The Georgia Theatre Rises from the Ashes

Over the past two weeks a frenzy has taken over Athens, GA. Two years after a fire gutted the historic Georgia Theatre it has finally reopened. The two week grand re-opening celebration contained musical performances from a broad span of musical genres and great acts that have a significant history with the Georgia Theatre. I want to highlight a few of the shows I personally attended, to give an idea of what went down over the past 2 weeks.

Kicking off the celebration on August 1st to a sold out audience was the indie rock group, the Glands with Madeline as the opener. There was an open house dance party after the show featuring, Immuzikation. An favorite group in Athens that gained popularity over the past decade.

Night two of the grand reopening was renowned keyboardist, Chuck Leavell,  who was backed by the Randall Bramblett Band. Chuck Leavell is a significant name to the Georgia Theatre considering his former band, Sea Level, played the very first show at the venue in 1978. Snap! opened for Leavell, with a horn section and vocalist that helped to get the evening started in a very big way. Once Chuck Leavell and the Randall Bramblett Band took the stage the Theatre truly came alive. They played some great songs giving tribute to the Allman Brothers and the Rolling Stones, both former ensemble’s of Chuck’s. To view photos of the event check out the Athens Patch article here.

Chuck Leavell and the Randall Bramblett Band perform Sweet Virginia

On August 3rd the Theatre hosted an open house with Kenosha Kid, allowing the public to come see the new and improved Georgia Theatre.

Monday August 8th included a sold out show of jam legends of the Georgia Theatre, the Aquarium Rescue Unit, featuring Col. Bruce Hampton, Jimmy Herring, Oteil Burbridge, & Jeff Sipe. Almost all of ARU’s original lineup reunited specficially for the Theatre reopening, and am I glad they did. The show they put on at the Theatre last Monday is one I will remember for a long time to come. They performed plenty of their orginal work including “Jazz Bank” and did some amazing covers including B.B. King’s “Nightlife” and Howlin’ Wolf’s “Smokestack Lightening.” Overall between the jams of Jimmy Herring and Oteil Burbridge and the stage performances of the Col. Bruce Hampton, I was completely blown away by the talent on that stage. To hear some recordings of the show check out Sound Check Music Blog’s Audio Essay.

Spoonful, featuring Jimmy Herring

Next on my list of Theatre extravaganza was Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, performing Wednesday August 10th with the original Flecktones which includes: Bela Fleck, on banjo, bassist, Victor Wooten, percussionist, Futureman, and Howard Levy, on piano and harmonica. The quality and talent of musicians in this ensemble is one of the reasons I chose to attend this show. Possibly one of the greatest bassist of all time, Victor Wooten, was spotlighted within the set along with his brother, Futureman.

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones @ the Georgia Theatre

Victor Wooten Spotlight

Here is a schedule of all performances over the past two weeks as a part of the grand reopening of the Georgia Theatre.

August 01: The Glands, with Madeline. Post-show dance party w/Immuzikation (Sold Out)

August 02: Chuck Leavell and Friends, with SNAP!

August 03: Open House with Kenosha Kid

August 05: Blackberry Smoke

August 06: RJD2

August 08: Aquarium Rescue Unit (Sold Out)

August 09: J. Roddy Watson and the Business, Don Chambers and Goat

August 10: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

August 11: Big Boi (Sold Out)

August 12: Drive By Truckers (Sold Out)

August 13: Drive By Truckers (Sold Out)

August 14: Gillian Welch

Music lovers and Athens residents have long awaited the reopening of the new Theatre after the horrible fire that almost destroyed it in the Summer of 2009. It was a major part of not only the Athens music scene but the history of Athens as well. My own parents recall seeing movies there such as Rocky Horror Picture Show and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Almost every person connected to Athens has a memory connected with the Georgia Theatre. After it burned, the empty building felt almost like a ghost haunting downtown Athens, but thanks to tireless efforts by the Theatre owners and staff, and support of hundreds of music lovers and the Athens Community, we now have a chance to enjoy the Theatre once more. And might I add, enjoy it even more than before.

