Category: News
Savannah Stopover Artists to Watch
Savannah Stopover is something of a hidden gem as far as music festivals go. Located in Savannah, Georgia, the three-day festival boasts a packed lineup of up-and-coming artists of all backgrounds and genres. Throughout the weekend, shows take place in small to mid-sized venues across Savannah’s historic district, establishing an intimacy that is rare among festivals today. This year will mark Savannah Stopover’s eighth year running, with no shortage of diverse talent. With March 8 just around the corner, here’s a list of the top 15 must-see artists at this year’s Savannah Stopover Music Festival.
15. Wild Moccasins
There’s something infectious about the unique, eclectic look and sound of Wild Moccasins. With a strong female lead vocalist and vintage beats, their sound is reminiscent of ‘80s pop. Known for their creative costume design and infectious stage presence, they’re sure to put on a good show.
14. John Stickley Trio
If you’re looking for good ol’ bluegrass music you can dance to, look no further than the John Stickley Trio. These extremely skilled musicians take their audience on a musical journey with their flawless technique and exploratory jams. Their sound should fit in perfectly with the rustic, coastal scene of Savannah, Georgia.
13. The Vegabonds
Part Americana, part rock ‘n roll, The Vegabonds seem to be gaining more and more momentum each day. The band has grown a great deal since their start in the college circuit back in 2009. Now with three European tours under their belt, The Vegabonds don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
12. David Barbe & Inward Dream Ebb
College professor by day, punk-rock lead singer by night, David Barbe does it all. Rooted in Athens, Georgia, Barbe has successfully embedded himself deep within Athens’ vibrant music scene. His band’s sound is a product of the evolution of punk and rock throughout the years, bringing with it a sound that doesn’t quite conform to any one genre.
11. KOLARS
KOLARS is a two member band consisting of Rob Kolar and Lauren Brown. The combination of Kolar’s vocals (think David Bowie meets The Killers) and Brown’s innovative performance drumming makes for a strange and wonderful chemistry. KOLARS is a prime example of the extensive musical variety that can be found at Savannah Stopover.
10. Acid Dad
Acid Dad’s sound is reminiscent of something you might hear in an underground club twenty years ago, and don’t get me wrong, that’s a good thing. Their ‘we don’t give a damn’ attitude and punk meets hard-rock sound gives them an appearance of self assurance and decisiveness that is often hard to come by in new talent, putting them at number ten on my list of must-see artists.
9. Lola Marsh
Savannah Stopover’s lineup this year is seeing a plethora of strong female vocalists, and Lola Marsh is no exception. Since their impressive self-released EP in 2016, the duo has seen a quick rise in popularity with tours across the US and Europe. Consisting of singer Yael Shoshana Cohen and guitarist Gil Landau, the duo has developed a strong fanbase thanks to their unique, upbeat sound.
8. Stoop Kids
There’s nothing like the infectious energy of bands who look like they’re having a genuinely great time with each other on stage, and that’s exactly the kind of vibe Stoop Kids gives off. The New Orleans-born quintet delivers an updated version of classic sounds found in New Orleans’ rich culture, from hip-hop, to jazz, to rock.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIKe2aEnCp4
7. Future Generations
Indie pop band Future Generations has really taken off since their debut album in 2016. The album has seen millions of streams on Spotify and the group has been regularly touring across the US. Their music is reminiscent of bands like STRFKR, Moon Taxi and Portugal. The Man, with an alt-indie sound that is popular among most audiences today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-syx-QNrX0
6. The Bones of J.R. Jones
The Bones of J.R. Jones is the one-man blues and roots act of New York native Jonathon Linaberry. It’s hard not to admire Linaberry’s extensive skills as he does percussion, vocals and a combination of either guitar or banjo, with an occasional harmonica all at once. If not for his musical ability, it’s worth seeing The Bones of J.R. Jones just to witness the passion in his performance.
