Southern rock and blues have been going strong for quite a while now. Jam bands have kept on jammin', at events like the Wanee Music Festival -- and we're okay with that.
This year, the Wanee Music Festival expands to three days (much like Ultra Music Festival), but don't expect any glow sticks or ravers at this shindig. It's all bands created (or influenced) by the '60s and '70s in a land where guitar solos remain king. Catch it April 14-16 at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak. Amazing bands, a happy hour, and an expanded kick-off party are all on this year's to-do list.
We've compiled the five best bands/reasons to check out this year's festivities and get tickets tomorrow morning. Check 'em out after the jump.
The Allman Brothers Band are back.
They've played the Wanee festival so often we can't remember a time when they weren't a part of the lineup. Duh. They host the shindig. But that doesn't make us any less excited to see 'em.
Widespread Panic
This six-piece is as jam band as it gets. If you're like us, you probably missed them at the Fillmore in September. But we think their music lends itself to being outdoors, anyway.
Robert Plant & The Band of Joy
We never got to see Led Zeppelin live. So color us thrilled that we actually get to see their earlier incarnation of Robert Plant & the Band of Joy. Their latest effort was #8 on Rolling Stone's list of the 30 best albums of 2010, and well, we kind of agree. Though Plant is pretty much the only remaining member in this reincarnation, it's hard to not get goosebumps thinking of him playing again in South Florida, and making it a somewhat regular occurrence.
Steve Miller Band
What better place to hear some carefree California rock? We can't wait to hear hits like "Fly Like an Eagle" and the obvious "The Joker." But we're walking cliches like that sometimes.
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
Jones' full-bodied R&B/soul flashbacks will be knocking on Miami's door on March 20. But if you'd rather stay in your neck of the woods and catch a bunch of other bands along with her, this is the way to go. We're interested to see how she brings her funky vintage vibes to an outdoor day festival, too.
The Allman Brothers Band, Widespread Panic, along with first timers Robert Plant & The Band of Joy and The Steve Miller Band, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Bobby Lee Rodgers Trio, and more. April 14 - 16 at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak. Tickets go on sale January 22 at 10am, via livenation.com for $188.50 plus fees. For more information, visit waneefestival.com.
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