You Can Experience the Art and Music of Suwannee Fest
By TAMARA McCLARAN
Everyone who attends Suwannee Springfest, one of the two annual music festivals at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak produced by Magnolia Music & Events in Jacksonville Beach, talks about the great music that can be heard on stages and throughout the festival campgrounds from morning until night. While the festivals showcase regional and national talent performing American roots music genres, festival attendees say Suwannee Springfest and MagnoliaFest also are inspired by art, culture, community and magic.
“The festivals have been an extension of another family for me,” said Marci Davis, a Jacksonville artist who designs the festival posters and has attended every festival. “It’s hard to describe, but it’s always amazing.”
For the first time, organizers are going to offer a chance to experience the art and music of Suwannee Springfest at the Beaches.
The multimedia event will be from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday at the Cobalt Moon Water Studio, 214 Orange St., Neptune Beach. Admission is free.
The event will display paintings by artist Keith “Scramble” Campbell, photographs by Michael Sheehan and poster art by Davis, capturing some of the two music festivals’ action and history. The evening will also feature a showing of Music Farmers: Sowing the Seeds of Americana, a documentary film directed by Jacksonville filmmaker Chris McFall, and music featuring Big Cosmo & Friends.
“This is something we have really wanted to do in our hometown for quite some time,” said Randy Judy, the festivals’ co-producer. “Over the years, we have heard there are so many aspects about the festivals that are difficult to explain.”
Campbell’s artwork offers one perspective of the festival experience. His original paintings depict many well known performers. Campbell, who is from Orlando and now lives in Colorado, displays his artwork nationwide.
Alabama rock music photographer Michael Sheehan has photographed many legendary performers, including Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, B.B. King and the Grateful Dead. Sheehan’s black-and-white images are recognized for capturing intimate performance moments. His work appears on album covers, in magazines and books, including Magnolia Music’s 10th anniversary album.
Since the first festival in 1996, Davis has been designing poster art for the festivals using pen and ink, color pencils, watercolors or photography. While each poster stands alone, Davis’s images tell a story that collectively ties all of the posters and all of the festivals together.
The Music Farmers documentary includes performances and interviews with many well-known and respected musicians, including the late Vassar Clements, Peter Rowan, Bela Fleck, Derek Trucks, J.J. Grey of Mofro and members of the Duhks. Music Farmers has aired on many public broadcasting television stations, including WJCT TV- 7 in Jacksonville. It is also available on DVD.
The art and music of Suwannee Springfest is being presented by the Live Oak Music & Arts Foundation (LOMAF), a nonprofit organization affiliated with Magnolia Music & Events.
“The event gives us a chance to put a face on LOMAF,” Judy said. “It has allowed us to provide funding for many different art and music projects.”
Judy hopes the Beaches presentation of the art and music of Suwannee Springfest will give those who haven’t been to a Magnolia Music festival a chance to experience some of the enchantment. For others, it will be a warm-up for this year’s Suwannee Springfest, which will be March 27-30, at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak.IF YOU GOThe Art & Music of Suwannee Springfest will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Cobalt Moon Water Studio, 214 Orange St., Neptune Beach. Admission is free. For more information, call 249-7990 or visit www.magmusic.com.
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