This may have been the inaugural year of Suwannee Spring Reunion, but the festival’s origin is steeped in a rich history. Since its founding decades ago, the Spirit Of The Suwannee Park has welcomed bluegrass and Americana fans from around the country during this time of year. Entire generations have come of age at similar events in the Park and many tribes have gathered around Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, Sara Watkins and the festival’s host of other familiar faces and sounds.
The Park itself is as important as the artists onstage in making memories that last lifetimes. Taking the place of the long-running Springfest, the Suwannee Spring Reunion keeps the traditions started by Springfest’s founder, Mrs. Jean Cornett, going strong. Bands invited to the first Suwannee Spring Reunion were mainly returning veterans like Donna The Buffalo, Jeff Mosier, Hot Buttered Rum and area stalwarts like Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, Quartermoon and the always-insane Tornado Rider.
Our own Rex Thomson was on hand and did his best to film every act that appeared on the two main stages over the course of the weekend. We have 24 exclusive videos, which encompass nearly every act and all four days of fun. There are too many magic moments to single any out, but do yourself a favor and be sure to make it all the way to the end. The rendition of “Amazing Grace” that closed the festival presented here is one of the most moving musical moments the Park has ever scene. Enjoy!
Sloppy Joe
Sloppy Joe (and its respective members) is the proprietor of one of the Spirit Of The Suwannee’s most infamous camp sites, “Sloppery Land.” Whether the group is hosting the late night jams or rocking the stage in the early morning, they were always a crowd pleaser!
Bobby Miller & The Virginia Dare Devils
Rising from the Asheville scene, Bobby Miller and company have forged a brand of Americana as fearless as it is fresh. Here’s their take on the Flatt & Scruggs classic, “White Freightliner.”
Flea Market Hustlers
Nashville’s Flea Market Hustlers aren’t concerned with keeping up with bluegrass traditions. In their world, the most important thing to do is rock the audience. When they took to Uncle Charles’s Porch Stage at the Suwannee Spring Reunion, they did just that.
Grandpa’s Cough Medicine
Hearkening back to the roots of bluegrass, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine approaches performances with an eye for kicking up dust and knocking down convention. As always, when they took the stage at the Suwannee Spring Reunion, they were looking to stir up some trouble and the crowd at the same time.
Turtle Duhks
It’s been more than a decade since the musicians who form the Turtle Duhks shared the stage together. Luckily for the crowd at this past performance, their reunion for the festival was as if they had never stopped jamming the nights away.
Donna The Buffalo
Donna The Buffalo delighted long-time fans with their headlining set at the Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park’s Spring Reunion. Their beloved “Herd” greeted them with cheers and love and got it back as the band proudly proclaimed, “I Love My Tribe.”
Nikki Talley
The husband-and-wife duo of Nikki Talley and Jason Sharp have crossed the continent sharing their brand of heartfelt acoustic music. Between her sweet and wry singing and his crisp and emotional leads, they wowed the crowd.
Whetherman
Nicholas Williams haunts the corners of the folk, Americana, and bluegrass genres with his singular blend of soul and hope. He and his friends brought the early Saturday crowd to life with their spirited set.
Lon & Lis Williamson
Longtime fixtures on the Florida folk-Americana scene, Lon & Lis Williamson, have been sharing their gift of song with fans for decades. With a little help from their friends, they brought a sense of community and love to the Suwannee Spring Reunion.
Quatermoon
The Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park has always been a second home for Quatermoon. Between their epic late-night picking parties and their sets on stage, they have made themselves a beloved fixture of the festivals held there.
Roy Book Binder
The long and storied road that is Roy Book Binder’s life taught him some valuable lessons along the way. During his performance, he was more than willing to share this knowledge with his appreciative audience.
Ralph Roddenberry & The B-Sides
After receiving the finest tutelage the Athens/Atlanta area could offer, Ralph Roddenberry has been sharing his life journey and upbeat outlook with the world. A fan favorite of the Spirit Of The Suwannee faithful, he brought his message of hope, good cheer, and good beer to the festival.
Jeff Mosier with Pickled Holler
Pickled Holler may be listed as a duo, but you rarely see them without some of their vast network of friends and family. Adding to the excitement the unofficial Suwannee religious authority, the Reverend Jeff Mosier lent his dulcet banjo tones to the entirety of their Suwannee Spring Reunion set.
Jerry Douglas Presents Earls Of Leicester
Jerry Douglas has dedicated his life to upholding the standards of the bluegrass masters. He founded the Earls Of Leicester to preserve and celebrate the music of the legendary Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs partnership. Their headlining set at the Suwannee Spring Reunion was one of the most highly anticipated and instantly became one of the favorites of the weekend.
“Don’t You Let That Deal Go Down”
“Dim Lights, Thick Smoke”
Craven Rum Jam with Joe Craven
Multi-instrumentalist Joe Craven brought his left-coast sensibilities and cohorts to the festival as members of Hot Buttered Rum joined him for a set of rollicking Americana. Dubbed the “Craven Rum Jam,” there was no stopping and no regrets as they powered through an hour of classics and deep cuts with smiles for miles.
Habanero Honeys
The ladies that comprise the Habanero Honeys don’t get to play together much, but when they do, they make sweet music together. With Beth Judy serving as promoter of the Suwannee Spring Reunion, she still found time to join her friends onstage for a spirited Saturday morning set.
The Bells
The Bells threw it down for their performance of Suwannee Spring Reunion. Check out their soulful cover of “Friend of the Devil” below!
Verlon Thompson
Verlon Thompson made his mark on music history with his long partnership with Guy Clark and with his emotional mixture of storytelling and songcraft. His set at the Suwannee Spring Reunion was one of hushed respect, tears, and laughter.
Sara Watkins
Whether she was with Nickel Creek, the Watkins Family Hour or all alone, Sara Watkins’ stellar instrumental skills and winsome voice never fails to entertain.
Tornado Rider
The whirlwind that is Tornado Rider touched down twice on Saturday at the Suwannee Spring Reunion. Their signature mixture of virtuosity and insanity proved as popular this year as it has been every time they’ve brought their mayhem to the park.
Hot Buttered Rum
The sweet strains of Hot Buttered Rum filled the Suwannee Spring Reunion air twice on Saturday. Their mixture of California vibrations and mountain music traditions always results in a good time, and the Suwannee faithful danced to the wee hours as they closed the main stage down.
Vassar Gospel Jam
The Reverend Jeff Mosier took a few moments during the Vassar Gospel Jam to share the history of the song “Amazing Grace” while delivering a stunning rendition of the seminal song. Check out this moving end to a perfect weekend of music, friends, and family.
The post Watch 24 Of The Most Memorable Performances From The First-Ever Suwannee Spring Reunion appeared first on L4LM.
