News

Spacing Out at Hulaween: Out of This World Moments November 6, 2018 07:41

Photo by Keith Griner

Words by Tiffany Clemons

Additional Photos by Isom Morgan Photography

Spirit of Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) is by far one of, if not the best festival venue in the country. Nestled on the shady banks of the historic Suwannee River in North Florida, SOSMP is home to over 800 acres of camping areas, concert ready fields and Spanish moss draped trees, making it the perfect setting for Suwannee Hulaween, The String Cheese Incident’s annual music and visual arts festival.  

The String Cheese Incident (SCI), Silver Wrapper, and Purple Hat Productions made sure no detail was spared when it came to this year’s sold out fest. From the diverse lineup to the insane art installations at Spirit Lake. It was bigger, better and in my opinion, the best yet. 

This year’s theme was “Creatures of the Galaxy,” and the 20,000+ attendees went full blast-off with their totems, costumes and out-of-this-world camps. In celebration of the feminine divine, SCI’s Saturday night Hula Incident set was dedicated to “Women of the Galaxy,” and featured female powerhouses.

While everyone embraced the galactic attitude there seemed to be a bigger ongoing theme throughout the festival and that was the power of the VOTE. Multiple artists used their platform to encourage festival goers to use the power of their voices and to be the change.

Here were some of the notable takeaways from this year’s event:

For a $20 donation, early birds were able to attend “Hula for a Cause,” a pre-pre-party that was held in the Music Hall on Wednesday night. All donations went to support Convoy of Hope and Volunteer Florida in efforts to help communities affected by Hurricane Michael and in return for your donation, you were given a night of music by BeartoeCatfish AllianceCBDB and the one-man band Zach Deputy. If you aren’t familiar, Zach is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter and can usually be seen surrounded by keyboards, pedals, drum pads, and sound boards which allows him to create an entire live band, looped with his own live playing. He describes his style as “island-infused drum n’ bass gospel ninja soul” and we’d recommend catching one of his sets near you!

Just Chameleons opened the Spirit Lake stage on Thursday for the pre-party and had everyone dancing to their original reggae, jazz, funk and soulful music. Not far from home, this Tallahassee based band closed out their set with a dedication to the late Mac Miller covering his song Dang! that features Anderson .Paak.

Over on the Patch Stage, Augusta-natives Funk You were laying down a powerful set of their own. This band always makes the most of their opportunities on the big stage, and Hulaween was no different. Highlights included a killer take on Prince's "1999," as well as guest appearances from The Brotherhorns and vocalist Amy Taylor.

Bubbles filled The Patch sky for Sound Tribe Sector 9’s first set of the weekend where they performed their album, Axe the Cables. Though this, as far as I know, was the only fan-planned bubble party, bubbles filled the air most of the weekend and it definitely made for an even more magical experience. Who doesn’t love bubbles? Also, seeing STS9 in the daylight is weird. They performed another set in the Patch later that night.

For the most part, the weather throughout the weekend was perfect. We had a little rain on Thursday night that started with a drizzle during The Floozies over in the Patch. This little element of wet, according to like, EVERYONE, completely elevated their set. It made the lasers a little more sparkly, the funk a little funkier and definitely made you a lot more smiley.

During Lettuce’s post-midnight pre-party set, the drizzle continued and a massive spider web broke out. Someone brought one of those faux stringy spider web thingies, typically used for a Halloween decoration to the Amphitheatre and while holding one end, began to pass it around. From one person to another it began to stretch and grow, and before you knew it, almost the entirety of the audience was under a canvas of spider web. Edit: I’ve learned that some people hate this… but I thought it was awesome!

LIZZO, LIZZO, LIZZO. Lizzo is an over the top-female empowering-twerking-rapper/singer from Texas and just happens to be one hell of a flute player too. She is loud, proud and is spreading her feminist message… one leg at a time. Her risqué dance moves are paired with messages of self-love and acceptance and really makes you want to take control of your life by the balls.  She reminded everyone that after they are done partying, and every day after, to look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I love you,” and to remind yourself that you are beautiful and you can do anything! Her set was full of surprises. She had 2 fabulous featured dancers and her DJ behind her. At one point, someone from the audience threw up a disposable camera and while Lizzo missed the catch, she chased after it, snapped a photo from the stage and tossed it back. She stated, “Women are so wonderful. We’ve got titties… and all this ass! I love being a bitch!” She then also admits to being a little boy crazy and went into her song, Boy. Don’t forget that reminder…

BUT DID YOU SEE THE WALKING TALKING TREE IN SPIRIT LAKE? He told me I could get up in his branches anytime… 

One big notable point that needs to be made, are the green efforts. Large blue bags were passed out upon entry and throughout the fest for festival goers to recycle. You could fill your bag and bring it to the booth near the main Spirit Lake entrance and trade it in for a chance to play smashed-can “plinko” and sign up for a raffle prize.   

Odesza returned to Hula for the first time since 2015 as the first headliner of the weekend and the sheer production value of their show is mind blowing. In 2015 they were on the Amphitheatre stage with a backing screen and a few lasers and lights. This year, their set was a full-on masterpiece. They featured on a raised platform where the front was a screen, and with the backing screen, 2 side screens and their iconic icosahedron shaped screen above the stage together it created a pano-effect for visuals. The Odesza Drumline marched out and lined the platform stage wearing “Jason” masks with their all white ensembles and signature hoodies. With visually stunning lasers and intricate lighting, choreography, confetti cannons, fireworks and thousands of fans singing every word, it was clear why they were brought back as a featured headliner.

Photo by Keith Griner

Were you stopped asked a weird question? It might have been because you were being polled for “Festy Feud” which took place over in the Silent Disco. With questions like “What is one thing you could change about festivals?” and answers like “Stank-ass portos” and “Tall ass totems,” a lot of laughs were had while contestants played the feud.

