the springfest 2009.....

I've been attending the Suwannee Springfest since 1999 and it didn't take long for me to figure out that this would be one of my favorite festivals. Besides the wonderful wonderful music that I've heard and been introduced to at the Springfest, the venue and the weather and the people all have been superb. I can honestly say that that northern Florida spring festival weather is usually the best weather that any festival could hope for. (there are of course exceptions to all rules...>g<)

Again, this year's lineup had many highlights in my ears...with the highest being of course the Mike/Darol/Vasen mindblower. Others included David Gans opening the Ampitheatre Stage on Friday morning and I wish I would have caught his set with the Rowan Brothers, doing a Beatle Tribute. I had heard them do some Beatle stuff during the post-Magfest party last October, and those guys are gooood! They call themselves the "Rubber Souldiers"....

Darrell Scott is always a treat. The first time I saw him he was playing with Sam Bush and actually I watched a Station Inn rehearsal with Sam and John Cowan teaching songs to Darrell, with his first appearence with the band that night....and I've been a big fan ever since. Bryn Davies joined Darrell on the bass and both Darol Anger and Rushad Eggleston each played one of Darrell's sets. Super, super music....

Darrell and Bryn....



Rushad joins in and I wish the sound from my camera was better....



Darol joins Darrel and Bryn....



Scythian is a hoot! Total full-tilt energy happenin' with those boys...they are so much fun!



And I'm really liking the Duhks these days...their sound continues to evolve and Sarah can really belt out a tune!



The Emmitt Nershi Band always is a treat as well. I first heard Drew Emmitt and Bill Nershi back on the streets and campgrounds of Telluride in the late 80s, early 90s. They make a great team and the band is hot...especially when Darol joins them!



And there's always room for Peter. He put on a great solo set and he also called up his brothers to join him. He also led the Vassar Bluegrass Jam, and that's always a treat.



Vassar Bluegrass Band with the lovely Sue on fiddle...



Richie Havens...went 35 years without ever seeing him and now I've seen him twice in the last couple of years; damned powerful.



Verlon Thompson is the definition of southern cool....what a sweet man and a great entertainer.



There were other musical acts that I enjoyed, without the photos! Roy Bookbinder is always fun, The Gourds had folks rockin', Seth Walker is a great bluesman (!), and then there was Tornado Rider! Rushad and his band are most certainly entertaining at a very high intensity level....it's a musical experience that you have to actually live though to try to understand; and it's still baffling. And the festival closing set with Donna the Buffalo and many friends jammin' it out was a great dancin' finale! My legs and feet at that time were telling me not to fool with them any longer....

A great festival! Kudos again go out to Beth and Randy Judy....you do a helluva job, my friends.

Peace, David