5. Larkin Poe
This sister duo is keeping the spirit of old school music alive with their soulful, gritty rock ‘n roll sound. Originally from Georgia and now living in Nashville, Rebecca and Megan Lovell draw inspiration from their southern roots, and after growing up in the same household, they’ve developed an undeniable chemistry in their music.
4. Nikki Lane
I just can’t get over how many great female artists are blessing Savannah Stopover this year! Americana wonder Nikki Lane is a bad**s southern woman with her own personal style and distinctive vocals. Her set is definitely worth making it to.
3. of Montreal
It’s hard to describe the art of Kevin Barnes, the mastermind behind of Montreal. With his extended club mix 80’s pop sound, drag looks and out-of-this world performances and music videos, Barnes is making a serious impression on today’s music scene. With a look similar to Andy Warhol and a self-proclaimed paranoia of big government, Barnes seems to have an artistic complexity within himself that is evident in his music.
2. Cicada Rhythm
These folk/americana Athens locals bring a soulful sound that’s largely uncommon today, along with sincere, impassioned performances. The chilling harmonies of Andrea DeMarcus and Dave Kirslis put them high on my list of must-see artists, and once you see them live, you’ll understand why their sound is so hypnotic.
1. Wild Child
What started as the brainchild of Kelsey Wilson and Alexander Biggins in Austin, Texas has blossomed into a seven-piece indie-pop band complete with ukelele, violin, cello, trumpet, harmonica, drums, guitar and keyboard. With four studio albums under their belt and multiple worldwide tours, the band has gained a solid, steady momentum and developed a devoted fanbase. Their newest album, ‘Expectations,’ exemplifies a mature, confident sound as the artists drew from inspirations all over the world while writing the music while on tour. It’s hard not to smile while watching the band’s undeniable chemistry unfold as they grin cheek-to-cheek while performing.
Wild Child: ‘Expectations’
There are love songs, there are breakup songs and then there are the songs on indie-pop band Wild Child’s newest album, Expectations. They describe relationships in limbo, which is an all-to-relatable status nowadays. The members of Wild Child have successfully managed to mature sonically while still remaining true to their fundamentals. While the band has certainly grown in numbers over the years, the tracks on their newest album succeed in paying homage to their earlier, simpler days.
Expectations is by far the Austin-based band’s most passionate album. The lyrics are introspective and especially impactful alongside Kelsey Wilson’s powerful vocals.
While the first track, “Alex,” is my personal least favorite of the album, I have to respect the choice to kick off the somewhat serious album with a more lighthearted sound. Now don’t get me wrong; the track still has the same push-and-pull relationship drama storyline that much of Expectations deals with. Title track “Expectations” builds momentum until around 3:20, where you can really hear Wilson’s emotions pour out through the vocals. At one point, her voice actually reaches a scream, which would almost seem out of place for Wild Child, but context justifies the move, and the experiment is magnificently successful.
The title track, along with other up-tempo tracks including “Back & Forth” and “Think It Over,” demonstrate not only Wilson’s vocal chops and passion, but also the growth and development of the rest of the band. This many-layered album is a particularly good example of the wide range of talent Wild Child contains. Whether it’s a trumpet, violin, cello or ukulele, the band seems to always find a way to build upon their sound.
The slower tracks on Expectations are no exception. “Follow Me” is arguably the band’s most sensual song to date. And I can’t ignore the fact that the combination of “Sinking Ship,” “My Town” and “The One” legitimately made me cry. You know you’ve got a powerful album when one fourth of it brings out actual tears.
There were times in Wild Child’s 2015 album, Fools where I felt they were getting dangerously close to losing their signature, stripped down and simple sound. Where Fools lost that, Expectations has found it again with ease. “The One,” released as a single and as a music video, reminds me that it’s the harmonies of Kelsey Wilson and Alex Beggins that first made me fall for this band. While the rich texture found in their more upbeat tracks relays more passion at times, there’s nothing like Beggins’ ukulele.
Overall, Expectations pulls at your heartstrings. I hate to fan girl even more, but here’s to hoping we won’t see the last of Wild Child anytime soon.
