Suwannee Mud/Flood/MusicFest

The Suwannee Springfest happened despite the inclement weather. After a thunderstorm/hail/ storm or possibly a tornado ripped through the park early Friday morning Randy and Beth Judy the concert officials had themselves a situation, as you can see from the photos I posted. With all outdoor stages flooded the show was moved inside. We still had a great time even with such obstacles as the sound not being quite right, the crowded indoor venues and a crowd that wanted to talk too much. Like I said before concert etiquette sucks. There were several highpoints regarding the music this past weekend. The first happened when we heard the group Valla, Turner and Williamson at the pickin shed (a new indoor makeshift venue). It was just the group, their instruments and wonderful voices, no soundmen to mess things up. Other highpoints included a songwriting workshop that featured Guy Clark, Verlon Thompson, Rodney Crowell and Will Kimbrough. We got to hear a new group call Uncle Earl which was made up of 5 women playing good ol’ time bluegrass. We also enjoyed Rodney Crowell and his band play their set on Saturday night, of course by this time 2 out of the 4 of us were a bit under the influence; and the extreme highlight came on Sunday when we got to hear Peter Rowan, Bela Fleck, Tony Rice, Brin Bright, Darryl Anger, Mike Marshall, Tanya Elizabeth and Sharon Gilchrist perform. This group was so organized and played beautifully. It was as good as gets.

The picture above was taken while the performers and audience was listening to a recording by Vassar Clements. Vassar’s presence and talent was very much missed and everyone wished him a speedy recovery.

To find out more about my adventures this weekend and get an explanation of the picture with words on the windshield click over to Small Town Rambles.
 

Florida Stage 

Main Stage 

VTW 

Guy Clark and Verlon Thompson 

Schedule 

Meadows Stage. Beer had to be retreived from truck via boat. 
r.m.