There are so many musical acts at a giant festival like Suwannee Hulaween. Here are a few of our favorites!
Umphrey’s McGee (Thursday)
Chicago’s Umphrey’s McGee is the main course for me this evening and I am salivating on my way to The Patch. After acquiring a great spot, the band comes on stage. They hop right to it with “40’s Theme” and have the fans jumping and shouting immediately. They play my new favorite songs, “Night Nurse,” and “Slacker” for the packed house. A huge solo during “Wife Soup” for lead singer and guitarist, Brendan Bayliss who has grown back his mustache for the event. They are trying out a new light guy and I have to say that Ben Factor is knocking it out of the park. I can hear people around me gasping and pointing at the lights on stage as he moves from pulsing lights to beautiful scenes in great balance. They finish the set with a fiery “Jajunk” > “Ringo” > “Jajunk.”
Umphrey’s McGee — Suwannee Hulaween 2019 ⭐ October 24-27, 2019 ⭐ Spirit of Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Richie Williams “The Sober Goat” — instagram.com/thesobergoat
Greensky Bluegrass
We progress to The Amphitheater where Greensky Bluegrass is set up for a heater. Another great intro song as I arrive to them covering Prince’s “1999.” They make it their own — think Prince in overalls drinking moonshine. Next, their slower song “In Control” is twangy and full of feels. Anders Beck is so good on the dobro he has me floating. His sweet playing in combination with Paul Hoffman’s (mandolin/vocals) voice is simply divine. It’s no wonder why these guys are on top and I’m am so stoked to get my first experience with them. They pass the baton so well it’s inspiring and their flawless play builds mountains of momentum as they climb tonight’s setlist. “Kerosene” and Springsteen’s “Wings for Wheels” help my already floating body to take flight! It’s about this time I realize Beck is wearing an Afro wig on the dobro. His bandmate David Bruzza (guitar) shines bright on the dark stage with a long skillful solo during “Leap Year.” He shakes the beat and goes off to do his own thing before slowly joining back with the band on their way out of the jam. You can tell these guys know and trust each other. The set ends and I refuse to leave, hoping for an encore I never receive.
Suwannee Hulaween 2019 ⭐ October 25-27, 2019 ⭐ Spirit of Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Carmelo Conte III — instagram.com/melothird
Bassnectar
With no time for a camp run we head straight to The Meadow for one of this weekend’s headliners, Bassnectar! The biggest producer on the planet starts his rager with “Chicken Dippaz” and also plays “It’s About To Get Hectic,” “Upside Down,” and “Duck Trumpet.” There are glowing signs and poi everywhere. Not a free step to walk around so I have to bounce off of people to get where I’m going. Fans “ohh” and scream as he unveils the next section of music in the set. The lasers and bass are more than the folk in my group can handle and split for camp. I take this time to dance my way through the mob and people watch. The hype is real and I feel like this was a set that could convince someone on the fence to enjoy the B- B- B- BASSSSSS.
Bassnectar — Suwannee Hulaween 2019 ⭐ October 24-27, 2019 ⭐ Spirit of Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Richie Williams “The Sober Goat” — instagram.com/thesobergoat
The String Cheese Incident
I head to The Meadow for The String Cheese Incident’s first set of the day. They begin with “Dudley’s Kitchen” before moving into the popular “Get Tight” which transitions to Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish” in the jam portion. I love this! The weather is breezy and the music is on point! “Miss Brown’s Teahouse” and “Colliding” round out this delicious set. I hit camp again to recharge (I’m struggling today) before heading back to SCI’s second set. Entering The Meadow I have hoopers and jugglers all around me. Music fans are with their friends, laughing and enjoying each other at the set. This is what it’s all about. I’m having a blast as they play the afternoon away. The set ends with a whirlwind of songs, “The Wheel” > “Drums” > “Birdland” > “Wheel Hoss” > “Birdland” > “Howard.” You should know that Nershi (guitar) got his exercise during “Drums” by wildly running around in circles on the stage. LOL!
Suwannee Hulaween 2019 ⭐ October 25-27, 2019 ⭐ Spirit of Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Carmelo Conte III — instagram.com/melothird
Billy Strings
The red hot Billy Strings at the main stage. He’s a young up and coming bluegrass guitarist who has created quite a stir in the strings scene. His version of jamgrass or “acidgrass” is everything you could want from a flat-picker. His songs are warm and meaningful as well as great for a sing-along. But, that’s not why he’s so popular. He’s rising to the top because of the exploratory approach and his wicked chops on that six-string. I arrive to the set to hear him covering Widespread Panic’s “All Time Low.” He’s got his long hair braided into cornrows and I have to admit: this is my first ever bluegrass-in-cornrows set I have ever been to.
