Jazz, Jam, Bluegrass, Loops — You Name it, Fil Pate Plays It
[Article by Hillary Carpenter!]
One of the greatest assets to the Tampa Bay area is the local music scene. There is a band for every genre, a venue for every stomping ground. From jazz bars to reggae festivals, it’s easy to quench your musical thirst in this town. With so many bands to choose from, though, it can be harder to nail down a flavor than it is to pick a pub. Do you want to be served some bluegrass, Southern rock, gypsy swing, or just hear a solid jam?
Enter Fil Pate. A self-described music theory enthusiast, Fil has conquered the full spectrum of all things considered worth hearing. Influenced by the likes of Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and Widespread Panic and musically mentored by Bobby Lee Rodgers, the master of the mandolin equally becomes the wizard of the guitar. Oh, you like the thump of the upright bass? He’s got that covered, too. Is it a jazzy vibe you’re craving? Consider that hunger satisfied. The one-man band quite literally creates a stage show comparable to a four- or five-piece ensemble.
Hailing from the mountains of North Georgia, Fil arrived in the Tampa Bay area roughly fifteen years ago. He gracefully combines the fad-proof style of a Southern gentleman with the on-point rhythm of movement through sound. Think Southern sweet barbeque paired with locally brewed beer. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. But alas, I digress! Back to the music.
Fil Loops
One of the essential, must-see performances is most definitely a Fil Loops show. Though sitting solo in the spotlight, you quickly forget he’s up there alone. As he seamlessly transitions from one instrument to the other, the sounds become woven together like yarn on a loom. From the first stroke of a string, you’re hooked with curious fascination of what lies ahead. With every new loop (a short section of music that is recorded, then repeated, and usually combined with other tracks) added, the melody evolves. What you might at first thought was an enjoyable, though unrecognizable collaboration of sound steadily grows into an explosive seven-minute “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Trust me, I have seen it with my own eyes! A Fil Loops instrumental performance can cover anything from ambient vibrations to hip-moving grooves. It’s an opportunity to experience a true artist painting multiple masterpieces in one setting.
Bluegrass Jams
Then there are the open bluegrass jams that Fil Pate has been building locally since December 2016. Witchgrass Wednesdays in St. Petersburg (with co-host and fellow Thump Barrel and Fil Pate Trio band member Rob Williams) and Thursdays in Dunedin offer a spot in the circle for every musician. Traditional bluegrass format, where normal rules apply, is centered around one condenser mic. Every unified chord, every collective vocal is expertly caught and reflected out towards the congregation. It’s a welcoming invitation into a kindred community of picking and grinning.
Fil is also well known for joining in with any number of musicians around the area. You can be a witness to him getting down on the jams with Matt Weis (of Box Car Hollow and Antelope, amongst other things) quite a few times a year. If you’re more into the musical revolution of the Grateful Dead, then you’ll want to be present for when he’s combining sound with Rich Whiteley (best known locally for his self-titled band and as a member of Uncle John’s Band). If you’re too busy for seeing live music (gasp!), you can easily download a copy of the Friends of Fil organ trio album Soul Stew from your preferred online music store.
Another thing about Fil Pate is that he’s not trying to keep all of this mastered craft to himself. He teaches instruments of all kinds, sharing his in-depth knowledge of music theory with anyone willing to learn. He not only offers one-on-one sessions locally but also at music camps in north Florida and the Teton Mountains.
There is never a lack of talent in this town, and Fil Pate is a gleaming example of that truth. But don’t take my word for it – go catch him at a show soon.
Like, tonight.
He’s probably playing.
FIL PATE / FIL PATE TRIO / THUMP BARREL / BLUEGRASS JAM
03/13 Witchgrass Wednesday | The Ale & The Witch | St. Petersburg FL
03/14 Pickin’ Splinters Open Bluegrass Jam | Woodwright Brewing Company | Dunedin FL
03/15 Firefighters’ Chili-Blaze! | England Brothers Bandshell | Pinellas Park FL
03/16 Celtic Tribute | Armature Works | Tampa FL
03/17 Celtic Tribute | Armature Works | Tampa FL
03/17 Fil Pate & Matt Weis | Caddy’s on the Beach | Treasure Island
03/20 Witchgrass Wednesday | The Ale & The Witch | St. Petersburg FL
03/21 Pickin’ Splinters Open Bluegrass Jam | Woodwright Brewing Company | Dunedin FL
03/27 Witchgrass Wednesday | The Ale & The Witch | St. Petersburg FL
03/28 Pickin’ Splinters Open Bluegrass Jam | Woodwright Brewing Company | Dunedin FL
04/03 Witchgrass Wednesday | The Ale & The Witch | St. Petersburg FL
04/04 Pickin’ Splinters Open Bluegrass Jam | Woodwright Brewing Company | Dunedin FL
04/07 Fit Pate | Caddy’s Gulfport | Gulfport FL
04/10 Witchgrass Wednesday | The Ale & The Witch | St. Petersburg FL
04/11 Pickin’ Splinters Open Bluegrass Jam | Woodwright Brewing Company | Dunedin FL
04/17 Witchgrass Wednesday | The Ale & The Witch | St. Petersburg FL
04/18 Pickin’ Splinters Open Bluegrass Jam | Woodwright Brewing Company | Dunedin FL
04/24 Witchgrass Wednesday | The Ale & The Witch | St. Petersburg FL
04/25 Pickin’ Splinters Open Bluegrass Jam | Woodwright Brewing Company | Dunedin FL
04/26 Thump Barrel | Clearwater Social Brewing Company | Clearwater Beach FL
05/01 Witchgrass Wednesday | The Ale & The Witch | St. Petersburg FL
05/02 Pickin’ Splinters Open Bluegrass Jam | Woodwright Brewing Company | Dunedin FL
05/08 Witchgrass Wednesday | The Ale & The Witch | St. Petersburg FL
05/09 Pickin’ Splinters Open Bluegrass Jam | Woodwright Brewing Company | Dunedin FL
05/15 Witchgrass Wednesday | The Ale & The Witch | St. Petersburg FL
05/16 Fit Pate Trio | Orange Blossom Jamboree | Sertoma Youth Ranch | Brooksville FL
05/22 Witchgrass Wednesday | The Ale & The Witch | St. Petersburg FL
05/23 Pickin’ Splinters Open Bluegrass Jam | Woodwright Brewing Company | Dunedin FL
05/29 Witchgrass Wednesday | The Ale & The Witch | St. Petersburg FL
05/30 Pickin’ Splinters Open Bluegrass Jam | Woodwright Brewing Company | Dunedin FL
06/28 Fil Pate | Tampa Bay Brewing Company | Westchase FL