Wanee Music Festival
4/18-20/2013
written by B.A. Jones
photos by Brad Kuntz
Over the past six years, the reputation of The Spirit Of The Suwanee Music Park has preceded itself. Creating new slang for it’s atmosphere, such as “coparusa”, and “popfest”. Yet Wanee Music Festival beckoned me with it’s indelible lineup. It was expensive at $205 per ticket, but I figured two nights of Widespread Panic and The Allman Brothers Band was worth that. So with a little help from my friends, we planned an epic road trip to Wanee. Driving into Live Oak, Florida at 8 AM on Thursday, April 18th was serene. Coming into the venue, parking, and trading our tickets for bracelets was quick and easy. The employee that helped us, a cute curly haired blonde, gave us maps and guides. She also told us which campground to camp in to be within short walking distance to the music. Waking up to the blazing sun in the middle of a field is not my thing. So we camped on a remote back road of the Renaissance campground, in the wilderness, with no close neighbors. Pulling in the first thing I noticed was the Spanish Moss. It had been trimmed and swayed in the breeze like an elongated hair weave. After making camp we hiked over a mile to the Suwanee River beach. It was pretty full of busty and bikinied revelers. Music played from here and there: The Grateful Dead, The Movement, and The Talking Heads. The water looked dark brown, like coffee after a long night and felt cool and invigorating. We swam for awhile before walking back to get ready for the music.
It was very peaceful everywhere around the music park. After becoming accustomed to the layout and having walked from one end to the other, I relished the flat terrain. I am used to the mountainous hiking of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia festivals. Also, my allergies were not nearly as active walking around on sand as I’m severely allergic to dust. License plates indicated folks from everywhere, as far away as Ohio. Everyone was friendly, and stopping here and there to talk, and share drinks (and feral baby stories) with people, I met many beautiful music loving souls. There were banks of shower houses throughout the park, and I never saw any lines. All of Thursdays music occurred on the Mushroom Stage and kicked off with Oli Brown. All the trees in the back of this viewing area were all inter- connected with hammocks which seemed to be colorful streamers. Monophonics and Bobby Lee Rodgers followed. The atmosphere seemed slightly reserved, as I think most people, like me, were saving their energy for Friday and Saturday. As the evening progressed, the atmosphere became jubilant. Voice Of The Wetlands Allstars and Royal Southern Brotherhood both got the crowd moving. They both exude talent, an energy score for the first time listener, such as myself. The weather Thursday was gorgeous, and the mood evolved into joyous revelry. Headliners Hot Tuna Electric kicked the energy level into high gear. Smiles were adorned by all, and the darkness offered an amazing light show, accentuated in the treetops and spanish moss.
Thursday was topped off by Greyboy Allstars – I do not get to see this incredible band nearly enough. Their boisterous face melting jams always amaze, and reverberate in my very spirit. Filled with exuberance, we danced and appreciated simply being alive and to experience the greatness of Greyboy Allstars. Fulfilled, I made my way back to camp, where I slept peacefully until 9 AM the next morning. Friday morning was slightly chilly, but awakening to the birds singing good morning and frittering among the trees of our camp was the most pleasant of wake up calls. We ate breakfast and enjoyed a Fat & Juicy Bloody Mary. My excitement was building as the two primary bands I was there to see both played their first of two nights: The Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic. I have been a tremendous fanatic for both bands for over twenty years, and had not seen Widespread Panic in exactly two years. Every other band playing Wanee was a delicious bonus and we planned to be inside the venue until it closed the next two days.
The two main stages were close by each other, which was merely a quick walk to travel. The Peach Stage was much louder, but both had supreme sound quality. We started our day enjoying a very energetic Flannel Church set followed by a soulful and enigmatic set by The Revivalists. Everyone was ecstatic, arms raised to the heavens – The Revivalists set was musical church. David Shaw’s voice sent shivers down my spine and into my soul. I did think the sets were too short, as after an hour most bands are just getting hot. All bands were on and off stage promptly, which also meant there were no encores. The stage managers were very efficient and sets on both stages went smooth as well oiled machines. There was only a small amount of over lapping sets I wanted to see, so I only got to enjoy thirty minutes of Robert Randolph on the Peach stage before returning to the Mushroom stage for Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang at 3 PM.
Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang was more relaxed and showed his softer side, which was as comforting as being enveloped in a velvet cocoon. Clouds moved in and the day stayed chilly, but we were warmed by the music. Duo De Twang became Trio De Twang when they were joined by Warren Haynes. We were treated to heartfelt anecdotes & tasty tunes. The three were an amazing combination, and we felt blessed to experience this fabulous set. We leisurely strolled vending, making purchases on our way to find a spot for the rest of the night at the Peach stage. We sat as far back as you could near the food vendors. As Government Mule took the stage the short intermediate showers started. Prepared with ponchos, no amount of rain could deter us from our favorite bands. Government Mule started slowly, anesthetizing us with “Outta Shape” into an inebriated “Thorazine Shuffle.” The tempo slowly picked up with “Game Face” into a soulful rendition of “Banks Of The Deep End.” Next I got caught up in “Captured,” then led gently into “Kind Of Bird,” “Steppin’ Lightly,” then “I’m A Ram.” Their set ended with the Neil Young cover “Cortez The Killer,” accompanied by John Bell, Dave Schools, John Hermann, and Jimmy Herring. This set left my soul shuddering with joy and gratefulness.
The anticipation was palpable as Widespread Panic came out to an almost frenzied welcome. I had wished for two nights of old school Panic songs, and my desire was certainly granted. They started with the always rousing “Aint Life Grand” to which the entire crowd began to dance fervently and the land moved beneath our feet. “Who Do You Belong To” reminded me of to whom my musical heart belonged, and how much I had truly missed Panic these past two years. Always a crowd pleaser, “All Time Low” had us singing, then as they played “Blue Indian” my soul rejoiced as it left my body. It danced above the crowd through “Disco,” then I came back to my body to enjoy “You Should Be Glad,” which I was, more than glad. There was no slowing down as they had me reminiscing and swaying to “Space Wrangler,” “Saint Ex,” then into a gregarious “Ride Me High.” The air was electrified with everyones chi energy, and when they started playing “Pilgrims” the surrounding atmosphere exploded! My eyes closed, singing softly as I shook, shook, shook to one of my all time favorite songs. The hits kept coming as they played “Walkin’ ( For Your Love ),” into the Jerry Joseph cover, “North.” Then we all went wild as they did one of my favorite cover songs to hear them play, the ZZ Top cover “Jesus Just Left Chicago” – joined by Warren Haynes! It was perfection that left us breathless and then they threw a cherry on top! Their final song was a cover from the band Funkadelic, “Maggot Brain.” Warren stayed, and Danny Lewis also came out to enrich the texture of the finale. This is what my soul needed and had been missing. I radiated elation and gratification, giddy for the next two bands.
The Allman Brothers Band transports it’s fans to a simpler time, and certain youthfulness. They are, after all, the band that gave birth to the “Jam Band.” As they took the stage there was a reverence of dedication in the air. They are, in my opinion, comprised of the most talented musicians and living legends. They busted it wide open from the start with ‘Hot ‘Lanta’! Then right into a down and dirty “Statesboro Blues,” into “I Walk On Gilded Splinters,” and then “Blue Sky.” I must say having been a rabid fan for so long and seen many shows while Gregg was sick, his voice was incredible. They seemed better than ever – Gregg’s stamina was back, and he sounded healthy and amazing. “Dusk Till Dawn” tingled down my spine, into “Trouble No More.” Then “Leave My Blues At Home,” into “Worried Down With The Blues.” It was raining and we didn’t care as they sprung forth with The Beatles cover, “Rain.” We were fortunate and ecstatic to see legendary Artimus Pyle and John Bell join ABB for “Can’t Find My Way Home.” I was covered in goosebumps which continued through “Revival,” and “Rocking Horse.” Then involuntary shivers overtook me as Jimmy Herring joined them for an astounding “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed.” Three of the world’s best guitarists alive on one stage: Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, and Jimmy Herring had me amazed once again. They finished the set with “One Way Out,” joined by Atimus Pyle, and Cody & Luther Dickinson. Of all the ABB shows I’ve seen, this one left me weak with pride and admiration.
