Whippersnap Music & Arts Festival Florida Debut a Smash Hit: [Recap]
Feature Photo Credit: Adam Mcall
After a hiatus lasting 11 long years, Whippersnap Music and Arts Festival made a triumphant return during the last weekend in February to a new location in rural Brookesville, FL. Taking place from February 22-24, the beloved boutique festival, which was originally held outside Chicago from 2011-2013, brought its original freewheeling spirit and jamband aesthetic to Florida Sand Music Ranch with a stellar mix of national touring acts, regional up-and-comers, and local musicians. The three-day extravaganza was headlined by British funk/soul/boogaloo virtuosos The New Mastersounds, soul/funk/R&B octet Cool Cool Cool, and the powerhouse pairing of TAUK Moore.
While the headliners proved exceptional, Whippersnap could have easily been called “Florida’s Got Talent.” Producers Jillian Grant and Shane LaVigne (Whippersnap founder and Bare Foot Fred band leader and MiniM drummer) curated a superb array of Florida’s best and brightest along with a smattering of rising stars from around the nation. Sunshine State stalwarts Ajeva, The Heavy Pets, Displace, Sauce Pocket, and Guavatron were among the picks in addition to rising established acts like Atlanta’s Funk You, New Orleans funk maestro John Papa Gros, and Chicago bluesman The Frank Bang 4. Artists-at-Large Colorado soul singer Jessica Jones and the implacable guitar wiz Joe Marcinek were also on hand to add spice to the fest.
Music played continuously rotating between two stages — The Whippersnap Stage and The Hometeam Stage — which are placed amply apart but within easy walking distance of each other. Spread out across 200 acres, Florida Sand Music Ranch provided the perfect setting for an intimate music festival with plenty of room for campers and attendees to spread out.
A thickly wooded area provided shade and plenty of spaces for RV and tent camping, with more space available in an adjacent field where The Hometeam Stage was set up. The family-friendly/pet-friendly fest felt more like a family reunion than a heady music festival. Besides a full menu of talented musicians, Whippersnap served up children’s activities, wellness workshops, delicious food and beverage options, and peace and quiet at night after the music stopped — save for a few hearty souls joining together for some old-fashioned campfire sing-alongs.
The music lovers attending the event were smaller in number (perhaps 1,000 people) than what you’d expect for a festival with the tremendous caliber of talent in its lineup. The intimate nature of the gathering made it all the more unique. While all the artists who poured their hearts out on stage during the celebratory weekend deserve recognition and gratitude for their remarkable performances, we’re featuring a selection of those who gave us extra goosebumps.
Day 1: The Florida sunshine didn’t fail us on day one, which featured rousing performances from South Florida’s interpreters of classic rock and funk Moonstone Riders, Midwestern progressive jamband Barefoot Fred, and West Palm Beach-based Jamtronica bosses Guavatron. Kudos and gratitude goes out to all of them.
First up that day was Gainesville’s Sooza Brass Band, a dynamite six-piece brass ensemble (five horns and a drummer) who displayed the energy of a full marching band. Woe to those who couldn’t make Sooza’s Thursday set that opened Whippersnap with a bang.
Their electric performance capped off the band’s Mardi Gras Tour, where they paid homage to New Orleans funk including Thursday’s buoyant renditions of Rebirth Brass Band’s “Do Watcha Wanna” and original tunes such as “All Time Low” and “Bananaland” from their debut album of the same name. Start to finish, Sooza, who sometimes describe themselves as Metal Brass or Funk Brass, put the pedal to the metal and didn’t let up until the very last strains of their set’s closer, “Brooklyn,” a cover of Youngblood Brass Band’s instrumental anthem.
Shawn Villanueva (trumpet), Adrienne Widener (trumpet), Ryan Gamberino (tenor saxophone), Brian Burwell (Trombone), Bianca Maesa (Sousaphone), and Austin DiVito (drums) are still youngsters, but they conversed like seasoned pros. The smallish audience soon grew with curious onlookers who witnessed Sooza throwing themselves into their performance as if they were playing before 100 thousand instead of a hundred. Mark Sooza Brass Band as an emergent band to watch. Watch Sooza Brass Band’s full Whippersnap set shot by Jake Funkmayor of FunkCity.net below.