Billy Strings — Suwannee Hulaween 2019 ⭐ October 25-27, 2019 ⭐ Spirit of Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Carmelo Conte III — instagram.com/melothird
I was tired before I got here and now I can’t stop dancing. I have a big smile on my face as this kid leads the full Meadow to the promised land. The breeze blows and the cool air gets a big reaction from the crowd. Arms up and heads back as the band moves into “Old Folks at Home (Way Down Upon Swanee River)” by Stephen Foster. After filling my heart to the brim they play “Dust in a Baggie.” Here Billy Strings solos with impressive awareness. Like a fan moving to the front of the crowd, he knows right where he wants to go. Not only that, but he has the ability to skip, jump, and dance along the way to his destination without mistakes or hesitation! “Turmoil & Tinfoil” closes this amazing afternoon set. Don’t miss this guy. He and his band are on their way to the top. I recommend seeing him before the crowds get too large!
Suwannee Hulaween 2019 ⭐ October 25-27, 2019 ⭐ Spirit of Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Carmelo Conte III — instagram.com/melothird
Those are my top five! Read the full Suwannee Hulaween Review + Photos at showsigoto.com /// Check out our interview with Michael Berg, Talent Buyer and Partner at Hulaween in Issue #02
Now is your chance to WIN Tickets to Florida Man Music Festival 2019! Florida Man Fest is back for year two (the second annual) and the lineup is as wild as Florida Man himself! Orlando’s FM 101.9 radio station has gathered artists sitting on all sides of the genre spectrum. The lineup feature some of [&hellip
Let’s face it—our daily lives are a grind. Adulting isn’t easy and responsibilities take up our time. Luckily for the music community a place exists in Florida where we can clear our minds and fill our hearts. Suwannee Roots Revival takes over the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park every year. Four nights of friends, who have become family, and some of the best ‘grass around. Music lovers come to this sacred land from all over and they can’t wait to get back. Folk rock guitarist Ralph Roddenbery sums up this feeling perfectly during his performance of his tune “This Very Day” with Donna the Buffalo on Sunday night: “The city takes it from me, but the Suwannee gives it back.”
Suwannee Roots Revival ⭐ October 10-13, 2019 ⭐ Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Carmelo Conte III — instagram.com/melothird
I arrive back “home” again to the Spirit of Suwannee late Thursday afternoon. I’m excited to spend four nights with my festival family! Camp is already set up on Spirit Lake and my friends have saved me a great spot facing the water. Friends of mine shared their love with each other and The Suwannee: getting married the weekend before. At the wedding he sings his vows of love by the water, promising her “Time could never steal our kind of love. I know that forever won’t be long enough.” Our homestead has an awesome hangout spot by the water, multiple kitchens, a great big circle of chairs around the “fire,” as well as a stimulating sea of flickering and color changing lights. Our photographer, Carmelo Conte, welcomes myself and others to the spot as we set up for another great weekend in Live Oak.
This festival is lit! Seriously, a huge Hunter’s Moon is filling sky as well as the woods with bright, reflected sunshine (Soulshine). We bask in the glow of the night as we trek to the first set of the weekend, Firewater Tent Revival. This six-piece high energy string band is from Atlantic Beach, FL. Jamgrass is my favorite style this festival and I am excited to let loose some killer dance moves. As soon as I walk into the twangin’ tent I’m impressed right away by Kris Whatley playing the washboard. To my right a group of little girls in onesies are in a conga line and make their way around the crowd before falling down at the end of the song. This festival is filled to the brim with little kids. It features a huge children’s program as well as a talent show! I look up to see Jeff Hoff on saxophone (that’s right, there’s a sax in this jamgrass band) let loose a long solo with a medley of teases like Talking Heads’ “Cross-eyed and Painless” as well as “Shortnin’ Bread” by The Andrews Sisters sprinkled in.