Steel Pulse was the last band of the night, and never one to disappoint. Filled with exultation, they always have sets full of great happiness. The rain was coming down in earnest, cold and hard. Too exhausted endure the inclement weather any longer, I walked back to camp enjoying Steel Pulse along the way. I slept great to the lullaby of rain, as it downpoured until sunrise.
Saturday, April 20th was wet and riddled with puddles, as well as cold. I think the high was supposed to top out at 48 degrees. I dressed appropriately in mud boots, and warm clothes. The clouds, cold, and puddles could not dampen our spirits. The only regret I had was that I didn’t get to see Cope. They played the Traveling stage on Friday and Saturday. My tired old feet could not have walked so far to see them, and be inside the venue to enjoy all the other bands I wanted to see. As much as I love Cope, I just could not do it all. We watched a little of The Lee Boys on the Mushroom stage before leaving to stake our spot for the rest of the day & night at the Peach stage. We got a great spot, much closer to the stage, on Jimmy’s side. Leon Russell was fantastic and I adore his voice. He was the perfect addition of Southern Rock to this festival. His legendary style was seamless and traditional. Michael Franti & Spearhead took the stage with their usual zest for life. Always with a feel good vibe and festive gaiety, even having children and babies join him on stage to dance as joyous balloons danced atop the crowd. The holiday was being celebrated all around and the air was cold, yet fragrant. I ran back to camp to drink some moonshine to warm up and had to listen to the Tedeschi Trucks Band from afar as I was walking back – getting back just in time for their last song.
Just before Widespread Panic started I was shocked yet happy to find myself surrounded by many of my North Carolina friends! I was delighted to get to share the rest of the night with each of them. I had noticed the night before that Jimmy Herring’s sound was much softer and quieter, fading slightly into the background. Also, there were no JumboTrons so from where we were on April 19th the musicians looked like ants – Which is why we chose to sit much closer on the 20th. Everyone was celebrating, brimming with impatience and expectancy as Widespread Panic took the stage. They started with “Imitation Leather Shoes” and everyone went nuts singing and swaying to this old Panic standard. My heart leapt about as they went into “Climb To Safety,” another of my favorites. They threw down into a gritty “Stop Breakin’ Down Blues,” and an overwhelming “Party At Your Mama’s House.” “Blackout Blues,” and “Cotton Was King” had the earth beneath our feet quaking! The tempo and energy built quickly, filling us with panicked fervor. Panic went into an iridescent “Bombs & Butterflies,” then “Little Lilly” gave me a moment to catch my breath before jumping up again to rage to “Bust It Big.” They then went into a phenomenal and soul searching “Jack,” ( I had to put down my beloved old German Shepherd BlackJack in February, so have to admit, I cried). But “Love Tractor” dried my tears and had me belting out lyrics. “City Of Dreams” allowed me to reflect on the struggles and joys of my life; and I took comfort from the fellowship and love Widespread Panic and my Panic family have given me over all these years. Panic went into a gorgeous version of “Rebirtha” as the lights caressed the cold night air. Then, much to our delight, Artimus Pyle, Derek Trucks, and Susan Tedeschi came out and accompanied Panic in the Van Morrison cover, “I’ve Been Working.” I could literally see the rapture, like many ghostly spirits, dance above us in the colored air of the light show. Their guests smiled, waved, and left as Panic went into “Goin’ Out West,” which we appreciate in the south. They ended their set with a reviving “Fishwater,” leaving us breathless. It was an amazing two night Panic trip, though I was slightly disappointed there were no encores either night. After two-hundred WP shows I stopped counting, and this was the first time I had NOT seen them play an encore.