Sauce Pocket took over The Hometeam Stage for an afternoon set that sizzled as hot as the sun beaming down overhead. Made up of Jeremy Prince (tenor saxophone, flute), Riley O’Brien (drums), Taylor Ivie (bass), Steven Rose (guitar), and Aaron Thorla (keyboards), this young Jacksonville-based outfit took fans on a wild ride down a psychedelic highway filled with mellow jams punctuated by Prince’s superb sax and Rose’s mesmerising guitar before blasting into the stratosphere on the back of bass and guitar-driven funk fusion. Thorla’s deft keyboard work and Riley’s rock-solid percussion complete the quintet’s sterling foundation firmly rooted in jazz.
Fueled by influences as far-ranging as Latin jazz, jamtronica, rock, funk, and soul, Sauce Pocket kept the improvisational vibes flowing, captivating the initiated and uninitiated alike with electrifying selections from their live albums Fondue and Percolator (both released in 2023). The band also showcased tunes off their newly released live album Noodle Brain. After just two years together, Sauce Pocket’s rise is not in doubt. Check out the video below of Sauce Pocket’s performance shot by Jake Funkmayor of FunkCity.net.
It’s been four long years since British funk maestros The New Mastersounds have graced U.S. shores. So Whippersnap attendees were feeling particularly lucky to have the band land here for their first show in far too long. NMS would gift us with not one but two tantalizing 90-minute sets for what would be the triumphant start to their 25th anniversary tour.
Scattered across two continents (guitarist Eddie Roberts lives in Denver, CO; drummer Simon Allen lives in Leeds, England – the band’s birthplace; keyboardist Joe Tatton resides in the Derbyshire countryside; and bassist Pete Shand lives in Menorca, Spain), the quartet’s plans to tour the states was stymied by the Covid pandemic and a tangled American visa system. Judging from Thursday’s performance and the huge grins on their faces, it’s as if they hadn’t missed a beat.
They blasted out of the gates for set number one with 2014’s “Hole in the Bag” and “Coming Up Roses” — a gem going back more than two decades. Roberts picked every note for his signature percussive mastery of the guitar, hewing the tunes down to their rhythmic cores. The exhilarating interplay between his sinewy guitar licks, Joe Tatton’s peerless keyboard work, and the groove machine of Pete Shand and Simon Allen was a highlight of every single tune pulled out of the NMS bag of tricks.
“Take What You Need” dropped into Meters-inspired funk territory and reminded fans that these gents can sing despite being primarily known as instrumentalists. They also rolled out the quintessential NMS grooves with “Yokacoka” and “Land of Nod,” among others. Few, if any, in the crowd were standing still by the time Colorado songstress and artist-at-large Jessica Jones took the stage for a rousing rendition of “You Got The Love.”
The New Mastersounds delivered a dose of high energy in kind and we were feeling lucky to be its recipients indeed. Watch set one shot by Jake Funkmayor for FunkCity.net below.
Listen closely and you’ll hear The New Mastersounds having an unspoken conversation with each other on stage. It’s the kind of “chat” that musicians who’ve spent years in each others’ company have on a regular basis. It’s imperceptible to many in the audience caught up in the moment, but it’s a key component for artists creating the magic that translates to a vibe. It’s Pete Shand and Joe Tatton locking in on each other for the restlessly funky “This Ain’t Work” or Simon Allen deftly honing in alternately on Eddie Roberts and Joe on “3 on the B.”
Jessica Jones returned for a raw and inspiring cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Baby, I Love You.” Things continued to get funked up when Funk You frontman Datrian Johnson joined the band, improvising hellacious vocals for a particularly greasy version of “The Vandenburg Suite.” And they closed the set (a couple minutes past curfew) with the rousing vocal tune “Nervous”!
