The first ten years of Wanee are in the past and the new era of this gem of a music festival is about to begin! Wanee Festival in Live Oak, Florida is set to kick off April 16-18 this year and 2015 marks the first year Wanee’s poster didn’t begin with The Allman Brothers Band centered and bold right at the top. However, there is plenty to keep yourself occupied with. The main stays are still here as Gregg Allman, Govt Mule, and Widespread Panic take the top spot in place of ABB.

Some other bands return to this jam scene such as JJ Grey & Mofro, Galactic, Hot Tuna Electric, Leftover Salmon and more. The new comers that are sure to make this festival something special are Earth, Wind, and Fire and Cheap Trick, two bands that should find their way onto your bucket list if they weren’t’ already there. We’ll admit our overwhelming excitement for acts like The Word, Zappa Plays Zappa, Yonder Mountain String Band, Tea Leaf Green, Dumpsta 70s Style, and Nth Power performs Steely Dan!

These last few acts are sure to have the “Mushroom Stage” out of control, and to be clear and simple one of the best stages on earth. The Word is a band that we expect to be placed at the “Peach Stage” (schedule TBA) but with good reason as the band is comprised of John Medeski of Medeski, Martin, & Wood, Robert Randolph of Robert Randolph & the Family Band, and brothers Luther & Cody Dickinson from the North Mississippi All Stars and The Black Crowes (We said, “WOW!” after hearing that too).

The term super group gets thrown around a lot, but we’re confident using that moniker here and are ecstatic to be able to go see this blues, gospel, rock hybrid in the flesh!

The next act that should be in the center of your radar is Zappa Plays Zappa. Yes, Frank Zappa had a child whose birth certificate might as well have been a diploma in music appreciation. Dweezil Zappa has been on a musical journey the last 25 odd years and this current project is sure to blow you away.

Another band that is in no way a stranger to the Wanee contingent, and a must see is Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk. They are the epitome of a good time as they rock and funk simultaneously. We have no doubt they will set the tone during their first set, but their second set entitled “Dumpsta 70’s Style” is another slot screaming late night Mushroom Stage. We’ve never seen an act better than Dumpstaphunk absolutely kill it underneath that Spanish moss to a pre-planned slate of throwback covers. These guys know their history and use it to their advantage as they go inside and outside of some of the best. This slot is sure to get the special guest treatment and the good times will ensue.

Another band with much of the same qualities of Dumpstaphunk is The Nth Power, another returning act of straight soul music with a twist, as they are coming to perform a set of Steely Dan. We’ve heard The Nth Power many times and this slot makes us giggle with how great it could be. Nigel Hall on vocals and our favorite drummer Nikki Glaspie are sure to make this a must see slot.

One other act that is a simply a great live show is Tea Leaf Green, these San Francisco based jammers have been a staple throughout the jam scene for over a decade and will fit like a glove amongst this lineup. I know the live oaks will be happy to see them at this year’s Wanee, and so will we!

Tickets are on sale now and start at just $215.00 for general admission. Check out the complete Wanee 2015 lineup here!

See you in the swamp!

Written be Everett Verner & Scott Corkery