Aura Music and Arts Festival has been keeping Florida funky since 2010, and as this festie season opener has gained traction amongst the jam community, the roster of artists performing has become increasingly stacked to match. It’s safe to say that Aura has been built on the consistent appearances by fan favorites such as Papadosio and the Heavy Pets year after year, and in honor of these artists we want to take a look back at how the lineups have grown since it’s first year in Brooksville.
January 15-17, 2010 – Sertoma Youth Ranch – Brooksville, FL
Back in 2010, for less than it would cost to make a choice vinyl purchase today, you could have attended this three day fest graced with performances by Papdosio, Lingo, Brother Bean, and the Malah. Who would have thought that this modest event would go on to become a festival destination, setting the bar for underground jam fests while still keeping true to it’s low-key roots.
January 14-16, 2011 – Forever Florida – Saint Cloud, FL
Aura’s second annual event grew exploded in 2011, tripling the number of acts and bringing headliners The Heavy Pets, Greenhouse Lounge, and Zoogma to the party. The event moved to Saint Cloud where Aura would be hosted for two years until calling the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park home.
March 9-11, 2012 – Forever Florida – Saint Cloud, FL
The usual suspects returned to the Aura stages in the third installment of the festival plus double header sets from Brothers Past, Dopapod, and Allen Aucoin of the Disco Biscuits with his side project, DrFameus. Fun fact about this Aura veteran, Aucoin drummed for his life to earn his spot in the Biscuits at an official “drum-off” back in 2005. Since then, he has played over 400 shows with the band, two of which will take place this March at Aura.
February 15-17, 2013 – Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park – Live Oak, FL
Speaking of Biscuit side projects, 2013 introduced Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein’s Conspirator, plus Perpetual Groove, Break Science, and Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band to the festival roster. Despite a chilly February event the heat was still brought night after night. It’s not hard to stay warm when you’re getting down to acts like these.
February 14-16, 2014 – Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park – Live Oak, FL
Not making it to Aura this past year has to be my biggest regret of 2014’s festival season. The fest one upped themselves with the addition of Lotus, The Revivalists, Marco Benevento, and Superhuman Happiness for the most epic Aura to date. The tribute game was also strong this year paying homage to Hall & Oates and the Taking Heads with cover sets by Stokeswood and Start Making sense, respectively.
March 6-8, 2015 – Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park – Live Oak, FL
We’re in for a treat this year with double trouble sets coming from all three 2015 headliners, the Disco Biscuits, Papadosio, and Moe. Even though Snarky Puppy dropped off the lineup due to scheduling conflict after being initially announced, organizers really pulled through to deliver a roster that calls for a 100% chance of FOMO for all who can’t make it down to Suwannee.
2015 will bring a lot of firsts for this festival. Disco Biscuits will finally be playing all together, The Main Squeeze will be throwing down a Michael Jackson tribute set, plus Break Science will be debuting a live band experience featuring Lettuce members Jesus Coomes on bass, Adam Smirnoff on guitar, Ryan Zoidis on sax, and Eric Bloom on trumpet.
The good vibes keep on flowing even when the music stops with the Aura Yoga and Healing Arts Program. Over 20 classes to better your mind, body, and soul while you’re enjoying your time in Suwannee will be offered daily including BoomYoga’s Shake Your Asana, Acro Yoga, Yin Yoga, Crystal Bowl and Song Sound Healing, Thai Massage, Dharmi Vortex of Energy Meditation, and a variety of Flow Arts.
Start your festival season off on the right foot at this creative and nurturing event in the most breathtaking music park in the south. It’ll probably be the first time you’ve left a festival more at peace and energized than when you arrived.
Connect with: Aura Music and Arts Festival
https://www.facebook.com/auramusicfestival
https://twitter.com/AuraMusicFest
Photo Cred: August J Photography
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