NewsComments Off on Album Feature – Jim Lauderdale – From Another World
Jun282019
By Joshua Wallace
Jim Lauderdale has released From Another World which is the follow up to 2018’s excellent Time Flies album. Jim has been on a run of great albums as of late and From Another World is no different. Inside you’ll find some good country, good songwriting and a great album.
The track “The Secrets Of The Pyramids” is a somewhat psychedelic country love song that compares the mysteries of the pyramids to the mysteries of the heart. It’s a great example of the good songwriting you find throughout Lauderdale’s career. “Like People From Another World” keeps that theme and talks about two lovers as if they’re from different worlds, and that’s good.
“For Keeps” is a great ballad on this album. I love the instrumental with the piano and pedal steel. There is also a nice classical guitar solo on this one. “I’ll Forgive You If You Don’t” kicks off with some great pedal steel work for this heartbreak love song. This entire record has some great pedal steel work to dig into. Finally, “Are You Trying To Make A Song Out Of Us?” picks up the tempo for the album closer. The song compares a couple in love with all of the interconnected parts of a song that work together. I love the lines “You can play my heart like it’s your guitar / Tune me up and let it rock and don’t you ever stop”. Like the rest of the album, it all just works to create a great track and a great overall experience.
From Another World is another gem in the late career of Jim Lauderdale. I highly recommend this record if you’re a fan of good country. Lots of great pedal steel work throughout the album and great songwriting too. From Another World is out everywhere you can find good music as of June 21st, 2019.
Favorite Tracks : The Secrets Of The Pyramids, Like People From Another World, For Keeps, I’ll Forgive You If You Don’t, Are You Trying To Make A Song Out Of Us?
NewsComments Off on Suwannee Spring Reunion Festival 2019
Apr032019
By Joshua Wallace
Photos By Joshua Wallace
This year I had the pleasure of attending Friday and Saturday night of the Suwannee Spring Reunion Festival. This festival actually ran March 21st – 24th, 2019 which is Thursday through Sunday so I did not get to go to the entire festival, but I still had an amazing time with all that I saw. This was actually my first experience at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park with a festival. I live within 45 minutes of the park but I have only had the chance to visit them around Christmas time for their amazing drive through Christmas lights display. This year I was able to correct that error and I had an amazing couple of days at the Suwannee Spring Reunion.
Town Mountain Jamming
I arrived Friday afternoon and took a minute to get my bearings. The site for the festival is huge and sports a total of 4 music stages plus a 5th stage that is mostly various workshops. The two main stages are the Amphitheater Stage and the Porch Stage which alternate all day long. There is a Florida Stage, which is a tent stage in a nearby field, and a Music Hall where you can enjoy various acts in an in-door setting. The workshop stage is called the Music Farmer Stage. I focused most of my time between the two main stages and the music hall. This festival is scheduled so that bands have 2 or more sets throughout the weekend so if you miss one set, you’ll be able to catch another later on. The only band that did not repeat was Marty Stuart and he had the Saturday night headlining slot.
Town Mountain
When I arrived, the first band I saw was Town Mountain. They were playing on the Amphitheater stage and I arrived in time to catch some of my favorites from them. They did “Down Low” and “New Freedom Blues” from their new record, but also took the time to do some of their older tunes like “Law Dog”. The band’s second set on Saturday afternoon at the Porch stage saw them going deeper through their catalog. I was really impressed with this band live and hope to see more of them in the future.
The Shawn Camp Band
Next, I went into the Music Hall area and caught a bit of Shawn Camp and his band. I was not familiar with much of his music before seeing him but I enjoyed what I saw. He played songs I knew like “Bad News” which is covered by Whitey Morgan and “I”m Dying For Someone To Live For” which he co-wrote with Loretta Lynn for her 2018 album Wouldn’t It Be Great. I did not get to spend much time with this show, however I enjoyed what I heard and look forward to hearing more in the future.
Steep Canyon Rangers
The next band I saw on the main stage was Steep Canyon Rangers. I was looking forward to seeing this band live as I had never seen them before, but I have been a fan of theirs since they first recorded with Steve Martin back in 2011. Between their two Amphitheater Stage sets, one on Friday and one on Saturday, the Steep Canyon Rangers hit most of the songs you would want to hear from them. One of the highlights for me was an extended version of “Radio” which changed mid song into a full version of Tom Petty’s “Running Down The Dream”. They also hit deeper songs such as “Tell The Ones I Love” and “Out In The Open”. That track actually featured a nice long harmonica solo from Graham Sharp. As I said, this was my first time seeing this band and I’m looking forward to seeing more. Their form of bluegrass is a bit more rocking than other groups, and I dig it. It fits well into the longer jams often heard at the Suwannee festivals.
Steep Canyon Rangers on one mic
The Grass Is Dead
Speaking of longer jams, I went over to the Music Hall to catch some of The Grass Is Dead. This band takes songs from the 70’s rock band Grateful Dead and does their long jams in bluegrass style. Jerry Garcia played in some bluegrass bands during his time, and that influence sometimes crept into his music with the Dead so a bluegrass tribute band to the Dead is not a stretch by any means. While I am a fan of the Grateful Dead, I’m not familiar enough with their catalog as a whole to go through everything the band played. I do remember “Alabama Getaway” and “Samson And Delilah” during this set. Another highlight was that this set got a lot of people dancing and moving their feet which is always nice to see at these festivals.
People Dancing with The Grass Is Dead
Billy Strings with Evening Light Show
After The Grass Is Dead, I finally sat down at the Amphitheater Stage for one of the highlights of the festival. I have always heard about Billy Strings and how amazing of a guitar picker he is and seeing him live certainly blew me away. He played a good hour and a half long set on Friday night and a slightly shorter set on Saturday. Both sets had some nice extended jams which highlighted his guitar picking and the talents of his band as a whole. A highlight on Friday night was an extended “Meet Me At The Creek” which went for almost 15 minutes. Then on Saturday he stretched “Dust In A Baggie” out to almost 11 minutes. There were plenty of other long jams during his set and the crowd loved his style of blazing fast flat-picking. I will most certainly be seeing Billy Strings more often in the future as these two sets made a lifelong fan out of me.
Billy Strings Rocking Out
Jim Lauderdale
Saturday, I saw two country music legends on stage. First up was Jim Lauderdale and his band. I have been a fan of Jim for a while and this was the first time I was able to see him live. Some highlights for me of this set included a Odie Blackmon Co-write “Two More Wishes”. This song actually appears on the new George Strait album and Jim stayed close to what is performed on that record. I also enjoyed hearing the track “Wild On Me Fast” from his latest record Time Flies. Finally, he also did the title cut of the Wait ‘Til Spring album he did with Donna The Buffalo who also perform at this festival regularly.
Jim Lauderdale Jam Session
Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives
The finale of the Suwannee Spring Reunion Festival for me was Marty Stuart. I’m a huge fan of Marty and his show with The Fabulous Superlatives is one of the best country shows you can see. Marty was in good spirits for this fest as he praised the Suwannee and Florida throughout. I loved hearing “Tear The Woodpile Down” from his Nashville, Vol. 1 album. He also got to more recent tunes from his Way Out West cd like “Time Don’t Wait” and “Whole Lotta Highway”. He also mentioned that his 1999 album The Pilgrim would see an extended release this year and played a song that was meant for that album but he couldn’t finish until recently. I can’t wait to hear the expanded edition of this album. He surprised the crowd with a great rendition of “Bonanza” and did an amazing solo “Orange Blossom Special”. I love that song more every time I see Marty do it. I have seen Marty perform many times and this was one of the best that I have seen him. I hope he’s back in the lineup next year.
Marty Stuart
Marty Stuart Solo
The Suwannee Spring Reunion Festival featured many acts I didn’t get to see a full set of or missed. I did catch some of Donna The Buffalo, The Pigeon Kings and Cicada Rhythm throughout the festival also. This was my first time experiencing the Suwannee Spring Reunion Festival and I cannot wait to go back. I am looking forward to it’s sister festival the Suwannee Roots Revival in October. For more information on the Suwannee Spring Reunion, check out the festival’s website.
Announcing The 3rd Annual Suwannee Spring Reunion March 21-24, 2019
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FLFeaturing:
Steep Canyon Rangers, Billy Strings, Donna The Buffalo, Peter Rowan, Larry Keel Experience,
Jim Lauderdale, Verlon Thompson, The Grass Is Dead, and more!Early Bird Tickets on sale now at → www.suwanneespringreunion.com
LIVE OAK, FL — For decades the onset of Spring meant gathering at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida for a weekend of fun, family, Bluegrass and string music. A beloved tradition continues as the picturesque grounds play host to a new take on a classic family-friendly gathering with the 3rd Annual Suwannee Spring Reunion taking place Thursday through Sunday, March 21-24, 2019.
