One of the most unique festivals around, Suwannee Hulaween combines the best of EDM, jam bands, and funk music all within the magical Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campgrounds. The 2023 edition was no exception, with a diverse lineup and an unforgettable experience to celebrate 10 years of epic jams in the forest.
This year’s highlights included the return of Pretty Lights, who played two live band sets. Both jams were full of energy and featured some of his biggest hits, new material, and even a remix of the funkiest Grateful Dead song of all time: ‘Shakedown Street’. Another standout was Trey Anastasio Band, who delivered a masterful performance that left the crowd wanting more.
Other notable EDM artists on the lineup included John Summit, Inzo, and Blond:ish who led the charge for badass female producers bringing it down on the amphitheater. Summit brought the party with his high-energy set just off the heels of gracing the stage at III Points in Miami.
The festival also featured a plethora of the scene’s most talented jam bands, including String Cheese Incident, Goose, and Lettuce. String Cheese Incident played six sets over the weekend, each one more unique and special than the last. Their ‘Full Moon Family Reunion’ Saturday night shebang included impeccable covers of hits from across the ages like: ‘Family Affair’ by Sly and The Family Stone, ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’, Pharrell’s ‘Happy’, “Walking on the Moon” from The Police, and a serotonin-inducing version of Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” for an epic closer complete with an army of moon balloons and fireworks. Goose continued on their meteoric rise with a high-energy set that showcased every aspect of their instrumental prowess. Lettuce was as funky as ever, delivering a jam that featured classics and even a cover of The Jimmy Castor Bunch’s ‘It’s Just Begun.’
Other festival standouts for us include: AK Kenny, Kyle Hollingsworth‘s cover of ‘Hella Good,’ the Turkish psychedelic sounds of Altin Gün, Roosevelt Collier, Electric Kif, George Porter Jr, Yung Bae, the spooky sexy sounds of Channel Tres, Lespecial, The Dip, Manic Focus‘ live cover of ‘Can I Kick It,’ Couch, Big Wild, an epic silent disco set by new-comer JACK DANK, Mt. Joy, Apashe with a live brass ensemble, Elderbrook, Sneezy, and Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds getting funky with The Lucky Strikes as the last live set of the weekend.
In addition to the music, Suwannee Hulaween is also known for its immersive art installations and welcoming community atmosphere. The Spirit Lake this year was a 360-degree, must-see experience, with its out-of-this-world art installations. And as always, the festival grounds were filled with friendly people who were all there to have a good time. Overall, Suwannee Hulaween 2023 was fantastic homage to a decade’s worth of hard work. The lineup was diverse, the setting was magical, and the community was welcoming. If you want to experience pure love in all its forms, go to a music festival in a forest and you’ll understand.