I was sitting in Spirit Lake watching the laser beams shoot over the lake and into the trees when a stranger came up to me and handed me a box with 3 buttons. I asked what it was and he said, “push one.” About a million outcomes ran through my mind in the split second before I pushed one and the second I did, fire bursted from one of the floating flowers on the lake. I released it and pushed another and fire shot up from a different one. I WAS CONTROLLING THE FIRE ON SPIRIT LAKE. If I may be so bold, I’ve never felt more powerful in my entire life than I did at that very moment… and for about 10 minutes after that. You truly never know what magical experience you’ll have in Spirit Lake, especially after dark.  

One of best part about festivals is discovering new music, and discovery is exactly what happened when I stumbled into the Patch for KNOWER. They are typically an electro-jazz music duo Louis Cole (drums) and Genevieve Artadi (vocals), but have been touring with a band. I don’t know what it was about the drummer (I swear I don’t have a thing for drummers), but he was magnetic. Maybe it was because he was wearing a giant snow parka in direct 70+ degree sunlight that peaked my interest, or maybe because Genevieve and I have the same hair color, or that she was screaming lyrics like, “butts and tits and money… YES!” that made me stop, but I’m glad I did. Their music blurs the lines between electronic, jazz, funk and weird music. But weird as in different, nothing you’ve ever heard before and in the best way possible. Genevieve bounces around the stage engaging the audience and as a whole, this band is terribly exciting and progressive. 

Lettuce took the Meadow stage early on Saturday afternoon and while they jammed their funky jams, people began to throw actual lettuce… during Lettuce. This is the first time I’ve ever seen this. Does this happen at all Lettuce shows? It. Was. Hilarious.

If you were looking for a little pick me up, all you had to do was stop by The Complimentary Bar in Spirit Lake, but NOT for a cocktail. The Complimentary Bar was setup to serve COMPLIMENTS! What a great idea. There should be more of these everywhere, like those little library book houses.

The 5th SCI set of the weekend was the Hula Incident featuring, “Women of the Galaxy,” and I’m just going to go ahead and say that it was the BEST theme set EVER. The set paid tribute to the young and the old, the late and the great, and the best of the best female singers of our time and featured Lisa FischerJen HartswickRhonda Thomasand Ann Wilson. 

Below is the setlist: 

Gimme Shelter (Rolling Stones) – Lisa Fischer on vocals

Rock Steady (Aretha Franklin) – Jen Hartswick on vocals and trumpet

Proud Mary (Tina Turner’s version) – Rhonda Thomas on vocals

Killing Me Softly (Robert Flack) – Lisa Fischer on vocals

Respect (Aretha Franklin) – Rhonda Thomas on vocals

Valerie (Amy Whinehouse) – Rhonda Thomas on vocals

Heartbreaker (Pat Benatar) – Jen Hartswick on vocals and trumpet

Politician (Cream) – Ann Wilson on vocals

Barracuda (Heart) – Ann Wilson on vocals

Get Up Stand Up (Bob Marley) – allllll the women of the galaxy!

Needless to say, it was a powerful and empowering set but when Ann Wilson herself, belted out Heart’s own Barracuda, the whole place went nuts. The ongoing “be the change” theme I mentioned previously was made even more clear when the ladies all came together for Bob Marley’s Get Up Stand Up. It was an incredibly commanding and inspiring moment that united not only all of the musicians and vocalists on stage, but everyone in the audience as well. The energy was unparalleled.

And speaking of parallels, a parallel universe is where the encore went with SCI’s “Space Jam.” They began with Rollover and took it to another planet, literally! From Star Wars to Star Trek and all your favorites in between, it is going to be really hard to top this year’s theme! Until then, you can watch the encore in it's entirety below.

A lot of folks missed the Incident’s encore because they ran to the Patch to catch the ever funky Vulfpeck. These guys are known for their funky rhythms, quirky lyrics and anecdotes between songs and together it all makes for a fun and groovy show. With multiple sit ins by Adam Deitch, (Lettuce and Break Science) the Shady Horns, (Lettuce) and Roosevelt Collier, their set was non-stop energy, especially after their featured vocalist Antwuan Stanley showed up. Vulfpeck knows how to interact and engage with their “Vulf-pack” and that was proven when the crowd was asked to participate in a little lyric change during Christmas in L.A. It just so happens that “Hula in Suwannee” fits as the perfect substitute with the melody. Each section of the audience was given a different harmony and when everyone sung together, it was harmonious. Check out their full set thanks for FunkCity.net below.

The elusive Jamiroquai would only step foot on US soil to perform five times in 2018, and thank goodness that Hula was one of those times because HE. WAS. AMAZING. Seriously though, if you weren’t already in another universe after SCI’s encore, Mr. Jay Kay took you there. With his robot hat that gave me serious Bowser vibes, he and his tight British jazz-funk band charged the Meadow stage a little late (see Vulfpeck), but played a little late to make up for it and everyone danced… the. entire. time. I can’t even really describe the experience because it was just that, an experience. If you were there, you get it, and I’ll just leave it at that.  

What did you bet/win at Frick Frack Blackjack? I saw a guy win a hand with a pixi stick, some string cheese and a condom. 

New Orleans vibes were in full effect on Sunday, complete with an authentic second line parade into Spirit Lake for Rebirth Brass Band. The parade was filled with dragons, dancers and some Do Whatcha Wanna. Once the line reached the Spirit Lake stage, the party didn’t stop. The second liners stuck around with their elaborate costumes and danced and sang with pure jubilee the entire set. This was a highlight of my weekend and definitely the perfect way to wake up my Sunday!

