Let the sunshine in! Sunshine Music Festival, that is!
The fourth annual Sunshine Music Festival returns to St. Petersburg and Boca Raton January 16th and 17th. It is also the fourth time that the juggernaut big band known as The Tedeschi Trucks is headlining this event (previously called the Sunshine Music and Blues Festival). This group has redefined and updated the meaning of the American big band for the 21st century. Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks have invited a bunch of their musician friends to join them for the two-day festival.
Tickets go on sale this Friday (October 9th) at 10:00 AM for the Saturday show at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg and the Sunday edition at the Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton (and you know the mantra: NEVER miss a Sunday show!).
About those friends…
Most of this year’s lineup involves groups who have not previously graced the Sunshine stages. Consider The Indigo Girls. If you imagine for a nanosecond that these ladies can’t jam, then you haven’t seen them yet with a rocking band behind them. You can take that to the bank. Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue have been on demand for festivals nationwide, and for good reason: everybody needs a Nawlins fix.
There is more Nawlins funk in the form of The Revivalists, who have been tearing Florida up regularly and are coming back for more. On the other hand, it has been far too long since Karl Denson and His Tiny Universe have been hanging around. Be sure you check out DJ Williams on guitar! KDTU!!
The Hard Working Americans come by their name honestly, with Todd Snider, Dave Schools, Neal Casal, Chad Staehly, Duane Trucks, and Jesse Aycock delivering great American music in a variety of genres. Jorma Kaukonen is a regular on the Florida scene, this time doing a solo slot.
You may not know Jerry Douglas by name, but be assured you have heard him. “Man of Constant Sorrow?” Yep, that’s Douglas on mandolin. He is a massive talent and plays with Alison Krause and Union Station among other collaborations. He and his band will certainly delight.
Bobby Lee Rodgers has been a mainstay at the Sunshine Festival, Peach Festival, Wanee and many other events, and with good reason. He is an excellent songwriter, a brilliant and vastly underrated guitar player, and a band leader who finds the very best musicians to deliver his vision. And finally, blues rocker Joanne Shaw Taylor comes from over the pond to share her guitar pyrotechnics.
The weather is perfect, the lineup is remarkable, the venues are great, and you’re outside in January. Any questions?
http://www.sunshinemusicfestival.com/