Worried as some were about how the Theatre would look or turn out after the rebuilding, all doubts were cast aside after the two week re-opening celebration. The feel and design of the new Georgia Theatre is better than ever. With a larger stage and backstage area, additional areas to stand provide a capacity of over 1,000, and a design that has an industrialized modern feel but with touches that make the Theatre its own. Touches that include the signature red curtains around the stage, with panels on the walls that are spaced to allow glimpses of the original brick walls of the building, the use of old wood from the original structure on the bars and in other places, the sloped floor, like before, that gives all a great viewing position and (my favorite) the revival of the massive ceiling fans that were a part of the original Theatre. Some added features that can certainly not be overlooked is the amazing rooftop bar and restaurant, overlooking downtown Athens, the revamped bathrooms in the basement, where you can see some of the original underground tunnels, and the redesigned seating on the balcony that is on a series of sloped ramps, giving every patron an amazing view of the stage. It’s everything you loved about the Georgia Theatre, but with a hell of a face lift.

While I did not get to attend every night of the grand opening, what I did get to expierence has made me excited for what is to come from the new and improved Georgia Theatre.

Tags: Athens GA, GA Theatre, GATH, Georgia Theatre

AthFest 2011

After a 2 month post hiatus (I hope you’ve been following on Twitter), I’m back. Summer laziness and tour has taken over my time but I wanted to take a minute to recap the 2011 AthFest Music Festival in Athens, GA.

AthFest is a great way to highlight the amazing music scene around Athens, GA.  By booking bands that have special ties to Athens or are local to the Athens music scene it really shines a light on what is great about our little town. Also, the festival is FREE! Appealing to folks who are watching their budget, AKA broke college students. Also, another fact that goes unnoticed about AthFest is that it is a fundraising effort. AthFest, Inc. is “a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to music and arts education located in Athens, GA.” The annual AthFest music festival along with the AthFest Half-Marathon raises money to put music education programs in local schools. Just a little something to make you feel warm and fuzzy about.

The festival consists of 2 outdoor stages in downtown Athens (one on Pulaski St. and one on Hull St.), a KidsFest stage and activities, an artists market, a LaughFest comedy showcase, a FilmFest movie festival and a nightly “Club Crawl,” where for a $20 (or $25 advanced) wristband you can enter any of the participating venues throughout the entire weekend. Check out the outdoor stages schedule here, and the “Club Crawl” schedule here. It’s fun for the whole family, with a twist. This year’s AthFest did not dissapoint and left me excited for next year’s as well.

Friday, June 24th-

I started my 2011 AthFest experience on Friday with Thomas Hardy (of Dead Confederate) on the Hull Street stage. Next I move on the the Futurebirds, the up-and-coming act out of Athens who have already gotten some national attention playing at this summer’s Bonnaroo and will be opening for another Athens legend, Widespread Panic, on some of their Fall tour dates. The first time I saw the Futurebirds was on the front lawn of a fraternity and my expectations were amazingly exceeded. They have a fun sound and really know how to engage the audience, always filling their performances with energy. I’d have to say their performance at AthFest this year wasn’t really the best I’ve seen by the band, but I’d have to blame it mostly on the sound quality. They couldn’t seem to get it right, but regardless of that fact the Furturebirds still had the crowd involved and enjoying the show.

Next I hiked over to Little Kings Shuffle Club to catch Betsy Franck and the Bareknuckle Band. Their bluesy, funk sound was great and had the place packed to the gills. I saw many folks listening in through Little Kings’ windows enjoying the sound. I have seen them before around Athens and they impressed me again at AthFest. They are appropriately booked for this year’s Bear Creek Music Festival in November.

Finally, we made it to Farm 255 to catch The HEAP close out the night with some great funk that had everyone on the outdoor patio dancing. I love good funk music and The HEAP did not disappoint. I am eagerly awaiting their return to Athens.