For four days in March, you can slip your shoes off and dance under the bright blue vistas and star-studded skies. Wander the endless trails along the Suwannee River, tell stories around the crackling campfire or simply lie back and watch the Spanish moss that drapes the sheltering Live Oaks that sway in the breeze. Dance the days away at the Stages and while away the late night hours around the “Picking Parties” that spring up into the dawn’s early light. There are no wrong choices when you arrive at your home and the place where live music lives for the founding of a new tradition, built on the love of the past, the Suwannee Spring Reunion.
The Suwannee Spring Reunion initial lineup for 2019 features Steep Canyon Rangers, Billy Strings, Donna The Buffalo, Peter Rowan, Larry Keel Experience, Jim Lauderdale, Verlon Thompson, The Grass Is Dead, Jon Stickley Trio, Town Mountain, Rev. Jeff Mosier, The Mammals, Roy Book Binder, Pigeon Kings, Nora Jane Struthers, Ralph Roddenbery, TKO featuring Duke Bardwell, Nikki Talley, The Adventures of Annabelle Lyn, Quartermoon, Sloppy Joe, Habanero Honeys, Jeff Bradley – Comedy + Cool Stuff, Tania & Magic Moon Traveling Circus. More artists to be announced.
Most of these artists bring with them storied histories of epic Suwannee performances! Matching the history on the stage, long time festival creators Beth Judy and Randy Judy along with an amazing staff, are partnering with the Spirit of the Suwannee to make sure that every piece needed is in place to make an epic weekend of music and fun.
Festival Director Beth Judy believes that the perfect gift for music lovers this year is the 2019 Combo Ticket available until January 7th. Beth says “What could be better than a gift of an extraordinary experience not once, but twice in one year when your loved one can attend Suwannee Spring Reunion and Suwannee Roots Revival? And if not the Combo, an Early Bird Ticket for Suwannee Spring Reunion will make smiling faces all around!”
Once again the beloved tree-lined amphitheater 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 including the Amphitheater, Porch, Music Hall, and Music Farmers Stages. 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. Expect to get professional instruction at the hands on workshops and some out of the ordinary intimate musical experience from the different presentations.
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. Suwannee Spring Reunion offers a multi-day Weekend Ticket that includes festival admission for four days of music, as well as primitive camping on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Early Bird Tickets are $130; Students and military with a valid ID are $120. Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Get your tickets now before they rise to the next pricing tier. Single Day Tickets will be available at the Gate only. Please note, Single Day Tickets do not include primitive camping.
Also available is the 2019 Combo Ticket Featuring one multi-day Weekend Ticket for both Suwannee Spring Reunion and Suwannee Roots Revival priced at $260, available until January 7th.
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.
Steep Canyon Rangers
Billy Strings
Donna The Buffalo
Suwannee Spring Reunion 2019 Initial Lineup
Steep Canyon Rangers
Billy Strings
Donna The Buffalo
Peter Rowan
Larry Keel Experience
Jim Lauderdale
Verlon Thompson
The Grass Is Dead
Jon Stickley Trio
Town Mountain
Rev. Jeff Mosier
The Mammals
Roy Book Binder
Pigeon Kings
Nora Jane Struthers
Ralph Roddenbery
TKO featuring Duke Bardwell
Nikki Talley
The Adventures of Annabelle Lyn
Quartermoon
Sloppy Joe
Habanero Honeys
Jeff Bradley – Comedy + Cool Stuff
Tania & Magic Moon Traveling CircusFor more information, tickets, and to reserve camping, please visit www.suwanneespringreunion.com
LIVE OAK, FL — Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is excited to announce the addition of Vassar Sunday to the Suwannee Spring Reunion which takes place on March 23-26, at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) in Live Oak, Florida. The full schedule of events is now up at www.suwanneespringreunion.com/schedule.html. Along with incredible music, expect camp pickin’ parties, wonderful food and crafts, and enjoy SOSMP’s many other attractions including disc golf, miles of hiking and biking trails, the bat house, and the chance to venture Way Down Upon The Suwannee River.
Music starts at 2 p.m. Thursday and Donna the Buffalo holds the headlining slot at 8 p.m. on The Amphitheatre Stage, followed by the Grass Is Dead. Other sets that day on both the Amphitheater and Porch stages include Joe Craven, Turtle Duhks, The Applebutter Express, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, Bobby Miller & Virginia Daredevils, and Flea Market Hustlers on Amphitheatre and Porch Stages.
On Friday folks can bounce between those two stages for a sensory feast of music which includes Jerry Douglas Presents Earls of Leicester, Peter Rowan, Jim Lauderdale, Jeff Mosier with Pickled Holler, Ralph Roddenbery & the B-Sides, Verlon Thompson, and another set by Donna the Buffalo. There will also be a special set called the Craven Rum Jam which includes Joe Craven and Hot Buttered Rum’s Erik Yates, Zeb Bowles, and James Stafford closing out the Porch Stage for the night.