Photo via Keith Griner

Sunday at the Amphitheatre was an entire NOLA party on its own, with every artist having some sort of tie to the Big Easy. Kicking off the day were Hula celebs Jen Hartswick and Nick Cassarino. I call them Hula Celebs because during any given set, one of them would pop out and jam along with whoever was playing. It almost became a game! Jen Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band) and Nick Cassarino of The Nth Power, (which was formed where? New Orleans!) have been touring together almost all of 2018 and are an incredibly talented and wonderful duo. Their soulful vibes and unique sounds work together in perfect harmony. Since they were opening the day, Jen tried to figure out who in the crowd was just waking up, or who hadn’t been to sleep yet. It seemed to be about 50/50 from what we could tell. She also joked that she is a 5pm singer, so we were just going to have to deal with her 11am voice… could have fooled me because she blew me away. I saw her and her band five years back at a little fest called Bear Creek and while that was amazing, she is more of a leading lady than ever. Her voice paired with her subtle trumpet riffs were the perfect way to get Hula’s final day started. Nick you were good too… haha. But for real, dude is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to guitar and vocals. I’d go see this duo everyday if I could. 

MAVIS STAPLES Y’ALL. Standing tall at 5 foot nothing and 79 years young, Mavis freaking Staples. Her deep raspy voice commanded the Amphitheatre and she was all smiles as she spoke to the audience during her set. She even said that she was going to run for president, but then immediately laughed and said to not take her seriously… however, I’d totally vote for her! She’s compassionate, has a lot of stories to tell and inspiring. I’m sure you are wondering how she ties to New Orleans…. WELL, not only is she a Jazz Fest alum, she filmed her last video, If All I Was Was Black, in NOLA and while it controversial, (what isn’t these days?) was also a powerful political statement video showing the replacing of statues throughout the city. Check out the official music video below.


Straight outta NOLA, the funktastic, Galactic, took the moss-covered stage next and was anyone else hoping for a David Shaw cameo for Hey Na or Dolla Diva? Because I was… at that same Bear Creek when I saw the Jennifer Hartswick Band, I also got to see David, Maggie Koerner and Galactic debut Dolla Diva on that same stage. Oh well…

And speaking of David ShawThe Revivalists, also hailing from New Orleans closed out our NOLA day and the Amphitheatre stage for Hula 2018. This is their first time back since 2016, (though David Shaw did a solo set in 2017) and like Odesza have grown tremendously. If you are a fan of The Revs, you probably know that they like to their own surprise theme for Halloween. If this was your first show, like the confused person behind me, it was a great surprise! The guys came out full throttle, all in a different color Adidas track suit, jumping and yelling, “YOU GOTTA FIGHT, FOR YOUR RIGHT, TO PAAARRRRRRRTY!” (Was this an underlying message of the ongoing “fight for your right” theme throughout the fest? Or just a coincidence?) They went right back into Revivalists mode singing songs from their last album Men Amongst Mountains, a few oldies like Criminal and slowed it down with a crowd favorite, Soulfight.

They also played their latest #1 hits Wish I Knew You and All My Friends and then went straight back into Beastie Boy mode for a Sabotage encore. Lead man, David Shaw, engaged with the audience the entire set tagging hands and jumping in and out of the crowd and ended the set thanking the audience for being kind to one another. He said he could clearly see the love amongst us and reminded everyone to continue take care of each other and to vote. If you weren’t a fan of The Revivalists when you came to this set, you definitely were when you left. Their new album, Take Good Care comes out on November 9 and you can pre-order it via the band's official website.

Suwannee Hulaween 2018 was almost over, and there were only 3 sets left to catch… unfortunately they were all at the same time. Festival goers had to choose between the Brooklyn based funk band Turkuaz on the Spirit Lake Stage, electronic music DJ, Gramatik in the Patch and the inspiring and powerful female presence of Janelle Monae on the Meadow main stage.

Janelle Monae was an important closer to the ongoing theme of the fest because she enforces messages of equality and love, which are both important in today’s social and political climate, not to mention this woman can SING! And DANCE! Her production was bright, bold and beautiful just like her and her music. She spoke her truth and encouraged everyone to find theirs. It was perfect. (Note: I gave myself a blister trying to dance like her a few years ago at Jazz Fest. I refrained from doing that this time. Mostly because my legs were still dead from dancing to Jamiroquai the night before)

DID YOU FIND THE SECRET UNDERGROUND BALL PIT?

These moments are only a drop in the bucket with everything that you could have experienced on the SOSMP grounds. I’ve been to a lot of festivals and easily average 5-10 a year, and Suwannee Hulaween takes the cake as my favorite. From the art and ambiance, logistics and layout, organization, community and diverse lineup, it’s a true fantasy world and we are lucky enough to get to play in it. With over 80 miles danced/walked, I’ve officially put another Hula in the books. Stay tuned for early bird tickets and snag them while you can. The past 2 years have completely sold out and I’d really love for you to join me next year for a new set of beautiful experiences! 

 


Here's Why We're Stoked For Hulaween This Weekend October 22, 2018 15:26

-
-
Words by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography
-

The Suwannee Hulaween celebration is fast becoming one of the premier music festivals in the country. October 25th-28th, The String Cheese Incident and Purple Hat Productions, along with The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, are pulling out all the stops to make this year’s Hulaween festival the biggest Halloween party yet. This weekend is sure to be an unforgettable four days of music and experiences. What sets Hulaween apart from other festivals is the incomparable setting of Suwanee. Set in Live Oak, FL amongst 800-acres of Spanish moss draped oak and cypress, The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park is easily one of the most beautiful music venues in the country.

On top of the natural beauty of Suwannee, the Spirit Lake experience takes the multi-day music festival to a new level. Full of lighting, pyrotechnics, art installations, performance art, and music, this interactive space creates a community atmosphere that encourages festival goers to engage with the surroundings and each other. 

The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park has been host of many great music festivals such as Wanee, Aura, The Purple Hatter’s Ball, and Suwannee River Jam, but Hulaween is unlike any other to come to the park. Similar to other festivals hosted by The String Cheese Incident, Suwannee Hulaween is more than just a lot of bands in the same place. It’s an experience that will be hard to forget. The String Cheese Incident, will return to Spirit of Suwannee music park to headline all three nights of the festival. ODESZA, Jamiroquai and Janelle Monáe will be joining them as headliners and bringing their own unique flavor to the fest.