7.5/10
MGMT: ‘Little Dark Age’
No matter what you think of MGMT, you’ve got to give them props for refusing to become stale. The band has evolved from their original bohemian rocker aesthetic, refusing to be defined solely by Oracular Spectacular, the hit album that boosted them into the spotlight over a decade ago. That being said, their newest album, Little Dark Age, tells me that they’re still not quite sure who they want to be.
Their first two singles, “Little Dark Age” and “When You Die,” which were both accompanied by music videos, made many think that they had begun to find an image. The “Little Dark Age” video shows a transition to a new, goth-pop territory; while “When You Die” makes it clear that they’re still not done using trippy, out of this world visuals.
In many ways, Little Dark Age does succeed in balancing the fine line between experimentation and clutter, in ways that their 2013 self-titled album failed to achieve.
The return of catchy hooks and seemingly effortless lyrics found in their first two singles, along with many others on the album, give the impression that the band is finally willing to lean into the commercial success of Oracular Spectacular and the upbeat rhythms, synths, and special effects that come along with it, without abandoning their obvious desire to develop more maturity in their sound.
In many tracks, including “One Thing Left to Try,” “Me and Michael” and the title track, “Little Dark Age,” MGMT demonstrates an evolution of sorts as they embrace the darker sounds of ‘80s synth pop, which works for them. After the “Little Dark Age” video was released, many comparisons were drawn between MGMT and The Cure, with a confident Andrew VanWyngarden boasting long, dark hair and eye makeup as he sang the gothic lyrics of the track.
However, “She Works Out Too Much,” and “TSLAMP” find the band back to grasping at straws when it comes to their sound. “She Works Out Too Much” is an overexertion of energy (no pun intended), sounding more like parody than originality. MGMT has succeeded in the past, and even on this album, in making powerful, societal remarks throughout their songs, but “TSLAMP” is too on-the-nose and obvious to be impactful. “TSLAMP”–standing for “Time Spent Looking At My Phone”–speaks of the trivial obsession with the cell phone, honing in on a message that’s far from revolutionary, bringing nothing new to the conversation but a cringeworthy attempt at a call-out.
Overall, Little Dark Age shows some serious growth for MGMT but still falls short at points. Slower tracks like “When You’re Smaller” and “Hand It Over” are reminiscent of Congratulations, (in a very welcome way), while “James,” which was recorded while the entire band and the producer were tripping, exemplifies MGMT’s tendency to try too hard to be unique and far out.
This album is difficult to decipher, albeit an important next step in MGMT’s journey to self-identification. The band is still teetering somewhere in between not caring what people think and caring too much, but their ability to converge organic sounds, steady beats and melodies is ever undeniable.
7/10
Looking Ahead…Imagine 2018
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It’s never too early to start looking ahead. While we just closed out the 2017 festival season, we’re already starting to plan for 2018. And trust us, it will be here sooner than we know it.
One festival that’s already on our radar for next year is Imagine. 2017 marked the fourth edition of the immersive aquatic fairytale and the second year the festival called Atlanta Motor Speedway home. For three days this past September, Imagine transformed the Speedway’s pavement into an all-encompassing, 360-degree sensory experience that blended some of the best electronic sets we had seen all summer, circus troupes, performers, dancers, and art.
Upon entering the venue, you were first met by the Disco Inferno Stage. Created by Incendia, the geodesic massive structure featured a spellbinding fire and flame effect that coincided with the music. This stage and the environment it produced not only was our favorite stage of the entire weekend, but many other attendees’ favorite as well.
The two largest stages, Oceania and Amazonia, were each housed on opposing end of the Speedway. At Oceania we indulged under Tiesto’s fireworks, got down to some Liquid Stranger, and basked in Sunday’s sunset during Illenium. It was at Amazonia where we celebrated some of the best festival sets we had seen all summer. From a throwback and hard hitting Pretty Lights set, to a funkin good time with The Floozies, to a Sunday Funday with STS9, Amazonia enthralled us all weekend.
