The GroundUP Music Festival is around the corner! We’re getting all sorts of excited imagining three days on the beach with some insanely talented musicians. While we’re pretty stoked to see the entire roster, there are a good handful that we’re especially making it a point not to miss. Check it out below along with videos of each performer.
John Medeski’s Mad Skillet
why: Medeski is a mad scientist on the keys, and if the Hawaiian shirt he’s wearing in the video below is any indication, he knows how to get down in a tropical climate.
Terence Blanchard
why: Blanchard is the most tenured jazz cat on this lineup, having collaborated with everyone from McCoy Tyner to Herbie Hancock.
Charlie Hunter Trio + Jeff Coffin
why: Charlie Hunter released his first album on Les Claypool’s Prawn Song label before moving onto the legend Blue Note for a string of 90s jazz albums that would make him a staple in the modern scene. Collaborating with Dave Matthews Band’s Jeff Coffin should make for an interesting (and very funky) Saturday set!
Bill Laurance Group
why: The Snarky Puppy member released a fantastic live album last year, and is touring that material around currently.
Snarky Puppy
why: As our hosts for the weekend, Snarky Puppy is playing three sets. I’m sure they’ll take that time to serve us up the hits and some deeper cuts while, without a doubt, inviting some special guests to the stage!
Pedrito Martinez Group
why: Pedrito & co. are closing out a big Saturday night on Miami beach with some out-of-this-world Latin flavors.
Chris Thile & Michael Daves
why: Chris Thile is nothing short of a genius, and along with Michael Daves the two will revive their bluegrass duo performances that have garnered much acclaim. It’ll be a nice differentiation from the rest of the lineup.
Esperanza Spalding
why: This lineup is full of really, really talented musicians, and even amongst the cream of the crop Esperanza shines. Without an announced set all to herself, but with the festival’s promise to appear all three days, it’ll be nice to get to know the spontaneous side of Spalding in Miami.
David Crosby
why: The dude is a legend, straight up. He released a new album with Snarky Puppy’s Michael League and toured with him last year, so it’s cool to see him as a part of this family.
Ghost-Note
why: This Snarky Puppy offshoot should be a pretty gnarly late-night get-down…
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