It's not just the headliners that makes this years festival so special. With artists such as Tipper, The Revivalists, STS9, Gramatik, Lettuce, Emancipator, Galactic, The Polish Ambassador, and Yonder Mountain String Band, there’s a little something for everyone at Hulaween. 

This years pre party is going to be something special as well. Hulaween veterans Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, STS9, and Lettuce all return for a night that could stand with most full festival lineups. Some of my personal favorites CBDB and Funk You will perform also to help kick off Hulaween in proper fashion. This years festival is one not to be missed, and we look forward to providing coverage throughout the weekend.

Watch the official Hulaween (2017) after movie here:


SweetWater 420 Festival Reveals Major Lineup Additions January 11, 2018 09:47

-
Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography
-

SweetWater 420 Fest will return to Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park on April 20th-22nd. SweetWater Brewing Company have now revealed the second wave of artis for next year’s event, which is quickly becoming one of the premier music festivals in the country. The initial lineup announcement in October included the likes of Umphrey’s McGee (x2), as well as Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sturgill Simpson, Vulfpeck, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (x2), Papadosio, Anders Osborne, SpaffordSister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Southern Avenue. 

Today's announcement includes headlining act The String Cheese Incident (x2) as well as Greensky Bluegrass, SOJA, Ghostland Observatory, The Motet, The Record Company, The Infamous Stringdusters, TAUK, Hirie, Marco Benevento, Brandon “Taz” NiederauerDurand Jones & The Indications, Los Colognes, The Mantras (Beastie Boys Tribute Set), The Vegabonds, Maddy O’Neal, Cofresi, Funk You, The Fritz, Walden, The Trongone Band, Luthi, Emma’s Lounge, Quaildogs, Hedonistas, Migrant Worker, Derlee, Hourglass, The Orange Constant, Bird Dog, Jubilee, Universal Sigh, Dr. Strangelove, Bennett Wales & The Relief. It's also worth noting that today's announcement included that 'x2' for JRAD that we've all been waiting for 

The String Cheese Incident will also play a very intimate 'pre-party' at Atlanta's Variety Playhouse on Thursday, April 19th. Tickets to this show go on sale TODAY (January 11th) at 4:20 PM EST. Festival tickets can be purchased by clicking here. Tickets for the SCI pre-party at Variety Playhouse can be purchased by clicking here.


Suwannee Hulaween Reveals Another Massive Initial Lineup June 22, 2017 13:25

-
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
-
Suwannee Hulaween, a diverse music and arts experience at the historic Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, today has revealed the musical lineup for its October 2017 event. Celebrating its fifth year, Suwannee Hulaween will offer a wide-reaching exposé of live and electronic music’s finest to soundtrack a fully immersive creative journey.
- 
Hulaween attendees may find themselves entranced by the world-leading instrumentative wonder of The String Cheese Incident, The Disco Biscuits, Greensky Bluegrass, and Lettuce, being blown away by dance-floor commanding electronic giants like Bassnectar, GRiZ, RL Grime, Claude VonStroke, Beats Antique, FKJ, Shiba San, and Manic Focus, or being treated to globally renowned headlining live acts like Ween, Run The Jewels, Portugal. The Man, Nick Murphy (Chet Faker), Nathaniel Rateliff, and many more.
-
The String Cheese Incident will remain at the helm of Hulaween, lending their creative vision and experiences touring as one of the world’s most sought after Jam acts to help shape the iconic look and feel of their flagship festival.
-
This movement shaping event offers its loyal followers a doorway into a visionary paradise, a channel into a reality defined by boundless surprises and exploration. Suwannee Hulaween’s five year anniversary will fuse a diversely curated musical lineup with awe-inspiring art installations, live performance, yoga, workshops, a speaker series and a slew of interactive activities to get lost in.
-
It remains the artistic triumph of Hulaween’s fully immersive inventive playground, Spirit Lake, that continues to defines the multi-faceted Suwannee voyage. Psychedelic media arts, otherworldly lighting design, and bewitching projections lure attendees deeper into the wooded lakeside oasis where they may encounter live performers and of course costumed fans embedded into this wildly collaborative passage.
-
Suwannee Hulaween has built its reputation on an unparalleled combination of world class musical talent, finely curated artistic programming, and a stunning natural location. It is such attention to detail and dedication to immersion that offers Hulaween attendees a truly peak experience.
-
The 2017 festival will also feature a fully programmed Thursday pre-party on October 26 at Spirit Lake with musical offerings from the likes of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Greensky Bluegrass, Lettuce, Liquid Stranger, The Devil Makes Three, EOTO & Friends, Zach Deputy, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, and more.
-
In co-producer talent buyer, Michael Harrison Berg’s own words on Suwannee Hulaween’s fifth year, “Suwannee Hulaween, our flagship event, turns 5 years old this year and feels like it's finally flowered into a grown up. Between the ever evolving and diverse musical line up with a curated blend of Jam, Dance Music, Rock, and Hip Hop, along with with the experiential art experience of the Spirit Lake installation, back dropped by the natural beauty of the Spanish Moss laden oak tree forest at Spirit of the Suwannee, there is no better Halloween party in the world. Five years ago, we set out to take The String Cheese Incident's annual Halloween bash, and grow it into a full scale festival. Now, we have the honor of producing an event that we'd personally want to be at. We've watched the process come and go full circle as we've grown together with the most loyal and dedicated fanbase we've ever witnessed in our collective career. For our 5th anniversary in 2017, we plan to level up across the board.”
-
About Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park:
Set in the midst of 800-acres of Spanish moss-draped oak and cypress along the black Suwannee River and complete with the largest bat house in the southeast U.S, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is one of the most beautiful live music venues in the country. The park also offers guest comforts including a general store, full-service restaurant, free showers, indoor bathrooms and water stations.
-
For More Information, Tickets, and VIP Packages for Suwannee Hulaween 2017, please visit: WWW.SUWANNEEHULAWEEN.COM
-

Watch the official aftermovie from Hulaween 2016 here:


LOCKN' Festival Adds Jim James, Releases Official Daily Schedule March 31, 2017 14:42

Photo by Keith Griner: Phierce Photo

Earlier today, LOCKN' Festival completed a week of epic festival announcements by revealing its daily lineup and announcing performances by: Phil Lesh w/ special guest Bob Weir & The Terrapin Family Band perform Terrapin Station, John Fogerty, The Disco Biscuits, Jim James, Antibalas, Blackberry Smoke, Hiss Golden Messenger, The Record Company & more. These artists join a stacked LOCKN' lineup that includes The Avett Brothers, Widespread Panic, The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey's McGee, Gov't Mule, Joe Russo's Almost Dead, The Revivalists and many more.  

