Wanee Music Festival is one the longest running festivals in the southeast and it’s no wonder as to why. The depth of talented musicians running around the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park during Wanee is unlike any other weekend. While this year proves to be no different, there is sure to be a different feeling in the air. The most obvious reason is the fact that the Allman Brothers Band is not on the bill. The southern rock juggernaut has served as host of Wanee for the previous 12 years but has passed on the torch to a handful of very worthy recipients. Another reason for the different feel of this year’s Wanee is the passing of Butch Trucks. Trucks is the original drummer of the Allman Brothers Band and has been just as much a part of Wanee Music Festival as any other member of the Wanee family. Butch was not only loved by the entire Wanee family, he was loved by music lovers across the world. His presence at this year’s Wanee will be deeply missed but I have the utmost faith in this year’s musicians to uphold the family feeling that Butch effortlessly brought to his fans.
Headlining those musicians are jamband powerhouses Widespread Panic and Trey Anastasio Band. Tag on a couple nights of Bob Weir and you’ve got an amazing group of headliners. Gov’t Mule is a band that is no stranger to Wanee and they will be back to give the crowd a dose of heavy rock along with the soothing sounds of Warren Haynes’ voice. Dark Star Orchestra will add to ‘The Dead’ flavor Thursday night with their impeccably accurate portrayal of specifics Grateful Dead performances that will surely get the crowd lubed up for the weekend. Others that are “don’t miss” acts on bill that show Wanee’s ability to dabble in all genres of our music scene are The Greyboy Allstars, Papadosio, Turkuaz and Kung Fu. All of these bands combine levels of funk and jazz to create their individually unique sound. There is no way around the fact that this year’s Wanee will have a different feel this year for obvious reasons, but it’s safe to say that the attendees of Wanee this year will be in good hands as we move to the new look Wanee Music Festival.
Wanee Festival 2017 takes place April 20th through the 22nd at The Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. Tickets are on sale at http://waneefestival.com/.
Wanee Festival 2017 Lineup:
Widespread Panic
Bob Weir & The Campfire Boys (2 Days)
Trey Anastasio Band
Gov’t Mule
Dark Star Orchestra (2 Sets on 4/20)
Dr. John & The Nite Trippers
JJ Grey & Mofro
Les Brers
Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band
Leftover Salmon Performing The Music Of Neil Young
The Greyboy Allstars
Blackberry Smoke
Matisyahu
Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass
Papadosio
Turkuaz
Pink Talking Fu – Music Of David Bowie & Prince
DJ Logic
Kung Fu
Pink Talking Fish
Bobby Lee Rodgers Trio
Devon Allman Band
The Marcus King Band
The Yeti Trio
Brothers & Sisters Band
4/19 Happy Hour = Butch Trucks & The Freight Train Band
