The last weekend of August in Florida brought with it torrential downpours, thunderstorms and a heat index that could fry an egg. These are all things we come to expect with summertime in the sunshine state. One thing I was not expecting, however, in the sweltering month of August, was a seriously kick ass music festival, and that is exactly what the first ever Blackwater Music Festival was.

The usually jam, folk and bluegrass oriented Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park played first time host to mega headliners Sound Tribe Sector 9 and The Disco Biscuits, cementing the legitimacy of Blackwater before it even started. The billing listed headliners as Slightly Stoopid and Michael Franti, both good acts, however, STS9, The Disco Biscuits and Galactic without a doubt stole the show.

Festival creator's Judy Van Zant (owner of the Freebird,) Lyle Williams (of Bear Creek Festival) and Tim Hall put together a seriously hearty line-up for a first year festival. A risky move in the business, that thankfully worked out, as nearly 3,000 people were in attendance throughout the weekend.

The first night set the tone for the weekend, and oh what a tone it was. Florida festie favorite, The Malah, kicked off the event with a short but spot on set, adding some new twists to their unique sound. The Malah have quickly risen to the top of my list as far as the brat pack of young, fresh live electronic acts coming into the game, and I was stoked to see what kind of heat they would bring.

The sounds created on stage by the young South Carolina Trio seem to effortlessly come together to take listeners on an aesthetic journey through electro groove space. Sonic bass, paired with tedious, fast paced drumming, layered with melodic riffs and scattered with the perfect mix of samples, creates an atmospheric sound that has listeners moving from the first to last note.

They kicked off with the new track "Illumin8," and the dancing commenced among the breathtaking Suwanee sunset backdrop. Innovative as they are talented, the guys busted into a groove that before I knew it dropped into a dub step remix of "High Hopes" by Pink Floyd. Wobble knees and dub faces were in full effect across the crowd in an almost uniform fashion. The short 45 minute set left me wanting more from the immensely talented trio. After nearly a dozen shows, I must say, I have never once been disappointed by this band.

With barely any over-laps throughout the entire weekend, set changes gave festival goers a chance to take in the beautiful Suwanee surroundings instead of rushing from show to show. At this point the sun was down and the rain had subsided to a gentle mist. It felt as if every concert goer had their own personal mist fan cutting through the thick Florida summer air. Even in the musky August heat, I sat and thought of how grateful I am to have this sacred place in my backyard.

Thirty minutes later Jacksonville's own live electronic 5 piece, Greenhouse Lounge took the stage. This was my first time seeing Greenhouse perform live and I must say I was pretty impressed. The guys stepped up the dub as it grew later and the crowds came in in droves. Nailing down the live dub step thing is not an easy feat, especially with a 5-piece band, but Greenhouse manages to pull it off, and pull it off well. Combined with a sick light show, the set was everything I had hoped for.

Perpetual Groove played next, and offered a nice change of pace from the previous electro heavy acts. From soft melodic ballads to heavy, in your face improv jams, a P-Groove show holds a little something for everyone. The rain came down in sheets as Brock belted soulful lyrics, and the rest of the band played together with the utmost composition.

Before I knew it P-Groove was over and one of my favorite bands on the planet was about to take the stage. For devout lovers of http://sts9.com|STS9], and for those who call Suwanee Music Park a second home, this was the holy grail of shows. The entire way to the festival I pondered what kind of set they would play. I had the exact fantasy set list that I wanted to hear mapped out weeks in advance, and it ended up being eerily spot on.

Busting out with the old school jammy track, 'Metameme," the crowd went wild and I immediately knew that this set was going to be blast from the past. The STS9 I fell in love with years ago was on stage at Blackwater, playing early career recordings such as "Tap in," and "Dance," as well as some rarely played tracks such as "Tokyo." With an encore of "Dance" into "ISB" there was not a soul in sight not grinning from ear to ear. Whether you are an old school Tribe head or new to the scene, there was a mutual agreement that they boys were killing it.

The always extraordinaire light show seemed to burst through the sheets of rain like Moses parting the Red Sea. Although it came down for the entirety of the set, the energy protruding from stage was the only thing the crowd could focus on. I for one couldn't even feel the rain. It was one of the most captivating experiences I've ever had at a show.

Water logged and beaming with satisfaction I left the set barely able to speak. Had Miley Cyrus been the only other act on the bill for the rest of the weekend, I still would have been able to say that my Blackwater Music Festival experience was complete, magical even.

As the young, glowstick clad crowd made it's way back to the campgrounds in search of late night parties, music and debauchery. I made my way back to my camp sight in order to rest up for Friday's long day of talent. Local Tampa favorite, Cope, opened up the show on Friday at the Amphitheater Stage and although their set was at noon they still managed to get about 200 people outmovin' and shakin' to their beloved swamp rock jams.

Each member was beaming as the crowd full of devote Cope fans as well as unfamiliar faces were getting down and dirty in the mud filled amphitheater. Much of the crowd sang along when the guys busted into the title track off their latest album and one of my personal favorites, "Going Home." The stage presence the band gives off is immeasurable and it's no wonder this band has become one of the top played acts across the state.

