Suwannee Spring Reunion Announces Schedule: Greensky Bluegrass, Béla Fleck and The Flecktones, Sierra Hull

THE 4TH ANNUAL SUWANNEE SPRING REUNION MARCH 19-22, 2020
THE SPIRIT OF SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK IN LIVE OAK, FLORIDA

FEATURING
Greensky Bluegrass, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones,
Peter Rowan Free Mexican Airforce featuring Los Texmaniacs,
Donna The Buffalo, Sierra Hull, Ghost Light, Darrell Scott,
Jim Lauderdale Band, Verlon Thompson, The Duhks, Jon Stickley Trio,
Shawn Camp Band, Chatham County Line, Fireside Collective,
Tony Furtado with Luke Price and Matt Flinner
and more!

Tickets on sale at → www.suwanneespringreunion.com 
See the full schedule of music at → www.suwanneespringreunion.com/schedule/ 

LIVE OAK, FL ––  Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) is thrilled to host The 4th Annual Suwannee Spring Reunion Thursday through Sunday, March 19-22 at SOSMP in Live Oak, FL. Folks of all ages will make plans to gather during the forefront of spring at this gorgeous park and its mossy live oak laden grounds for this beloved festival tradition that features a range of music genres rooted in original music – Americana: Bluegrass, Newgrass, Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Blues, and more. Literally something for everyone!

The lineup features Greensky Bluegrass, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, Peter Rowan Free Mexican Airforce featuring Los Texmaniacs, Donna The Buffalo, Sierra Hull, Ghost Light, Darrell Scott, Jim Lauderdale Band, Verlon Thompson, The Duhks, Jon Stickley Trio, Shawn Camp Band, Chatham County Line, Fireside Collective, Tony Furtado with Luke Price and Matt Flinner, and more!
See the full schedule of music at → https://suwanneespringreunion.com/schedule/.

For four days and nights this family-friendly festival is home to early morning sing-a-longs and night time musical pyrotechnics from the park’s stellar cast of alumni and new favorites. There will be music on four stages and Suwannee Spring Reunion attendees will also enjoy music in the campground with jamming at Slopryland and the Bill Monroe Shrine as well as camp pickin’ parties. 

Thursday night is going to be a blast with Blueground Undergrass hitting the main Amphitheatre Stage at 8:30pm just after a set by Verlon Thompson on the Porch Stage. Jon Stickley Trio follows Blueground alternating back to the Porch and then The Grass Is Dead closes out the Amphitheater Stage for the night. Music begins for the day kicking off with Quartermoon at 3pm and also includes performances by Roy Book Binder, Nikki Talley & Jason Sharp, and Brett Bass & Melted Plectrum. 

Greensky Bluegrass headlines Friday night, bookended by sets with Peter Rowan and Free Mexican Airforce and Jon Stickley Trio on the Amphitheater Stage. The Duhks play just before Greensky on the Porch Stage and Donna the Buffalo closes out the Porch following Greensky’s set. Other Friday performances include Ghost Light, Chatham County Line, Fireside Collective, Verlon Thomspon, The Tania Elizabeth Experience, and more. The Music Hall Indoor Stage also kicks off on Friday and includes sets by Applebutter Express, Nation of Two, and a special Banjo workshop with Leonard Podolak, Rev Jeff Mosier, and Tony Furtado. 

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are the Saturday night headliners, bookended by Donna the Buffalo and a special all-star Suwanee Reunion Jam on the Amphitheatre Stage. Sierra Hull plays the Porch just before The Flecktones and Fireside Collective closes out The Porch Stage for the night. Other Saturday sets include performances by Darrell Scott, Jim Lauderdale, Shawn Camp Band, Songs From The Road Band, Tony Furtado Trio, The Grass Is Dead, Adventures of Annabelle Lyn, Two Foot Level, Nicholas Edward Williams, Ukelyptus, Habanero Honeys, and more.

Vassar Sunday is always a special day for Suwannee Spring Reunion and as tradition holds, Donna the Buffalo will close out the festival and bring out a ton of special guest performers that have played throughout the weekend! Jim Lauderdale, Sierra Hull, Peter Rowan, Rev Jeff Mosier, Verlon Thomspon, and Nikki Talley all perform again as well.

The Old Florida Stage will also feature Contra Dance music and instruction Thursday – Saturday with The Dunehoppers and The Hungry Monks with Andy Kane doing the calling.

A variety of performers will be hosting special hands-on workshops on Music Farmers Stage Friday and Saturday including a Banjo Workshop with Rev Jeff Mosier, Fiddle Instruction with Scott Walker & Holly Riley, Songs and Stories with Nikki Talley & Jason Sharp, Hambone Workshop with Leonard Podolak, Mandolin with Matt Flinner, Flat Pick Guitar Workshop with Brett Bass, Roy Book Binder Hands on Blues Guitar Workshop, Songwriting with Lee Hunter, Joey Kerr, & Annie Wenz, and more.

Placing a strong emphasis on embracing the traditions that have made the park a national treasure, there will be a wide array of arts & crafts as well as an array of culinary delights ranging from healthy to decadent in the Vending Village. The park itself is a place where kids of all ages can remember why they fell in love with the magic mixture of sights, sounds, and sensations that constitutes a weekend of paradise that is the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

SOSMP is located between Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee, Florida about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line, about 45 minutes north of Gainesville and is host to a variety of events.

Tickets are on sale now. See details at www.suwanneespringreunion.com/Tickets/.

