Artwork by Marci Davis

After intense anticipation, The Spirit of The Suwannee announced the 4th Annual Suwannee Spring Reunion to take place March 17th-20th 2022 at Spirit of The Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. This is an event that has been greatly missed since the pandemic was first declared. “Back in early March 2020, we were on the cusp of things closing down because of COVID-19. The pressure to make the eventual decision to cancel the festival was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, That makes it so much more thrilling for the Suwannee Spring Reunion to finally be happening again after two years of not being able to put it on because of the pandemic. This incredible lineup has many of the acts slated to happen back then, plus a few more to sweeten the pot!” says Festival Director, Beth Judy. Spring Reunion is sure to be a sublime long weekend filled with music, dancing, fellowship, and art. It’s a treasured experience for lovers of Bluegrass, Folk, Singer-Songwriters, Blues, and more. Taking place alongside the iconic Suwannee River the festival is a sweet escape to nature, and it’s the perfect time to appreciate the beauty of North Florida while reconnecting with your festival family. Suwannee Spring Reunion is destined to be a reviving experience for music lovers from all over the country. 

Photo By Kim Clauson

Spring Reunion’s lineup consists of the crème de la crème in the Americana world. The lineup includes Greensky Bluegrass, Trampled By Turtles, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Sierra Hull to name a few. It’s also fantastic to see songwriting legends Peter Rowan and Jim Lauderdale also appearing on the lineup. Seasoned Suwannee folks will appreciate the return of several staples such as Rev Jeff Mosier, Jon Stickley Trio, Sloppy Joe, The Habanero Honeys,The Grass is Dead, and more. Performances will take place on five stages centrally located in the venue. Festival seating is encouraged, so don’t hesitate to bring a chair or your hammock. In addition to many great performances, there are also numerous instrument workshops on the barn stage, morning yoga, and a kid’s tent offering lots of great entertainment and fun for you and your family. 

Photo By Ashley Feller

Suwannee Spring Reunion is a camping festival, but it’s much like being at a resort. The Suwannee Family will often admit to being spoiled because few music venues offer the quality experience Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park does. The Suwannee family takes great pride in creating beautiful and functional campsites that show unique personality, whimsy, and even glamour. Primitive camping is included with general admission, but there are also upgraded camping, RV sites, and cabins available for reservation as well. The park features several updated bathhouses with plenty of warm water. Once arriving, there is no reason to leave the park if you forgot something. Because there is an impressive general store which has everything you need. There are also pop-up general stores scattered throughout the campground, which will save you a few steps. Golf carts are available for rental and are a wonderful way to explore the Spirit of The Suwannee. The park spans countless acres, so to see it all it’s a good idea to bring your bike. If you haven’t taken a plunge in the Suwannee there’s no better time than at Suwannee Spring Reunion. The “beach” on the river has soft white sand and is nestled between the most majestic live oak trees your eyes will ever see. If you require a few minutes of peace, this is the place to relax or reinvigorate yourself in the cool water. 

Campfire jam sessions are a long tradition at Suwannee Spring Reunion. Two official campsites invite pickers of all skill levels to play music around the fire. The first is The Bill Monroe Shrine hosted by Quartermoon, and also Slopryland hosted by Sloppy Joe. Both are great environments to enjoy music in an intimate setting or connect with other musicians. Several other campsites encourage impromptu jamming, and this is where lasting friendships are made. The sense of community is strong at Spring Reunion and you can feel the happiness in the air. 

Photo By Kim Clauson

Suwannee Spring Reunion offers a diverse vendor experience and is brilliantly located between three of the stages. Food vendors expertly provide a diverse array of culinary delights, including many lovely Vegetarian and Vegan menus. The vendor row is a great place to find a unique gift for a friend, or a treasure found nowhere else. Shopping with the vendors is a wonderful way to support small businesses, many of which have crafted their inventory. 

Photo By Kim Clauson

Tickets are currently available at SuwanneeSpringReunion.com and there are also discounts available for students, and the military. Weekend tickets include four days of music and primitive camping, but car passes must be purchased separately. More information can be found here. Attending Spring Reunion is a spiritual experience that embraces passionate celebration among the dancers, the singers, the pickers, and the dreamers. Get your tickets, gather your friends, and come experience music in paradise at the next Suwannee Spring Reunion! 

Photo By Kim Clauson