Festival Preview by : Ashley Feller
March 19th-22nd marks the fourth year for the ever enchanting Suwannee Spring Reunion held annually at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak Fl. This is the prime opportunity to welcome the first spring of the decade. In the last few years, Suwannee Spring Reunion has grown into a delightful four day weekend for music and art lovers from many parts of the world. It is a place of great escape and offers a transcendence that can only take place under a clear blue sky, feeling the soft breeze on your hair, the warm sun on your face and taking in the wonder that is Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. This is the kind of festival where lasting friendships are made, and unforgettable music is heard at all hours of the day. This year Suwannee Spring Reunion is featuring is the best line up yet.
This is a dream come true for music lovers. This year the lineup features Greensky Bluegrass, Bela Fleck, and the Flecktones, Peter Rowan and The Free Mexican Airforce, songwriting legend Darrell Scott and so much more. There is something for everyone. Whether you enjoy bluegrass, country, old time, Piedmont Blues, or zydeco there is an enormous variety of music on multiple stages throughout the park. There is also a decent array of food and craft vendors. The kid’s tent also hosts fun activities for children and families. This festival is perfect for families and is a great introduction to live music for everyone. The environment is relaxed, the scenery is unforgettable. Spirit of the Suwannee has a long deep history and continues to be a retreat for creatives and those who love to get lost in music, art, dancing, and community.
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is a camping resort that has everything campers could need for the festival. There are multiple bathhouses, the SOS Cafe (complete with full liquor bar) golf cart rental, canoe livery, general store, and tons of campsites. Some of which are equipped with water and electric hookups. Primitive camping sites are included with weekend tickets. If camping isn’t your style there are many cabins for rent and hotels that are close to the festival grounds. I would recommend camping as that is the way to fully immerse yourself in the magic that is Suwannee Spring Reunion. Traditionally many of the campers build elaborate sites with beautiful decor and most of the comforts of home. It is enjoyable to wander through the campground and witness the creativity is shown in constructing the various sites. Not only that but the camping areas are the place to hear incredible fireside picking. Two campsites are on the festival map that invites musicians of all abilities to come and enjoy playing music acoustically just about any time during the festival. The first is the Bill Monroe Shrine hosted by Quarter Moon, and the second is Slopryland hosted by Sloppy Joe. Both bands are staples to the festival and do an excellent job of welcoming folks to their campsites to pick and grin.
One of the greatest elements of seeing live music at Spring Reunion is the intimate environment. The stages are positioned in places where there is lots of room to dance and everyone has their own space. Everyone is welcome to bring folding chairs to place in the concert areas as well as hammocks to hang from the tree limbs. There is nothing better than swaying underneath a starry sky listening to all the fantastic music this festival has to offer. All the performances feel quite personal and it is obvious that the performers and staff have a great love for the festival and put their hearts and souls into making it an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Spirit of the Suwannee is the place magic happens. Its the place were kindred spirits finally meet, where songs are inspired, where lessons are learned and love and community are seen everywhere you may roam. This is the year to set yourself free, and enjoy four days and nights of music, camping, dancing and natural beauty at Suwannee Spring Reunion. Bring your friends, family and make your camping dreams come true in beauty and splendor. All rules, tickets, and general info are found on http://www.suwanneespringreunion.com/ and RV spaces with hookups can be reserved through calling the park’s office. Come to Suwannee Spring Reunion and be part of a wonderful blossoming tradition!