Suwannee Spring Reunion 2020 Lineup
Greensky Bluegrass
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones
Peter Rowan Free Mexican Airforce featuring Los Texmaniacs
Donna The Buffalo
Sierra Hull
Ghost Light
Darrell Scott
Jim Lauderdale Band
Verlon Thompson
The Duhks
Jon Stickley Trio
Shawn Camp Band
Chatham County Line
Fireside Collective
Tony Furtado Trio
Roy Book Binder
Rev. Jeff Mosier
Blueground Undergrass
The Grass Is Dead
Songs From The Road Band
Nation of Two
The Tania Elizabeth Experiment
Nikki Talley & Jason Sharp
Ukelyptus
Brett Bass & Melted Plectrum
The Adventures of Annabelle Lyn
Two Foot Level
Nicholas Edward Williams
Applebutter Express
Firewater Tent Revival
Quartermoon
Sloppy Joe
Habanero Honeys
The Hungry Monks
The Walker Brothers
The Dunehoppers
Tania & The Magic Moon Traveling Circus

For more information, tickets, and to reserve camping, please visit www.suwanneespringreunion.com.

 

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Suwannee Spring Reunion Adds Greensky Bluegrass, Béla Fleck and The Flecktones, Sierra Hull

THE 4TH ANNUAL SUWANNEE SPRING REUNION MARCH 19-22, 2020
THE SPIRIT OF SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK IN LIVE OAK, FLORIDA

LINEUP ADDITIONS INCLUDE:
Greensky Bluegrass, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones,
Sierra Hull, Ghost Light, Jon Stickley Trio, Chatham County Line, Fireside Collective, Tony Furtado with Luke Price, Blueground Undergrass, The Grass Is Dead, Songs From The Road Band,
and more!

BANDS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED INCLUDE
Donna the Buffalo, Peter Rowan Free Mexican Airforce featuring Los Texmaniacs,
The Duhks, Darrell Scott, Jim Lauderdale Band, Verlon Thompson, Shawn Camp Band and more!

Tickets on sale at → www.suwanneespringreunion.com  

LIVE OAK, FL ––  Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) is thrilled to announce that Greensky Bluegrass, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, Sierra Hull, Ghost Light, and Jon Stickley Trio are added to The 4th Annual Suwannee Spring Reunion lineup along with a host of other acts. The festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, March 19-22 at SOSMP in Live Oak, FL.

Further additions to the 2020 lineup include, Chatham County Line, Fireside Collective, Tony Furtado with Luke Price, Blueground Undergrass, The Grass Is Dead, Songs From The Road Band, Nation of Two, The Tania Elizabeth Experiment, Nikki Talley, Lee Hunter & The Gatherers, Ukelyptus, Brett Bass & Melted Plectrum, The Adventures of Annabelle Lyn, Two Foot Level, Nicholas Edward Williams, Habanero Honeys, The Hungry Monks, The Walker Brothers, The Dunehoppers, Jeff Bradley – Comedy + Cool Stuff, and Tania & The Magic Moon Traveling Circus.

Previously announced bands include Donna the Buffalo, Peter Rowan Free Mexican Airforce featuring Los Texmaniacs, The Duhks, Darrell Scott, Jim Lauderdale Band, Verlon Thompson, Shawn Camp Band, Roy Book Binder, Quartermoon, and Sloppy Joe.

Folks of all ages will make plans to gather during the forefront of spring at this gorgeous park and its mossy live oak laden grounds for this beloved festival tradition that features a range of music genres rooted in original music – Americana: Bluegrass, Newgrass, Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Blues, and more. Literally something for everyone!

For four days and nights this family-friendly festival is home to early morning sing-a-longs and night time musical pyrotechnics from the park’s stellar cast of alumni and new favorites. There will be music on four stages and Suwannee Spring Reunion attendees will also enjoy music in the campground with jamming at Slopryland and the Bill Monroe Shrine as well as camp pickin’ parties. Hands-on and performance workshops will be held throughout the weekend with a variety of artists set to perform.

Placing a strong emphasis on embracing the traditions that have made the park a national treasure, there will be a wide array of arts & crafts as well as an array of culinary delights ranging from healthy to decadent in the Vending Village. The park itself is a place where kids of all ages can remember why they fell in love with the magic mixture of sights, sounds, and sensations that constitutes a weekend of paradise that is the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

Tickets are on sale now. See details at www.suwanneespringreunion.com/Tickets/.

SOSMP is located between Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee, Florida about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line, about 45 minutes north of Gainesville and is host to a variety of events.

Suwannee Spring Reunion 2020 Lineup
Greensky Bluegrass
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones
Peter Rowan Free Mexican Airforce featuring Los Texmaniacs
Donna The Buffalo
Sierra Hull
Ghost Light
Darrell Scott
Jim Lauderdale Band
Verlon Thompson
The Duhks
Jon Stickley Trio
Shawn Camp Band
Chatham County Line
Fireside Collective
Tony Furtado with Luke Price
Roy Book Binder
Blueground Undergrass
The Grass Is Dead
Songs From The Road Band
Nation of Two
The Tania Elizabeth Experiment
Nikki Talley
Lee Hunter & The Gatherers
Ukelyptus
Brett Bass & Melted Plectrum
The Adventures of Annabelle Lyn
Two Foot Level
Nicholas Edward Williams
Quartermoon
Sloppy Joe
Habanero Honeys
The Hungry Monks
The Walker Brothers
The Dunehoppers
Jeff Bradley – Comedy + Cool Stuff
Tania & The Magic Moon Traveling Circus

For more information, tickets, and to reserve camping, please visit www.suwanneespringreunion.com. 