Widespread Panic shows are what I was born for, and my spirit is still reeling now. I also love to see WP & ABB play together since they always join each other on stage. In my opinion, their band members compliment each other like no other special guests for ANY band. I had barely come back down from my Widespread Panic high when ABB started. The Allman Brothers Band started with a Les Brers In A Minor tease, which was sinful. They went into the eclectic “1983 (A Merman I Should Turn To Be),” immediately into their infamous “Mountain Jam.” Back into “1983,” then back into “Mountain Jam” again. The delicacy with which Derek and Warren portrayed “Mountain Jam” was spiritually arousing, and vibrated in my every molecule. Gregg did not miss a note and his voice was reticent of the first shows I attended in my youth. I felt like I was flashing back to my youth as they went into “You Don’t Love Me,” then “Midnight Rider.” Both harkened me back to my teenaged years, hearing them on my favorite radio station. They went into a hearty “Don’t Want You No More,” which had me shaking my head – seeing shades of blue glittering in the night air. “It’s Not My Cross To Bear” had us all boot stomping and making the “bass face”! I took quite a few videos that night and my favorite was Spots Of Time. I literally had chills watching the haunting images of Duane Allman looking down upon his band from their visual screen. This was followed by “Done Somebody Wrong,” “Feel Like Breakin’ Up,” and “Somebody’s Home.” I didn’t want their set to end or loose the momentous exhilaration I was feeling. They started playing “Long Black Veil” much to our delight. They went into the always beautiful “Melissa,” followed by “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl.” Their finale, “Whipping Post,” brought me back to Wanee. This two night run proved The Allman Brothers Band was back better and stronger than ever, cementing my love and fervor for this timeless band.
My Wanee musical experience came to a close with Galactic & Friends. The dancefloor area was packed from front to back, and we all were exalting the Galactic cherry atop our Wanee pie! To say we had all gone delirious was an understatement! I personally was in awe of David Shaw from The Revivalists and couldn’t believe how complimentary his voice and style were to Galactic. I had to get off the dancefloor and get some air after taking some videos. I looked up… WOW. That’s all I could say as I watched lights and lasers turn the leaves of the trees and spanish moss into a textured mind melt! My favorite part of their set was when they played Led Zeppelin’s “When The Levee Breaks.” David’s singing was mystical and magical, boring it’s way into my inner soul. Though I spent the last thirty minutes of their set staring up into the trees in amazement, they were a most energetic and enigmatic way to end Wanee – seducing a galactic dimension.
There are pros and cons to every festival, and a perfect five stars is, in my opinion, hard to achieve. There was a very strong police presence but they were quiet and made me feel safe. The only arrests I saw all weekend were four kids on Saturday handcuffed along the main road through the venue. I’m sure they were being young and dumb, probably doing a deal right there for all to see. I was going to give Wanee three and a half stars, but I took the half star away for two reasons: First the slight inconvenience of having to buy tickets in order to purchase food and beer from vendors. Second, the blatant rudeness of a cashier in the camp store. After not having coffee since Wednesday, by Saturday morning we had to have some. We went to the camp store at 11 AM. The coffee and sugar were completely gone. I notified one of the cashiers hoping they would make more. “Excuse me miss, you’re out of coffee and sugar,” I informed her. ” Oh. Good!” was her reply. A little flabbergasted, I shook my head as I walked away. We went back into the venue, bought tickets, and waited patiently for our large hot coffees from a vendor, and it was decadent.
Those being my only complaints all weekend, I put the half star back for one reason. After spending $200 on a ticket, then more than $200 on gas to get there and back, we were pretty poor. We ate at camp what we had packed in our coolers. I lived on tuna sandwiches, boiled eggs, and bananas. I traveled back and forth from the venue to camp to eat and drink. My saving grace was a Brita water station inside the venue. Also getting there early I was able to get a free Wanee Festival souvenir water bottle. Easy access to free water is a big plus in my book. It also brought my scorecard back up to four stars. Although it was pretty far away (and very expensive), the lineup was incredible. The campground and venue were dazzling, and the river a scenic bonus. The sound and lighting productions for both stages were flawless. Wanee Music Festival was close to perfect, and I will definitely go again. A sincere thank you to The Spirit Of The Suwanee Music Park, Wanee fest organizers & promoters, all of the musicians & their crews, Home Grown Music Network, employees, volunteers, vendors, and yes, even the Live Oak Florida Police, for such a memorable event, and wonderful experience.
