Guest Book

from the Tallahassee Democrat Posted on Fri, Nov. 11, 2005 M O R E N E W S F R O M • The Dirty Dozen Brass Band • Bluegrass • Blueground Undergrass • Jazz • Hurricane Dig it: Bands, fans gathering Down on the Farm By Kati Schardl DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER How are you gonna keep 'em Down on the Farm? By serving up three days packed with great music and good fellowship, that's how. That's exactly what organizers of Down on the Farm 2 plan to do when the festival opens its gates at 9 a.m. today for its second annual event. Hosted by Spanish Moss Productions at Spanish Moss Farm near Quincy, this year's festival boasts an expanded lineup, more amenities and spruced-up stages and sound systems. "We had great facilities last year, but it's even more impressive all around this year," said organizer Paul Levine. "It's really important that each time we have an event out here, we make an improvement." Levine thought newly installed hot showers - 14 of them -would make for very happy campers. A weekend shower pass is an extra $5. Other improvements include manicured paths and campsites in the piney woods, more food and craft vendors, an oxygen bar, daily yoga classes and AJ's Sports Lounge, where fans can check in on their favorite college and pro football games via a satellite TV set-up. About 800 tickets were sold for last year's inaugural festival, and Levine said advance-ticket sales already stand at triple that number this year. "I think the real success from last year was getting the word out about this (place) and how special it is," he said. "The experience the bands and the fans had last year was very intimate. It had a family feeling. "When people come out here, they feel like they're part of something." The natural beauty of the setting is matched by the excellence of the festival's musical offerings, which include a heaping helping of local and regional acts mixed in with nationally known artists. "We made a very conscious decision to really root this festival in North Florida music and Southeastern music, with some Southern rock and boogie and a dash of New Orleans flavor," Levine said. "Those roots will always be strongly regional. "We feel that what's started to happen here is we're bringing together a lot of different groups of friends, people who see each other once in a while at a show, and we're creating a larger family. That's what this music community really is - a big family that has a love of music and love for each other and a love of community in common." That love of community translates into Spanish Moss' dedication to philanthropy. Every event hosted at the farm generates funds the organization donates to music programs in Gadsden County schools. Down on the Farm 2 also will benefit Habitat for Humanity's Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. Habitat for Humanity is the charity of choice for Warren Haynes of festival headliner Gov't Mule. Levine said festgoers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to Second Harvest of the Big Bend and Panic Fans for Food, as well as clothing to donate to Salvation Army to be distributed in hurricane-relief efforts. Here's a look at the schedule for Down on the Farm 2: TODAY Spanish Moss Stage 3 p.m. - Jon Nicholson 4:30 p.m. - Old Union 6 p.m. - Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk 8:30 p.m. - Gov't Mule 1 a.m. - Moonshine Still Gulf 104 Stage 2:15 p.m. -Wayside Riders 3:45 p.m. - Polyester Pimpstrap 5:15 p.m. -Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes 7:15 p.m. - Tishamingo Midnight - Soular System SATURDAY Spanish Moss Stage 10 a.m. - The Shady Deal 11:15 a.m. - The Legendary JC's 1:15 p.m. - The Skeeters 3:35 p.m. - Robert Walter's Super Heavy Organ 5:35 p.m. - Dirty Dozen Brass Band 8:05 p.m. - Gov't Mule 12:30 a.m. - Karl Denson's Tiny Universe Gulf 104 Stage 10:45 a.m. - FSU Blues Band 12:15 p.m. - Yo Mamma's Big Fat Booty Band 2:15 p.m. - Sundogs (acoustic) 2:35 p.m. - Captain Soularcat 4:35 p.m. - Full Black Out 7:05 p.m. - Stillwood 11:35 p.m. - Cadillac Jones SUNDAY Spanish Moss Stage 11 a.m. - FAMU Jazz Band 12:30 p.m. - Panhandle String Band 2:35 p.m. - Larry Keel's Natural Bridge 4:50 p.m. - Blueground Undergrass 7:05 p.m. - Dead Keys 7:50 p.m. - Members of Ancient Harmony Gulf 104 Stage 11:45 a.m. - Rebecca Jean Smith 1:15 p.m. - Cubanstack (acoustic) 1:35 p.m. - Donna Hopkins Band 3:50 p.m. - Ralph Roddenberry Band 6:20 p.m. - Deep Blue Sun IF YOU GO What: Down on the Farm 2 When: Today through Sunday Where: Spanish Moss Farm (formerly Old Ball Farm) between Havana and Quincy on Ball Farm Road Cost: Weekend tickets are $95 at the gate; single-day tickets are $40 for today, $40 for Saturday and $20 for Sunday. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund and Gadsden County schools music programs. Phone: 627-0421