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Jon Stickley Trio’s New EP ‘Triangular’ Out Now! “Pure Joy Through Music”

Jon Stickley Trio’s New EP, Triangular, Out Now!
“Pure Joy Through Music”

Get Triangular now on iTunes, Amazon, and CDbaby

Js3 Announces Plans to Record Next Full Length Album, Produced by Dave King (The Bad Plus) at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville NC after Successful Kickstarter Campaign

ASHEVILLE — On the tail of their critically acclaimed 2015 album, Lost at Last, Jon Stickley Trio independently releases a brand new 5-song EP, Triangular, on December 2,2016. With roots in gypsy jazz, bluegrass, and hip-hop in an “exhilarating all-acoustic swirl” (Acoustic Guitar Magazine), Jon Stickley Trio combines Jon Stickley’s rapid-fire flatpicking guitar with the sultry and wild, yet refined, melodies of Lyndsay Pruett on violin set over the deep groove of Patrick Armitage on drums.

“In a time when a lot of instrumental music feels more like math than art, Jon Stickley Trio’s Triangular reminds us of the pure joy that can be created and shared through music,” says Greensky Bluegrass’ Anders Beck.

Jon Stickley Trio is on tour this winter with shows in the southeast this December in Knoxville, Kingsport and Charlotte. Jon also has a couple of shows booked with Andy Thorn (Leftover Salmon) and Travis Book (The Infamous Stringdusters) in North Carolina mid-month. On December 30th, the Trio pops up north to Richmond, Virginia to open for The Infamous Stringdusters before heading home to Asheville for a special New Year’s Eve Celebration with The Honeycutters on Dec 31st. In early January, Jon Stickley travels to Denver to play two nights as a part of the Bluegrass Generals featuring members of The Infamous Stringdusters, Greensky Bluegrass, and more. The Trio joins up again in Wray, Colorado on the 21st with some surprise mystery dates out west TBA. There’s a scattering of other dates announced including WinterWonderGrass in California in the spring and FloydFest in the summer in Virginia. More to come!

The EP, Triangular, was recorded at Blue Sprocket Sound in Harrisonburg, VA this summer and was sent early to anyone that donated $10 or more to their recent successful Kickstarter Campaign to help them head back into Echo Mountain Recording Studio this winter with Producer Dave King (Of The Bad Plus) to record a yet un-named new full length album due out in 2017. The band surpassed their goal and reached $29,120 and is currently in studio recording..

“I like to think of music as a two way street, a reciprocal experience between musician and audience,” says Lyndsay Pruett. “The Kickstarter campaign really affirms my view on that. And it truly becomes about more than the money. Money is the thing we all know we need to make the world go around, but this process allows people to have an extra level of personal involvement. We have conversations with people we’ve met at shows from all over the country, and they become involved in the next record. Then when we go back to those places to play the music for them the experience is more substantial, and more fun, of course.”

Triangular features five songs leading out with with “Blackburn Brothers”, of which Beck says, “While the opening notes remind the listener of Tony Rice’s Manzanita (one of the greatest acoustic guitar albums of all time), one is suddenly catapulted into Jackson 5 territory a few minutes later in the same song. Sure, comparisons to previous musicians are a good way to explain a new artist to the masses, but to do so is to cheat Stickley of what he really is: a damn genius, a musical mastermind, and one of the most unique, creative, and inventive guitar players I’ve ever heard.”

“Plain Sight” was penned by Jon after the mass shooting at a concert in Paris. ”It’s as much an angry response to the perpetrators as it is a mournful tribute to the victims,” says Stickley. The music features Lyndsay’s delicate pizzicato violin plucking, Patrick’s breakbeat drum vibes, and Stickley’s signature high speed shredding. The third phase of the tune breaks down to a gentle trading of melodic lines by Jon and Lyndsay.

“Palm Tree” is a tropically themed dance tune has become a staple of the band’s live shows. It changes time signatures between 5/4 and 6/8, but remains danceable and accessible. The purpose of “Palm Tree” is to jam out and have fun, and that’s what the Trio does on this track. You can hear Jon and Lyndsay pushing each other while Patrick “cooks” underneath, heating up the skillet till its HOT.

“Echolocation”’ is a tribute to whales and the beautiful songs they sing underwater. The most evocative of the songs on the record, it features the cello-like longbows of Lyndsay’s violin that mimic the whales’ songs. Patrick’s epic drum solo over Lyndsay and Jon’s unison arpeggios is a climactic moment that is one of the band’s most dazzling recorded moments to date.

“Manzanita” is a classic composition by Jon’s hero, guitarist Tony Rice, is arguably one of the most important pieces of music in Newgrass history. The Trio recorded this song as a tribute to those who came before and took musical risks that changes the history of music.

“Since bluegrass players started delving into jazz, they’ve been composing progressive acoustic music, but so much of it has lacked the comfort in its own skin that Stickley’s songs possess.” Anders Beck says of Stickley’s style,“I could go on and on about how amazing it is that his twisty and turny songs don’t feel forced, and always bob and weave at the right time; or how Stickley’s guitar playing shares as much in common with the flow of the greatest rappers of all time as it does with his flatpicking heroes... I think you get my point. Stop reading this and go listen to his new EP.”

With the success of Lost At Last making it into rotation on radio stations both nationally and internationally, the Trio has traveled over 50,000 miles, performing at over 100 festivals and venues across the country in 2016 (Including the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC), attracted attention of thousands of new fans, and teamed up with a national booking agency. Jon Stickley Trio heads into the studio in early December to record the yet unnamed full length album with Dave King, who also produced Lost At Last which garnered praise from The New York Times, NPR’s Heavy Rotation, NPR’s World Cafe, Premier Guitar Magazine, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and many others.