Boombox was my next destination over at the Front Porch Stage and was the perfect pick me up for a rainy afternoon at the Suwanee. They played the usual crowd favorites like "Stereo," and made sliding around in the mud as fun as it could be. Something about a
Boombox dance party makes you want to glide around like David Bowie more so then bounce; and the mud covered dance floor provided a fabulous opportunity to do so. Thanks Mother Nature.

Other highlights of Friday afternoon included JJ Grey, Toubab Krewe, Thomas Wynne and the Believers? and Tea Leaf Green. Although on and off thunderstorms had fans picking and choosing which shows to catch.

Festie headliner Micheal Franti? and Spearhead played a fantastic night time set on the Meadow Stage and as usual Franti sang his heart out while boasting about peace and equality in between songs. The crowd was packed and showcased how completely eclectic the festival really was. From first time festival goers to veterans, to die hardSTS9 and Bisco fans, there was a little something for everyone at Blackwater.

I left Franti early to trek back to my sight and gear up for the closing show of the night, The Disco Biscuits. After some dry clothes and re-up on booze I headed down to the amphitheater awaiting my beloved Biscuits. By this point in the weekend the continuous rain was barely noticeable and had really just become a way of life. A category 5 hurricane could not have kept me from seeing the Biscuits, although the energy at the show may have been off the Richter had it been measured.

The guys busted into "Confrontation" as the rain misted through the Oak trees covering the Amphitheater, and a never ending sea of L.E.D lights filled the arena. Even sans psychedelics the show would have sent any concert goer to the moon and the first riff of the first song exploded with so much energy that the entire amphitheater was shaking. Barber was on fire, Brownstein was crushing it . Mid set the guys stopped to express their gratitude to finally be playing our beloved music park; it was apparent that gratitude was mutual.

Mid set I pushed my way up to the front row among all the other Bisco heads to take it all in. They played "Mr. Don" into "The Great Abyss" into "And the Ladies were the rest of the Night" back into "Mr. Don."

I was floored, it really was one of the best Bisco sets I have seen in my nearly 20 something shows. An encore of "I Remember When" set the crowd off and a glance around the amphitheater put a shit eating grin on my face. A rainbow of L.E.D. lights, glitter, fairy wings and smiles stretched as far as the eye could see. Even those on the borderline Bisco fan fence had jumped over to the other side after their set. The amphitheater suited them well to say the least, they killed it.

While many hard core STS9 and Bisco fans had left after Thursday and Friday en route to the Atlanta runs for both bands, the majority of the festival stuck around for Saturday too. Those who did were not let down as Saturday brought on killer day time sets by Zach Deputy, Lee Boys, plus Fusebox Funk and more. Zach Deputy has quickly become my right hand one man jam band and played a smashing set on Saturday afternoon.

The immensely talented and fun-loving musician radiates the most incredible stage presence and keeping feet moving is his main objective. The Lee Boys also played a fantastic afternoon set, and the horn section could pretty much be heard throughout the entire park.

Saturday evening Particle featuring Michael Kang took the stage during what seemed like the worst rain storm of the weekend. Having been in the game for years, Particle has perfected the live electronic sound and have actually been doing it longer then most of the bands on the scene. This was totally apparent during their set.

When they busted into a cover of Pink Floyd's "The Wall," the entire crowd sang along. Those previously holding umbrellas seemed to throw them on the ground in an almost choreographed dance move and vigorously jump around. I found myself wishing this had been a night time set instead of day, but the music was outstanding regardless.

JJ Grey and Mofro took the stage next in the Meadow Field and I waited excitedly for my beloved Mofro to take the stage. JJ Grey had done a solo set the day before which was lovely and all but long time fans know that the Florida native and Suwanee frequenter is not quite as complete with out Mofro backing him up, and probably vice versa.

The band played tracks off of Orange Blossoms and Country Ghetto as well as some older stuff. Around mid set JJ handed the mic to a close friend who in front of the entire festival asked for his girlfriend's hand in marriage. Even the stone hearted were feeling the love during that set.

Closing out the festival on Saturday night was famed NOLA funkatiers, Galactic. The guys of Galactic are very familiar with the Suwanee stages, having been on numerous S.O.S bills in the past. It wouldn't be a complete festival at Suwanee unless a member of the beloved Nevil clan graced us with their presence, so it was all too appropriate when Cyril Nevile joined Galactic on stage to close out the fest. Also brought on stage was famed NOLA trombone player Corey Henry of Rebirth Brass Band. With the addition of Henry the show became one of those Suwanee family jams that we all know and love.

Cyril set a bit of a different tone for the usually straight NOLA funk band, adding a nice boost of soul to the mix. Playing a mix of old and new songs, the band was super on point and at home at the good ol' amphitheater stage. With Henry acting as emcee they busted into Snoop Dogg's "La Di Da Di," and the whole crowd sang along in unison with arms waving from side to side. It was dirty south in the dirty south, and I couldn't think of a better way to close out the festival.

Blackwater financial backer Judy Van Zant took the stage after Galactic's encore to thank everyone for coming out and to announce the confirmation of the festival's return in 2011.
I am happy to say that the tradition of southern hospitality was kept alive even among the young, ragetastic, electro-lovin crowd. The entire weekend was generally smooth sailing despite the continuous downpours, so kudos is due to all those involved for a truly great festival. This could be the start of something huge at Suwannee, and I'm thrilled I got to be a part of it. Oh Blackwater, keep on rollin'.

Photos By: Clint Bliss

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