Saturday holds lots of room for some magical musical moments with Sara Watkins, Peter Rowan Band, two sets with Hot Buttered Rum, Jeff Mosier with Pickled Holler, Jim Lauderdale, Verlon Thompson, Turtle Duhks, two sets with Tornado Rider, and more.
Workshops and performances will also be going on all day in the Music Hall and on the Music Farmer’s Stage on Friday and Saturday with appearances by Peter Rowen, Verlon Thompson, Joe Craven, Jim Lauderdale, Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project, Whetherman, Nikki Talley & Jason Sharp, Lon and Lis Williamson, The Applebutter Express and more. All the kids can get really excited too because Tania & the Magic Moon Traveling Circus and Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp will be providing a weekend to remember with kids’ activities and shows. (Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.)
Sunday is Vassar Day, a day of remembrance for all the festival family no longer with us, and for this reunion it is also fun day, a more relaxed day to visit our friends and family and enjoy the beautiful campground. Vassar Clements was a regular at the Spirit of Suwannee performing at every spring and fall event at Spirit of Suwannee until his passing in 2005. Not only was he a legend in his own time, he also became a dear friend to many at the festivals because of his cheer, friendliness, and non-stop pickin’. After his passing, Sundays became the day of remembrance to celebrate Vassar’s life as well as those of other loved ones who passed over.
The Sunday schedule includes special activities in the morning, music on the Porch Stage from 10-2 p.m. Tania & The Magic Moon Traveling Circus Kids open the stage in the morning, followed by Rushadicus and Friends (Tornado Rider) and what is sure to be a memorable Vassar Gospel Jam hosted by “Rev” Jeff Mosier and the Spring Reunion Backsliders Porchestra.
Sunday is also host to art project for roots in the afternoon, a morning permaculture workshop called “Transforming Spaces for Health Food & Living” in the Butterfly Garden, as well as scheduled jams in the campground late afternoon & evening at the Bill Monroe Shrine, Slopryland, and throughout SOSMP. Camping Sunday night is included.
Festival Director Beth Judy says, “I am so excited about Suwannee Spring Reunion. To me, when spring is in the air, it is a very special time of year to gather with friends and family. This festival is truly a reunion; we have artists coming together who have been at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in different incarnations many times over the years, so much they are family. It’s a coming home too for many friends, family, and chosen family joining together to celebrate life love & music under the oaks.”
Suwannee Spring Reunion is offering a multi-day ticket that includes festival admission as well as primitive camping Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park 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.
For four days in March, you can slip your shoes off and dance under the bright blue vistas and star-studded skies. Wander the endless trails along the Suwannee River, tell stories around the crackling campfire or simply lie back and watch the Spanish moss that drapes the sheltering Live Oaks that sway in the breeze. Dance the days away at the Stages and while away the late night hours around the “Picking Parties” that spring up into the dawn’s early light. There are no wrong choices when you arrive at your home and the place where live music lives for the founding of a new tradition, built on the love of the past, the Suwannee Spring Reunion.
Folks I already released another JULY Bluegrass festival on the east coast, not far from this one. This is the twenty sixth annual Great Blue Heron Music Festival in Western New York….Sherman N.Y. to be exact! In 1992 Miss Julie Rockcastle’s father founded the festival and I found this little bit on their official website:
The Heron property has many water spigots that supply Health Department approved chlorinated drinking water. The Heron’s Merch Booth sells bottled water and ice. At The Heron’s Cafe in the Woods you can get water, coffee, soft drinks, pizza, baked goods & more. The festival midway offers an exotic variety of fresh-cooked fare & beverages. Southern Tier Brewery will be offering a selection of their award winning brews and Willow Creek Winery will be featuring their very popular Wine Slushies. Please stay hydrated and well nourished.
THIS IS A RULE NATIONWIDE THAT YOU CANNOT TRANSPORT YOUR OWN FIREWOOD FOLKS. As you know cover 175 nationwide festivals like this one. They ALL have that rule, and HERE are a few more small ones.
Attendees under the age of 18 must arrive with a parent or guardian.
• The drinking age is 21 in New York, please obey the law.
• NO PETS! Service animals MUST have paperwork with proof of what the animal is trained for and you may be asked to buy a wristband for the animal.
• Please, please, NO FIREWORKS. Go see them nearby in Mayville or Findley Lake.
• GLASS is not banned, but HIGHLY discouraged.
• FIREWOOD cannot be brought to the festival.
• The BEACH is only open when a guard is on duty.