This year proved that not only is Imagine (rightfully) the region’s largest independent EDM camping festival, but it just might be one of the best. While there may be a few more months until we get the 2018 lineup, you may want to jump on the special customer appreciation tickets while they’re still available – less than 12 hours remain on these prices. It is with certainty that Imagine will keep attracting some of the industry’s biggest talent, and with 2018 being the festival’s fifth anniversary you won’t want to miss out on what is to come.
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Video Premiere: Maitland – “Luna”
Philadelphia indie folk rock group Maitland follows up the June released of their debut full length Glimpse with the ethereal music video for track “Luna.”
“Although the song plays like a love song, ‘Luna’ has a bit of a deeper message, touching on the frailty of our environment and the world’s infatuation with endless consumption,” says the band of the video. “There are sort of three ‘mindsets’ that we were trying to convey through the video; one: vulnerability, suffocation, and the need to escape something, two: the dreamlike satisfaction of taking advantage of the world we live in, three: the search for something greater than the physical experience of life.”
Without the haunting yet beautiful imagery of video, the track itself expresses its message through artfully crafted poetic lyricism.
“Lyrically, the chorus is a mantra of sorts, chanting about a finite spring that everyone needs to drink from.,” says the band of the track. “Unless we only take what we need (and no more), we’ll run dry. As a few people search for a fleeting fulfillment, taking more than their share, others are left with the final drops. But there’s room for rebuilding, and it takes a village. These words also point at a holy spring. The source from which all life comes into being. This spring will never run dry and will always offer what is required in order to rebuild the individual, the community, and the world.”
Check out the premiere of “Luna” below.
For those in the Philly area on November 9, head over to Johnny Brenda‘s to catch the band live with Square Peg Round Hole and Abi Reimold.
Never Miss a Hulaween
Never miss a Hulaween….and we mean it.
A weekend at Suwannee Hulaween is something to be experienced. Over the past five years, Hulaween has morphed into a world class festival and one of the best Halloween parties around. The festival offers a wide-reaching and ever-evolving lineup year after year. Hulaween’s superb live/jam and electronic music will be the soundtrack to a fully immersive creative journey over three, or maybe four, days.
Many may not realize the concept for this spectacular Halloween extravaganza reaches far beyond the first Suwannee Hulaween that took place at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in 2013. A history spanning nearly two decades of The String Cheese Incident’s legendary Halloween “Incidents” has helped create the magical masterpiece that Hulaween is today. Over the years as SCI’s popularity grew, so did their stage presence and so did the “Incidents.” Spectacle elements, various eye and mind psychedelia aspects, and audience participatory activities were added to these special and larger “Incidents,” such as Halloween — which became Hulaween due to the band’s early connection with the hooping movement. So it’s no wonder that new and veteran attendees will find themselves entranced by SCI as they play host to their flagship festival and play all three nights, including a unique Halloween themed covers set.
In addition to SCI’s magical enchantment over the festival and a stellar lineup — The Disco Biscuits, Greensky Bluegrass, and Lettuce, electronic giants like Bassnectar, GRiZ, RL Grime, Claude VonStroke, Beats Antique, FKJ, Shiba San, and Manic Focus, globally renowned headlining live acts like Ween, Run The Jewels, Portugal. The Man, Nick Murphy (Chet Faker), Nathaniel Rateliff, and many more — there are a few other elements of Hulaween that help make this beloved festival so unique and special.
SPIRIT OF SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK – The venue itself is naturally perfect for a Halloween festival. Set in the midst of 800-acres of Spanish moss-draped oak and cypress along the black Suwannee River, the grounds are an organic host to hauntingly beautiful memories and ghoulish shenanigans. You can undoubtedly feel the magic of this place.
SPIRIT LAKE – Spirit Lake is the artistic triumph of Hulaween’s fully immersive inventive playground. This focal point continues to define the multi-faceted Suwannee voyage. Psychedelic media arts, otherworldly lighting design, and bewitching projections will lure attendees deeper into the wooded lakeside oasis where they may encounter live performers and of course costumed fans embedded into this wildly collaborative passage. Swing on the tentacles of a jellyfish, get lost in a swamp ball pit, warm up near a mythical beast spitting fire, or daydream in a teepee. Whatever you choose, the adventure is yours in Spirit Lake.
