Photo Review: WMNF’s Americana Fest at Skipper’s Smokehouse
July 13th, 2009 by elawgrrl in Concerts, Local Music, News, Photo review, Photos, ReviewsWMNF’s 4th Annual Americana Fest at Skipper’s Smokehouse went off without a hitch this past Saturday, July 11, a hand clappin’, boot stompin’ good time that showcased the vast array of talent in Florida’s Americana scene.
Have Gun, Will Travel
Originally masterminded by Ted Lukas, Americana Fest is all grown up. This year featured ten outstanding Florida Americana bands: Ted Lukas & the Misled, Will Quinlan & the Diviners, Have Gun, Will Travel, Thomas Wynn & the Believers, Nervous Turkey, Black Finger, Roppongi’s Ace, Mike Dunn & the Kings of New England, Matt Butcher and The Nine Volts plus a national headliner: Blue Mountain.
Thomas Wynn & The Believers
As typical on summer days in the lighting capital of the world (Tampa really does mean “sticks of fire”), downpours threatened throughout the day. In spite of inclement weather, Americana Fest was packed with folks eager to see the array of homegrown talent with music lovers of all ages in attendance.
Kids building sandcastles at Skipper’s smokehouse
According to Wikipedia, Americana is the “amalgam of roots music fused by the confluence of the shared and varied traditions that make up the American musical ethos; specifically those sounds that are merged from folk, country, rhythm & blues, rock & roll and other external influential styles.” In the absence of individual set reviews, suffice to say that each of these alt country bands delivered inspired performances tapping into the full range of musical influences of the Americana genre. It was common to see band members making guest appearances during other sets to add a harmony here and there, or provide some necessary instrumentation. The sense of community among these musicians was inspiring.
Missed out on this show? Next up for Americana fans in Tampa: WMNF presents The Avett Brothers (with Matt Butcher and The Revolvers) at The Cuban Club on Saturday, July 18.
The Nine Volts
The Nine Volts are Larry Fulford (drums), James Mitchell (guitar/ mandolin), Adam Wheeler (bass) and Conrad Wilson (vocals/ guitar).
Matt Butcher
Black Finger
Black Finger is Greg Lovell, Andy McAusland, Sean Fernandez, and Jesse Dalton.
Mike Dunn & The Kings of New England
Mike Dunn and The Kings of New England is Mike Dunn (Vocals, Guitar, Piano) and depending on the performace an assortment of the following regal players: Jacob Kaplan (Bass Guitar), Joey Bradshaw (Rhythm Guitar, Vocals), Cannon Lee (Drums), Kyle Pierce (Guitar, Pedal Steel), Andy Simmonds (B3 Organ, Vocals), Chris Martin (Drums, Bass Guitar, Vocals), Daniel “Bones” Anderson (Drums, Smiles), C.J. Mask (Lead Guitar, Vocals), Jeff Snow (Drums, Metal History), Dean Lorenz (Shred) and Susan “Soon to be” Snow (Violin).
Roppongi’s Ace
Roppongi’s Ace is Alex Spoto (Vocals, Guitar, Fiddle), Max Norton (Drums, Hootin’), Jesse Norton (Bass, Harmonica, Hollerin’), and Rob Pastore (Pedal Steel).
Nervous Turkey
Nervous Turkey is Ernie Locke (Vocals, Harp, Guitar), Aaron Fowler (Drums), and Mark Cunningham (Organ).
Thomas Wynn & The Believers
Thomas Wynn & The Believers is Thomas Wynn (lead vocals/guitar), Olivia Wynn (vocals/organ-piano/tambo), Justin Beckler (guitar), John Hembree (bass), Thom Damon (drums) and Chris Bell (harmonica).
Have Gun, Will Travel
Have Gun, Will Travel is Scott Anderson (elec. guitar, lap steel), Jean-Paul Beaubien (drums), Matthew Burke (voice, accoustic guitar), Daniel Burke (bass guitar, voice) and Joshua Hernandez (viola)
Will Quinlan & The Diviners
For this performance, Will Quinlan & The Diviners was Will Quinlan (Vox/Guitar), Soraya Zaumeyer (vox/keys), Daniel Burke (upright bass), Scott Anderson (electric & lap steel guitars), Alex Spoto (Fiddle) and Jesse Martin (drums).
Ted Lukas & The Misled
Ted Lukas & The Misled is Ted Lukas (guitar/vocals), Mark Tinker (bass), Sonny John Sundstrom (guitar/vocals), and Sean Doyle (drums/vocals)
Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain is Cary Hudson (Guitar, vox), Laurie Stirratt (bass, vox) and Frank Coutch (drums,vox).
For more photos, please visit the following links:
July 13th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Roppongi’s Ace killed it. We’re all fans now.
July 13th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
The photos are fan-freaking-tastic! So cool.
July 13th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Your pictures are always so amazing!
July 14th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Excellent pics.
I had such a blast being a part of AmFest this year. Every band played their hearts out and it showed.
I have become a fan of every band that played and added several new cds to my “Local” collection.
It was great to see the enormous support for Americana Fest. The bands, the music, the venue, WMNF…I cannot stress how important it is to continue that support. When you hear of these bands, or any other of your local faves, playing in your area, please get out there and let them know. Let’s keep it alive and growing.
Support Local Music…because music matters.
Doyle
Ted Lukas and The Misled
July 14th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
This photo is great!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elawgrrl/3711293243/in/set-72157621188933363/