Picking, Grinning, and Springing Back! Suwannee Spring Reunion Gears Up for 2025

Article Contributed by Dreamspider Pu… | Published on Tuesday, November 12, 2024

The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) in Live Oak, Florida, will host the 7th Annual Suwannee Spring Reunion from Thursday through Sunday, March 20–23. This family-friendly music festival spans four days and nights, offering camping, music workshops, kids’ activities, arts & crafts, and daily yoga. Nestled among 800 acres of majestic Spanish moss-draped oaks and cypress trees along the Suwannee River, the weekend will be filled with music rooted in Americana, newgrass, bluegrass, folk, blues, and more.

Suwannee Spring Reunion is thrilled to announce its initial lineup, featuring: The Infamous Stringdusters, Sam Bush, Donna the Buffalo, Kitchen Dwellers, Peter Rowan Walls of Time Band with Don Grant Reggaebilly, Steve Poltz, Fireside Collective, SCYTHIAN, Roy Book Binder, Hattie & Joe Craven Quartet, Big Cosmo’s Band, Lee Hunter & The Gatherers, and more artists to be announced!

Suwannee Spring Reunion is committed to showcasing both established and emerging roots musicians throughout the weekend, often including one-of-a-kind collaborations among the artists performing. You never know who might give a surprise sit-in on stage—or even in the campgrounds. There’s an open call to play at the many campground pickin’ parties throughout the weekend, including at Slopryland, hosted by Sloppy Joe, and the Bill Monroe Shrine, hosted by Quartermoon.

The lineup features artists with storied histories of epic Suwannee performances over the years. This festival has become a beloved tradition for generations of families who gather each year to experience a shared connection to the music and a commitment to something bigger than themselves.

Festival Director Beth Judy shares, “Having to cancel Suwannee Roots Revival 2024 due to the damage from Hurricane Helene broke my heart. It was necessary, but I have to admit tears were shed, and it's hard to express how much I missed seeing everyone! I felt really lost, and now I see how much I depend on that energetic refill of love, music, and laughter with our community. We had planned to dedicate this festival to Randy Judy (my festival co-creator and partner), which made it especially disappointing; however, the good news is that his tribute will happen at Suwannee Spring Reunion 2025. I actually think it will be even better than I had envisioned!”

Beth continues, “Our first festival was Suwannee SpringFest in March of 1997, so it’s fitting that Randy's tribute will take place in the Spring. Plus, Sam Bush will be there, and Randy loves Sam! I'm quite sure that if you look closely, you'll almost see Randy tapping his foot with Vassar and Col. Bruce on either side! With the lineup we have coming together, Spring Reunion is going to be amazing!”

Suwannee Spring Reunion has renamed some areas and unveiled a new one, following plans initially made for Suwannee Roots. There will be music across four stages, including Big Cosmo’s Amphitheater, the new Music Farmers Stage at The Porch and The Back Porch, the Music Hall, and The Tent.

The festival will kick off with Big Cosmo’s Celebration of Life at the newly renamed Big Cosmo’s Amphitheater, featuring a performance by Big Cosmo’s Band in honor of festival co-founder Randy Judy, who passed away in Spring 2024.

Exciting changes are underway to enhance your festival experience at Suwannee Spring Reunion 2025! The Porch Stage area is being transformed into a multipurpose venue—The Music Farmers Stage at The Back Porch—creating a “VIP section for everyone.”

The Back Porch will be open from the start of the music at Big Cosmo’s Amphitheater until each night’s end, providing plenty of seating for relaxation, food from nearby vendors, and live video feeds from Big Cosmo’s Amphitheater so you won’t miss a beat. There will be a full bar setup, and WildCrafters will offer a non-alcoholic bar nearby, serving kava, teas, and booze-free craft mocktails. During evening changeovers at Big Cosmo’s Amphitheater, special performances by featured artists will take place at The Back Porch.

The Music Farmers Stage has moved indoors to the former Porch Stage building, providing a larger, more comfortable setting for workshop participants. A variety of new and exciting workshops will be offered on Friday and Saturday by some of the festival’s friends and artists.

As if that weren’t enough, The Tent is also moving closer to Vendor Row for added convenience! The Music Hall will remain as is, with stage lighting, air conditioning, and a café.

The Music Farmers Stage is sponsored by the festival’s nonprofit arm, Live Oak Music and Arts Foundation (LOMAF). A raffle featuring prizes donated by festival merchants, artists, and sponsors will be held on-site at the tent located at the top of the hill by Big Cosmo’s Amphitheater. Proceeds will benefit LOMAF to support music and arts programs in North Florida schools, including the Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp.

Tickets are on sale now! Suwannee Spring Reunion offers a multi-day Weekend Ticket that includes four days of music, along with primitive camping for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Discounts are available for military personnel and students, and children 12 and under are free if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Get your tickets before prices increase on December 17. Note: an additional event car pass is required to bring a car into the campground (Advance Car Pass: $15; $20 at the Gate). For complete ticket details and to purchase, visit www.suwanneespringreunion.com/Tickets/.

SOSMP offers guest amenities, including a general store, full-service restaurant, free showers, indoor bathrooms, and water stations. Upgraded camping options, including RV hookups, cabin rentals, and golf cart rentals, are currently on sale. Reservations can be made by calling the Park office at (386) 364-1683. Located between Jacksonville and Tallahassee, about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line and 45 minutes north of Gainesville, SOSMP hosts various events throughout the year. For more information, please visit www.musicliveshere.com.

Suwannee Spring Reunion 2025 Initial Lineup:

  • The Infamous Stringdusters
  • Sam Bush
  • Donna the Buffalo
  • Kitchen Dwellers
  • Peter Rowan Walls of Time Band with Don Grant Reggaebilly
  • Steve Poltz
  • Fireside Collective
  • SCYTHIAN
  • Roy Book Binder
  • Hattie & Joe Craven Quartet
  • Big Cosmo’s Band
  • Lee Hunter & The Gatherers
  • Sloppy Joe
  • Quartermoon
  • Magic Moon Traveling Circus
  • Bill Monroe Shrine
  • Slopryland Music Workshops
  • Umalumina Daily Yoga with Rhonda Bell

 

For more information, visit www.suwanneespringreunion.com.

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