Suwannee Spring Reunion, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak, FL, March 22-25, 2018
Written by Ashley Feller
This makes the second year for Suwannee Spring Reunion at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak Florida. Last year was a promising start to a new tradition that has grown from seeds planted more than twenty years ago. The theme for this year is “Sowing the Seeds of Music” which is definitely appropriate considering the love of music and community runs deep in the Suwannee festival community. Suwannee Spring Reunion and Suwannee Roots Revival are sister festivals that both evolved from Magnolia Festival and Spring Fest which were staples at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Suwannee Spring Reunion marks a time for a seasonal change and is a divine opportunity to experience community, nature, and share in the love of music, art, dancing, and camping in the stunning beauty the park has to offer.
Photo credits: Kerry Barbato
The lineup showcases some of the best acts in the realm of Americana Music today on multiple stages. Modern Roots music is ever changing. Many of the bands and solo artists who will be performing have a long and rich history of playing music in the park. Not only is there magnificent fellowship among those who attend the festival to experience the music there is also a significant bond between musicians of all skill sets who have continuously come to the festival throughout the years. After the stages shut down in the late evening the celebration has just begun. Traditionally, there are two campsites which are shown on the map that welcome pickers to jam throughout the weekend.
Photo credits: Kerry Barbato
The first is known as The Bill Monroe Shrine and it is hosted by Gainesville’s own Quarter Moon. Under the tent, folks can gather to sit on a hay bale and enjoy listening to Quarter Moon and friends throughout the evening. It’s also an opportunity for musicians of all abilities to join in. There is a large painting of the legendary fiddle player Vassar Clements hanging from the exterior of the tent and also a lovely shrine to the father of Bluegrass music Bill Monroe. The second campsite that welcomes music lovers is Slopryland. This campsite is hosted by the Band Sloppy Joe from Wisconsin. For many years the large campsite has become a haven for campers to retreat to for great impromptu jam sessions. These two campsites particularly make the festival feel like a family reunion. Countless friendships have been formed here and have only deepened over time. “I love the campground picking more than any other festival. As its always so amazing. Each time it’s a different cast of characters joining in at our favorite spots to jam at Slopryland and Bill Monroe Pick’n Tent. It’s completely magical, every time” -Billy Gilmore of The Grass is dead comments.
Photo credits: Kerry Barbato
Sowing the seeds of music is accepting that it is a time for positive evolution. With every year that passes each one of us grown into our own uniqueness. We all have a gift to offer the world and Suwannee Spring Reunion is an optimal opportunity to bring your gift and be part of a wonderful new tradition. Maybe you write songs, maybe you half a knack for relaying your life experiences to folks. Whatever your gift is this is a wonderful time to personally sow your own seed. Some affectionately refer to the festival attendees as “Music Farmers” a name derived from a documentary made about Magfest and Springfest several years ago. It is because of these cultivators that the tradition has thrived and has also grown. Longtime festival goers will tell you that last year’s Suwannee Spring Reunion was almost a therapeutic experience for them because they were able to participate in an event that honors friendship, love and is bound together by a team of people who will relentlessly nourish this musical garden.
Photo credits: Kerry Barbato
Suwannee Spring Reunion is both a step back and then a step forward in time. There are many old favorites on the line up such as Donna The Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, and The Grass is Dead. However, there are new additions like guitar virtuoso Billy Strings joining this year’s cast. Like a precious gem Suwannee Spring Reunion shines with many facets. The beauty of the park, the artwork that is on displayed and the shared musical experience combined all make the foundation for a memorable weekend. Tickets are available on at www.suwanneespringreunion.com Primitive camping is included with four days and weekend passes but there are also electric sites, RV hookup sites, and cabins available for reservation. Gather your family and friends and we’ll see you soon at the second annual Suwannee Spring Reunion!
