The 10 sets of Floydfest 2014 I most appreciated (in order of hearing them):
Michael Franti and Spearhead -- If you aren't bopping (at the very least!) when he's performing, odds are you're suffering from paralysis. Just so much fun to be at a set like that, probably my favorite set of the weekend. I really wish the girls had been able to be at that one with me.
The London Souls -- Caught this set immediately following Franti, and was able to get a spot right at the stage. Straight up sound from a time machine from 1968, loud and unabashed classic rock, reminding me how much I used to love that kind of sound, the music of my youth. Awesome!
Swampcandy -- On a small stage, this two man band that I'd never heard of wailed some great foot-stomping blues while Hannah and I danced in the back.
Annabelle's Curse -- Same location as Swampcandy, and same unknown (to me) status, but this time it was a well-integrated 5-piece band whose male lead singer that evoked a happier version of Conor Oberst for me.
Grandpa's Cough Medicine -- They were a decent enough self-described outlaw bluegrass band, but running into someone I hadn't seen in 30 years while waiting for them to start is what made this set so memorable.
Donna the Buffalo -- I'd heard of them and I was pretty sure their easy-going jam sound would be in my wheel house, but I'd yet to hear them. Well, I'm glad I finally got the chance, as they were great live from my vantage point right in front of the main stage. I tried playing them for Kathy on the way home, and while it was pleasant enough, they sounded much better live.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong -- a Phishish band recommended by someone I met at the Fest, they had a good funky bass line and were tons of fun.
Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite -- they put out one of my favorite albums of 2013, and didn't disappoint live. Ended the pre-encore set with a great version of "When the Levee Breaks."
Carolina Chocolate Drops -- the last set I got to see, in all its Appalachian roots glory. I saw it with Hannah at the main stage, and got her to dance with me after promising that a pizza lunch would follow.