Above all this is a band that places having fun, with each other and fans, high on its list of priorities and it showed. If you missed them at Whippersnap, catch them on their spring tour celebrating 25 years together and the release of their 18th studio album Old School set to drop on March 29th. Check out the bands’s full second set below shot by Jake Funkmayor of FunkCity.net.
Day 2: Rain was forecast for day two, but the sun’s rays held out for the first half of the day before giving way to clouds and lower temperatures. Gainesville’s Tamayo Band opened The Hometeam Stage at the crack of noon, mashing up folk, rock, and psychedelic jam for a wild set. Tampa’s post-modern Americana newgrass quartet Boxcar Hallow laid down some funky bluesy jams on The Whippersnap Stage. Wisconsin-based funk/rock/fusion quartet Bodhicitta brought psychedelic soul to The Hometeam Stage followed soon after by a fantastic set of bluegrass fusion by the Southeast’s Tire Fire.
The rain started to come down shortly before Tampa Bay’s talented collective Antelope (A Tribute Band To Phish) took The Hometeam Stage in front of soggy fans who stayed for the hour-long set as the band bravely played on. The rain stopped, but the misty cold descended by the time St. Peterburg’s own funk/rock powerhouse and Florida festival circuit regulars Ajeva closed out The Hometeam Stage in typical heroic fashion.
While the action on The Hometeam Stage was formidable, The Whippersnap Stage proved to be a wellspring of discovery and wonder. During their early afternoon set, Gainesville’s Matcha unloaded a freight train full of their self described “musical concoction of catchy hooks, funky rhythms, adventurous harmonies and magical shreddery.”
The seven-piece ensemble, made up of drummer Ivan Padilla, guitarist Sebastian “Tati” Sayavedra, vocalist/guitarist Jon Catino, percussionist Austin Devito, bassist Riley Secrest, trombonist Brian Burwell, and saxophonist Ryan Gamberino has been tearing up stages in the Florida and the Southeast for just a couple of years but have been leaving big impressions along with big sounds, including a memorable performance at last year’s Suwannee Hulaween.
They played selections from their debut EP It’s Good For You and some tasty covers including a feral version of “Freebird” – a musical cliche done tongue-in-cheek for a hella good time. Beginning to end, Matcha slipped easily from bluesy grooves and introspective jams to full-throttle ragers, animated by a freewheeling horn section (both players are also in Sooza) and Sayavedra’s searing guitar licks. Check out Matcha’s full set below shot by Jake Funkmayor for FunkCity.net.
Atlanta, Georgia’s Funk You has been setting stages alight since 2011, plying their fire-breathing brand of funk, rock, and soul before adoring audiences around the country. Will Clark (drums), Will Foster (keys), Evan Miller (guitar), Palmer Owens (percussion), Rob Thompson (bass), Datrian Johnson (vocals), Geoff Wood (guitar & trumpet), Gnarly G (Saxophone), and Josh Spilliards (Trombone, Sousaphone) worked their magic, churning up a slow groove for “What You Listening To.”
Deluged by a torrent of funk, frontman Datrian Johnson prowled the stage, his voice approaching operatic heights at times for dramatic effect, provoking the audience into a frenzy. As if nine musicians incinerating the stage was not enough, phenomenal guitarist and artist-at-large Joe Marcinek joined in for an explosive rendition of “War Pigs,” followed by violinist Dani Jaye of Tire Fire and Shane LaVigne on percussion throwing down on Funk You’s ode to feminine energy “Southern Girls.” Lavigne also sat in on the band’s dance anthem and set closer “Funk You” with a surprise appearance by Eddie Roberts returning the favor paid by Johnson during The New Mastersound’s Thursday night performance. Relive Funk You’s set with FunkCity.net’s video below.
The killer jams unleashed by MiniM on The Whippersnap Stage took root between our ears starting with the psychedelic strains of “Strollin’” and did not let up (not a wit) thought the entire hour-long set. Floating on the tightly meshed talents of Ross Borgias (Guitar/ Vocals), Michael Hibler (Guitar), David Rakower (Keys / Vocals), Hunter Richey (Bass), Billy Sanders (Drums), and Shane LaVigne (Percussion), St. Pete-based MiniM mesmerized the crowd with its atmospheric blend of rock, funk, and jamtronica.