Saturday, June 25th-

Saturday started with The Knockouts, a local “barnstorming band” (as they put it) playing on the Pulaski St stage followed by Nappy Roots. Most of the crowd enjoyed Nappy Roots performance of a wide variety of fan favorites. After a break we were back for Bloodkin on the Hull St stage. Being a Panic fan, of course I love seeing Bloodkin performing their original songs. Next was Guadalcanal Diary on the Pulaski St stage, performing in there original line-up for the first time in quite a few years for their 30th anniversary.

Saturday night I made it into the PACKED 40 Watt to catch FLT RSK, Washed Out and Reptar for some good electronic music. I’ve had a chance to see FLT RSK before and their shows are always a great time. Washed Out is another great band that is getting some good reviews in the Southeast. Reptar is also another up-and-coming band out of Athens that put on an amazing show. They will be playing again soon at the Drunken Unicorn on July 7th. The 40 Watt was over capacity and all three of these bands played great, high energy sets.

Sunday, June 26th-

The last day of AthFest,for me, started off with Dank Sinatra on the Hull St stage. Dank Sinatra is a great local jam band that always puts on an amazing show. They won Jam Band of the Year at the Flagpole Music Awards at the beginning of AthFest. Next Col. Bruce Hampton & The Pharaoh Gummitt took the Pulaski St stage playing a great set in the afternoon heat. Col. Bruce is a local favorite that always brings lots of energy to his shows. He’ll be playing as a part of Aquarium Rescue Unit for the Georgia Theatre reopening in August.

Overall, AthFest turned out to be an amazing weekend of music and celebration in one of the best little towns I know. I can’t wait for next year’s festival and to get a chance to be a part of this worthwhile cause.

STS9 at the Classic Center

STS9- April 20, 2011- The Classic Center- Athens, GA- Photo by: Ivy Robinson

Last Wednesday and Thursday night Athens, Ga experienced two nights of excitement not typical for the middle of the week. Sound Tribe Sector Nine (STS9), a long-time Athens frequenter and favorite, kicked off their Spring tour with two nights in Athens at the Classic Center. After having to cancel the end of their winter tour, due to bassist, David Murphy, being diagnosed with cancer, STS9 headlined a solo show for the first time since the announcement of his condition. They headlined the Ultra Music Festival in Miami in late March, but this was the first shows announced with just Sound Tribe by themselves.

Needless to say, it was a big deal.

STS9 came into Athens facing a sold out show on 4/20 in the Classic Center and delivered an amazing two nights of music for all Tribe fans to love. Kicking off Wednesday night with “Reemergence” (a very appropriate choice) into “Tap In” playing a first set of older classics. They picked up the pace in the second set delivering an all around amazing show for all fans to enjoy.

Thursday night STS9 brought two sets of high energy, playing some of their newer songs with precision and expertise. Performing a great “Equinox” along with encoring with “Inspire Strikes Back,” Sound Tribe showed that they were not only back, but they came to perform amazing music. I thoroughly enjoyed their performances in Athens, and can’t wait to see them again

Wednesday, April 20th

SET I: Reemergence > Tap-In, Atlas, One A Day, We’ll Meet In Our Dreams, From Now On, Once Told, King Pharaoh’s Tomb
SET II: Wika Chikana, EHM, Abcees, Grow, Tooth, Scheme, Moon Socket
ENCORE: Rent

Thursday, April 21st

SET I: Be Nice, Evasive Maneuvers, Beyond Right Now, Metameme, Equinox, Circus, F.Word, When The Dust Settles
SET II: Move My Peeps, Aimlessy, Empires > Four Year Puma > Crystal Instrument, The Unquestionable Supremacy of Nature
ENCORE: Inspire Strikes Back

Tags: Athens, Classic Center, Concert Review, GA, Live Music, Sound Tribe, STS9

The Wanee Report

Hammocks in the Trees at the Mushroom Stage- Wanee Festival 2011- Photo by: Ross Gould

After attending Wanee Music Festival two weeks ago, my mind has been blown thus causing such a late post. But better late than never!

WANEE FESTIVAL RECAP

As stated in my previous post on Wanee I LOVE this festival. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I wanted to share my highlights of the weekend for Wanee Festival 2011.