Today's daily lineup reveals some exciting surprises, with four rotating sets of Umphrey's McGee and String Cheese Incident on Thursday night, the addition of Jim James on Friday afternoon, confirmed late night sets from The Disco Biscuits and Joe Russo's Almost Dead, and a special "phil.moe." set on Sunday which will consist of Phil Lesh and members of moe.

See below for details on the official LOCKN' daily schedule.  For all of the latest updates and further details on LOCKN' Festival, head over to the festival's official website and Facebook page.

Watch the official highlight reel from LOCKN' 2016 here:


Listen To The String Cheese Incident's 80's-Themed Hulaween Set November 1, 2016 23:34

This past Saturday night, The String Cheese Incident delivered three stellar sets during day two at it's annual Suwannee Hulaween music festival at The Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida.  While the band delivered a stellar performance from start to finish, the second set was certainly the highlight; featuring a tribute to the 80's with special guests for a performance dubbed Stringier Things.After an appearance from Jennifer Hartswick during the first set, the Antibalas Horns, Rhonda Thomas, and Tony White joined the band for the special tribute.  

The set was highlighted by a variety of 80's hits, including "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" (The Clash), "Let's Groove" (Earth, Wind, and Fire), "White Wedding" (Billy Idol), "Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns N Roses), and rousing take on The B52's "Love Shack."  The "Medley" that would follow was accompanied by an amazing fireworks display and included portions of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance,” Grandmaster Flash’s “White Lines,” Men Without Hats’ “Safety Dance,” Dexy’s Midnight Runner’s “Come On Eileen,” Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s “Relax,” Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up,” Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me” and  Talking Heads' “Burning Down The House”.

Listen to String Cheese Incident's entire 10.29.16 Hulaween show here:

Setlist: String Cheese Incident - Hulaween - 10.29.16

Set One: Rhum ‘N Zouc > Restless Wind, I Wish*, Turn This Around, Joyful Sound, Can’t Wait Another Day

Set Two (w/ Antibalas Horns, Rhonda & Tony): Would I Lie To You?, Should I Stay Or Should I Go, Upside Down, She Blinded Me With Science, Let’s Groove, White Wedding, Sweet Child O’ Mine, Love Shack, Medley

Set Three: Colorado Bluebird Sky, Sweet Spot+, Sometimes A River, Believe, Way Back Home, Miss Brown’s Teahouse, Colliding

Encore: Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours+

  • * – w/ Jennifer Hartswick
  • + – w/ Rhonda Thomas and Tony White


Suwannee Hulaween Announces Phase 2 Lineup, Thursday Pre-Party, + More July 19, 2016 12:00

-
Photo by Josh Timmermans: Noble Visions
-
Silver Wrapper and Purple Hat Productions have announced the phase two artists for the fourth annual Suwannee Hulaween, the lineup for the Thursday Pre-Party, and a new stage. Hosted by one of America’s most independently successful and diverse jam bands, The String Cheese Incident, Suwannee Hulaween takes place over the Halloween weekend, October 28 – 30, 2016 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL.

Joining the lineup for Suwannee Hulaween is world-renowned techno producer and Dirtybird Records founder Claude VonStroke, one-of-a-kind soul singer and his band Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires, dreamy sub pop artist Washed Out, French DJ and producer Brodinski, Chicago-based electronic music duo Louis the Child, Grammy award winning bluegrass band The Travelin' McCourys, and English electronic house duo Bondax, as well as Larry Keel & Drew Emmitt, Twiddle, Quixotic, Too Many Zooz, Thriftworks, SunSquabi, Louis Futon and many others.  
-
The Thursday Pre-Party also features a stacked lineup of diverse artists on multiple stages including two sets of prog-rock jam scene stalwarts Umphrey's McGee, groundbreaking Americana quintet Greensky Bluegrass, and experimental all-improv electronic duo EOTO & Friends, SCI keyboardist’ side project, Kyle Hollingsworth Band along with Marco Benevento, Fruition, The Werks, GanjaWhiteNight, The Heavy Pets, Late Night Radio, Con Brio, and more.  
-
Check out the official Hulaween 2015 recap here:
-
-
For 2016, the event producers have announced the addition of a brand new stage to Suwannee Hulaween. Located near the horse stable camping area, the new stage will help eliminate congestion at the Amphitheater Stage and will be comparable in size and space.

As always, fans will be treated to three nights, and 7 sets, of The String Cheese Incident, and the band will perform a themed Halloween set, featuring several cover debuts, costumes and other surprises.
-  
Attendees can also explore Spirit Lake – an experiential artistic glowing menagerie of multimedia metalwork, paintings, sculptures, light projections and live performances that morphs the prehistoric-looking forest into a vivid dream-like space. Although the event producers are not ready to unveil any secrets, Spirit Lake is promised to be larger than ever before, with additional installations and surprises.

Suwannee Hulaween will also feature theme nights, yoga, workshops, and endless interactive activities throughout the weekend.

Ultimate Incident VIP Packages are sold out, but weekend passes are available and moving quickly at www.suwanneehulaween.com. Ticket sales will be limited to 20,000 attendees, so grab tickets now in order to avoid missing out on Hulaween 2016.

About Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park:
Set in the midst of 800-acres of Spanish moss-draped oak and cypress along the black Suwannee River and complete with the largest bat house in the southeast U.S, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is one of the most beautiful live music venues in the country. The park also offers guest comforts including a general store, full-service restaurant, free showers, indoor bathrooms and water stations.
-

Suwannee Hulaween 2016 Lineup:
-
The String Cheese Incident (Three Nights)
My Morning Jacket
Disclosure (DJ Set)
Logic
Umphrey’s McGee
STS9
Big Gigantic (feat. The Motet)
Rebelution
The Claypool Lennon Delirium
Gramatik
Lettuce
Greensky Bluegrass
Boys Noize
Claude VonStroke*
Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals
Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires*
Snarky Puppy
RÜFÜS DU SOL
Bob Moses
Washed Out*
Louis The Child*
Brodinski*
Slow Magic
The Revivalists
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
Future Rock
Manic Focus
Illenium*
The Travelin’ McCourys*
Bondax*
The Motet
Larry Keel & Drew Emmitt*
Twiddle*
Quixotic*
Too Many Zooz*
Thriftworks*
SunSquabi*
Louis Futon*
Unlike Pluto
Passafire*
Marvel Years*
Plyenso*
Auto Body*
Cofresi*
Mungion (feat. Nicholas Gerlach)*
Flightwave*
Kill J*
Artifakts*
Spiritual Rez*
Whetherman*
Come Back Alice
The Fritz*
El Dub
Savi Fernandez Band
Higher Learning*
Cure For The Common*
Heather Gillis Band*
Ajeva
Post Pluto
Electric Kif*
Kaleigh Baker & The Groove Orient*
Savants of Soul
Bells and Robes*
Aaron Lebos Reality*
Juanjamon Band*
MZG*
Corbitt Clampitt Experience*
Locochino*
Galbraith Group*

Thursday Pre-Party:
Umphrey's McGee (two sets)
Greensky Bluegrass
EOTO & Friends*
Kyle Hollingsworth Band*
Marco Benevento*
Fruition*
The Werks*
GanjaWhiteNight*
The Heavy Pets*
Con Brio*
Flamingosis*
Imagined Herbal Flows*
Broccoli Samurai*
Trae Pierce & The T-Stones*
Future Vintage*

*Wave 2 artist

Suwannee Hulaween Links:
Twitter + Instagram: @HulaweenFL (#HulaweenFL)  

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park Links:
Twitter: @SOSMP (#Suwannee)


Watch String Cheese Incident & Karl Denson's Prince/Bowie Tribute at Electric Forest June 29, 2016 17:58

-
This past weekend marked the sixth annual Electric Forest, the annual music festival headlined by The String Cheese Incident in Rothbury, Michigan.  The festival also served as the first three shows of The String Cheese Incident's 2016 summer tour.  It's no secret that 2016 has been a tough year for the music industries, losing many icons including both Prince and David Bowie.   Bands have been paying tribute to both artists throughout the year, and Cheese did so in fine fashion on Saturday night.  Early in the second set, the band called on none other than Karl Denson (saxophone) for a killer sequence of Prince's "Kiss," Bowie's "Let's Dance," Prince's "Let's Go Crazy," and Bowie's "Space Oddity."  Thankfully, some fan-shot footage of the tribute has surfaced on YouTube.
-
Electric Forest Festival is a four-day multi-genre event, with a focus on electronic and jam band genres, held in Rothbury, Michigan, at the Double JJ Resort. The original event was called Rothbury Festival, debuted in 2008, and focused on jam bands and rock bands. The event was not held in 2010. Electric Forest, which debuted in 2011, is co-produced by Insomniac Events and Madison House. The 2015 event drew an estimated 45,000 attendees.
-
Watch String Cheese Incident & Karl Denson cover Prince's "Kiss" & David Bowie's "Let's Dance" here:
-
-
Watch String Cheese Incident & Karl Denson cover David Bowie's "Let's Dance" here":
-
-
Watch String Cheese Incident & Karl Denson cover Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" here":
-
-

Setlist: The String Cheese Incident at Electric Forest, Rothbury, MI - 6/25/16

Set 1:  BollyMunster, Song In My Head > Dudley's Kitchen, Sweet Spot, Falling Through the Cracks, Turn This Around > Can't Wait Another Day, Beautiful

Set 2: Believe, Stop Drop Roll, Kiss* (Prince) > Let’s Dance* (Bowie) > Let’s Go Crazy* (Prince) > Space Oddity* (Bowie), Search, Valley of the Jig > Kinky Reggae, Colliding, Jellyfish > Just One Story

* w/ Karl Denson


Celebrate Red Rocks' 75th Anniversary With Five Killer Performances June 15, 2016 17:28

Photo via RedRocksOnline.com

Today, the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre celebrates it's 75th anniversary, and that's something that simply cannot be overlooked. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a rock structure near Morrison, Colorado, 10 miles west of Denver, where concerts are given in the open-air amphitheatre. There is a large, tilted, disc-shaped rock behind the stage, a huge vertical rock angled outwards from stage right, several large outcrops angled outwards from stage left and a seating area for up to 9,525 people in between. The amphitheater is owned and operated by the City and County of Denver, Colorado and is located in Red Rocks Park, part of the Denver Mountain Parks system.

The earliest notable rock-and-roll performance at Red Rocks was by The Beatles on August 26, 1964, the only concert not sold out during their US-tour.  The beautiful and unique setting has led to the venue becoming a favorite for many performers, including Jimi Hendrix on September 1, 1968.  U2 performed at the amphitheatre on June 5, 1983 during their War Tour, in front of a crowd of 9,000 people.  

Red Rocks was one of the favored venues for The Grateful Dead and the venue has become a traditional stop for many subsequent jam bands. Widespread Panic holds the record for the most sold out performances at Red Rocks (48 shows). Blues Traveler has played the venue every Fourth of July since 1993, except 1999 when lead singer and harmonica player John Popper was unable to play due to heart surgery.  The venue has also seen numerous performances from the likes of Phish, My Morning Jacket, Tedeschi Trucks Band, String Cheese Incident, Umphrey's McGee, STS9, and so many more.

