Wanee Music Festival 2017 Overview: A Tribute to Butch Trucks

April 21 and 22, 2017

Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park

Live Oak, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

The pilgrimage to Wanee Music Festival has become a sacred tradition for thousands of people since the inaugural 2005 event at the Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. Founded by Gregg Allman and the late Butch Trucks, fans from ALL walks of life converge on the magical, mystical park and enjoy several days of reefer-hazed, alcohol-soaked friendship, fun and of course, MUSIC. Because music is, unequivocally, the universal language, and the jam-based live entertainment at Wanee was the heart and soul of Butch Trucks. So it was only fitting that the event was a tribute to and celebration of the man, the myth, the legend, Mr. Claude Hudson “Butch” Trucks.

Jonny Lang at The Plaza Live

April 25, 2017

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Jonny Lang's performance at The Plaza Live in Orlando, Florida turned a humdrum Tuesday night into anything but ordinary, as he rocked the packed house with his unique brand of blues-soaked Christian rock. I have been fortunate to photograph and review many of Lang's productions, but there was something distinctly special about this one. Lang hammed it up for the camera, which was an added bonus indeed. With his gritty vocals and mad guitar skills, Lang has put forth quality presentations over the years, with a faithful fan base flocking to his shows. I felt privileged to be among them. Backed by stellar guitarist Court Clement, drummer Barry Alexander, bassist James Anton and keys player Michael B. Hicks (recently supporting Keb' Mo'), the high-energy, guitar-driven event cranked out for a full two hours.

Resonance:Reconstructed

Resonance Music and Arts Festival is a festival put on by the crew from Essential Productions next September. The warm up to Resonance Festival took place this weekend with Papadosio, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and Strange Mechanics. All three bands played to a sold out crowd at the Madison Theater in a warm up for next weeks performance at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Papadosio and Pigeons are on the rise and we are always impressed that these bands get better with every performance. Keep an eye on your schedule as they are sure to play a show or fest near you. Check out Resonance Festival next September in Thornville.

Images by Doug Siegel
www.dougsiegelphotography.carbonmade.com
www.flickr.com/photos/doug_siegel_photography/

Explosions In The Sky at Bogart's

Explosions In The Sky play an epic live show. They graced Bogart's on Tuesday night to a crowded house. This was EITS's first trip to Cincinnati and it is evident that they have a loyal fan base. I had only seen EITS once at a large festival in California, but they sounded amazing in a 1500 capacity size venue. Check these guys from Austin, Texas out if you get the chance. EITS are a live act not to be missed.

Images by Doug Siegel
www.dougsiegelphotography.carbonmade.com

Buddy Guy at St. Augustine Amphitheatre

April 9, 2017

St. Augustine Amphitheatre
St. Augustine, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Iconic Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy thrilled fans in St. Augustine, Florida at the sensational St. Augustine Amphitheatre, performing with his usual showmanship. Looking and sounding stronger than ever, Guy played an 80-minute set of killer blues that rocked the socks off the crowd. Amid the polka dots and f-bombs, witty banter and guitar tricks, Guy made it look effortless and thoroughly enjoyable, even after all these years of shows. If you have the opportunity to attend a Buddy Guy show in your area, make it a priority. They broke the mold with him, and it just doesn't get any better.

Tinsley Ellis at Terra Fermata

April 15, 2017

Terra Fermata
Stuart, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

It's indeed a thrill when Tinsley Ellis embarks on a short tour of his native Florida, and when one of his stops is at Terra Fermata, it's even better. Backed by bassist Jonathan Holland and drummer Erik Kaszynski, the bluesman wowed the packed house with his ultra-smooth guitar licks and seasoned songwriting skills. He has an uncanny way of making eye contact with the audience that is rare in most musicians but quite appealing. The 100-minute set was over in the blink of an eye and was chock full of Ellis originals and a few covers. Fans were treated to three guitar appearances in the evening rotation: a 1967 Gibson ES-345 (affectionately named "Big Dog"), a 1959 Rosewood Fender Stratocaster and a 1982 Gibson Moderne reissue used for slide, and oh, how he made them sing!

Tauk with Peridoni at The Madison Theater

Tauk played The Madison Theater with Peridoni this weekend and rocked the stage. These two bands have had a lot of good momentum this and are playing several festivals this spring and fall. This show was moved from Madison Live to the Madison Theater as there was a great turn out. Check out their schedule at www(dot)taukband(dot)com.

Images by Doug Siegel
www.dougsiegelphotography.carbonmade.com