Thursday:

This year the festival was extended to a full 3 days of music beginning Thursday, with pre-shows on Tuesday and Wednesday as well. Being a full-time student (or at least attempting to be) unfortunately, I was unable to get to Live Oak, FL before Thursday. But after arriving Thursday morning my weekend took off in full force. After breaking attendance records last year Wanee was set up for another highly attended festival in 2011. From my personal experience,  it was crowded, but not too crowded at this year’s festival allowing all to enjoy.

Big Gigantic kicked off my Wanee experience this year playing an afternoon set at the Mushroom stage. While seeing an electronica band in the afternoon doesn’t seem like a good fit, Big G was able to bring high energy and a great performance anyway. None other was expected from this group that regularly tours through Athens and never disappoints.

Next up was the North Mississippi Duo on the Peach Stage. NMA was one of my favorite set’s at last year’s Wanee and I was eager to see them again. Without bassist, Chris Chew, the duo lacked the bass-line that I love about the Allstars, but they still held the soul of their music. There is no mistaking that Luther and Cody Dickinson are meant to share the stage together and that shows in their playing.

Stephen Marley took the Peach stage next for an amazing set, while Hot Tuna Electric played at the mushroom stage.

Widespread Panic took the Peach stage after dark kicking off their set with “Traveling Light.” Luther Dickinson was feature in “Stop Breaking Down Blues” and the encore “Are You Ready for the Country?” Cody Dickinson was featured on washboard in the drum solo. Although most people believe Panic, or most any band for that matter, do not play “up to par” at a festival, this has not been the case for Panic at Wanee. This year or last. To see the entire set list click here.

Lotus closed out Thursday night on the Mushroom stage this year. If you have never seen Lotus, I highly suggest it. Their high energy sets with amazing lights and pounding beats is a great experience for anyone. Every time I see them, I like them more and more.

Friday:

I started my Friday off with a quick dip in the Suwannee River’s cold black water. One of the perks of the Spirit of Suwannee music park is its natural setting. My friends and I, along with other attendees, literally took a bath in the Suwannee. Say what you want but festivals can get really dirty, and I’d rather enjoy a hippie bath in the river than being covered in dirt. The park does provide free shower services, but a slip-n-slide and rope swing are much more enticing. This year the new Wanee traveling stage played by the river, which made it that much better.

My music Friday started off with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe on the Mushroom stage, followed by Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings on the Peach stage. This was the first time I  was able to see Sharon Jones, and I was glad I finally got to see them perform. Soul, funk and a sound that will get you on your feet dancing is how I would describe Sharon Jones.

The Warren Haynes Band took the Peach stage in the afternoon on Saturday. Warren, an obvious Wanee veteran, has recently put together this new ensemble of the Warren Haynes Band, featuring Ruthie Foster, Nigel Hall, Ron Holloway, Terence Higgins and Ron Johnson. Wanee kicked off their inaugural tour across the US and Europe. Their performance at Wanee was great and is sure to please fans all over.

Next was a Spirit of the Suwanee frequenter, Toubab Krewe, on the Mushroom stage. A high energy blend of African Drums and instruments. I have always enjoyed Toubab, and am glad they were on the line-up this year.

Robert Plant and the Band of Joy took the Mushroom stage as one of the headliners of Wanee 2011. Playing some Zeppelin favorites along with some off his new CD Band of Joy. The crowd, as well as Plant, enjoyed his set on Saturday, as he presented his new band. I heard many festival goers state how they didn’t like Plant’s set because it was too slow, etc. and how Ramble On didn’t sound right. Sorry to be rude folks but this isn’t Led Zeppelin, don’t expect it to be. Plant played an amazing set and was pleasant addition to the Wanee festival. He stated how he loved seeing so many smiling faces looking back at him and danced along with the crowd.

