St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the U.S. played host to the newest funktastic festival this past April 1st and 2nd, and just as the name would imply, it was indeed a Fool’s Paradise. Purple Hat Productions, Live for Live Music, and the boys of Lettuce all came together to throw this inaugural event, an intimate and finely curated weekend of music that was the perfect formula of substantial artists and laidback beach vibes. Although we couldn’t catch the all the magic that unfolded on Friday, including GRiZ and Lettuce performing together live, we were in attendance for the killer Saturday performances that left our funk cups runneth over.
St. Augustine Ampitheatre is on the more intimate side of the outdoor venue spectrum, about 5000 person capacity, but the perfect setting for Fool’s Paradise to unfold. Attendees were able to roam freely as they pleased amongst the venue, raging in the pit or taking a bleacher creature rest in the stands as they chose. As a lover of space to dance and breathing room, the set up was heaven, never having to worry about that guy at the fest who can’t quite stand straight and has no problem bursting your personal space bubble.
There was some camping available, but most attendees stayed off-site creating a low-key tailgating situation outside the gates where the Shipwreck Stage was actually set up. Even though the venue wasn’t technically on the beach, there was definitely a breezy, seaside feel that put you at ease and in an excellent mood to enjoy the jams.
For guests who were able to hang around the whole weekend there were plenty of activities to explore in St. Augustine before the music kicked off. Artist excursions were hosted both Friday and Saturday where some attendees went on a sailing adventures with the Shady Horns, zip-lined with Break Science’s Borahm Lee, and hit the mini-golf course with Adam Deitch and Jesus Coomes of Lettuce.
It’s rare with festivals to see such a sugar-free display of musicianship. Each person stepped on the stage displayed was a master of their art, and it was quite the treat to really get the wind-knocked out of you with by such raw talent. While a busy production-centered event can be stimulating and exciting, it’s nice to kick back to a stripped down show that’s all about the music.
The Nth Power captivated the crowd with their special blend of soulful R&B, jazz, reggae, and jam, and brought the house down bringing Cory Henry (Snarky Puppy) out for a special rendition of The Beatles’ “She’s So Heavy.” Up next were the charismatic retro-soul stylings of Vulfpeck who played all their insanely catchy hits including “Christmas in LA” and “Back Pocket,” but not before a couple tied the knot onstage in the first, but hopefully not the last Fool’s Paradise wedding. Antwaun Stanley and Cory Henry also sat in with the band with Stanley on vocals and Henry tearing up the keys.
Chris Robinson’s Soul Revue followed with an all-star assembly consisting of George Porter Jr. of the Meters, Ivan Neville of Dumpstaphunk, Nikki Glaspie of The Nth Power, Eric Krasno of Lettuce/Soulive, Neal Casal of Chris Robinson Brotherhood, and The Shady Horns. While the entire set was really hit cover after cover, highlights from the one time only super jam were definitely “Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley” (originally by Allen Toussaint), “Magic Carpet Ride” (Steppenwolf), and The Grateful Dead’s “Turn on Your Lovelight.” Lettuce then closed out the Amphitheater Stage in true raging fashion, kicking the set off with a chill-bump inducing “Madison Square Garden” that set the tone for a memorable last performance of their inaugural Fool’s Paradise.
The party didn’t have to stop for the lucky bunch of attendees who snagged the coveted after party tickets. Just across the lot in the Elk Lodge, Goldfish and The Fool’s of Funk (Adam Deitch, Adam Smirnoff, Cory Henry, Nigel Hall, Weedie Braimah, Eric “Benny” Bloom, and Ryan Zoidis) threw down late night sets on Saturday, but in a different atmosphere than we’ve become accustom to with post-party sets. Picture a high school cafeteria, twinkle lights dangling, and visuals old school projected from the ceiling at the perfect height for shadow puppet hands to chase the Goldfish mascots around their virtual pond. It was the perfect quaint ending to a day in (fool’s) paradise.
Connect with Fool’s Paradise:
http://www.foolsparadisefl.com/
https://www.facebook.com/foolsparadisefl/
https://twitter.com/foolsparadisefl
Photo Cred: Jeremy Scott Photography, Keith Griner
Share On