Suwannee Roots Revival ⭐ October 10-13, 2019 ⭐ Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Carmelo Conte III — instagram.com/melothird
Our next stop is We Banjo 3. They are from Galway, Ireland and are a new sound for me. Folk and bluegrass with an Irish twist is a sound I’m not sure I knew existed, but this award-winning quartet has to be good since they’ve gone international. Although I was slightly disappointed that there weren’t three banjos in the band, I enjoyed the product on the stage. Especially the moment when multi-instrumentalist Fergal Scahill put down his fiddle and picked up a bodhrán (a handheld Irish drum) and has an interactive call back with the crowd. We shout “Hey” back to the stage as we move down the road and indoors to see The Grass is Dead in the music hall. The room is bright and loud but the Grateful Dead’s music can be heard over the roar of the caged crowd. They play “Deal” while I watch the young and the old dance together to this timeless Americana sound. Later, they cover Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come” and the room is filled with people catching the vibe.
After a quick stop back at camp to eat some food we travel back to the venue to see Samantha Fish. A blues and roots rock artist who has shared the stage with artists like Devon Allman and the legendary Buddy Guy. She’s wearing a very sparkly jacket and has short blonde hair. In the first part of her performance she shows impressive skill on guitar, pickin’ and slidin’ her style of the blues. She’s supported on her solo by the drum and bass duo of Ken Tudrick and Chris Alexander. This band brings it and for the second time I walk away impressed with their performance. I can’t wait to see her on Jam Cruise in January of 2020.
Suwannee Roots Revival ⭐ October 10-13, 2019 ⭐ Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Carmelo Conte III — instagram.com/melothird
Jon Stickley Trio is up next! If you haven’t heard of this band, then maybe you’ve never heard of Electro-Harmonic Jazz Grass, but this trio is simply wonderful. Hailing from Asheville, NC, violinist Lyndsay Pruett, drummer Hunter Deacon, and guitarist Jon Stickley, take turns wowing the crowd as they push bluegrass to the next level. They execute a great cover of Béla Fleck’s “Sinister Minister,” while fans howl at the moon around me. When the set ends we walk back to camp trading funny stories from the day.
I wake up the next morning to the sounds of children laughing and playing in the camp next to me. The sunshine streams in through the top of my tent and the cool breeze dances through the leaves above my head. The weather is so nice, after a long summer of endless heat, that I exit my tent and spin around with my arms wide open. I start my day by making breakfast while I soak up the sun with my friends. After our meal we head to the music for Free Range Strange. This exciting string band graduates from being a staple at Slopperyland, the official after-music jam spot, to being in the lineup and the Dance Tent. Mandolin player Sunni Rae sings with a Southern vibrato which brings a smile to my face. These guys are upbeat and have the whole tent moving as they progress through the set. Jamming out almost every song, they get crazy towards the end and Nilu Jimenez-Ross even straddles her stand up bass while playing it. You can really feel the passion. I’m looking forward to seeing this animated band again!
Suwannee Roots Revival ⭐ October 10-13, 2019 ⭐ Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Carmelo Conte III — instagram.com/melothird
We check in with Donna Hopkins Band next on our quest for bluegrass and beyond this weekend. I’m super excited because they have a drummer! Richie Jones helps the band rock out with blues while Donna and company provide great harmonies! Dennis Stadelman of Cope is delightful as always on guitar. I also love Brad Bauman on harmonica. We join Jon Stickley Trio briefly after. Lyndsay Pruett is still dominating the violin with her fast and technical playing. I don’t know their songs off hand but I think that I heard an “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers tease. Anyways, we break from the music to recharge at camp for a little while.
Del McCoury Band is the most awarded artist in Bluegrass history. Del practically invented contemporary bluegrass. He’s the legend on stage with his two sons — Rob (banjo), and Ronnie (mandolin). This is one well dressed band too! They gather around one mic and serenade the large crowd with songs like “1952 Vincent Black Lightning,” and they get the crowd churning with “Orange Blossom Special.” Fiddle player Jason Carter caught my eyes and ears during the cheeky song “Hotwire.” They end this splendid set with Del’s classic tune, “All Aboard.” Spending some time at camp, we listen to local artists play around camp while we pass things around and become better friends.
Suwannee Roots Revival ⭐ October 10-13, 2019 ⭐ Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Carmelo Conte III — instagram.com/melothird
Back at the music we catch a bit of the Lil’ Smokies. They are fun with covers like “Rocket Man,” by Elton John and ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man.” When they end we travel to check out Balkun Brothers. A guitar and drum duo that reminds me of George Thorogood. The last stop of the night brings us to the jam packed tent for another helping of The Grass is Dead. They cover Little Feat’s “Skin It Back” as we arrive. We also get to enjoy an awesome “Help On the Way” before heading back to our lakeside retreat.