Jon Stickley Trio has evolved into a fully formed, musical identity that was just beginning to take shape on the first record. Stickley realizes, “Our musicality has matured individually, and collectively to the extent that we can read each other, and respond to each other in a completely intuitive and natural way. We can’t wait to take our matured sound back into Echo Mountain with our mentor and producer, Dave King.”

All of this interlocks, and is propelling the band into the future. Music City Roots’ Craig Havighurst says “A new generation of bluegrass-reared instrumental explorers is coming into its own, and the Stickley Trio is in the vanguard.” While the group does their thing in the studio, they are happy to share Triangular with the world now!

Jon Stickley On Tour
12/7 Wed – Knoxville, TN – WDVX Tennessee Shines @ Boyd’s Jig & Reel
12/8 Thu – Kingsport, TN – Sleepy Owl Brewery
12/10 Sat – Charlotte, NC – The Rabbit Hole *co-Bill with Billy Strings
12/15-16 Thu-Fri – Asheville, NC – Isis Music Hall *Stickley / Thorn / Book support for Travelin’ McCourys
12/17 Sat – Morganton, NC – Winter Music Fest *Stickley / Thorn / Book
12/30 Fri – Richmond, VA – The National  *support for The Infamous Stringdusters12/31/16 Sat – Asheville, NC – Isis Music Hall *w/ The Honeycutters

1/6-7/17 Fri-Sat – Denver, CO – Cervantes *Jon Stickley as a part of the Bluegrass Generals feat. members of The Infamous Stringdusters, Greensky Bluegrass, etc.
1/20 Fri – Abilene, KS – Great Plains Theatre
1/21 Sat – Wray, CO – 4th and Main Grille
3/30 Thu – San Francisco, CA – Neck of the Woods
3/31 Fri – Squaw Valley, CA – WinterWonderGrass
7/26-30 – Floyd, VA – FloydFest

* All dates are Jon Stickley Trio unless otherwise noted.

WATCH Jon Stickley Trio Perform ‘Echolocation’ on Music City Roots →

Head on over to Live For Live Music to listen to the World Premiere of “Blackburn Brothers.” →  http://bit.ly/JS3_L4LM_BlackburnBrothersPremiere.

For more information, updates from the road, and more, please visit www.jonstickley.com, www.facebook.com/JonStickleyTrio, www.instagram.com/jonstickleytrio, and www.twitter.com/StickleyMusic.

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Larry Keel Set to Release ‘Experienced’ w/ Guests Sam Bush, Del McCoury, Peter Rowan & More

Larry Keel Independently Releases Experienced
on Friday, February 26, 2016
A blazing journey of music featuring special guests:
Sam Bush, Del McCoury, Peter Rowan, Keller Williams, Jason Carter,
Mike Guggino, and Anders Beck

LEXINGTON, VA —  Flatpicking guitar phenom Larry Keel dazzles music-lovers once more with his 15th self-released album Experienced, due out February 26, 2016. The album is an entirely original work that showcases both Larry’s and bandmate Will Lee’s exceptional songwriting, singing and jaw-dropping instrumental performances, accompanied by Keel’s equally talented wife Jenny Keel on upright bass and harmony vocals. It was recorded at Wally Cleaver Studio in Fredericksburg, VA with engineer (and guest drummer) Jeff Covert and mastered by the award-winning industry great Bill Wolf (Willie Nelson, Tony Rice, Doc Watson) in Arlington, VA.

Added to the raw sophistication of Keel’s progressive acoustic style are several guest-musician-friends who appear on various tracks of Experienced, a list of artists that reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of icons and new stars including Sam Bush, Del McCoury, Peter Rowan, Keller Williams, Jason Carter (The Del McCoury Band), Mike Guggino (Steep Canyon Rangers), and Anders Beck (Greensky Bluegrass). According to Larry, “This project is a collection of my songs and Will Lee’s music, developed further with the amazing talents of some of our musician friends and heroes. Very real. Very fresh.”

The seven tracks on Experienced reflect Keel’s musical personality, from frenzied and raunchy to mystical and sensitive, and through it all, Keel’s honest attitude shines, fearlessly and with throttle wide-open. As Sam Bush (who plays mandolin and fiddle on the fiery opening track “Ripchord”) says, ‘Enjoy the music… Larry does!” “‘Lil Miss” follows up with a cynical gibe at a mock Miss Prim and not-so-proper young lady of modern day society, set to a down and dirty blues-rock riff.

“Memories” (co-written by Larry and Jenny) is the portrait of the artist (Keel) gently swept away by life’s vast gallery of experiences and personal connections, and the poignant emotions that spring from it all. As the third track, it cools down the pace of things, letting the listener settle into the musical journey Keel has orchestrated.

“Larry Keel is a triple threat… songwriter, guitar player, entertainer. He can do it all,” says Del McCoury, who is featured on the playful and rollicking “‘Fill em Up Again” along with Carter and Guggino. “I think what makes Larry so powerful is that he has lived his songs, he’s not sitting in a room trying to write the hit of the week, he’s writing what’s in his heart and on his mind.”

“I love me some Keels. There is a certain genuine authenticity that Larry and Jenny possess,” says Keller Williams. “When we get together, our wonder-powers unite to form a giant, impenetrable sphere of open-minded, Appalachian psychedelic goodness.” Appropriately, Keller plays on the swelling and rolling “Miles and Miles,” which is a sort of metaphoric travel log of life on the road as a musician (and as a human being)… the key being to stay true to one’s own ‘voice’.

“The Warrior” is loosely based on the Carlos Castaneda book The Teachings of Don Juan and the search for knowledge by an old Yaqui Indian brujo. Peter Rowan joins on percussion instruments, yodeling and throat singing, adding a burning tension to the music, as the tale is sung in Keel’s gravely baritone. “The warrior is seeking the power… Standing tall he will never cower… He can see the spirits in the air… He can see the things that are not there.” The musicianship, lyrics and magical production combine to bring the listener down into the depths of the mystics and back out again in revelation.

Following “The Warrior”, the album’s gentle and refreshing closing melody, “Another Summer Day,” emits the feeling of resurfacing into the world, relaxed and carefree to enjoy the daylight and breeze.  The tune was written and sung by Will Lee, with Anders Beck lending his intuitive touch on dobro and Jeff Covert carrying it along with a light drum beat.

“Larry is the yin and the yang,” declares Beck. “He will break your heart with a waltz, but he can also scare the hello out of you in the next song.  He plays on the edge… no, strike that.. he creates genius guitar solos while staring over the edge and laughing maniacally.”

“This studio album was a complete blast to make, from start to finish,” says Jenny Keel. “Larry, Will and I, along with our exceptional engineer Jeff Covert coalesce into a working musical unit that push each other to higher and higher heights of magic, skill, art and energy.  Add to that this cast of guests with all THEIR unique talents, and you have a recording that is pure enjoyment. Every detail of it!”

Throughout his prolific career, Keel has released 15 albums, including Experienced, and is featured on 10 others. Along with those that guest on the new album, Keel has performed with a multitude of top acoustic and electric musicians alive, and some now gone, including Vassar Clements, John Hartford, Tony Rice, Bill Monroe, Bob Weir, Jorma Kaukonen, Little Feat, Trombone Shorty, Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon and many many others. Larry has written songs being performed by the likes of Del McCoury Band, Infamous Stringdusters and Yonder Mountain String Band and has a tune on Del McCoury’s GRAMMY-winning album The Company We Keep [2005] entitled ‘The Mountain Song.’

Experienced Track Listing:
1. Ripchord [Lee] 6:09  w/ Sam Bush
2. ‘Lil Miss [Keel] 4:22
3. Memories [The Keels]  4:00
4. Fill’em Up Again [Lee] 2:55 w/ Del McCoury, Jason Carter, Mike Guggino
5. Miles and Miles [Keel] 4:37 w/ Keller Williams
6. The Warrior 4:38  [Keel] w/ Peter Rowan
7. Another Summer Day [Lee] 4:47 w/ Anders Beck, Jeff Covert

*All tracks with The Larry Keel Experience: Larry Keel, Will Lee, and Jenny Keel

Find out more and stay up to date with news from Larry Keel at www.larrykeel.com, www.twitter.com/LarryKeel, www.facebook.com/LarryKeelFishinAndPickin.

 

 

 

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The 18th Suwannee Springfest Schedule Announced The Avett Brothers, Del McCoury Band, Punch Brothers, Sam Bush Band, Jason Isbell

The 18th Suwannee Springfest Schedule Announced
The Avett Brothers, Del McCoury Band, Punch Brothers,
Sam Bush Band, Jason Isbell
~ March 20-23rd at The Spirit of Suwannee in Live Oak, FL ~

Suwannee Springfest celebrates its 18th year at the magnificent Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL on March 20-23rd. Festivalgoers can enjoy four days of camping and live music, arts and crafts, and a selection of great foods. Suwannee Springfest consistently features some of the world’s finest performers in Roots Rock, Bluegrass & Newgrass, Acoustic Blues, Singer/Songwriter, Cajun/Zydeco, New & Traditional Folk and other forms of American Roots music. Tickets are on sale in advance and at the gate.

Suwannee Springfest is excited to welcome to the 2014 stages The Avett Brothers, Del McCoury Band, Punch Brothers, Sam Bush Band, Jason Isbell, Southern Soul Assembly (JJ Grey, Anders Osborne, Luther Dickinson and Marc Broussard), Travelin McCoury Jam, Steep Canyon Rangers, Donna The Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Greensky Bluegrass, Floodwood, Town Mountain, Willie Sugarcapps, The Duhks, Aoife O’Donovan, The Honeycutters, David Gans, Rumpke Mountain Boys, The Whiskey Gentry, Henhouse Prowlers and many more. The full schedule of events is now available online at suwanneespringfest.com/lineup/schedule.

This energetic and family friendly musical celebration is a gem of a festival with a great lineup, spring weather and a stunning natural setting. Tickets for Suwannee Springfest are on sale in advance for $170 ($190 at the gate) inclusive of all taxes and fees, and include 4 days of primitive camping and music. Kids under 12 are invited to join for free. Fans can also upgrade their experience with VIP tickets for $300. For RV hook ups, cabin rentals and golf cart rentals, please call SOSMP at (386)-364-1683. For further information and tickets, please visit www.suwaneespringfest.com.