Artist-at-large and monster guitarist Joe Marcinek slayed on an electrifying version of “Ascend,” ably bookended by Hunter Richey on bass and Michael Hibler on rhythm guitar. Guitars blazing, MiniM finished us off with soaring renditions of “Butterfly Pearls” and “Disco,” with Eddie Roberts jumping in on both (23 brilliant minutes). This Florida creation puts the “jam” in jamband. View MiniM’s full set below with video shot by Jake Funkmayor of FunkCity.net
Back in November of 2021, Turkuaz announced their dissolution, breaking many a fan’s heart. Since then, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, seven of the defunct band’s longstanding members re-formed as Cool Cool Cool — a powerhouse dance and funk band that’s buzz-worthy in their own right.
While they’ve kept busy on the road opening for the likes of Andy Frasco & The U.N. and playing with Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew on their ‘Remain in Light‘ Tour, Friday’s rambunctious set launched their “Never Noticed” tour, named for their first single and first headlining tour. Made up of Craig Brodhead (Keyboards), Chris Brouwers (Trumpet/ Keyboards), Mikey Carubba (Drums), Shira Elias (Vocals), Sammi Garett (Vocals/Percussion), Greg Sanderson (Tenor Saxophone), and Josh Schwartz (Baritone sax/vocals), and newest addition Rodrigo ‘Digo’ Zambrano (Bass), Cool Cool Cool wasted no time unveiling the powerful synergy that puts them among the most scintillating dance/funk/soul ensembles of the past decade.
Led by the dynamic duo Shira Elias and Sammi Garett, the collective got the party started with Charlotte Gainsbourg’s “Sylvia Says” and “HOOK’D.” written by Shira Elias. Josh Schwartz, who recently announced his departure from Cool Cool Cool to pursue a solo career, reminded us that not only is he a phenomenal sax player but he also possesses golden pipes. His passionate contributions to Swatkin’s “Gotta Give It Away” and “Borrow From Tomorrow” solidified the powerful bond he shares with his bandmates.
The entire band dove into the sublime “Never Noticed” sharing vocals. With a wildly animated horn section setting the pace, Josh once again took over singing duties like a boss while Sammi and Shira harmonized their hearts out for “Make It Thru.” Little Dragon’s “Hold On” featured a sing-along with Sammi and Shira and Chris Brwouers amping up trumpet and synthesizer along with Greg Sanderson trading his sax for an EWI (electric woodwind instrument).
The dance party was full blown by the time the band closed with “Try” featuring a dynamite sax interlude by Greg. Just goes to show ya — nobody throws a dance party like Cool Cool Cool. Nobody. Check it out for yourselves with the video below by Jake Funkmayor of FunkCity.net
Day 3: Day three included notable performances by local songstress Kat Hines, Midwestern bluesmen Frank Bang 4, Detroit’s The Family Funk (A Tribute to the Band), South Florida’s funked-up rockers The Heavy Pets, and Tampa’s Americana phenoms Light the Wire.
A huge shoutout and buckets of admiration go out to multi-instrumentalist and Displace bandleader Chris Sgamatto and his talented students from the Sgammato Music School, who wowed us with original tunes and covers. Opening Day three at the crack of noon, the Sgammato Music School Show featured the budding talents of the Maryn Alyse Band, Alleycat K Band, and former student and vocalist Kayla Blackman.
Located in Tampa, Sgammato Music School is training the next generation of musicians to embrace the multi-faceted skills necessary to make it as a music professional. Saturday’s performance was one among many opportunities afforded students to play in front of live audiences. Saturday’s set was a joyous example of young people communicating with each other and an appreciative audience who will hopefully continue to follow the trajectory of these youngsters’ nascent careers. It was a lovely introduction to a beautiful day.