HULAFAM – Hulaween doesn’t just have attendees. It has a community of like-minded individuals where new friends and old become family. Sometimes you attend a festival where you can feel how special the weekends and moments are, Hulaween is one of those festivals. Spirt of Suwannee is a place where you can abandon the worldly grind and summon your inner child to come out and play. Inhibitions, judgements, and preconceptions dissolve away with every smile and hug exchanged with strangers who will quickly becomes your new best friends.
THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT’S HALLOWEEN THEMED SET – Year after year, The String Cheese Incident delights and excites attendees with their annual themed extravaganza. This year SCI will be playing to the theme Night of the Loving Dead on Saturday night for their highly anticipated set. In a world devilishly assaulted by ferocious natural disasters, crazed political discourse, and other sinister attacks, love is the only kryptonite that can stop these invaders in their tracks. SCI invites all to bust out their zombie garb, cupid outfits or whatever else suits attendees’ Halloween desires. Their only requirement is that you inject whatever you wear with a ghoulish portion of LOVE. In 2017, love is the answer, love wins.
Hulaween 2017 Playlist
In case you haven’t heard by now, Hulaween 2017 is officially sold out. In it’s fifth year, this year’s Hulaween will not disappoint. So while all you ghouls prepare for next weekend’s festivities, we’ve created a soundtrack for your packing and costume making. See you in the swamp!
10 Artists Not To Miss at Hulaween
October. The month of the PSL, Halloween, sweater weather, Instagram worthy fall adventures, and of course, Hulaween.
Celebrating its fifth year, Suwannee Hulaween will offer a wide-reaching offering of live/jam and electronic music’s finest to soundtrack a fully immersive creative journey. New and veteran attendees will find themselves entranced by The String Cheese Incident (who remain at the helm of Hulaween – their flagship festival), The Disco Biscuits, Greensky Bluegrass, and Lettuce, being blown away electronic giants like Bassnectar, GRiZ, RL Grime, Claude VonStroke, Beats Antique, FKJ, Shiba San, and Manic Focus, or being treated to globally renowned headlining live acts like Ween, Run The Jewels, Portugal. The Man, Nick Murphy (Chet Faker), Nathaniel Rateliff, and many more.
As we countdown to Hulaween, here are ten artists that should be on your Hulaween radar. We have a good feeling their sets will be all treats…no tricks here folks.
BIG SOMETHING
Six piece powerhouse BIG Something fuses elements of rock, pop, funk, and improvisation to take listeners on a journey through a myriad of musical styles. Soaring guitars, synths, horns and alluring vocal hooks rise to the top of their infectious collection of songs and represent a sound that has caught the ears of Galactic, moe., Robert Randolph, and even The B52s who have all tapped Big Something as direct support. BIG Something dropped their 4th full-length studio album, Tumbleweed, this past February.
GRIZ
GRiZ is one of those artists that radiates loves and is a shining beacon of positivity in an unsettled world. The multi faceted electronic funk and soul musician cuts no corners with his production or live performances. Channelling authentic horn lines and catchy saxophone riffs with an awe inspiring live performance to match. GRiZ’s latest release “Good Will Prevail” debuted at #1 on the electronic charts and while always being available for Free Download, it was released through his own self-funded imprint “All Good Records”. “Show Love, Spread Love” in the name of GRiZ.
KEYS N KRATES
Keys N Krates first grabbed our attention a few years back at a Madison House SXSW party. Their energetic and bass powered set proved that Keys N Krates was and is not just any standard EDM act. Needless to say, we were impressed. Their breakthrough singles – the elastic loops and diamond-edged drums of “Dum Dee Dum,” the head rush hooks of “Treat Me Right,” a frantic, D’n’B-flavored “Are We Faded” – are able to pull the strings of packed festival crowds without resorting to tired EDM tropes. Hip-hop, house and UK bass music all play a role in their live sets.
