Member Since: 09/04/2007
Band Website: www.magmusic.com
Band Members: Magnolia Fest 2008 Line up will be posted soon!!!!
Influences: Imagine a town where everyone gets along. Imagine days going by without witnessing an argument. Imagine days passing without hearing even a rumor of confrontation, violence, thievery or bigotry. Imagine days passing without seeing a single frown anywhere. Imagine an entire town of truly happy Americans.
I found one.
Last Thursday I joined the migration to the Spirit of the Suwanee campground and joined the tent city of fellow humans for four days of Magnoliafest. I'm surprised at how many people have never even heard of this event, much less experienced it. For all of us that find ourselves becoming jaded with humanity and concerned with the state of our society, this is truly a Mecca. For four days thousands of fellow Human Beings come together to revel in the company of each other and the life affirming music of America. From toddlers to geriatrics, rich and poor, professionals and students all aspects of our society gather in one small area and actually get along!
The venue is the soul-soothing woods of North Florida, near Live Oak. Ancient oaks hugging the Suwanee River, grassy meadows, winding trails and creatures of nature sharing thier space with us lowly humans. It's exactly the soul-soothing environment this city-weary guy needed. The Spirit of the Suwannee is actually a very well run campground with both RV and primitive campsites. The volume of campers did overload the plumbing infrastructure daily causing long lines at the "facilities" and many skipped grooming sessions which only made the overall spirit of joy and togetherness that much more amazing. Add to that the near-constant rain for the first day and a half and it's hard to imagine so many people foregoing our natural inclinations to whine and complain. But we did.
The music is eclectic and varied in both style and substance. Billed as Americana, it encompasses more genres than I can list here. All of the bands performing were professional yet personal and nobody left without being touched by at least one musical interpretation of our existence. I won't even name any of them because this is not an advertisement for the music. In many ways, the event wasn't as much about the performers as it was about the spectators. As it should be. It was truly music with a higher purpose.
For those of us jaded by the processes of daily life, Magnoliafest is a perfect reminder that higher ideals CAN not only exist but also be realized; even for just a few too short days. It will be a long wait for it to come around again next October but you can count on me to return. If you"re looking for relief from the mundane and your faith in humanity needs a booster shot, I highly reccomend that you mark your calender for the last weekend before halloween, get your camping gear and tie-dye together and plan on attending. I promise that you too will return to the "real" world a happier, more positive, revitalized Human Being.
Sounds Like: The best description of the music we emphasize is Americana or Grassroots, which includes a flavorful, rich blend of new & traditional folk, bluegrass, newgrass, roots rock, alternative country, singer/songwriter, rhythm & blues, Cajun, and Celtic music plus a few things that defy description. We strive to adhere to and respect the great traditions of traditional or American Roots Music, while offering a completely contemporary approach & outlook to all aspects of our productions.
past performers include: Sam Bush, Derek Trucks, Col. Bruce Hampton, Vassar Clements, David Grisman, Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, Dickey Betts, Oteil Burbrige, Joe Craven, Jerry Douglas, Victor Wooten, Mike Marshall, Darol Anger, The Duhks, Blueground Undergrass, Donna the Buffalo, Leftover Salmon, Drew Emmitt, Jim Lauderdale, The Greencards, MOFRO, New Monsoon, Crooked Still, Old School Freight Train, Old Crow Medicine Show, Railroad Earth, The Waybacks, Yonder Mountain String Band, and so many more...
Record Label: none