Speaking of Displace, the phenomenal sax- and violin-driven funk fusion savants served up a marvelous late afternoon set that was one for the books, replete with sit-ins from just about everybody. The four-man outfit (Chris Sgammato – sax/keys/vocals, Darryl McGowan, Jr. – bass/keys/vocals, Kyle Sareyani – guitar/keys/vocals, and Evan Thibeault – drums/vocals) swelled to more than a dozen musicians. Kayla Blackman and Jessica Jones contributed powerhouse vocals. Dani Jaye (Tire Fire) slayed on the violin and guitar along with Adriana Carr also on violin. Joe Marcinek came by for a thrilling romp through several tunes, trading licks with Chris Sgamatto, who moved seamlessly between sax, guitar, and keys.
The horn section burgeoned to include trombonist, Sebastian Mujica (Mr. Whiskers & Nine Lives), trumpeter Carmine Pocchia (The HeadTones), baritone saxophonist Nathan Reynolds (Mr. Whiskers & Nine Lives), Tenor saxophonists Daniel Garcia and Reese Montgomery (Tru Phonic). Lydon Thacker (Ajeva) showed up to lend a hand on keys and Devon Constant (Harmonic Graffiti) piled on percussion. All in all, it was a spirited afternoon jam/dance party – perfect for this brilliant, sunny day.
Seldom am I rendered speechless by a new band, but Cocoa Beach’s funk fusion collective Tru Phonic was that Rara Avis. Core members Jake Salter (guitar), Daniel Garcia (tenor saxophone), John Holland (bass), and Ryan “Shorty” Crabbs (alto & baritone sax) form the foundation built on funk, jazz, rock, blues, soul and hip hop. Tonight’s performance featured frequent collaborators Kaitlyn McQuinn on vocals and Travis TwoTall Young on drums.
The band crushed a cover of “Mt. Crushmore” by funk fusion cosmonauts Lettuce. Kaitlyn McQuinn threw us a curve ball, singing the song’s stratospheric synth segments. At one point McQuinn’s hero Jessica Jones jumped in during the set to support the brilliant young vocalist.
Tru Phonic’s hallmark is their versatility, undeniably displayed front and center as they slipped easily between horn- and bass-driven tunes like “Missouri,” hip hop numbers such as “Big Poppa,” and Latin jams. Funk fusion fans: stand up and take notice. Tru Phonic is one to watch.
For over three decades, New Orleans keyboard player, singer, and music ambassador John Papa Gros has brought his unique gumbo of funk, jazz, rock and blues to the world. This night he regaled Whippersnap with the signature New Orleans sound that marks the city as an international treasure.
Buoyed by his tight backup band, John Papa Gros gave a master class on the idiosyncratic piano style and rhythmic jambalaya typical of the freewheeling, good-time spirit of the Crescent City. Classic funk and R&B tunes like “Black Rider,” “Make a Better World,” and “Hurricane” were on the menu. Joe Marcinek, who was everywhere over the weekend, joined in for several numbers including an exhilarating rendition of The Band’s “Shape I’m In” and The Meters’ soul classic “It Ain’t No Use.”
View a snippet of the fun with Papa Gros singing “Make a Better World” below.
The transcendent pairing of instrumental fusion warlocks TAUK and ethereal songstress and doyenne Kanika Moore (Doom Flamingo) closed out the festival with a hypnotic set of progressive rock, funk, soul, jamtronica, and hip hop. The melodic groove-driven performance featured pillars of the TAUK canon including “Melvins Mind” and newer fan favorites “Supernova,” “Hallucinogen,” and “STFU” with Kanika Moore.
TAUK Moore pulled the rug out from under the crowd with a surprise cover of Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android,” causing jaws to drop to the floor. TAUK (Matt Jalbert – guitar, Charlie Dolan -bass, A.C. Carter – keyboards/ organ, and Isaac Teel – drums) and Moore finished us off with a trance-inducing version of “Dazed and Confused,” leaving no doubt who ruled the night. Check out TAUK Moore at Whippersnap in the video below.
End to end, Whippersnap Music and Arts Festival’s inaugural Florida run was a resounding success. Be sure to put this jewel of an event on your list of must-attend boutique festivals.
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