MARIAN HILL
Hip-hop, blues harmonies, drums, bass, horns, classic vocal melodies, soloistic vocal chops, and intimate lyrics. This is what you get with Marian Hill. The Brooklyn-duo’s one of a kind sound doesn’t disappoint. Their music is moody and while you may have never heard their one of a kind sound before, it all feels surprisingly familiar.
NICK MURPHY
In 2016, Nick Murphy killed Chet Faker. In the beginning, Chet Faker was a project for Murphy. This project soon turned into almost half a decade of playing music under the Chet Faker moniker and building a cult following that worshiped the downtempo, atmospheric electronica sound. Last year the Australian pop phenomenon decided to release the Chet Faker name and create new material and perform under his real name, Nick Murphy. You may recognize him and his distinctive sound and work with notables Flume, Banks, and Marcus Marr.
PERPETUAL GROOVE
Georgia’s Perpetual Groove is an absolute fan favorite. Since returning from a two-year hiatus, the Athens, GA, based band has come back stronger and more determined than ever. Over the years their music has evolved into a genre-bending, highly original sound that touches upon jazz-rock, neo-psychedelia, R&B, trance electronica, progressive rock, and anthemic arena rock. Their large catalog of original music offers something for everyone, but the band is also known for their eclectic range of covers. Last month it was announced that the band is planning to release a new album, their first in seven years – check out their new album campaign here. We have nothing but absolute love for these guys and we highly encourage you not missing them at this year’s Hulaween.
PORTUGAL. THE MAN
2017 has been a big year for Portugal. The Man with a new album and some heavy touring. The release of the new album, Woodstock (their first new album in three years), shows a new-found creative voice for the band. A voice speaking out about the world crumbling around them. Their mega-hit “Feel It Still” continues to play over the airwaves and stays steady on the charts.
SPAFFORD
As of late, Spafford seems to be all the buzz on the current jam scene. The four piece funk rock act hailing from Phoenix, AZ, has a sound rooted in deep sonic exploration with a focus on improvisational elements. A focus on blending genres with a deep foundation of patient groove building has helped craft a sound all their own. Formed in 2012 by happenstance, the band has been building an organic fanbase in the Southwestern United States through word of mouth ever since. The secret of Spafford is finally out and don’t miss your chance to see them.
STOKESWOOD
If you’re looking for eclecticism and high energy performances, look no further than Atlanta’s own Stokeswood. Known to switch instruments between songs, they eschew limits on influences. From Atlanta’s hip-hop beats to indie-rock melodies, their sound shimmers with futuristic thrum, thick with static, driving percussion and swirling high notes. Their songs range between (rightfully) earning their place on the dance floors as well as on that most personal of gestures: the mix tape.
TANK AND THE BANGAS
Their name is familiar and it’s familiar for a very good reason. We were first introduced to Tank And The Bangas in early 2017 when video of their victorious performance at NPR’s headquarters (after their unanimous win of this year’s Tiny Desk Contest) went viral. Rummaging through their sound like a thrift store hippie, you’ll find the Bangas to provoke a musical reference of Rhythmic Soul and Spoken word among other genres such as Rock, Gospel, Funk, and Folk. Combining the various musical technique among the Bangas, coupled with the instilling play on lyrics from the lead vocalist; Tank and The Bangas have quilted a unique sound that singles them as one of the most distinctive groups to come out of New Orleans.
**BONUS**
THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT’S NIGHT OF THE LOVING DEAD THEMED SET
Year after year, The String Cheese Incident delights and excites attendees with their annual themed extravaganza. This year SCI will be playing to the theme Night of the Loving Dead on Saturday night for their highly anticipated set. In a world devilishly assaulted by ferocious natural disasters, crazed political discourse, and other sinister attacks, love is the only kryptonite that can stop these invaders in their tracks. SCI invites all to bust out their zombie garb, cupid outfits or whatever else suits attendees’ Halloween desires. Their only requirement is that you inject whatever you wear with a ghoulish portion of LOVE. In 2017, love is the answer, love wins.
