Allman Bros bring Levon Helm, Bob Weir to Wanee
February 5th, 2008 by Wade Tatangelo in News
The Allman Brothers Band has returned to a level of brilliance in recent years not approached since their groundbreaking Duane-era of the late 1960s. Thanks to Gregg Allman’s renewed passion for the music (brought on by a much-needed switch to sobriety) — as well as the addition of 28-year-old slide guitar virtuoso Derek Trucks and singer/songwriter/guitar great Warren Haynes — the ensemble now ranks as one of the most formidable acts touring today. And there’s no better setting to witness the ultimate jam band than at their annual Wanee Festival.
Now in its fourth year and held again at the gorgeous Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, it takes place April 11 and 12. For ABB enthusiasts, it ranks as one of the most anticipated events of the year. In addition to playing alongside Gregg, Trucks takes the stage with wife Susan Tedeschi and Haynes fronts Gov’t Mule. Burbridge’s jazzy side project also has a slot.
An appearance by Levon Helm this year definitely sweetens the deal. The singer on many of The Band’s best-known hits, his voice was thought to be permanently lost to cancer but after a long silence he returned last year with the Grammy-nominated album Dirt Farmer, his pipes sounding a tad gruffer but perhaps even more expressive than before. Bob Weir & Rat Dog are also on the roster. Haynes played with Weir as a member of The Dead a few years back so hopefully he’ll sit in and spice things up.
Wanee Festival 2008 line-up to date:
â–ª The Allman Brothers Band
▪ Gov’t Mule
â–ª Bob Weir & RatDog
â–ª moe.
â–ª Oteil & the Peacemakers
â–ª Levon Helm
â–ª JJ Grey & Mofro
â–ª Larry McCray Band
â–ª Scrapomatic
â–ª Bonobos Convergence
â–ª Little Brown Peach
â–ª The Frequency
â–ª Inca Maya
â–ª and many more to be announced!
â–ª Special Saturday Midnight Set With
Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi
Soul Stew Revival
Here’s a memorable interview I did with Gregg Allman in 2006. I spoke with Derek Trucks last year shortly after he returned from a world tour with Eric Clapton.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:50 am
We are very excited to be headed back for our third year of Wanee. Watch for the late-night campground jam on Friday night, on the right, just before the chapel. If you’ve never been….this is a don’t miss.
February 7th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Thanks, Frank. I plan to be there.
February 7th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
The RiverRoad Camp Jams …I love my ABBFAMILY as Dave says… :-)