This year’s Wanee Music Festival was much more than a celebration of music—it was a celebration of life itself. Music legends like Bob Weir, Trey Anastasio, and Dr. John shared the stages with up-and-comers like Marcus King, Blackberry Smoke, and Turkuaz in an all-out effort to lift up those attending with the power of song.
Music has a unique and mystical ability to connect listeners on a level far above the baseline of simple inputs to our senses. The right song, the right note, can spark a revolution in the heart and mind. Each act that played the beautiful festival grounds of the Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park this weekend seemed mindful of the importance of spreading a message of hope.
This focus on living was the result of the untimely passing earlier this year of Allman Brothers drummer and Wanee co-founder Butch Trucks. The passing of the beloved percussionist added another sad chapter in the history of one of the most important bands in American history. The Allmans created a sound that was distinctly their own—a mixture of gospel, rock and pure pride in their southern heritage.
Their impact on the music scene is difficult to truly measure. The Allman Brothers’ dynamic arrangements, expert musicianship, and undeniable hooks made them a national draw almost instantly. At the heart of any band, no matter how sizable, is the man on the drummer’s stool. Trucks loss removed the heart of one of rock’s most storied bands and cast a long shadow over the entire weekend.
Trucks was a fan of the festival dynamic and was a vocal champion of the idea of an Allman Brothers-centric weekend. When it came time to pick a location for the event, the only logical choice was the Spirit Of The Suwannee. Between Suwannee’s closeness to their base, the scenic grounds, and the ability to hosts tens of thousands of fans without issue gave the Wanee Festival a perfect home. Festival goers at the park have long described themselves as a family, and this year they gathered to say goodbye.
The Freight Train Band
Wanee organizers had a tough task in figuring out the right way to give folks a chance to share their pain but still lift their spirits. In a impressively astute move, they gathered the brother duo of Cody and Luther Dickinson and paired them with the many musical members of the Trucks family. Vaylor and Melody Trucks led the way with an emotional tribute to kick off “The Freight Trane Band” honorarium of their father’s storied life. Watch the emotional beginning and first two songs from their set below:
“Hot Lanta>Trouble No More”
Leftover Salmon
Though Wanee’s first tribute was an emotional affair, the next day found Leftover Salmon doing a much more upbeat honorarium of the works of Neil Young. The setting was picture perfect thanks to sunny skies and the amazing backdrop of live oaks and Spanish moss that line the Amphitheater. Over the course of ninety minutes of well-received Young re-imaginings, the legendary partnership of Salmon co-founders Vince Herman and Drew Emmitt picked and grinned their way through classics like “Cinnamon Girl” and “Heart Of Gold.” Check out more highlights from their set here and watch a smiling, high-speed take on “Cowgirl In The Sand” below.
“Cowgirl In The Sand”
JJ Grey & Mofro
JJ Grey’s success story is a perfect example of an artist exemplifying his roots. Grey’s love of his southern-Georgia/northern-Florida surroundings is at the core of every note he plays and every syllable he sings. Whenever he takes the stage at a Suwannee festival, he can’t help but relate stories of his many visits as he grew up. Rocking thousands of delighted faces not a mile away from his favorite childhood swimming hole is obviously a treat for the singer-songwriter.
You can see more highlights from Grey & Mofro’s set here, but check out his amazing rendition of “Every Minute” below.
“Every Minute”
Widespread Panic
The Allman Brothers rise to icon status during the seventies seeded an entire generation of musicians with the thought that it was okay to be proud of the sounds of the south. Widespread Panic are the current reigning champs of that down-and-dirty spirit, though their take differs noticeably from that of the Allmans. From John Bell’s cigarette-scarred voice to Jimmy Herring’s soaring guitar notes, they have a distinct and beloved flavor that is all their own. Even though their latest addition, Duane Trucks, brings the Allman legacy neatly into Panic, they have long since climbed to the pinnacle of southern rock’s highest peaks. Watch Panic flow nicely into a smoking “Junior” below.
“Junior”
Dr. John & The Nite Trippers
When discussing unique musical identities, the name Dr. John is bound to be brought up. John’s instantly recognizable Cajun drawl made him a curiosity in his earliest days before his raw talent won him a legion of fans. Though the years clearly weigh on the good doctor, he had no problem singing in the voice that could only be his. The Nite Tripper set was basked in the sun as lifelong fans and newbies alike agreed that, unlike the song, they were in the right place at the right time. Watch Dr. John and company nail a delightful take on his chart-topping classic “Right Place, Wrong Time” below.
“Right Place, Wrong Time”
Gov’t Mule
Warren Haynes knows all about the legacy of the Allman Brothers thanks to his many years making magic with the band. Stepping into such a iconic act would intimidate anyone, Haynes included. But rather than shrink away from the spotlight, Haynes instead led the Allman Brothers into a new era with his soul-drenched guitar licks. Though he has played with versions of the Grateful Dead as well as his own band, Gov’t Mule, Haynes was and always will be family to the Allman faithful. Watch Gov’t Mule deliver an amazing one-two punch with a pair of jams below.
“Eternity’s Breath>St.Stephen”
Trey Anastasio Band
Trey Anastasio proved to the Wanee crowd that no matter how big he gets, at his heart he is like them—a fan. The Phish guitarist gushed like a schoolboy about his years-gone-by chance to join the Allman Brothers on the very stage he was rocking. His words about experiencing the precision and power of Butch Trucks’ work on the drum kit were not those of a jaded arena rocker. They were the thoughts of a fan who knew, for a fact, that he was one of the luckiest people on the planet. It says a lot that in a set that saw several incredible moments, the highlight was a simple story of a childhood dream come true. Watch Trey share his tale and then lift the crowd with a soaring version of a soul classic below.
“O-o-h Child”
Bob Weir & The Campfire Band
Bob Weir brought a stripped-down, confessional feel to the Peach Stage as he performed solo and with The Campfire Band. With the dissolution of the Allman Brothers, Wanee has reached out to a wide variety of legends and icons to help keep the festival a top tier event. Over the course of his two days worth of music, Weir delivered the goods in the form of new acoustic tunes, Grateful Dead classics, and a Lady Gaga track that seemed to fit as perfectly as could be imagined. He even had a surprise up his sleeve in the form of special guest—Trey Anastasio! Though America has watched Weir go from cherubic-faced rhythm guitarist to wizened elder statesman, his voice and spirit have never diminished. Weir’s willingness to have a bit of fun in his banter with Anastasio and cover modern pop hits showed there is plenty of light left sparkling in his worn eyes. Check out the crowd-stunning jam session on “Deep Elem Blues>Friend Of The Devil” below.
“Deep Elem Blues > Friend Of The Devil”
The passing of Butch Trucks was, to many, the final nail in any hopes of an Allman Brothers reunion. Persistent health rumors about Gregg Allman have provided plenty of doubt, but the faithful had, until now, been holding out hope. No band has suffered as much loss and still kept the music alive as well as the Allman Brothers. Sadly, with the heart of the band gone, it is difficult to imagine any of the principals seeing the worth in gathering once more.
While not completely surprising the atmosphere at Suwannee was actually incredibly upbeat. Thanks, as always, to the environs of the Suwannee and the magnificent weather, it was hard to do anything but smile as the sun set the world aglow. When the night fell and the tributes got more emotional tears did flow, but they were tears of remembrance, not sorrow. The Wanee Music Festival managed to serve as a memorial for the fallen and a celebration of the living at the same time. While, as always, the line of cars leaving Suwanee was full of tired fans ready for home they all shared one thing—a smile on their face and a song of love echoing in their hearts.
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