 2025 sailing of Jam Cruise! As the crowd roars with excitement from Dogs in a Pile’s psychedelic set, the anticipation builds for the headliner of the evening…

Let’s talk about the bell of the ball, moe. Since January 1999, the band moe. has officially been Al Schnier (guitar), Chuck Garvey (guitar), Rob Derhak (bass guitar, vocals), Vinnie Amico (drums), and Jim Loughlin (percussion). Fast forward to tonight: this rock and jam outfit now has six members, thanks to the addition of Nate Wilson on keys in January ’23. He’s super talented and playful, and he brings a whole new dimension to this already awesome group. I’m so ready for this set and “Not Coming Down” punches our ticket. All aboard! The moe. express to Sunshine Hootenanny is leaving the station. First we make a stop at “Wormwood” but shortly after we begin to pick up speed as we approach the crowd favorite, “Okay Alright.” Hootenanny is riding high on Derhak’s bass playing as they transition into “Billy Goat.” It’s here that Al Schnier stokes the furnace with red hot guitar playing. The railcar lurches forward as he takes turns with Chuck Garvey shoveling riff after riff into the fire. Just when I think we are at terminal velocity, these jam juggernauts blow the smoke stack with a searing “Meat.” Flames engulf our fugitive coach as the landscape around us becomes a blur. The towering inferno is laced with extended guitar solos from both Chuck and Al as they craft and mold this runaway jam. After what seems like ages, Vinny and Jim combine to corral our combusting carriage and bring us back to safety. Hootenanny explodes with appreciation, they’re riding the rails of this bad ass festival set desperate for moe.! Next Wilson enjoys the spotlight as he leads the band in “The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys” by Traffic. Whistles of approval zoom overhead as he keeps the crowd stoked with the 1971 classic. Percussionist Jim Loughlin is fired up himself, enjoying a Sherlock style pipe and a puff during the tune. Al has the embers burning bright during “Four.” He fans the flames as they shift into their finishing pose, “Downward Facing Dog.” Wow! What a show!!

As the final notes of the inaugural Sunshine Hootenanny fade into the Florida evening, it’s clear that this festival was about much more than just a good time — it was a celebration of the music that brings us all together. From moe.’s mind-blowing jams to the infectious energy of Karina Rykman and the progressive grooves of Dogs in a Pile, each performance was a testament to the power of live music to unite and inspire. The legendary Bobby Lee Rodgers Trio, Jerryland, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, and all the local talent brought their own unique flavors to the stage, creating a diverse and unforgettable soundtrack for the weekend. Florida Sands Music Ranch, with its rolling hills and beautiful surroundings, proved to be the perfect backdrop for this sonic adventure. We’ve witnessed something truly special here — and with so many incredible musical moments, it’s clear that the Sunshine Hootenanny is just getting started.

Check out their next festival, the Sunshine Get Down!

Sunshine Hootenanny 2024 Live Review by Spencer Storch.
Sunshine Hootenanny 2024 Live Photos by Brier Media Photography.

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