The Allman Brother’s Band took to the Peach stage Friday night beginning their Wanee with “Hot ‘Lanta,” and continued through the night with energy. Since the Brother’s are the focus of Wanee, almost every festival attendee was out enjoying the music. They continued the set playing, “I Walk on Guilded Splinters,” “Who’s Been Talking” Ft. Kofi Burbridge on flute, and ended with “One Way Out” Ft. Ft. Luther Dickinson (guitar), Roosevelt Collier (pedal steel), and Cody Dickinson (drums). One of the highlight’s of Friday night was the amazing “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” played by the Brother’s ft. Ron Holloway on saxophone. Elizabeth Reed is an amazing song by the Brother’s and it chilled me to my bones on Friday night at Wanee.

To see the entire set list click here.

After the Allman Brother’s Band, The 7 Walkers Featuring Bill Kreutzmann played the late night set on the Mushroom stage. I have never seen this ensemble and was excited to see the Dead’s drummer along with George Porter, Jr. Papa Mali, and Matt Hubbard. The Walkers are a mix of New Orleans funk and Bay area rock that were well-received by the dancing crowds at Wanee.

Saturday:

After being woken by a short rain shower, my Saturday was kicked off by Taj Mahal on the Peach stage. The Taj Mahal Trio was another band I was excited to see for the first time at Wanee. Growing up my parents would play Taj in our house, he’s my mother’s favorite, and getting to experience him at Wanee was a great addition to the festival. Someone that has been playing for 40 years has to know what’s up when it comes to good music, and Taj Mahal’s definitely has it down pat.

Ween, took over the Peach stage next, bringing about a frenzy from the faithful Ween fans. Playing favorites such as “Banana’s and Blow” and “Voodoo Lady,” Ween brought a lot of energy and dancing to Wanee.

Rusted Root played next playing a laid back set bringing great vibes to the Mushroom stage. The ensemble worked great together onstage and one could tell they were really enjoying what they were playing.

The Tedeschi Trucks Band took the Peach stage in the afternoon as a highly anticpated performer this year. Last year’s Wanee was one of the first performances that Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi played together (prior to being officially known as the Tedeschi Trucks Band). They played the late night set on Saturday and was the highlight of my Wanee experience. They upheld the same status for me for Wanee 2011. The talent between these two along with the killer esemeble they’ve brought together adds up to one of the best musical ensembles touring today. Not only do they play amazing music, but they do it with love for the craft and the other musicians on stage (and I’m not just talking about between Derek and Susan).

Following a great Tea Leaf Green set on the Mushroom Stage, the Steve Miller Band played on the Peach stage. Playing many crowd favorites such as “The Joker” and “Jet Airliner,” Steve Miller Band made the crowd dance and sing along.

Mike Gordon played with his band next bringing some great funk and jam to the the Mushroom stage. The Phish bassist showed another side to himself along with Scott Murawski on guitar, drummer Todd Isler, keyboardist Tom Cleary, and percussionist Craig Myers.

The second night of the Allman Brother’s Band brought out a multitude of guest appearances, including Taj Mahal, Bruce Katz, Kebi Williams, Jr. Mack, James van der Bogert, Maurice Brown and Scott Muranski. After their cover of “Dazed and Confused” last year I was hoping (though not surprised by the outcome) for Robert Plant to make a guest appearance, but that was too lofty a dream. The Brother’s played a haunting, “No One to Run With” along with the always fabulous Mountain Jam. I always enjoy the light show for the Allman Brother’s, with the multiple pictures and effects, and this year was as good as ever. One in particular that made me laugh, was a piece of Disney’s Fantasia with the dancing mushrooms (a common theme for the Brother’s if you haven’t caught on my now).  See the entire set list here.

I hold a special place for the Allman Brother’s Band in my heart, being a Georgia native and also because of the stories I heard about them from my father. He’s told me countless stories of seeing them do Sunday afternoon sets for free in Piedmont Park in Atlanta, and how they would play at the University of Georiga while he was a student. I was lucky enough to get to expierence Wanee with my dad this year, after some convincing by my brother and me he decided to come. I asked him during the Brother’s set how did the present Allman Brother’s differ from when he saw the original Allman Brother’s when he was my age. His response was, “It’s the same thing going on, just different people enjoying their music.” I guess it took my dad to put Wanee into perspective for me. Since the bands billed do cross many generations, the variety of festival goers is definitely noticeable. Many people I know met at Wanee experienced it with a parent or child. It was definitely a special moment for me.