Suwannee Springfest 2014 Lineup
The Avett Brothers
Del McCoury Band
Punch Brothers
Sam Bush Band
Southern Soul Assembly (JJ Grey, Anders Osborne, Luther Dickinson and Marc Broussard)
Jason Isbell
Travelin McCoury Jam
Steep Canyon Rangers
Jim Lauderdale
Greensky Bluegrass
Willie Sugarcapps
The Duhks
Aoife O’Donovan
Floodwood
Ralph Roddenbery
Rumpke Mountain Boys
David Gans
The Honeycutters
Town Mountain
Grandpa’s Cough Medicine
Whetherman
Canary in the Coalmine
The Royal Tinfoil
Holy Ghost Tent Revival
Love Canon
Grant Peeples
The Stacks
Sloppy Joe
Uproot Hootenanny
Big Cosmo
Habanero Honeys
Tammerlin
The New 76ers
JacksonVegas
Quartermoon
James Justin & Co
Rosco Bandana
SOSOS
The Whiskey Gentry
Bibb City Ramblers
Two Foot Level
Henhouse Prowlers
Come Back Alice
Gypsy Wind
Nook & Cranny
Beartoe
Mickey Abraham’s Acoustic Ensemble
Artists at Large: Jeff Mosier, Bobby Miller, Jon Stickley, Lyndsey Pruett and Steve Pruett

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, located just north of Live Oak, FL, is a one-of-a-kind music park and premier 500+ acre campground nestled on the shady banks of the historic, tea-colored Suwannee River in North Florida. SOSMP hosts a variety of events throughout the year including Wannee, Magnolia Festival, Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival, Hulaween, Aura Music Festival, The Purple Hatters Ball, The Zach Deputy Disc Jam and more. In addition to these events, the park offers live music during the week in the Music Hall and a natural amphitheater for outdoor music festivals.

Along with the camping, there are nearly 12 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature exploring. Bring along a fishing pole and wet a line from the dock on Rees Lake. Canoe and bike rentals are available at the on-site canoe outpost. Or take a dip in the nearby Suwannee Springs. SOSMP is located between Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee, Florida about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line, about 45 minutes north of Gainesville. Please visit the park’s web site at www.musicliveshere.com or call them at 386-364-1683 for more information.

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Some fun vids, pics & words about Suwannee Springfest 2012

After a phenomenal time at this years 16th annual Suwannee Springfest, I’ve been re-living it through folks’ videos, photos, and words on the festival.

Honest Tune‘s David Shehi and Rex Thomson recorded some amazing sessions with many musicians at the Festival including Yonder Mountain, Donna the Buffalo, The Infamous Stringdusters, and more. Here’s a fun photo of their session with Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear of Donna the Buffalo. Stay tuned to Honest Tune (www.honesttune.com) for  lots of fun stuff! … and remember to Vote Rex!

"A fantastic Springfest is now in the book. Now, we go to the editing room so that memories like this Donna the Buffalo backstage performance (& the Mosier Brothers one that followed) can live on forever." --- David Shehi, Honest Tune

Donna’s full Saturday set from Suwannee Springfest with wonderful intro by Festival Director Paul Levine! Thanks to Mark DaBabe for recording. Check out his pics HERE:

Hype-magazine posted a Suwannee Springfest teaser! So much more to come, exclusives with Donna the Buffalo, Greensky Bluegrass and Whetherman! Check out some awesome PHOTOS.

Great American Taxi “Appalachian Soul” Vid by Your Hometown Hiker- Chuck Allen:

Emmit-Nershi Band Finale. Vid by Soulacious

Elephant Revival. Vid by Ducksoapgirl

“Find of the festival? I have to say we loved Lizzy Ross and her band, and not just because they hail from Chapel Hill North Carolina. She totally rocked. Run don’t walk to iTunes and get some for yourself…The Lizzy Ross Band, ” writes the Fly Fish Chick in her blog about the fest. Read the full post here: http://flyfishchick.com/2012/03/27/best-of-the-fest/

Festgrrl writes, “Elephant Revival: Wow. Young band, fresh, arresting sound, soulful picking, intriguing arrangements, and the startling lead singer-washboard/djembe/musical saw player Bonnie Paine’s haunting voice — I hate to compare such a gorgeous instrument to anyone else, but it sounded to me like a cross between Natalie Merchant  and Nora Jones. Actually, she sounds exactly like herself.” Read her full post about the festival HERE. Stay tuned for videos of the band’s originals…in the meantime check out this fun one with Vince Herman (Great American Taxi) sitting in with them:

Your Hometown Hiker, Chuck Allen, posted this fun video of Greensky Bluegrass:

Tornado Rider “Giant Tree” posted by Octavello:

Verlon Thompson covers Bob Dylan’s “She Belongs To Me” while jamming with Donna The Buffalo Sunday Night. Posted by Your Hometown Hiker, Chuck Allen:

Hot Buttered Rum by Your Hometown Hiker:

Check out this “Black Muddy River” by the Mosier Brothers. vid by skizzlesnix:

Grant Peeples “Jesus Was a revolutionary.” Vid by PanamaCityLive

Grandpa’s Cough Medicine. Vid by Soulalicious

Roy Book Binder “Rag Mama.” Vid by gangelone

Bibb City Ramblers “Heat Lightning.” Vid by  Christy Fowler

Whetherman “Sea Line.” Vid by westmelody

Stay Tuned– I will add more to this post as the week goes on 🙂

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Message from the Keels: Recaps From The Festy & Harvest Fest as well as Bass and Grass News!

Here’s a fun message from Larry and Jenny Keel:

It’s been an absolutely beautiful and magical fall festival season for the Keel crew, rolling around America’s hills and dales and doing our thang!

