Suwannee Amp Jam #1 — March 6-8

Suwannee Amp Jam #1 — March 6-8

One of the sentiments you hear, all around the country, is the lament for old-school festivals that no longer exist — except in our minds. We hear lots of those, including bygone events at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park: Wanee Music Festival, Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival, AURA Music & Arts Festival, Purple Hatter’s Ball, and more.

Common sense and logistics suggest that those festivals will never return as they were.

HOWEVER, that hasn’t stopped Paul Levine and Daryl Wolff from recreating the magnificent vibes those events used to emanate, radiate, and permeate throughout the 800 acres of pines and oaks.

Their invention: Suwannee Amp Jam #1, with the tag line FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME. Anyone who experienced any (or all) of those former fests can relate. In the run-up to this event, Levine said that we should trust them on this. Truer words have never been spoken.

At this point, we are going to share the remarks of preeminent authority Bee Getz on the matter:

“Taking place March 6-8, 2025, the inaugural Suwannee Amp Jams is the first in a series of smaller, one-stage, focused music and camping weekends that intend to spotlight the storied Suwannee Amphitheater Stage. Amp Jam # 1 features numerous artists who are essential to the long lineage, legacy, and timeless energy of this hallowed venue. Warren Haynes traces deep roots to SOSMP — and the granddaddy of ’em all: Wanee Festival — performing extensively with The Allman Brothers Band and his own Gov’t Mule for many years. Certified Spirit of the Suwannee OGs like Dumpstaphunk, George Porter Jr., Lettuce, and Eddie Roberts (The New Mastersounds) each anchored the beloved Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival across a legendary eight-year run. The plan for Amp Jams is to facilitate a reconnection with the Suwannee musical family, congregate the faithful to the park, and distill the peerless SOSMP experience into its most potent form. Remove the distractions and make only funky decisions on the mighty Amphitheater Stage all weekend long.”

CAN CONFIRM!

At the top of the lineup (guaranteed this is ALL top) are Gov’t Mule, Lettuce, and Dumpstaphunk, along with NKOTB Eggy (who had a special late-night set at Suwannee Hulaween) and formidable funk masters The Headhunters.

Eddie Roberts & the Lucky Strokes, his outstanding rock’n’roll outfit, return to the park after their Hulaween-closing set in 2023. Two of Florida’s best — The Legendary JC’s and Electric Kif — are also on the bill.

Guest artists include a cavalcade of stars: George Porter Jr., John Scofield, Eric Krasno, and Jennifer Hartswick.

It is fitting that the DAZE BETWEEN BAND (think Jazz Fest) will honor George Porter Jr. with the help of Scofield, Krasno, Hartwsick, Ryan Zoidis (Lettuce), Viveca Hawkins, and a bunch of the Dumpsta family, including Ivan Neville, Ian Neville, Tony Hall, Deven Trusclair, and Alex Wasily. AND guests!

And that leaves one other band. I was completely blown away on Jam Cruise when I was directed toward Diggin Dirt, an astounding R&B band from Humboldt County, California, with legendary soul shouter Zach Alder. I was truly disappointed when I realized I would not be able to get to Atlanta to see them March 9. PROBLEM SOLVED! Diggin Dirt are on the lineup! x2!

Tickets go on sale Thursday, November 21. You might oughta get yours like pronto. Just sayin’…

Suwannee Amp Jam #1
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