To get a taste of what we’ll be experiencing, check out SCI’s themed set from last year:
LOCKN’ Gets It All Right
After a few years of logistical hiccups and growing pains, LOCKN’ number five seems to have gotten it right. This was the LOCKN’ we have been waiting for.
Last Thursday the festival kicked off four days of music at the newly named Infinity Downs Farms located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Arrington, Virginia. In comparison to past years, entry into the grounds was organized and direction to camping was prompt and easy. The entire landscape of the venue (entry, camping, stages, vendors, etc.) had been modified making the festival feel more intimate and easier to navigate.
This year both the single main stage and the Relix Stage/Blue Ridge Bowl (formerly the Shakedown Stage) were both housed within the actual festival. The main stage featured a rotating stage that allowed for, mostly, continuous music throughout the entire day. This stage was also positioned closer to the bowl amphitheatre allowing for a quick walk to and from afternoon and late night sets.
LOCKN’s lineups have always been built upon a sense of nostalgia. Last weekend was no exception as attendees were gifted with a once-in-a-lifetime headlining set from Phil Lesh with Special Guests Bob Weir, Nicki Bluhm & The Terrapin Family Band performing The Grateful Dead’s classic 1977 album, Terrapin Station, in its entirety. Additionally, Ann Wilson of Heart joined Gov’t Mule on stage to cover everything from Led Zeppelin to Janis Joplin (Garnet Mimms original) to Memphis Slim. The shining moment was the synergetic take on “Magic Man,” from Heart’s debut Dreamboat Annie (1976). Other magical music moments came from The Avett Brothers, in their long awaited LOCKN’ debut, with Bob Weir, Moonalice joined by Jorma Kaukonen, and Lesh sitting in with moe.
Prior to LOCKN’ it was unfortunately announced that moe. bassist Rob Derhak had been diagnosed with cancer and would not be joining his bandmates in Virginia. With Lesh stepping in, Phil.moe. was born. The Sunday set was a mixture of both moe., Grateful Dead hits, and one incredibly memorable cover of The Band’s “Ophelia.” Additional guests appearances were made from Bob Weir, members from The Revivalists, and Nicki Bluhm. This set also marked the last show moe. would play before taking a hiatus.
LOCKN’ was graced with the stand out and highly anticipated performance from singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, who had to cancel her appearance last year due to illness. As the sun was setting, attendees listened as Carlile made a heartfelt dedication to all of the mothers in the crowd, followed by an emotional performance of “The Mother.” Her set was also speckled with covers of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California,” and John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” which she invited My Morning Jacket’s Jim James to join her on stage.
Additional notable sets from the weekend came from Widespread Panic with a very fitting rendition of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth”, the always rockin’ John Butler Trio, and fan favorites The Revivalists.
Musically and logistically speaking LOCKN’ got it absolutely right this year. But beyond just the festival happenings, LOCKN’ also got something else right. While the world around us turns in turmoil and unrest, the LOCKN’ community came together to form a family built on acceptance, kindness, smiles, and pure love – proving that both Virginia and LOCKN’ are not just for lovers, but they are for everyone.
LOCKN 2017 Playlist
LOCKN’s fifth anniversary kicks off this weekend and features one of the most exciting line-ups in the festival’s history. Highlights include a once-in-a-lifetime headline set from Phil Lesh with Special Guest Bob Weir & The Terrapin Family Band performing The Grateful Dead’s classic 1977 album, Terrapin Station, in its entirety. What’s more, a series of unparalleled collaborations are also slated, with The Avett Brothers – in their long awaited LOCKN’ debut – joined by Special Guest Bob Weir, Gov’t Mule joined by Special Guest Ann Wilson of Heart, Moonalice joined by Special Guest Jorma Kaukonen, and Phil Lesh & Bob Weir joined by Nicki Bluhm for their Terrapin Station headline set. These unique pairings join an already stacked lineup.
While you keep truckin’ on to LOCKN, turn up our playlist and let the tunes from this year’s artists be the soundtrack for your travels.