Wrapping up Wanee 2011 was New Orleans funk band Galatic. I love anything from New Orleans, especially funk, especially at midnight under a canopy of spanish moss at Wanee. It was a great set and the cherry on top of a perfect Wanee 2011.

Gregg Allman- Wanee 2011- Photo by: Ross Gould

Getting Foxy with Furthur

Furthur- The Fox Theatre- Atlanta, GA- April 3, 2011- Photo by: Ivy Robinson

You can’t talk about jam bands without mentioning one particular band; the creators of what the modern day jam band stemmed from, the band that started it all, the band that helped to make the jam scene what it is today and helped to spread a culture, of course I’m talking about the Grateful Dead.

Although the Grateful Dead is no longer around, many post Dead ensembles have been created in the aftermath with its remaining members. To name a few, Phil Lesh and Friends, Bob Weir and Ratdog, The Dead, The Other Ones, The 7 Walkers featuring Bill Kreutzmann and one in particular which I would like to highlight: Furthur.

Furthur comprised of Phil Lesh and Bob Weir from the Grateful dead along with Jeff Chimenti, Drummer Joe Russo (Benevento-Russo Duo), backup singers Sunshine Becker and Jeff Pehrson, and guitarist John Kadlecki (Dark Star Orchestra) has been cited as one of the best post-Grateful Dead ensembles to date. Performing many Grateful Dead originals along with a few covers and improvisations, Furthur has definitely impressed many Dead and music fans alike since their formation in 2009.

Having had the pleasure of witnessing Furthur 3 times over the past year I can say from a first-hand experience that these guys rock. After seeing them for the first time at the Tabernacle in Atlanta on February 8, 2009 I could not quit singing their praises. I recently got to experience their show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on April 3 in Atlanta and once again I was blown away by their talent.

Furthur performed an amazing Terrapin Station closer and Brokedown Palace encore along with covering Pink Floyd’s Time and Dear Prudence (see video below). The entire set list and band photos can be found here.

I think the main thing that amazes me is the pure love for their craft. Phil Lesh and Bob Weir have been performing for over 45 years and still play with precision and talent that most performers only dream of. Along with Lesh and Weir’s  talent,  the addition of John Kadlecki from Dark Star Orchestra and Drummer Joe Russo, along with the other members of the band, makes the sound right on point and purely amazing.

Furthur just wrapped up their Spring tour in Florida but has announced multiple dates for a summer tour, including another run through Atlanta in late July. Public sale tickets are available now and I’d suggest getting them soon, they are sure to sell out.

Furthur Summer Tour 2011

06/03/11 Fri Shoreline Ampitheatre Mountain View, CA
06/04/11 Sat Shoreline Ampitheatre Mountain View, CA
07/16/11 Sat Bethel Woods Center For The Arts Bethel, NY
07/17/11 Sun Nikon at Jones Beach Theater Wantagh, NY
07/19/11 Tue Saratoga Performing Arts Center Saratoga Springs, NY
07/21/11 Thu Comcast Center (Great Woods) Mansfield, MA
07/22/11 Fri Gathering of the Vibes Bridgeport, CT
07/23/11 Sat Mann Center for the Performing Arts Philadelphia, PA
07/24/11 Sun PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel, NJ
07/26/11 Tue Finger Lakes PAC Canandaigua, NY
07/28/11 Thu Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek Raleigh, NC
07/29/11 Fri Charter Amphitheatre (formerly Heritage Park Amphitheater) Simpsonville, SC
07/30/11 Sat St. Augustine Amphitheatre St. Augustine, FL
07/31/11 Sun Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park Alpharetta, GA
10/05/11 Wed Greek Theater Los Angeles, CA
10/06/11 Thu Greek Theater Los Angeles, CA

Tags: Atlanta Music, Concert Review, Concerts, Furthur, Grateful Dead, Jam Bands, Live Music

Festival Spotlight: Wanee Music Festival

Wanee Music Festival 2010- Photo by: Emmaree Whigham

As already stated in my previous posts, I love festivals. This love grew out of my first festival expirence down in Live Oak, Fl in the Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park at the annual Wanee Music Festival. This Allman Brother’s Band based festival is set on the Suwanee River is one I have been looking forward to all year.