The Festy in Roseland, VA was an epic weekend of ideal festivating! Hosted by the wildly talented Infamous Stringdusters, this event represents all the best best elements of a great and inspiring music festival- loved all the collaborations the jams and pickin around the campfire were wide open and memorable, to say the least (larry’s guitar head stock smells like barbecue now! it’s got some awesome mojo in it forever more!) .. a stage highlight was seeing that nuclear jam during the Toubab Krew set, when Larry and members of the String Dusters got up with em and blew the roof off the place.. our new favorite version of ‘Cluck Ol Hen’!

Then we bolted across the middle of the country and headed over to Yonder Mountain String Band’s Harvest Fest, in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.. spectacular autumn scenery, awesome property there at Mulberry Mountain- and a perfect music festival, complete with amazing stage acts, killer art and vending everywhere, and lots of spontaneous pickin jams among the world class artists- Larry and Will Lee, Scott Law and Darol Anger spent a whole late afternoon jammin away behind the main stage… late night picks included Keel, Mark Schimick, Will Lee, Drew Emmitt, Bill Nershi, Andy Thorn, gals and guys from Elephant Revival and Railroad Earth! all crammed into an RV ! super fun- look out for flipped out video on all that- coming soon! Stage highlights included Larry and Adam Aijala’s guitar duo set, with special guest Darol Anger, our Keel and Natural Bridge set, with a grand finale including almost all of the Greensky Bluegrass dudes, and then a wonderfully deep and spiritual set by Peter Rowan, on his own- he got Larry up to do some tunes with just the 2 of them.. on their guitars- Pete said he wanted to test drive a new tune he had just written that morning, and he wanted Larry and he to explore it together, on the spot.. it was awesome- look out for footage on that soon too!

And now! Stokin the home fires back in VA (well, getting the wood ready for the winter, more like it!), and preparing for our next adventure! Bass and Grass down on our favorite lake in the South: Goose Lake, near Perry GA.. join us and fishin/pickin/partyin instructors Jeff Mosier, David Blackmon, Steve McMurry and Gove Scrivenor as we dig in for a weekend of country style resort music and nature retreat together ! no need to know how to play an instrument- you just gotta know how to smile! bring it on, Oct 27-30!

Larry Keel Tour Dates:

Fishin and Pickin
Larry Keel, Jenny Keel, Mark Schimick, Will Lee
10/27-30/11 BASS and GRASS 4 Green Bell Bed and Barn Perry, GA

Larry Keel and Natural Bridge
10/16/11 LKNB HARVEST MUSIC FESTIVAL Ozark, AR
11/03/11 LKNB Boone Saloon Boone, NC
11/05/11 LKNB Private Eastern, NC
11/10/11 Eric Anderson’s Birthday Bash O’Neill’s Pub Lexington, KY
11/11/11 LKNB 123 Pleasant Street Morgantown, WV
11/12/11 LKNB Coffeepot Roanoke, VA
11/18/11 LKNB Gottrocks Greenville, SC
11/19/11 LKNB Private Somewhere, GA
12/09/11 LKNB Legal Grounds Rutherfordton, NC
12/10/11 LKNB Pour House Charleston, SC
02/04/12 LKNB Shepherdstown Opera House Shepherdstown, WV

Keel Brothers
Larry Keel – Guitar and vocals Gary Keel – Guitar and vocals
11/25/11 Larry & Gary Keel Bulls and Bears Pub Hagerstown, MD
11/26/11 Larry & Gary Keel Richardsville Firehall Richardsville, VA

Keller and the Keels
Keller Williams – Guitar and vocals Larry Keel – Guitar and vocals Jenny Keel – Bass and Harmonies
12/31/11 Keller and the Keels Brooklyn Performing Arts Center Wilmington, NC
01/09/12 Keller and the Keels JAM CRUISE 10 Ft. Lauderdale, FL

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Suwanne Springfest 2012 Lineup Announced!

The lineup for 2012’s Suwannee Springfest was just announced featuring Yonder Mountain String Band, Peter Rowan & Tony Rice, Justin Townes Earl,  Emmitt-Nershi Band , Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Darol Anger and the Republic of Strings, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Gourds, Greensky Bluegrass, Great American Taxi, and more!The festival returns to Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL for the weekend of March 22-25, 2012 and three-day passes are now on sale for $125. Read on for the lineup

Stay tuned to suwanneespringfest.com for more!

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Big IV Productions Announces 15th Annual Suwannee Springfest March 24-27, 2011

Big IV Productions Announces 15th Annual Suwannee Springfest  March 24-27, 2011

Legendary Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL

Advance Discount Tickets Available Now

Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival and Purple Hatter’s Ball Dates also Announced

Big IV Productions is proud to announce details for the 15th annual Suwannee Springfest.  The perfect way to kick-off festival season, the event will take place March 24-27, 2011 at Live Oak, Florida’s Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Voted “Florida’s Best Live Music Venue” in 2009 by readers of Florida Monthly Magazine, the park resides next to the historic Suwannee River and boasts over 800 acres of perfect campsites with Spanish moss covered oak and pine trees providing shade and mood.  Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is also a full service campground offering cabin rentals, RV hookups, and a wide range of amenities including a restaurant, general store, showers and bathrooms.

