Suwannee SpringFest 2009 or How I got the Spirit of the Boogie!!!

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend at Suwannee Springfest. In spite of a little wet weather and a few manly gusts of high wind, the music went on and the Festivarians festivalized as only those who are unbathed and barefoot with divine purpose and mystic insight can.
We were pleased to be joined by cousin Amy (Amyl Nitrate), Jesse (Fighting Cock), and the one and only SuperChunk.
The music kicked ass, the dancing was dirty, and the spirit was alive! Reverend Jeff Mosier laid down the gospel of Garcia and Boogie Cat proclaimed, "I never eat while I'm on the boogie!" And the Tornado Rider taught us all to "be a vicious bird!" What can I say? I am a believer!


Drew Emmitt and Billy Nershi with Tyler Grant. The Emmitt Nershi band played like they were on fire!

Mike Merenda (with baby on back) on banjo and his wife, Ruth Ungar (of Mike and Ruthie) with

Jordan McConnell of the Duhks.

Festivarians "Hometown" on "Superchunk", Jesse (sometimes known as "Fighting Cock")and "Amyl Nitrate"

"Fighting Cock" "Amyl Nitrate" and "Black Betty" ponder the true meaning of "I'm a Falcon!"

Suwannee Springfest

BlackBetty and I are heading down to the beautiful Spirit of the Suwannee music park in North Florida on Thursday for Springfest. It'll start the 2009 Festival season for us. I'm looking forward to seeing all the great music. (It'll be the first time I've seen Guy Clark since June 1981!)

Suwannee is a great venue, it's usually a smallish crowd, two stages, has a mellow and friendly vibe, and of course the music is great. We bring our bicycles, tent camp, and chill for the weekend. No worries.

We are also looking forward to camping with my AT buddy, Superchunk and also our niece Amy and her boyfriend, Jesse. We should also reunite with other festivarian friends who we see there.

Suwannee Springfest ArtistsMarch 26 - 29, 2009
Richie Havens Donna the Buffalo Emmitt Nershi Band
Peter Rowan Guy Clark & Verlon Thompson
The Duhks The Lee Boys Darrell Scott Jim Lauderdale
Darol Anger & Mike Marshall with Väsen
Scythian The Gourds Blueground Undergrass
Seth Walker Band Amy LaVere Roy Book Binder
Swamp Cabbage Mike Merenda & Ruth Unger The Rowan Brothers
Shannon Whitworth The Dedringers Dread Clampitt
David Gans Tornado Rider Gatorbone
WaCo Ramblers Virginia Dare Devils
Tammerlin Brittany Reilly & Almost Acoustic Band
Marie Nofsinger Annie Wenz Steve Simpson
Cathy Lee Tom Nelly Clyde Walker
Tania Quartermoon Sloppy Joe Redheaded Stepchild
Tallahassee Youth Fiddlers with Mickey Abraham
Suwannee Bluegrass Mafia Habanero Honeys

Curtis Blackwell

Curtis Blackwell is a local bluegrass legend. Here is a video I found on YouTube by his granddaughter showing a mountain family jam session. Curtis is in the plaid shirt on your right, playing the guitar. These boys can pick! Mighty Fine, Mighty Fine.........

The French Broad River Festival

The Overtakers coming to town

The Overtakers are coming to Asheville on May 6 at The Grey Eagle!