It’s the morning of Day 3 and we have a couple more awesome friends arrive to camp with us. We head to the Music Hall first for a very talkative set with Peter Rowan. Peter is an icon who used to share the stage with guitarist Jerry Garcia in the group, Old & In the Way. Now solo on stage he competes with the sounds of a restaurant and sports bar in the back to tell his fans the stories behind his songs. When you close your eyes and listen to him sing, it takes you on a journey through Western landscapes, where the wind blows cold through the land of the Navajo.
Suwannee Roots Revival ⭐ October 10-13, 2019 ⭐ Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Carmelo Conte III — instagram.com/melothird
Next on the menu is The Travelin’ McCourys. This jam-grass band just won a GRAMMY for their self-titled album. It’s the Bluegrass Album of the Year! Needless to say, even without Del, these guys are gooood. They lead with “Midnight Flyer” where flat-pick guitar champion Cody Kilby is setting the stage on fire. The crowd is super into the music and a few people even get out of their chairs to dance. This is a true jamband. The soloist is always ready, expecting to be cut off by the next guy with his individual contribution to the song. Like musical whack-a-mole, you just don’t know who’s bringing the heat next. They let loose a great cover of Passenger’s “Let It Go,” and people dance and sing along to their hearts delight. Del’s grandson Evan joins in the fun as the torch is slowly passed to the third generation of the family. Covering again, they play “Loser” by Beck. Twangy and fun, they flex their musical muscles in an improv portion only to be greeted loudly by the crowd on the other end. Unwilling to leave the Grateful Dead out of their set, they play an weird and winding, “Loser.”
We come back to the Amphitheater after a camp stop for Peter Rowan once more. He sings “Blue Moon of Kentucky” with Ronnie McCoury helping out on mandolin. A nearly silent crowd is suspended in time as they hang on every word and note. We finish there and move to the Music Hall, passing the kids talent show along the way. The Grass is Dead is playing a tribute set to the Dead and Bob Dylan while I watch the Gators battle the LSU Tigers on the bar television. I can’t stay and watch the whole thing though, still have music to see!
Suwannee Roots Revival ⭐ October 10-13, 2019 ⭐ Suwannee Music Park — Live Oak, FL ⭐ Photos by Carmelo Conte III — instagram.com/melothird
Sam Bush has been crowned the “King of Newgrass.” Bush, along with his band mates in New Grass Revival carried the torch for the genre through the late ’80s and early ’90s. This gave way to the beautiful sounds we have today—jamgrass. He covers “The Letter” by Joe Cocker and the crowd is really into it. Multi-instrumentalist Bush is crazy good as he switches between stringed instruments without slipping in skill. They play John Hartford’s “Up on the Hill Where They Do the Boogie” as well as Bush’s original, “Circles Around Me.” I can’t help but have a good time, but they really make me smile with a rendition of Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire!” Appropriately we move into “Howlin’ at the Moon,” because hot damn is it big and bright! The crowd obliges and we all howl together, letting loose all weekend long! Bush is excellent at both the mandolin and the fiddle to the point where I need to pick my jaw up off of the ground. These guys sound so different than the rest, boasting a drummer as well as electrified and distorted instruments. They finish the set with “Stop the Violence” and the encore of “Nine Pound Hammer (Roll on Buddy).”
Keller and the Keels are the headlining set for the weekend and they are awesome! Larry Keel is a flat-picking legend who tours with his wife Jenny Keel in The Larry Keel Experience. When they combine with Keller Williams, a fun-loving singer and one hell of a guitarist, they are an unstoppable force. This set is full of fun covers, starting with Eddie Money’s “Two Tickets to Paradise.” “Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States proceeds the unveiling of their brand new original single: “Medulla Oblongata.” Returning to covering the ’90s, they play “Pepper” by Butthole Surfers, which gets really weird and trippy in the middle jam portion, and “Help” by Weezer. We leave from Keller and the Keels for a taste of Donna Hopkins Band once more. They are so good it makes me happy that we made the move. They play a couple of songs for us including a great adaptation of Leonard Cohen’s “Bird on a Wire.” We sneak away for the end of Keller and he doesn’t let us down and a great version of The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues.”