Donna the Buffalo

The critically acclaimed Suwannee Springfest will once again feature the best and brightest Americana and grassroots artists performing new and traditional folk, rock & roll, bluegrass and newgrass, alt-country and more. Confirmed talent for the 2011 fest includes: The Avett Brothers, David Grisman Septet, Jesse McReynolds, Donna The Buffalo, Emmitt-Nershi Band, Travelin’ McCourys with The Lee Boys, Jim Lauderdale, Mosier Brothers, Acoustic Syndicate, Danny Barnes, Scythian, Trampled By Turtles, Steep Canyon Rangers, Joe Craven, Pangea with Michael Kang, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Surprise Me Mr. Davis, The Motet, Dread Clampitt, Rowan Cunningham, Tornado Rider, Ralph Roddenbery, Greensky Bluegrass, Galen Kipar Project, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Larkin Poe, Two Foot Level, Sloppy Joe, New 76ers, Saltwater Grass, Amy Hendrickson & the Prime Directive, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, The Whetherman and more.

Larry Keel and Natural Bridge

2011 Suwannee Springfest Ticket Info: Early bird tickets are on sale now until January 31 for $125.  From February 1–March 15 tickets will be priced at $150.  From March 16-March 23 tickets will be $165.  From that point on, including at the festival gates, all weekend tickets will be $180.  Saturday/Sunday two-day passes (with camping) will be $145 and available only at the gate.  Single day tickets will be priced as follows: Thursday: $50, Friday: $65, Saturday: $75, Sunday: $50 (single day tickets do not include camping).  All weekend tickets include music, camping Thursday-Sunday nights, and all fees and taxes.  For more information on Suwannee Springfest, including up-to-date lineup and ticket details, go to: suwanneespringfest.com

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is also home to other Big IV Productions, including the Blackwater Music Festival (new in 2010) and the Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival (which recently celebrated its fourth). Hosted each November, the 2010 Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival was such a huge success and attracts such a loyal group of attendees, that dates and select artists have already been announced for next year.  Scheduled for November 11-13, 2011, the preliminary lineup includes Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood, The Funky Meters, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, John Scofield & Piety Street, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Lettuce, George Porter, Jr., Jon Cleary, and the Pimps of Joytime.  For more information on the Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival go to: http://www.bearcreekmusicfestival.com/

The annual Purple Hatter’s Ball, celebrating the life of Rachel Morningstar Hoffman, will also once again take place at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.  The 2011 event is set for May 13 & 14.  More details will be announced soon.  For more information on the Purple Hatter’s Ball go to: http://rachelmorningstarfoundation.org/

About Big IV Productions: Big IV Productions is owned and operated by Paul Levine and Lyle Williams, founders of the Bear Creek Music Festival and co-producers of the brand new Blackwater Music Festival with Blackwater Music, LLC (a company owned by Williams and Judy Van Zant / owner of Jacksonville Beach, FL’s Freebird Live). For 2011, Big IV Productions adds the 15th annual Suwanee Springfest to their family of festivals. Deeply engrained in the Florida music scene, Big IV Productions is also partners in Tallahassee’s Engine Room as well as Suwannee River Jam, and producers of the Purple Hatter’s Ball.

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Early March Tour update from Larry Keel and Natural Bridge

it’s been an amazing couple of weeks for the Keel Krew-   we’ve become quite skilled at navigating the NOAA weather site… it’s the only chance we have of making it to our scheduled shows these days!  5 cancellations due to weather , in the past 3 months..  including, regretfully, the recent show at Mt. State Brewery in Thomas WV..  that elevation and those roads in and out of there are just a bit beyond our travel abilities, when it has snowed there steady for 4 days in row before the show..
but!  after that, we raged into Morgantown WV and got all wild and wonderful with the happy Mountaineers that night..  the good folks from Half Time String Band always warm things up with excellent pickin and singing, and LKNB got spiritual, spacey and psychedelic with one of the most improvisational shows we’ve ever played..  unforgettable night-

then, weather once again propelled us into a flurry of flight to get us on the road ahead of schedule last weekend, in order to make it to Colombus OH for a big night of mayhem and magic at Vic’s Midnight Cafe, sponsored by the Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk..  5 bands in one night!  it was a 2-ring circus of splendid production–  back and forth between 2 stages, with fantastic sounds and mergings of minds with LKNB, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk, Tin Hearts and One Under…!  Supreme fun and seamless flow of music for , like, 8 hours! Paul Painter is the man!

from there, we zipped through the steady snow and slush over to Pittsburgh, PA where things got scary and hairy weather wise—   thank goodness for 4 Low on the transmission..  it helps, when nothing’s been plowed!  but we made it to the wonderful Rex Theater in a super cool section of Pittsburgh..  there, we met up with our great bluegrass buddies, Greensky Bluegrass band, and the evening was launched with 2 huge sets from both bands-  great sounds abounded-   we all collaborated on a mini super set of bluegrass and reggae favorites-  we love the way those guys do “Stop that Train” by Peter Tosh..

onward through the winter fog and sleet down to Cincinnati on Saturday, where we met up with good buddies Rumpke Mountain Boys again, for a fuller night of music from those excellent folks-   they rocked a superb set of music-  talk about the ultimate fun zone!  the Play by Play is a great place to hear music-  the crew there treats everyone right..  we couldn’t help but rocket into some super satisfying pickin –  we’re on a Miles Davis kick right now, so everything has an extra improv-spontaneous-combustion, plus mountain magic feel at the moment..  AND THEN!!!!  as an added, incredible surprise, the great Jeremy Saunders (first horn in the Marine Corps Band, and member of Acoustic Syndicate!!) joined us for our set!  he sends things into an orbit that’s rarely heard, and fosters a musical exploration that we all are eager to take part in!!  then, we added all the Rumpke Mt. Boys for an extended jam that sent everything into ultra orbit..  no one wanted the night to end…..      it was pretty late when it did!

until the next episode————

LKNB. Photo by Bright Life Photography

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