The 7th annual Wanee Music Festival will be held on April 14- 16th in Live Oak featuring over 40 bands including: The Allman Brother’s Band, Widespread Panic, Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, The Steve Miller Band, Warren Haynes Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, Ween and many more.

Trust me, if any of these bands interest you I highly suggest you get your butt down to Live Oak on the 14th. The park alone makes it worth the trip. Imagine large oak and cypress trees draped with Spanish moss surrounding the amphitheater stage with hammock’s strung between the trees set on the blackwater of the Suwanee River- it’s amazing. I’ve always told fellow festival-goers that once they expirence this park it will be one of their favorites. I feel like a spokesperson, but I just love it that much.

This year there will be 4 days of camping and 3 days of music spanning Thursday through Sunday. There’s also an extended pre-party Wednesday night. Camping is included in the ticket price and I would definitely suggest camping vs. trying to get a hotel… it ruins the expirence.

Wanee has traditionally been known as a small festival in comparison to many others but it has definitely grown over the past 2 years. With bringing on Widespread Panic last year one can imagine the additional fan base that attended the festival, but Wanee still held it’s intimate charm. That’s one of the main draws of Wanee for me and many that I know, it’s an intimate expirence that allows for a great musical expirence.

One of my favorite Wanee moments was Saturday night of Wanee 2010. The schedule went from Widespread Panic, who played an amazing “Slippin’ Into Darkness” as the sun set, to Allman Brother’s Band, who covered “Dazed and Confused” and played an amazing “Good Morning Little School Girl” with JoJo Hermann and Jimmy Herring, and finally the late night set of the Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi band was the icing on the cake for my Wanee experience.

All-in-all the Wanee Music Festival is a great expirence that will keep you coming back for more.

"Slippin' Into Darkness" Wanee Festival 2010- Photo by: Emmaree Whigham

Tags: Allman Brothers Band, Florida, Live Music, Music Festivals, Wanee

Festival Funds

George Porter @ Bear Creek Music Festival 2010- Bear Creek now offers a payment plan for tickets- Photo by Ivy Robinson

I love music festivals. LOVE them. After attending my first one a few years ago, I’ve become hooked. They are a great vehicle to expirence multiple genres of music and see bands that you might not normally have the chance to see. Much of the new music that I love I discovered while at a festival. Also, the expirence of doing nothing for 3-4 days except camping, dancing and enjoying music makes me love festivals even more. There’s nothing like dancing with a few thousand of your closest friends after 3 days of not showering while camping in the woods. Yes it can get disgusting, but I wouldn’t change any of it.

My only issue with festivals is buying tickets. If you don’t already know this I am a college student. A broke college student to be specific. And considering I spend about 75% of my part-time job pay check on music already, trying to fork out $200 at a time doesn’t really fit into my “budget.” Apparently some festival promoters have gotten the memo that some of the people that are targeted for attending festivals are in the same boat as me. Along with these tough economic times, as the saying goes, people can not easily pay $200 at one time for a ticket. So over the past weeks as festivals have been announcing their line-ups and schedules, they have also been announcing a new option. A payment plan.

I think music loving broke college kids everywhere rejoiced at this new option, or at least I did. Now festivals like The Hangout, Bear Creek, Bonnaroo, Nateva, High Sierra, Electric Forest, Cochella and many more are offering payment or layaway plans for festival goers. Some of these festivals have done this in past years, but it seems almost every festival is now giving this option for buying tickets. Most plans involve a direct withdrawl from a credit card over a 3-5 month period. Bear Creek is even offering a plan for $23 a month until November, when the festival is held.

I’m glad to see that promoters have recognized that giving people this option will not only help bring in more attendees, but also expand the different types of people attending these events because they are not as restricted with issues with being able to buy tickets. My wallet is definitely happy about it.

The Hangout ticket payment plan

Tags: Budget, Live Music, Music Festivals