Music

10 Things We Appreciate from Purple Hatter’s Ball 2018

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to bring us this one-of-a-kind experience.

If you haven’t already read our preview article here, make sure you take a look at the kind words several performers had to say about Rachel & the festival. Also Luke Quaranta of Toubab Krewe joined us this year for a one-on-one interview which can be found here.

Read our checklist of PHB highlights below and get more photos on our Facebook page.

Lettuce Going Dark & Moody

Lettuce returned to Spirit of the Suwannee’s Ampitheater Stage prepared with a two-hour dark and mellow ride of funkiness. Lettuce also hits Red Rocks this week and Suwannee Hulaween this October.


audio via Butch Almberg

 

Breaking Biscuits’ Badass Lights & Sounds

Adam Deitch and Borahm Lee of Break Science joined forces with The Disco Biscuits’ Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein for a first ever set at Purple Hatter’s Ball. They were also joined by Roosevelt Collier for a rendition of “1999” by Prince that blew all our minds.

Break Science hits Sonic Bloom next and will be returning to SOSMP for Suwannee Hulaween. TDB just wrapped up Red Rocks and are prepping for Camp Bisco in Scranton, Pennsylvania this July.

 

The Shredding of Spafford

Spafford first-timer over here. I was stoked! We interviewed them during a previous Suwannee Hulaween (read here) so I was looking forward to seeing the band I’m always missing for one reason or another. Thanks to PHB for finally making me a little bit cooler.

 

Genius. @spaffordmusic at @purplehatters #spafford #purpallday

A post shared by Florida Music Blog (@floridamusicblog) on


audio by Butch Almberg

Toubab Krewe: The Show Must Go On

Hivemind’s Dave McSweeney filled in for Toubab’s bassist who was delayed due to flight problems. After our interview with Luke prior to the set, I was curious how they were going to pull off the show. Nicely done!

Purple Hat Productions

The entire lineup was curated perfectly. Thanks for the set breaks too! I love non-stop music but it is nice to have a few moments to come up for air, food and water. The rearrangement of the Beach Stage sets to the Porch Stage worked out well too. The sound & lighting on everything was on point.

Afternoon Rain

Even though rain in the area has caused the river to rise to dangerous levels, I can’t say I’m mad at that Saturday afternoon rainstorm or the nap it allowed me to take. It was getting hot! Pushing back the Butterfly Release went smoothly and the mud pit made for some fun photos before the Dubconscious set:

Reuniting with Friends

Joining in our celebration of Rachel’s life, everyone dons their best purple fits and hits the park ready for music and reuniting with friends. We were present for the first act, Hivemind, and there was nothing but hugs and love for the rest of the weekend.

Making New Friends

Everyone at PHB is a blast! You cannot leave this festival without making at least one new friend. I made several lasting connections this year – including a very special one 😉 [read my personal blog here]

Yoga and Arts Village

I spent quite a bit of time at the yoga and arts village. Starting Friday off with Zen Chakra Purification helped get my energy right for the weekend. Beginner Partner Acrobatics with Cloudbreak was a fun and courage-building experience I’ll always remember. After watching the class from afar for several minutes, the instructor eventually convinced me to join in.

I am at a beginner yoga level and was a little hesitant to climb on a stranger’s back. However, Jack and Kiana gave very clear step-by-step methods anyone could follow. I felt safe yet challenged at the same time. With their knowledgeable guidance, I was able to perform the position perfectly. The experience left me with a new sense of confidence, achievement and trust, in both myself and the nice guy who graciously partnered up with me. Thanks Jack and Kiana for being such lovely and talented people.

Momma Margie and the Family

Margie always has a huge hug and lots of kind words for anyone she meets. I spent some one-on-one time with her in the FestiSounds booth on Saturday. We chatted about her strong-spirited daughter as well as Margie’s ongoing crusade to keep our citizens safe when dealing with law enforcement. Margie is also learning the healing arts and has begun doing energy work with her loving hands. Thanks for all you do for us Margie. We are so grateful. See you on the dance floor 🙂

VIEW PHOTO GALLERY HERE

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