• Going topless is allowed for male patrons only.
• Respect the peace & privacy of fellow campers.
• Leave the land as you found it, or better, because you were here.
Patrons or families with children under the age of 18
will be directed through Security Check-In at the gate. A parent or guardian will be asked to sign in & assume responsibility for all young people. This helps us facilitate “lost child” or “lost parent” situations or deal with inappropriate behavior.
The Heron community is friendly and cooperative, but since we have all age groups here, some camping areas are quieter than others! (See the camping details page).
How are emergences & first aid handled?
Familiarize yourself with the locations of the HQ Barn, Security Hole, & the First Aid Building, but know that anyone with a radio or golf cart can help you. Many volunteer crews have coverage around the clock, including security, first aid, HQ, & tickets. We also have professional security & first aid staff on-duty at all times. Radio communication links them all. We have good relations with law enforcement & fire department emergency services and can ask for assistance, if needed. HQ can call our on-site auto & towing serviceman for auto emergencies. Don’t hesitate to report problems and we will do our best to solve them!
Lost & Found People & Things:
The meeting place for lost children or lost parents is the First Aid Building. The HQ crew keeps a log of lost & found items. We recommend you don’t bring valuables to the festival or if you do, lock them in your car when not in use. Better safe than sorry!
Please, please no fireworks!!
They are dangerous to children, adults, tents, campers & our trees. There are local fireworks displays nearby in Mayville & Findley Lake NY.
No Pets – No Exceptions!
The owners of the Heron board their animals, you need to also! Google: kennels Chautauqua or Jamestown.
Please, no glass containers!!
We do not ban glass, but we hope that you will continue to reduce the glass you bring and especially what you leave for our recyclers to handle. It’s heavy, breakable & can cause injuries.
The festival ends Sunday evening when the music stops.
All patrons must be packed up before dark and ready to go home (it’s so sad, we know). Those that remain are crew chiefs, sound & tech support, and volunteers with schedules for Monday clean-up. Our security will be making sure all others leave. There are other local camping & lodging options here: http://www.tourchautauqua.com/Default.aspx
Also I have included a HUGE LIST of local area hotels and things below!
Best Western Plus Downtown Jamestown
Ad4.0
$111
3-star hotel
Modest hotel with free Internet & a pool
Free Wi-Fi
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Erie
Ad4.4
$104
3-star hotel
All-suites hotel with free WiFi & a pool
Free Wi-Fi
Cobblestone Inn & Suites
4.8
$116
2-star hotel
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Americas Best Value Inn – Jamestown / West Ellicot
3.3
$77
2-star hotel
Budget option with an outdoor pool
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Fairway Suites at Peek’n Peak
4.3
$188
2-star hotel
Modern units on a ski/golf resort
Free Wi-Fi
Hotel Lenhart
4.3
Hotel
Free breakfast
Pine Hill Cottages & Motel
4.5
Motel
Relaxed lakefront lodgings
The Spencer Hotel & Spa
4.5
3-star hotel
Elegant hotel with author-themed rooms
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Gleason Hotel
5.0
Hotel
The Inn at the Peak
4.3
4-star hotel
Luxe resort with golf courses & a spa
Carey Cottage Inn
5.0
Hotel
Peek’n Peak Resort
4.3
3-star hotel
Golf & ski lodging with modern rooms
Free Wi-Fi
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jamestown
4.3
$122
2-star hotel
Modern budget hotel with an indoor pool
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
DEAL16% less than usual
Heather’s Inn
5.0
Hotel
Comfort Inn Jamestown – Falconer
3.9
$110
2-star hotel
Budget hotel with free WiFi & breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Findley Lake (I-86 Exit 4)
4.2
$112
2-star hotel
Modern hotel with pool & free breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Chautauqua Suites
4.2
2-star hotel
Relaxed hotel with a conference center
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Best Western Plus Downtown Jamestown
4.0
$111
3-star hotel
Modest hotel with free Internet & a pool
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Lakeview Hotel
3.1
Hotel
Webbs Resort
4.0
2-star hotel
Homey hotel with a lake-view restaurant
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Lily Dale Assembly: Leolyn Inn
4.8(5)
Indoor Lodging·2 East St
Lodging at a hot spot for spiritualists
Red Carpet Inn
2.6
$55
2-star hotel
Free Wi-Fi
As you can see here there is TONS TO DO for children and like many Bluegrass festivals this one is VERY family friendly.
Here is a video from last year to kind of show off the area and some of the folks involved in that scene up there. And after I print the lineup links I’ll post their 2017 video for you to see the acts next week!
