Looking Back On An Amazing Weekend At Fool's Paradise April 10, 2017 14:19

Words & Photos by Amanda Franklin

Last weekend, funk fanatics and groove chasers gathered at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre to celebrate another weekend of incredible music at Fool’s Paradise.  The weather was immaculate, spirits were high, and the music, to no surprise, was spot-on.

Friday highlights included Manic Science supplying a funk-heavy electronic set, Lettuce supplying the sunset vibes, and JRAD bringing the absolute heat and Tom Hamilton closing off the night with some raging riffs.  The crowd echoed throughout the amphitheater as everyone joined in belting "Brown Eyed Woman" along with Scott Metzger and Hamilton.  Keyboardist Jeff Chimenti carried the 10+ minute jam as the band traversed between the mellow melody and high-energy playing.  Fans screamed in support as the guitarists mercilessly shredded and everyone in the crowd that night could agree, we wished “the music never stopped.”

The next day, The Main Squeeze it up a Saturday night fever by kicking off the day’s lineup.  The Floozies laid down the funk with a practically flawless show and thrilled the crowd by bringing out The Shady Horns for a portion of their set.  However, Lettuce’s closing set that night stole the weekend.  They began by immersing the crowd in smooth, psychedelic jams that highlighted the band’s incredible flow and cohesiveness.  The energy increased and Lettuce played perfectly to the people of St. Augustine with rich reggae undertones and an Exodus cover.  Antwaun Stanley joined the band for a cover of Vulfpeck’s "Funky Duck," which was an outright dance party in every sense of the word.

Even though attendance was slightly lower compared to last year, Fool’s Paradise proved again that they are a festival force to be reckoned with and drove home the fact that we’ll never miss this weekend as long as it’s put on.  Fool’s has everything you could ever want in a fest—a gorgeous venue, incredible crowd, stellar staff, unbeatable vibes, and sounds supplied by funk’s finest.  Honestly, what more could you ask for?

Watch complete footage of Joe Russo's Almost Dead's set here: