Many cherished faces from past SOSMP fests recalled that Bear Creek inspired the mysterious benefactor to reach out to Paul Levine to create the first-ever Amp Jam. Acts that have graced the Ampitheater stage at previous events like Mag Fest, Purple Hatters Ball, Bear Creek, and Down On the Farm—such as Lettuce, Govt Mule, and Dumpstafunk—honored the deep respect we all hold for this beloved stage at our sacred home, Spirit of Suwannee Music Park.

Amp Jam. photo by Jeff Cece

Thursday

Amp Jam. photo by Jay Strausser

Shak Nasti‘s funk reverberated through the forest as we settled in with Mouth-Mossas (mimosas mixed in mouth) and set up camp along Spirit Lake.

Digging Dirt served up a second course of funk after a dinner break. Hot and fresh, the chili cilantro flavor lingered as our hips swayed to the music. The bass-heavy, horn-laden thumps of drums created a locomotive of lovely tones. Their excellent performance and stage presence included metal jam interludes and harmonized vocal riches from their soulful seven. The crowd roared in agreement: we were indeed digging Digging Dirt. “Sounded like a supergroup,” remarked one attendee, echoing the sentiments of many.

Two years into their journey, Eddie Roberts & the Lucky Strokes brought volumes of soul and Appalachian Americana under the Spanish moss and night sky. Their impeccable coordination, sharp bass, and rocking rhythms had everyone dancing. Led Zeppelin covers blew up the night.

Between sets, hijinks ensued at camp, with cackles echoing through the cool air.

Eggy closed Amp Jam’s inaugural night, as the crowd gathered like moths to a flame. Ascendant surges, crashing keys, and soaring guitar filled the air. Eddie Roberts joined to cover Paul McCartney’s “Coming Up,” which was just awesome. With another Eggy set scheduled for tomorrow, we were eager for more.

Goodnight, Amp Jam night #1!

FRIDAY

Amp Jam. photo by Jay Strausser

The Legendary JC’s soulful fugues floated over Spirit Lake, mingling with birdsong on a lovely, unhurried morning. Conversations with camp neighbors about shared interests seeded the day with anticipation. The communal, familial vibes helped us all “put a little love in the heart.” The celebration of life at SOSMP was palpable.

Digging Dirt dove back into their smorgasbord of tasty funk tunes from the night before. Hips bobbed and feet grooved in the dappled shade of the afternoon. Sticky, jazzy brunch jams smoothed over our ears like warm butter, while a cool breeze lingered. Funky James Brown was on the horizon! With the frontman away due to an emergency, the instrumentalists confidently held the fort. “Be Thankful For What You Got” hit sweetly, blending bass, keys, and vocals with a depth that resonated. Shelby Camp lent his guitar chops to close the set with a flourish.

With Eggy ahead, a quick trip back to camp for R&R was in order. George Porter Jr. started the set with finesse, and the band continued with beauty and splendor, creating luxuriant sounds that massaged the soul.

Lettuce called out, “Lettuce Fam, let us jam!” Spirits from Bear Creek Days soared as leafy greens flew through the air in celebratory homage. John Scofield joined the fun, reminding us how watching someone jam can set our hearts free. They played familiar tunes from the Spanish moss of SOSMP, each listen shining anew. The set ended with “Mississippi Queen” and “Krunk Funk”—an awesome display.

Govt Mule took the stage next, their beards as long as the Spanish moss overhead. Their chords and beats enveloped us like sweet, smoky molasses. An hour into their three-hour set, we were strapped in for the ride ahead. Tender, soulful chords swept over us, with “Spanish Moon” echoing in our minds. Opiate-like melodies wove through the night breeze. They shredded from hell to heaven, with keys piercing through like beams of light. George Porter Jr. returned to the stage, and everyone sang “When Doves Cried.” No sooner had he left than John Scofield joined for the musical journey ahead. Govt Mule jammed hard, with a joyous fan breaching the crowd like a whale.

As ambassadors of funk, Dumpstafunk brought top-shelf excellence to end the night. Their coordinated bass and jams were magnificent. The horns and drums created a thunderous climax, culminating in an encore of their eponymous “Put It in the Dumpstah.”

SATURDAY

Amp Jam. photo by Jay Strausser

Saturday morning began lazily as the day warmed. While some revelers from the previous nights faded into hazy memories, many remained to embrace the final storm-peppered day ahead.

Electric Kif lit up the late morning as rain began to lift. Coffee and conversations filled our camp while the dappled raindrops danced upon Spirit Lake.

Eddie Roberts & the Lucky Strokes kicked off their set, warming us with covers of “Ramble On.” Their thick layers of vocals and melodies set the stage for a dreamy musical journey. Delicious tacos were nearby, tempting the dancers before the stage.

Headhunters served up jazzy nuggets, their horns dancing with keys, drums, and bass. Their musical acuity was mesmerizing. Eric Krasno joined for an arrangement of Herbie Hancock‘s “Watermelon Man,” fulfilling generations of appreciation.

Daze Between Band, celebrating George Porter Jr., began with Dumpstafunk’s femme fatale vocalist leading the way. The gratitude flowed from stage to crowd, magnifying the energy. The extraordinary roars from the audience filled the air with funk. I was glad for the hot shower I had just taken, as the soulful music wrapped around us.

Govt Mule returned for their second set, igniting the crowd with funky bass, screaming guitar, and a fierce jousting of keys. Heads gyrated, and dancers swayed as the band embarked on a wild journey. John Scofield graced the stage, and the interplay between him and Warren Haynes stunned us all.

At this point in Amp Jam, it was clear that this festival, filled with funk, jazz, soul, and heartfelt Americana, would make lifelong fans of us all. With two more hours of Govt Mule and a two-hour set from Lettuce still to come, our camp trips would be regular, but we wouldn’t miss a beat. Unlike other festivals, Amp Jam offered a full day of music we loved, making it special among SOSMP‘s many festival children.

As Govt Mule played “One Love,” the feels flooded through the crowd.

Lettuce Closes the Night

Lettuce closed the night, drawing everyone to the front for their final set. The anticipation grew as they began with gratitude for the staff and stories from Bear Creek 2012. Eric Krasno joined them, as if right back at Bear Creek. The seven sacred leaves of Lettuce played fresh and verdant sounds, while the crowd erupted into dance with “Move On Up.” Things got wonderfully weird with an incredible version of “The Flu.” Lettuce delivered an unforgettable final set.

Paul Levine emerged, smiling as he thanked Lettuce, the grateful attendees, and everyone who made Amp Jam #1 a success. So, who is Mr. Amp Jam? We all feel like family here. Thank you, Mr. Amp Jam. Thank you, one and all.