Once in a while, you just have to drop all your projects, clean your camping supplies out of your shed, load up your car, and embark on an adventure. This was exactly what I needed, a divine event to escape to in pure paradise. Suwannee Spring Reunion was indeed a fantastic five-day experience at The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. It’s been a twenty-plus-year tradition in my life that no matter how turbulent, no matter how broke I am, no matter the challenges in my life, I put all projects on the back burner and prioritize my pilgrimage to this revitalizing event. I’ve made this choice so frequently in my life because I know that camping at this music festival nourishes me to my very core. Each time I return from the festival, I am changed for the better. Suwannee Spring Reunion, as always, presented a tremendous event, and I am so grateful for the experience I had under the gorgeous live oak trees.
Arriving Early
Because Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is one of my spiritual homes, I couldn’t wait to arrive. I was fortunate enough to get there on Wednesday, almost 24 hours before the festival officially began. I pitched my tent, brewed an excellent cup of espresso, and watched the sun set through the pines. That evening, I took a relaxing walk under the stars to visit some friends in the loop, which is an area of the camping resort that is mostly RVs.It’s also important to understand that Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is situated on thousands of acres of forest, so you will get your steps in! If you’re counting!
A Rainy Morning & Familiar Faces
The next morning, I awoke, made coffee, and prepared for a light rain shower. As the soft droplets accumulated on the pine needles, I took refuge in my tent. After only drifting off for 15 minutes… I felt the familiar notification tap on my Apple Watch. My friends Lani and Jacob had arrived! Her gold van pulled up alongside my tent, she tossed us each a rain poncho, and we quickly began setting up camp in the rain. I was especially excited to learn that this was Jacob’s first Suwanee Spring Reunion. It’s always a delight to have a new person to experience the festival with, and I’m hoping Jacob’s first Suwannee Spring Reunion was an unforgettable experience for him.
Remembering Randy Judy “Big Cosmo”
After the shower ended, the music kicked off around 4 in the afternoon. This was also the celebration of life for Randy Judy, also known as “Big Cosmo,” who was one of the festival’s founders and the creative partner of the festival director, Beth Judy. Randy made an impact so strong and on so many people that I can’t fully articulate it, but I will always be grateful to Randy and those who believed in his creative visions.
The stage was decorated with many striking cut-outs of Randy as well as several mementos positioned on the stage. Big Cosmo’s Band took the stage and performed many of the songs Randy performed, as well as his favorite songs. There were also several moving tributes made by members of Donna The Buffalo, Rev. Jeff Mosier, Verlon Thompson, Joe Craven, and more. The artist-at-large, John Mailander, performed with each tribute and brought such a sweet and positive tone to the celebration of Randy’s life. There were moments when I could just imagine Randy visualizing us from heaven, celebrating his incredible life, and collectively appreciating the legacy he left behind.
The Music That Filled the Oaks
Suwannee Spring Reunion is famous for always having one of the best lineups in the Americana music space. This year, the festival featured performances by Sam Bush, The Infamous String Dusters, Donna The Buffalo, Kitchen Dwellers, and more. I also have to include that the stage performances happen on several different stages. Each one has its personality and spirit. This year, LOMAF (Live Oak Music & Arts Foundation) sponsored a new stage that was set up inside what was formerly the Porch Stage. This created an intimate, almost house concert-like environment. I especially enjoyed the songwriting workshop led by Elizabeth Fravel and Rachel Hillman, and I’m so grateful I was able to catch sets by Nikki Talley & Jason Sharp. The area outside of the performance area featured several tables, a bar, and a large screen with a live feed of the music being played down in the amphitheater. I thought that was a nice touch for families who may need to go grab dinner but don’t want to miss the music happening on the main stage.
The Return of Sythian
It was also such a delight to see the return of Sythian, whom I had first come to appreciate at least ten years ago. It was so refreshing to see them return to the Amphitheater Stage full of energy and zest. Their high-energy performance was sincerely one of the standout moments of the weekend. There is nothing like standing barefoot in the dirt, feeling the sun at your shoulders, taking in the sound of a fiddle ascending through the trees. People are dancing around you, and you feel engulfed by love. The sensation of community is overwhelming as well as healing, and that is what happened to me at the festival. I was actively healing.