In honor of Red Rocks' 75th anniversary, we've included video footage of five of our favorite performances below.  We feel confident that we can speak for the all music fans when we say, "Thank you, Red Rocks, for providing an endless amount of memories to music fans far and wide!"

Watch Widespread Panic entire show at Red Rocks on 06.28.2002 here:

Watch Phish's entire first set at Red Rocks from 07.30.2009 here:

Watch String Cheese Incident's "Incident on The Rocks" from 07.23.2013 here:

Watch Umphrey's McGee's entire show at Red Rocks from 06.07.13 here:

Watch My Morning Jacket's entire show at Red Rocks from 05.29.16 here:


Suwanee Hulaween Announces Stellar Initial Lineup April 27, 2016 13:03

Photo by Josh Timmermans :: Noble Visions

JUST ANNOUNCED: INITIAL LINEUP FOR THE FOURTH ANNUAL SUWANNEE HULAWEEN

OCTOBER 28 – 30, 2016

SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK IN LIVE OAK, FL

THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT, MY MORNING JACKET, DISCLOSURE (DJ SET), LOGIC, UMPHREY’S MCGEE, STS9, BIG GIGANTIC FEAT. THE MOTET, REBELUTION, THE CLAYPOOL LENNON DELIRIUM, AND MORE! 

TICKETS ON-SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 29 AT NOON EST

Silver Wrapper and Purple Hat Productions have announced the first round of artists for the fourth annual Suwannee Hulaween, hosted by one of America’s most independently successful and diverse jam bands, The String Cheese Incident, over the Halloween weekend, October 2830, 2016 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL.

Performing at Suwannee Hulaween are Undeniable name in American Rock My Morning Jacket, Grammy nominated British dance act Disclosure (DJ Set), chart dominating, hip-hop poet Logic, prog-rock jam band Umphrey’s McGee, livetronica pioneers STS9, Colorado’s live funk/electronic duo Big Gigantic featuring The Motet, Southern California reggae outfit Rebelution, legendary experimental psych-pop project The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Brooklyn electro-soul producer Gramatik, ground-breaking Americana quintet from the Midwest Greensky Bluegrass, New York funkateers Lettuce, German electronic music producer Boys Noize, urban future-funk and soul breakout  Anderson .Paak with his live band The Free Nationals and many more.

Fans will also be treated to three nights, and 7 sets, of The String Cheese Incident. As always, the band will perform a themed Halloween set, featuring several cover debuts, costumes and other surprises.  
-
Since last year’s Suwannee Hulaween saw triple the amount of attendees, event producers will be making several changes for 2016. Ensuring an elevated fan experience from the moment of arrival, ticket sales will be limited to 20,000 weekend passes. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 29 at noon EST.
-

-
Watch the official recap from Hulaween 2015 here:
-


Merryland Music Fest to Feature String Cheese Incident, Ben Harper, Grace Potter + Many More March 15, 2016 09:30

-
All Good Presents has announced the details on Merryland, a brand new event at Merriweather Post Pavilion on July 9th & 10th. Headliners include: The String Cheese Incident (2 Sets), Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, and Grace Potter
-
Additional performers include: Lotus, Stephen "Ragga" Marley, Greensky Bluegrass, Shakey Graves, Yonder Mountain String Band, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Nahko & Medicine For The People, Langhorne Slim & The Law, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Turkuaz, TAUK, Protoje, Cris Jacobs Band and ELM.
-
In addition, Papadosio and ELM will play a kick-off party at Ram's Head Live in Baltimore, MD on July 8th, and The Soul Rebels and People's Blues of Richmond will play a kick-off at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC on the 8th as well. There's also a late night party on the 9th at the 9:30 Club, hosted by the group Kung Fu, featuring sit-ins from Karl Denson and more.
-
For more details and all updates on the event, head over to the Merryland official website.
-

String Cheese Incident Returning To Red Rocks For Three Nights (July 15th - 17th) February 1, 2016 16:27

The String Cheese incident will return to Red Rocks Amphitheatre in July for a three night stand at the famed venue in Morrison, Colorado. Joining in on the fun will be instrumental fusion rockers TAUK on July 15th, jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington on July 16th, and bluegrass legends Hot Rize on July 17th.  Pre-sale tickets will be available via SCI Ticketing on Wednesday, February 3rd at 11am MT. The general on-sale will be Friday, February 5th at 10am MT.

The String Cheese Incident @ Red Rocks
-
Friday July 15 w/ TAUK
Saturday July 16 w/ Kamasi Washington
Sunday July 17 w/ Hot Rize
REMINDER: The band has a new SCI Ticketing partner. Make sure your account is up to date so you’re all set for the pre-sale on Wednesday. Log in or create a new account HERE.
-
-

Watch String Cheese Incident at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in 2013 here:


Throwback: String Cheese Incident + Friends Jam On "Quinn The Eskimo" At Christmas Jam (2012) January 21, 2016 15:39

Photo by David Oppenheimer

Today, we look back on one of our fondest musical memories, the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam in 2012.  The annual charity event, hosted by Warren Haynes, has been held in Asheville, North Carolina every year since 1988.  The first show was dubbed, "The Christmas Jam: Musician's X-Mas Reunion" and was held at 45 Cherry, a local club in Asheville, on December 22 1988. Some of the artists at the first Christmas Jam were Warren HaynesCrystal Zoo, The Stripp Band and the McBad Brothers Band.

This event has continued to grow every year and is now dubbed "Warren Haynes Presents: The Christmas Jam". The show sells out in a matter of hours every year. Because of the fantastic growth, it is currently held at the U.S. Cellular Center (formerly known as the Asheville Civic Center), and continues to feature artists and friends Haynes has played with over the years. In 2008 and 2013, the event has featured two nights of music, in celebration of the 20th and 20th anniversaries.