Our lakeside jams are once again so good, I don’t even need to leave to find another party. Our site is full of fantastic musicians who take turns wowing my lounging friends with songs from all around the spectrum. I feel so lucky to know these awesome people.
Last night was awesome, but I’m feeling it today. The sun is no longer beautiful as it peaks annoyingly into my tent. The children’s laughter hurts my head and it feels way hotter today than it has all weekend. The only move I can manage is to slide into the backseat of my car with tinted windows and relax in the air conditioning until my temples stop throbbing. I miss most of today’s tunes, but rally for the finish of Donna the Buffalo. This cajun, rock, folk, reggae, and country band from upstate New York has been playing together since 1989 and are a staple at Suwannee Roots Revival. Peter Rowan is on stage with them when we arrive and they are playing the song “Burning Man.” It’s fun and upbeat and ends with Rowan singing “Donna the Buffalo” in a glitchy repetitive way that really was nice.
Next up to join them on stage is the supreme singer, songwriter Verlon Thompson on guitar and Zebulon Bowles on fiddle from Hot Buttered Rum. They play the powerful ballad “Hillbilly Grave.” I feel like I’m traveling through the mountain of the West when Thompson sings. Following that, DtB is joined by guitarist Ralph Roddenbery and drummer Richie Jones. Roddenbery is both funny and animated as he warms the crowd and even some of the members of the Buffalo. He dances with fast feet on the stage, holding his guitar out in front of him and he moves sideways across his spot. Playing “This Very Day” brings with it my favorite quote of the weekend, “The city takes it from me, but the Suwannee gives it back!” We are thankful for this day and for our lives as we enter a more somber moment on stage. They tell the story of how a life was tragically taken from us at the beginning of the festival by an awful and unfortunate event — a pedestrian crash which claimed the life of a 49-year-old woman. The crash took place on 30th Trail in the Spirit of the Suwannee Park. We all have a moment of silence before people call out the love they have for the Spirit of Suwannee and each other.
However inappropriate, jokester Ralph Roddenbery leads the band in a rendition of his song “That’s Gunna Leave a Mark” to close out the festival.
We jet over to the vendors and scoop a veggie quesadilla at the Solar Cafe before making it back to camp for another round of acoustic jams. So ends another fantastic festival at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park. See you all at Suwannee Spring Reunion in March!\
Suwannee Spring Reunion Review 2019 by Spencer Storch.
Suwannee Spring Reunion Review 2019 by Carmelo Conte III.
Gallant put out a new album yesterday (Oct 24), Sweet Insomnia. One spin and I knew I was in for something special tonight. The energy explodes immediately once he runs up to the stage. Falsetto out-the-gate and dance moves to match, Gallant’s gold mic is shining brightly back towards us filling our hearts.
The last time we saw Gallant was at Okeechobee Music Fest year one! What a pleasure to have him home again. I’ve never heard anyone yell falsetto. Damn.His mic probably turned gold from him singing into it. Three songs in, he’s on his knees and we’re in his palm.
Gallant ⭐ October 25, 2019 ⭐ The Beacham — Orlando, FL ⭐ Photos by Cindy Ros — instagram.com/cindyros_
Halfway in, Gallant is feeding us callbacks, growing in difficulty. Orlando gives it to him from our soul. I’m blown away and being filled with peace. His new album, Sweet Insomnia is a must-listen for anyone who’s in a new city, been recently compromised by a lover, or has ever had a bit of chest pain. Check out the new title track, featuring 6LACK.
I’m being sandwiched closer to the bar. After a few apologies I’m asked, “are you familiar with Sabrina Claudio?”
Me: “No, I’ve actually never listened to her.”
She grabs my arm and yells, “WHAT?!”, smiles and says, “she’s amazing isn’t she?”
Sabrina Claudio ⭐ October 25, 2019 ⭐ The Beacham — Orlando, FL ⭐ Photos by Cindy Ros — instagram.com/cindyros_
I’m falling in love with this carefully choreographed confidence coming from the stage. I stand out like a tree in an ocean, being one of the few who isn’t passionately singing back every word.
I can confidently say, “Yes.” I’m a new fan a Sabrina Claudio.
Sabrina Claudio ⭐ October 25, 2019 ⭐ The Beacham — Orlando, FL ⭐ Photos by Cindy Ros — instagram.com/cindyros_
“Tonight we’re healing”
Sabrina Claudio explains her writing process on her new album, Truth Is (Release Oct 6, 2019) — “When I write, I’m very introverted. I write everything down and don’t show anyone until I exit the [recording] booth. Then I ask for no feedback please [laughs].” She is nothing short of a pure artist. I predict we won’t see slowing down anytime soon. And likely at much bigger venues.
Sabrina Claudio w/ Gallant ⭐ October 25, 2019 ⭐ The Beacham — Orlando, FL ⭐ Photos by Cindy Ros — instagram.com/cindyros_
Sabrina Claudio and Gallant are over half way through “Truth Is Tour.” Catch them on the road. Dates below.
Sabrina Claudio Tour Dates 2019
Sabrina Claudio Live Review w/ Gallant by Mitch.
Sabrina Claudio Live Concert Photos w/ Gallant by Cindy Ros.
PHOTO GALLERY
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As featured in Issue #02 of SIGT Magazine — and exclusive Q&A with Michael Berg, Partner & Talent Buyer at Suwannee Hulaween!
SIGT on Hulaween w/ Michael Berg —Thank you for making Hulaween happen this year! We all felt the fear together when we learned of Silver Wrapper was bidding farewell. What was this process like for you professionally and personally?
HULA: Well, thank you and the #HulaFam for sticking with us throughout a tumultuous time. It’s certainly been a challenging year both professionally and personally due to a myriad of reasons but Hula and the closing of Silver Wrapper are up at the top of the list. The process has been an emotional roller coaster of challenges & evolution, but here we are almost ready to go on year 7 so it’s all working itself out. I really miss the Silver Wrapper team both on Hulaween, and for the projects I’m working on in Chicago. The SW team was, still is, and will always be my family. Change is an inevitable part of life though, so onward we march in the never ending race to the finish line, or for now, Hula in just a few short weeks!
SIGT: What are you most excited about with the beginning of this new era?
HULA: That’s hard to fully detail, as we are still in the moment of the transition. With change comes newness & rebirth which can be refreshing but is also a bit scary. Sometimes it’s easier to look back at a time-frame down the line to really best understand what was happening in that era. The things we’re excited about as a team is forcing ourselves to analyze every detail, see how & where to improve or adjust, and learn to make the event more sustainable for a long time to come. It’s exciting to explore how we can be better as event producers, talent buyers & experiential curators without compromising the vibe.
SIGT: What can we expect from Spirit Lake this year? Are you bringing back the water-powered jet packs?
HULA: Spirit Lake will be back in full effect. Some new installations, and also some elements you’ll recognize from the past, but maybe notice something different about this time around. You’ll have to explore yourself as words do zero justice towards the Spirit Lake experience, as you or anyone who’s ever walked around it truly understands.
SIGT: There is so much love at Hulaween. What makes Hulaween so special for you as a talent buyer?
HULA: There is indeed so much love at Hulaween, also a lot of strong opinions (as we all see daily online). The internet and its legions of armchair quarterbacks can be ruthlessly unforgiving. That said, as a talent buyer, it’s special for us to feel so connected to the community that is Hula. We would come to this show as fans if it wasn’t ours. We are one with the Hula community. That is special and not every show gets to be like that.
SIGT: What are your “cannot-miss” sets?
HULA: I always forget to include acts that I (or you) wouldn’t want to miss when I answer these, but a few sets off the top of my head I’m excited for are Anderson .Paak, FlyLo, Thundercat, Marc Rebillet, Tycho, Greensky, Manic Focus, Tchami, Billy Strings, JRAD, Karina Rykman, Tom Morello, Walker & Royce, Lettuce, and Circles Around The Sun with very special guest Eric Krasno.
Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival is back in 2020! After taking a year off in 2019, we feared this may not happen again. We visited Sunshine Grove three years in a row and can’t wait to get back to it! Here is the Okeechobee Festival Lineup for 2020!
Folk Yeah Festival is back for it’s fourth year in Orlando (tickets on sale Oct 25 at 12pm noon). Mike Dunn curated from the heart and the ink may as well be written in his blood — this Folk Yeah lineup is the best one yet. I’m most excited about a tribute to our friend, Richard Sherfey <3
Let’s dive in a little, shall we?
