Keller Williams & the Travelin’ McCourys
The second day of MagFest 2013 was jam-packed full of eclectic music all day long. Our day started with the Habanero Honeys, who were set up in the music hall conveniently located in the same room as the country lunch buffet. As I gobbled down homemade fried chicken and mash potatoes the all girl country group provided humble melodies with enlightened lyrics.
Following the Honeys was Sentropolis, a funk band from Florida. These guys threw down some solid jams, leaving me only disappointed that they couldn’t have played to a larger crowd later in the day.
A hammock-induced siesta sat between the Sentropolis funk and the Travelin McCourys. The four-piece bluegrass ensamble invited Grandpa’s Cough Medicine’s guitarist to pick along with them, and as the band stated, he worked them hard. He kept up the tempo for what would prove to be an energetic country bluegrass set.
As the day turned grew old, handfuls of acts graced the four stages here at MagFest. Beebs & Her Money Makers entertained a crowd of all ages on the main stage, Dawes indie/folk sound filled up the amphitheater stage, and Col. Bruce Hampton & Friends shredded some blues guitar on the Porch stage.
The Travelin McCourys made another appearance for the sunset show alongside Keller Williams. The aptly labeled “new-grass” set saw hillbilly versions of Modest Mouse’s “Float On” and a cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Candyman.” The hour-fifteen minute pickin’ party was the highlight of the day.
S.P.O.R.E.
Singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson soothed the souls of many throughout his set, paving way for John Prine to close out the mainstage. Meanwhile, S.P.O.R.E. delivered an energized jamtronica shred session in the normally mellow Music Hall. It was a drastic change of events from the bluegrass and country that filled the Hall for most of the day, but a strong crowd appreciated the musical pick-me-up. Following S.P.O.R.E. was Stephen ‘Ragga’ Marley, who would put on a very intimate, lounged reggae show.
For nearly two hours, Bob Marley’s second son delivered handfuls of his father’s greats alongside his own. “Mind Control” and “Still Searching” were the most memorable of his own selections, but the crowd most definitely enjoyed the Bob Marley joints the best. “Three Little Birds,” “No Woman No Cry,” “Could You Be Loved,” and “Get Up Stand Up” demonstrated the songs true timelessness, as it played soundtrack for youngsters running around while their parents and grandparents sang along.
The night came to a close following the inspirational Stephen Marley set, but the MagFest crowd made fun of the park’s communal campgrounds. With Donna The Buffalo, Drive-by Truckers and the almighty Willie Nelson leading the day 3 roster, spirits are incredibly high here at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.
Stephen ‘Ragga’ Marley