Riverhawk Music Festival Once Again Soars to Americana Greatness.
Ok, I am admittedly biased when it comes to this festival. I made my first trek to the Riverhawk Music Festival about five years ago, after much urging from friends, and I am still kicking myself for not doing it sooner. I was hooked from the first visit… and for good reason. It is a beautiful family-friendly campground that is filled to the brim with stellar Americana, bluegrass and roots music.
This past November 10-13th music lovers of all ages gathered at the Sertoma Youth Ranch in Brooksville, Florida, for four days of music and fun. This year’s Riverhawk Music festival was another shining example of what the festival founders, the Lind Family, have been perfecting over the last 20 years. They handpick each band with the mission of creating a well-rounded lineup that showcases the best of national and regional talents. Mission accomplished!
The lineup included sets by Delta Rae, The Travelin’ McCoury’s, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, Shinyribs, Solas, Darrell Webb Band, Driftwood, Mipso, The Honeycutters, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, The Applebutter Express, Cornmeal, Eastman String Band, The Doerfuls, Mark Johnson, Sunset Bridge, Mustang Sally and the Hamjoes, Lagerheads, New 76’rs, West King String Band, Paul Sprawl, Bill Blue, and Soul to Earth. I have to say that every band there was “the best” at what they do, and each brought something unique to the stage, so I would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite from this list, but here are a few highlights from weekend.
The Travelin’ McCourys delivered their high lonesome sounds with sheer perfection. They took song requests from the audience without ever skipping a beat or missing a verse. They are the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, and you can certainly hear whispers of their father’s distinctive voice, but Ron and Robbie McCoury have created their own sound that reflects their influences from traditional and progressive Bluegrass.
Shinyribs combined their soulful swamp-funk sounds with the impassioned vocals of former Gourds front man Kevin Russell. With lyrics that tell the story of love, loss, and lighthearted mayhem, their infectious energy had the audience on their feet for the whole show. At times Kevin seemed to be possessed with the spirit of James Brown while his theatrics on stage accented the powerful emotions that his songs represent. He was so overtaken with the spirit that he jumped off stage and led the audience in a conga line, all the while singing his heart out. It was a hell of a ride and one that I highly recommend you take.
This was my first time seeing Mipso live, and it was truly an impressive show. With perfect three-part harmonies and precision instrumental backing, this foursome brought the fresh air of Appalachia to the stage. They have taken a sip from the traditional bluegrass well and mixed it with the spices of folk and indie rock to create a refreshing concoction that soothes the soul.
I would be remiss if I didn’t admit that The Honeycutters are one of the bands on my personal playlist, so it is hard to not include them on the highlights. The poetic lyrics and passionate vocals of Amanda Anne Platt seem to reach into your soul. With a talent equal to the likes of Patti Griffin and Lucinda Williams she leads her band and the audience on a soul exposing journey. They did their own rendition of “Hallelujah” in tribute to Leonard Cohen that was breathtakingly beautiful.
This festival is all about bringing together different sounds from across the Roots genre for a perfect weekend of music. With an intimate and open setting it creates a laid back, no hassle festival that is for, and by, music lovers. From the workshops throughout the weekend that allow the audience to get up close and personal with the bands to sitting around the campfires and picking with friends at night, this is a place that embraces music in a simple and magical way.
There were also plenty of activities to keep us entertained, including a costume parade for the doggies and their humans, a kids-row vending event with handmade wares, hayrides, musical chairs, charity raffle and more. Along vendor row there were plenty of options for tasty food, crafts, instruments and art. I missed out on the Mexican street corn, though, and am still regretting it. Next time for sure.
You should go ahead and plan on checking out Riverhawk Music festival next November. Or better yet, why wait, head down for the Thanksgiving Jam or Stringbreak in the spring. You can thank me later.
