Amp Jam #1 Takes Shape at SOSMP

The Amphitheater Stage at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park is a unique place to experience music. The terraced bowl is shaded by turkey oaks draped with Spanish moss while chairs and hammocks are layered in every direction. For many, it’s the first thing that stands out at the park, and from there, treats can be found in every direction. The Loop, the lake, the river, the Pine Field and the Bill Monroe Shrine all contribute to the patchwork of adventure and fun. As Amp Jam #1 takes shape at SOSMP we are reminded of events such as Bear Creek and Wanee, important cornerstones of the Live Oak family history and continuing tree of rock. Welcome to a new day where the old finds the present. One of your favorite places on the planet? Same as it ever was.

Remember lounging in a stranger’s hammock, listening to Gov’t Mule cover “Fearless” while the kids rode their bikes hither and yon with Dumpstaphunk sets that felt like they’d last all night. Remember the drum circle in the back of the Pine Field that did last all night? “Why am I sleeping in your golf cart? Good question.” There is a new wind blowing. Return to the park as we all set up our camps with lights and absolute gibberish. Beware the Suwannee River Pirates. Find Kamp Happiness near the Bill  Monroe Pavilion and join the family jam. Join Pedro, Gaylord, Moonshine and who knows what other surprises remain hidden.

“Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida is loving home and proud host to dozens of eclectic music festivals dating back decades. Thousands of fans from around the world return time and again, flocking to frolic freely in this sacred space, to dance, commune, connect and coalesce around the intergenerational, genre-spanning live music gatherings. Centrally-located within the sprawling 800-acre campground venue is a celestial crown-jewel, the Amphitheater Stage, a majestic, tree-lined natural bowl with amazing acoustics, set amidst turkey oaks and dogwoods, framed by towering pines dripping in Spanish moss. The brilliant organic beauty creates crucial shade and an intimate container; familiar faces cultivate a familial atmosphere with filial traditions passed down from onstage to the rage. With world-class musicians blessing the Amphitheater Stage year after year, the sum of these sensory parts provide a unique, high-fidelity concert experience that rivals iconic amphitheaters like Colorado’s renowned Red Rocks or Washington’s breathtaking Gorge.”

“Taking place March 6-8, 2025, the inaugural Amp Jams is the first in a series of smaller, focused festivals that intend to spotlight the storied history of The Amphitheater Stage, showcasing numerous artists that are essential to the lineage, legacy, and timeless energy of this hallowed spot. Warren Haynes traces deep roots to SOSMP – and the granddaddy of ‘em all: Wanee Festival – performing extensively with the Allman Brothers Band and his own Gov’t Mule for many years. Certified OGs like Dumpstaphunk, George Porter Jr., Lettuce, and Eddie Roberts (New Mastersounds) each anchored the beloved Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival across a legendary eight-year run. The plan for Amp Jams is to facilitate a reconnection with the Suwanee musical family, congregate the faithful to the park, and to distill the peerless SOSMP experience into its most potent form. Remove the distractions and make only funky decisions on the mighty Amphitheater Stage all weekend long.” -B. Getz of Upful LIFE

Visit the Amp Jam website and like their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, X and reddit. Also check out the Wranglers Media family of interweb portals. Just lie back and let it happen.

Thanks to Paul for keeping up involved with all the silliness and park personnel for continuing to put up with our shenanigans. Follow the Wranglers as we head into Suwannee Spring Reunion. SOSMP continues its fall season as Tipper comes back for one more in April and Resonate descents on your face in May. It’s a hard knock life. Believe what you want.