A River runs Through it.
“Way down upon the Suwannee River ” is running round my head as I type. A classic song by Stephen Foster…”Far Faaaaar Awaaaaay” I had a peek at just how far away when Magnoliafest was recommended to me by T-Dawg at Harvestfest recently.

In a fit of great glee I discovered its only a four and a half hour drive from my adopted home of Atlanta and therefore is a mere hop compared to some treks we have made in the name of music. So already my wife has made me buy some extra tarp to keep the underside of the tent dry as we plan to go for the duration of this one. It's in Florida. How cold can it get in Florida in October? And it is situated on the aforementioned Suwannee River . So we expect it to be very beautiful as well. I have encountered this lovely river before, dipping my pasty Irish hide in it on my honeymoon. Even in sweltering July it was a cold dip.

But this time we are going there for the music. Magnoliafest runs from October 16 th -19 th at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida just south of the Georgia State line. It has been in operation for a few years now but this is my first chance to try Florida 's contribution to the world of Bluegrass and Americana.

This year the lineup includes the cream of the crop with Sam Bush, Vassar Clements, Jerry Douglas and Donna the Buffalo included on the bill.

Jim Lauderdale, Pete Rowan's ReggaeBilly, Joe Craven and the wonderful Reeltime Travelers will add their own sounds to the proceedings giving a little something to everyone. There will even be a little touch of Irishness with Celtic Soul taking to the stage as well. These are just a few of the many bands and artists who will be playing over the festival. Like all such events I am sure there will be some lovely surprises as well.

The whole thing costs a mere $90 for the entire weekend with basic camping. Full details on the lineup, schedules and camping can be found on the festival's website at

http://www.magmusic.com

Now if you plan to visit us at the campsite make sure to bring cookies and stay for a nice cup of tea.

Here are some other related links

Sam Bush http://www.sambush.com
Harvestfest http://www.harvestfest.com
Reeltime Travelers http://www.reeltimetravelers.com
Jim Lauderdale http://www.jimlauderdale.com