Reviving Sunshine State Showcase
After attending more music festivals than I can count, I like to set an intention before each one so I get the most benefit from the experience. This time, I made a promise to myself to revive my podcast, Sunshine State Showcase, a local podcast about celebrating the creative spirit of Florida. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was in complete burnout and mental exhaustion. I felt uninspired, emotionally drained, and had started to dread even the creative work I once loved. I just knew it was time to revamp my podcast.
Campfire Connections with Sunnie Rae Click
My friend Sunnie Rae Click had recently reached out about some original music she was planning to release, and we decided this would be the ideal opportunity to capture a recorded conversation between us at the festival. I met Sunnie over ten years ago at Suwannee while playing music around the campfire. This is a beloved tradition at these festivals, so I was over the moon to talk to Sunnie about what it was like to grow up coming to the festivals, and how it influenced her creative journey.
Recording Original Music by Spirit Lake
On the final afternoon of the festival, Sunnie and her friend picked me up at my campsite, and we headed for a landing at Spirit Lake.I set up my equipment, and we had a wonderful conversation about our experiences at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park over the years.
After the interview, Sunnie and I recorded one of her original songs, Down By The River.
It was one of those moments that I’ll always be grateful I was able to capture on video—and you can watch it on Sunnie’s YouTube channel.
The full episode of the podcast is also available here.
Food Finds and Festival Favorites
On top of all the amazing music I took in over the weekend, I also enjoyed myself trying out the new vendors. In addition to The Perch, which quickly became my favorite with their robust tacos, burritos, and bowl options, there was also pizza, smoothies, and a local coffee trailer that brewed the perfect cup to kick off each festival morning. The variety of flavors and friendly Their ingredients were fresh, their staff were generous and kind, and I’m hoping we will see them again at future festivals!
Campground Jams
Another thing that makes Suwannee Spring Reunion unique is its campground stages. There are two known as The Bill Monroe Shrine and Slopryland, hosted by the bands Quarter Moon and Sloppy Joe. For years, I’ve enjoyed late nights under the stars playing my penny whistle and flute with so many kind and talented musicians in these campsites. These late-night jams led to friendships that have lasted for years. I had a couple of jarring moments when a young picker introduced himself, and I suddenly realized he was an old long-distance friend’s son whom I hadn’t seen since he was at least twelve years old. You know the saying. We all get to feel old once in a while. Time marches on.
Vassar Sunday with Peter Rowan
Another moment I’ll never forget from this year’s Suwannee Spring Reunion was Peter Rowan’s performance on Sunday morning. With the Walls of Time Band backing him, he gave such an incredible performance that I thank my lucky stars I was able to be there for it. You couldn’t have asked for a better close to such an enchanting weekend than a set by The Grass is Dead at the Dance Tent out in the meadow and Donna The Buffalo on the main stage, featuring several guests who performed throughout the weekend. I’ll never forget the sun beating down and the breeze that would occasionally sweep down into the amphitheater.
Coming Back to Life
Long before I packed the car for Suwannee Spring Reunion, I was knee deep in mental exhaustion, completely burned out, and isolated from the long, cold winter. This event was exactly what I needed to revive me. Being part of the music, waking up in nature, collecting stories, soothed my spirit. I have received a breath of fresh air, and I feel ready to live a creative life again. The connection I feel with the venue, the performers, and the attendees is otherworldly, and I now consider this journey a medicinal experience. My experience reminded me of the abundant love present in the world and the beauty we’ve yet to see. Rev. Jeff Mosier encouraged us on Sunday to “Fight Fear with Love,” and that’s a sentiment I hope to carry with me as long as possible.
Roots Revival and Gratitude
Special thanks to Beth Judy, her staff, and all the people who made Suwannee Spring Reunion such a stellar success.
There are so many cultural events in Florida, but this is one that always stands out.
Don’t forget to get your tickets and check out the lineup for Suwannee Spring Reunion’s sister festival, Suwannee Roots Revival, happening October 9th–12th, 2025.
It will feature performances by Yonder Mountain String Band, Donna The Buffalo, Peter Rowan, Della Mae, Henhouse Prowlers, Walter Parks, and more!
Tickets and information available at www.SuwanneeRootsRevival.com