This particular year was the 24th Annual Christmas Jam, boasting a lineup featuring The Blind Boys of Alabama, Sheryl Crow, The Avett Brothers, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, the String Cheese Incident, and the Warren Haynes Band.  Special guests for the evening included Anders Osborne, Nigel Hall, Karl Denson, Mike Barnes, Count M'butu, and Kevin Kinney.  

After a smoking hot set of Cheese, where many of us heard songs like "Rosie" and "Song In My Head" for the first time, the band returned to the stage with Haynes (guitar), Nigel Hall (keyboards), Karl Denson (sexophone), Count M'butu (percussion), and Mike Barnes (guitar) for a family-style superjam on the Bob Dylan classic, "Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)."  This one never gets old, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Watch String Cheese Incident & Friends perform "Quinn The Eskimo" here:


VIDEO: " The Doobie Incident" featuring String Cheese Incident + The Doobie Brothers: Lockn' Festival September 14, 2015 19:56

Photos by Brady Cooling Photography

Over the weekend, many of the greatest bands from across the country came together for the 3rd Annual Lockn' Festival on Oak Ridge Farm in Arrington, VA.  Amongst the star studded lineup was the "The Doobie Incident," featuring The String Cheese Incident, along with of John Cowan, Guy Allison, John McFee, Tom Johnston, and Patrick Simmons of The Doobie Brothers  The Doobie Incident performed a Friday afternoon set full of Doobie Brothers classics, as well as a few tunes from the String Cheese catalog.  Just before the set began, John Popper of Blues Traveler performed a special rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" with a team of 9/11 first responders standing behind him.  If that's not a powerful way to kick off a music festival, we don't know what is.
-

Watch HD Video of John Popper performing "The Star Spangled Banner" + The Doobie Incident from Lockn' Festival

Setlist:  The Doobie Incident - 09.11.15 - Lockn' Festival 

Rockin' Down The Highway > Takin' It To The Streets, Sometimes A River, Black Water, Long Train Runnin' > Texas > Long Train Runnin', Drums > Jesus Is Just Allright, China Grove, Listen To The Music1

Notes:  "The Doobie Incident" with Guy Allison, John McFee, Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, John Cowan. 1with Pat Simmons Jr.

Photos by Brady Cooling Photography


Hulaween Lineup To Include SCI, Primus, Railroad Earth, STS9, Lettuce, Pretty Lights June 22, 2015 10:48

-
JUST ANNOUNCED: INITIAL LINE UP THE THIRD ANNUAL SUWANNEE HULAWEEEN!
 
SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK
OCT 30 – NOV 1, 2015 (LIVE OAK, FL)
 
Silver Wrapper and Purple Hat Productions have announced the first round of artists for the third annual Suwannee Hulaween, hosted by seminal Colorado jamband The String Cheese Incident over Halloween weekend October 30 – November 1, 2015 at the famed Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL.
 
Performing at Suwannee Hulaween is Denver’s electro-soul and glitch-hop pioneer Pretty Lights, San Francisco thrash-funk eccentrics Primus, Chicago's psychedelic hip-hop hero Chance The Rapper and his live band,The Social Experimentlegendary Georgia jamtronica innovators STS9, rising Seattle electronic-indie duo ODESZA, San Diego's post punk reggae beach rockers Slightly Stoopid, and Detroit’s electro-funk and live saxophone sensation GRiZ, along with Lettuce, Railroad Earth, Papadosio, The Floozies, Sam Bush Band and many more. Fans will also be treated to three nights, and 7 sets, of The String Cheese Incident, along with a theatrical, surprise cover-filled show on Halloween.

For guests that want to start the party early, Hulaween is hosting an onsite pre-party on Thursday, October 29th with Grateful Dead tribute act Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and several additional artists to be announced soon.
-

Festival goers can also get excited for the return of an expanded Spirit Lake – an experiential artistic glowing menagerie of multimedia metalwork, paintings, sculptures, light projections and live performances that morphs the prehistoric-looking forest into a vivid dream-like space. With hardly any overlapping sets throughout the weekend, attendees have plenty of time to wander the mystical campgrounds abuzz with costumed fans and interactive theme camps while not missing any music they want to experience. Suwannee Hulaween will also feature theme nights, yoga, workshops and endless interactive surprises throughout the weekend.
 
Set in the midst of 800-acres of Spanish moss-draped oak and cypress along the black Suwannee River and complete with the largest bat house in the southeast US, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is one of the most beautiful live music venues in the country. The park also offers guest comforts including a general store, full-service restaurant, free showers, indoor bathrooms and water stations.
 
Tickets and Ultimate Incident VIP Packages go on sale Tuesday, June 23. To join the wait list for cabins, golf cart rentals and RV hook-ups, please contact SOSMP at 386.364.1683.
 
(Suwannee Hulaween 2014 Official Recap)

Stay tuned for additional artist announcements, workshops and theme nights! 

For information visit www.SuwanneeHulaween.com.
 
Suwannee Hulaween 2015 Phase 1 Lineup
The String Cheese Incident (3 nights)
Pretty Lights
Primus
Chance the Rapper & Social Experiment
STS9
ODESZA
Slightly Stoopid
GRiZ
Lettuce
Railroad Earth
Papadosio
The Floozies
Sam Bush Band
Dopapod
The New Mastersounds
Future Rock
Goldfish
Elephant Revival
The Nth Power
Earphunk
Sister Sparrow and the Dirtybirds
Turbo Suit
The Shook Twins
Jon Stickley Trio
Post Pluto
 
Thursday Pre-Party
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
 
                                                 Suwannee Hulaween Links:                                                                   
www.suwanneehulaween.com
www.facebook.com/suwanneehulaween
Twitter + Instagram: @HulaweenFL (#HulaweenFL)
www.youtube.com/HulaweenFL
 
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park Links:
www.MusicLivesHere.com
www.facebook.com/musicliveshere
Twitter: @SOSMP (#Suwannee)