Anyone who has been to a music festival knows that the music itself is only one facet of the total experience.
While it might be the most important facet, there are so many other factors that contribute to the full experience of a festival. There is the anticipation leading up to the concert, the cross-country road-trip with your closest companions, that first sip of ice cold beer after the campsite is finally set-up, the uncontrollable laughter with friends new and old, and the unforgettable memories of the weekend that last a life-time.
This is why I pick which music festivals I go to based on the total experience. Rather than traveling to a dusty field to see the 'hottest' and newest bands, I prefer to travel to festivals where the location is naturally beautiful and the music is geared towards a love of improvisation and unscripted, impromptu jamming. Enter Wanee Music Festival 2013.
The annual gathering, hosted by the Allman Brothers Band, draws over 20,000 live music fans from all over the country. It takes place from April 18th – 20th at the stunning Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. The drive from Toledo is a little long but simple — a 13 hour straight shot down 75 south. Don't let the lengthy drive deter you from taking an adventure. Trust me, Wanee is more than worth the trip.
The campgrounds are strikingly more beautiful than the typical sea of cars and tents at your average music festival. The Spirit of Suwanee boasts shaded, forest camping where campfires are allowed as well as canoeing and swimming in the spring-fed black water of the Suwannee River. If that wasn't enough for you, the legendary Mushroom Stage might be the most beautiful natural amphitheater in North America. The infamous midnight sets on the Mushroom Stage are known for their high energy — my friend described the setting to me as if the bands where stepping up to home plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth.
Here are the Top 5 Bands I am excited to see at Wanee Music Festival 2013.
1.) The Allman Brothers Band — Most bands that were big in the 70s fall into the trap of becoming a 'nostaliga act', but not the Allman Brothers. Gregg Allman has enlisted the help of guitar virtuosos Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks to recreate the ferocious sound of the original Allman's twin guitar attack, and combined the two put on one of the most impressive displays of guitar heroics out there. Their set-lists are a mix of classics with newer material written by Haynes and Trucks, showcasing their jazzy southern rock sound. The Allman's playing 'Ain't Wasting Time No More' at Wanee 2010
2.) Tedeschi-Trucks Band — Yes, the top two bands I am excited to see have Derek Trucks playing guitar in them. But he is one of my favorite guitar players, and anyone who is knowledgeable about music can't deny the immense talent in his slide guitar playing. Combine his soulful yet virtuoso guitar playing with the incredible vocals of his wife Susan Tedeschi and a backing band that delves into everything from afro-beat to delta blues and you have a can't miss performance. Tedeschi-Trucks Band playing an awe-inspiring version of their tune, 'Midnight in Harlem'
3.) Maceo Parker — The former James Brown sideman remains very active in the 21st century and I couldn't be more excited to see his ridiculously funky interpretation of southern soul at Wanee this year. His backing band is as tight as can be and is sure to bring a complete dance party performance. Maceo Parker and his band playing 'Shake Everything You've Got'
4.) Robert Randolph & The Family Band — Robert Randolph might be the best lap steel player in the world, seriously. His music is a blend of southern rock with gospel overtones, topped by his scorching lap steel solos that are truly a sight to behold. If him and Derek Trucks ever share the stage over the course of the weekend, watch out. Robert Randolph performing 'Traveling Shoes' at Eric Clapton's 'Crossroads Guitar Festival'
5.) The Monophonics — This is my underdog pick, the little band at the festival that I think will have a huge performance. This psychedelic soul and funk sixtet from San Francisco is absurdly good and incorporate a wide array of sonic textures into their otherwise throw-back style. If their live performance is as good as their studio albums, it will be one of the best concerts of the weekend. The Monophonics performing 'High Off Your Love' at 'Wakarusa Music Festival 2012'
Tickets for this year's Wanee Music Festival are currently $205 dollars plus fees for three nights of primitive camping. Go to https://www.waneefestival.com to purchase or for more information.