One of the best Tiny Desk concerts delivered is arguably The Lone Below. Here’s a little quote from NPR — “I was unprepared for the stunning power of the band’s live show. When you see this Tiny Desk Concert, I’m sure you’ll experience the same sensation I did. The Lone Bellow features three brilliant players, with Zach Williams singing every word as if it’s the last time he’ll ever get the chance.”
Have Gun Will Travel is a band I first heard about because they made a beer with Cigar City. Unlike the beer, they keep fresh forever.
When Matt Woods shouts, everyone listens. Give this man a hug when you see him.
Caleb Caudle is a new name for me (I know if Dunn booked him, it’s a good thing — how many times have you found your new favorite artist thanks to Mike Dunn?). Let’s have a listen.
Moody Sunshine might melt you away. Highly recommend bringing a pint of Jameson to share this set with you.
The States shake you up and spread you out — you’ll easily find yourself is an surprise head bang minutes after almost breaking in tears. Joshua Jacobs is a powerhouse vocalist, a true gift on earth, and a humble friend.
Mike Dunn & The Company reach right into your heart and hold it. It’s one thing to organize a festival, but performing adds a level up of stress most will never know. So blessed to have this wonderful man in our community to deliver the things which suture us together.
Terri Binion is bringing the trio! Mike Dunn artistically filmed this Orlando legend’s latest video for “Tiny Little Landmines.”
Our friend Matthew Fowler understands heart is the one thing they can’t take away. He pours from the soul through the fingers.
It’s been a minute since we spoke to our friend Austin Miller. Can’t wait to catch up. From his beard, he delivers the sweetest symphony of introspective stories from his world travels building an international fan base.
Oak Hill Drifters’s Rachel Decker was recently compared to a “female Joe Strummer.” They just performed at Hard Rock and you will want to be in front of the stage for this big energy!
There’s so many great gems in this carefully curated Folk Yeah Lineup — Jordan Foley, Beartoe, Cat Ridgeway, TJ Washburn, Luke Wagner, Beemo, Whyte Tygers, The 502s, Chuck Magid, Kristopher James — to name a few. Please dive in a little deeper and explore the world of Folk Yeah.
See you on Friday November 29 and Saturday, November 30, 2019. Tickets will be on sale October 25 at 12pm noon — Tickets Here.
Welcome To Rockville Music Festival promised the 2020 lineup would be “bigger than EVER.” Holy $h!t did they deliver! METALLICA — TWO NIGHTS, TWO DIFFERENT SETS! Check out the full list of headliners for Rockville 2020 below! We’ll have a full feature and VIP Ticket Giveaways in the next issue of SIGT Magazine.
Welcome To Rockville 2020 Lineup Metallica Daytona
Welcome To Rockville lands in it’s new home May 8, 9, and 10, 2020 at the Daytona International Speedway. Daytona Beach is one of the few places which can handle this type of mass population influx. They do it many times throughout the year and have enough hotels and restaurants to comfortably accommodate such a large audience. Plus, less than an hour from Orlando! (Stay tuned for Party Bus announcements).
FULL LINEUP COMING December 10, 2019 @ noon EST! The general public onsale for Welcome To Rockville Tickets begins Monday, October 14th at 9:00 AM PT/noon ET.
The thing I love so much about Welcome To Rockville is how well they go above and beyond in planning the experience of the fan. As someone who loves going to shows, I have so many selections throughout the year of which festivals to attend, and it’s really nice to feel appreciated! You can check out 2019 Rockville Guide for the seriously delicious food lineup, onsite activations, and specialty bars.
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⚡️Welcome To Rockville 2020 Lineup in Daytona is out!⚡️Festival Lineup Featuring Headliners Metallica (Two Unique Sets…
Chan Marshall — popularly known as Cat Power — visits Ybor City’s Ritz theater, playing a set brimming with haunting melancholy and power.
Black clove cigarette in hand, Cat Power took the stage — Marshall sporting a dark three-quarter-length sleeved dress; her silhouette only highlighted by deep blues, reds, burgundy, and green lighting. As the youth would say — it was a mood, a mood cloaked in a mystique-meets-GenX kind of way.
Cat Power’s latest album, Wanderer, anchors over two decades of musical prowess. After a six-year musical hiatus, when the three-piece band walked on stage from the wings, the audience hushed themselves. There was an attitude of respect. Some light clapping, but not giving into much pomp. Given Marshall’s history of dealing with performance anxiety, the crowd of die-hards was nothing short of honorable.
Unlike most Millennial and GenZ audiences, where cameras record every second of a concert, this one leaned in and listened; they were transfixed. Cat Power knew how to charge an atmosphere and created a community, one ready to hear from the oracle — as though they were storm rider survivors.
Known for her somber, blues-influenced vocals, Cat Power’s hour-and-a-half-long set included some of her most recent work. The singer-songwriter vibe was strong, with Marshall using two mics during her set to emphasize some of the synth-pop and even hymn-like sounds that she is popularly known for. Her guitarist and keyboardist were pretty majestic — the stuff movie soundtracks are begging for in coming-of-age narratives. Not to be outshined, one of the highlights that evening was the drummer — with beats so swift they could kick a few asses. They were drums of power and arrest, without a lick of striving. The whole entire set lacked striving. It was seamless and soaring.
If long-term fans were disappointed by not hearing some of Cat Power’s gems from her earlier records such as Dear Sir or Myra Lee, they did not let on. The night closes, and Marshall earnestly and sincerely told fans “Please enjoy this life. It is so short. Please take care of yourself.”
And like a dream, Cat Power bid goodnight to her audience.
Cat Power Setlist Tampa 2019:
Cat Power Live Review 2019 by Stephanie Escalante.
Stop by the SIGT TENT at Florida Man Music Festival for a chance to WIN an autographed album by The 1975 and an autographed lithograph by 311! Florida Man Music Festival is back for year two (the second annual) and the lineup is already looking as wild as Florida Man himself! Orlando’s FM 101.9 radio [&hellip
Summer shows at Ascend Amphitheatre can be completely weather dependent. It ranges from too hot to bear to monsooning. Thankfully the “Summer Gods Tour” brought their perfect California weather this Thursday evening.
Jimmy Eat World w/ Third Eye Blind & Ra Ra Riot ⭐ July , 2019 ⭐ Ascend Amphitheater — Nashville, TN ⭐ Photos by Adam Fricke — instagram.com/adamfrickephoto
They also brought Ra Ra Riot! Who started the evening with hits like “Absolutely” and “Water.” Ra Ra Riot is one of those bands who you might not recognize on the lineup but go, “Oh shit, I know this one!” every other song of their set. Their relaxed sound and stage presence is a perfect fit for an opener on this tour.
Ra Ra Riot ⭐ July , 2019 ⭐ Ascend Amphitheater — Nashville, TN ⭐ Photos by Adam Fricke — instagram.com/adamfrickephoto
Jimmy Eat World brought the heat just as the sun began setting over Ascend. I couldn’t help but sing along in the photo pit as I shot the first 3 songs of their set. I happily retired to the GA pit to enjoy the rest of their show and ended up next to one of the most enthusiastic Jimmy Eat World fans I’ve ever met. I was pumped I wasn’t the only one who knew more than “The Middle,” although hearing that song live could never not be fun. In a world of endless singles and remixes, it’s refreshing to see artists still genuinely enjoy themselves as they play songs off of albums that are 15 years old. Oh yeah, they also dropped a bomb that they will be releasing a new album in October 2019 so mark your calendars.
Jimmy Eat World w/ Third Eye Blind & Ra Ra Riot ⭐ July , 2019 ⭐ Ascend Amphitheater — Nashville, TN ⭐ Photos by Adam Fricke — instagram.com/adamfrickephoto
Third Eye Blind took the stage, playing most of the first song behind a curtain as their shadows danced behind it. Everyone went nuts as the curtain dropped and each band member moved closer to the front of the stage. Backlighting and strobes make for an energetic lightshow throughout the night. They played pretty much every 3EB staple you could ask for in a set, from “Crystal Baller,” to “Motorcycle Driveby,” to “Never Let You Go,” and of course the legendary “Jumper” and “Semi-Charmed Life.”
Jimmy Eat World w/ Third Eye Blind & Ra Ra Riot ⭐ July , 2019 ⭐ Ascend Amphitheater — Nashville, TN ⭐ Photos by Adam Fricke — instagram.com/adamfrickephoto
“The Summer Gods Tour 2019” is not one to miss if you’re in need of some summertime nostalgia and some new material to get excited about. Just pray they bring that California weather to your town!
Jimmy Eat World Live Review & Photos w/ Third Eye Blind & Ra Ra Riot by Adam Fricke.
JIMMY EAT WORLD & THIRD EYE BLIND w/ RA RA RIOT PHOTO GALLERY
