Wanee Music Festival facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wanee Festival
Sean Chambers visits the crowd at the 2014 Wanee Festival
Genre	Jam band music
Location(s)	Live Oak, Florida
Years active	2005–present
Founded by	Butch Trucks and Gregg Allman
Website	Wanee Festival

The Wanee Festival was a yearly music event. It took place from 2005 to 2018. The festival was held at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. The famous Allman Brothers Band hosted the festival until 2014. A company called Live Nation managed the event.

On November 5, 2018, it was announced that the festival would not happen in 2019. The reason given was that it conflicted with religious holidays like Easter and Passover. There are no plans for the Wanee Festival to return in the future.

What Was the Wanee Festival?

This festival was a big outdoor music event. It was hosted by the Allman Brothers Band for many years. The festival used two main stages, called Peach Stage and Mushroom Stage. Later, more stages were added, like The Porch Stage and The Campground Stage.

The Wanee Festival started with just 11 bands in its first year. By 2011, it grew to feature as many as 44 bands and artists.

How Long Did It Last?

In its early years, the Wanee Festival lasted for two days. Later, it became a three-day event. Many people would arrive even earlier for a special "Wanee Wednesday" party. This party featured smaller, less known artists. It was a fun way to start the festival before the main days.

The festival usually happened in the spring. Besides the Allman Brothers Band, many other famous musicians played there. Some of these included band members with their own groups. For example, The Derek Trucks Band and Gov't Mule performed. Other well-known guests included Widespread Panic, The Black Keys, Buddy Guy, and Stephen Stills.

Festival Lineups Over the Years

The Wanee Festival hosted many great bands each year. Here are some of the artists who played at the festival:

2005 Festival Highlights

The first festival was held on April 15–16. It featured the Allman Brothers Band, Govt. Mule, and Derek Trucks Band. Other bands included Galactic and Robert Randolph & The Family Band.

2006 Festival Highlights

This festival took place on April 14–15. The lineup included the Allman Brothers Band, Govt. Mule, and Derek Trucks Band. Also performing were Medeski Martin & Wood and The Wailers.

2007 Festival Highlights

Held on April 13–14, this year featured The Allman Brothers Band and Gov't Mule. Other artists were Robert Randolph and the Family Band and Nickel Creek.

2008 Festival Highlights

The 2008 festival was on April 11–12. It included Gov't Mule, Bob Weir & RatDog, and Moe (band). A special late-night show featured Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Soul Stew Revival.

2009 Festival Highlights

This festival was held on June 5–7. It featured the Allman Brothers Band, The Doobie Brothers, and Buddy Guy. Umphrey's McGee and Little Feat also played.

2010 Festival Highlights

The 2010 event was on April 16–17. It had The Allman Brothers Band, Widespread Panic, and Gov’t Mule. Other performers included Stephen Stills and The Black Keys.

2011 Festival Highlights

This event was held April 14–16. It featured the Allman Brothers and Widespread Panic. Also playing were the Steve Miller Band, Robert Plant and the Band of Joy, and Ween.

2012 Festival Highlights

The 2012 festival was on April 19–21. It included Furthur, Gov't Mule, and Tedeschi Trucks Band. Buddy Guy and the Allman Brothers Band also performed.

2013 Festival Highlights

This event was held April 18–20. Musical guests included Widespread Panic, Allman Brothers, and Gov't Mule. Michael Franti & Spearhead and Steel Pulse also played.

2014 Festival Highlights

The 2014 event was held April 10–12. It featured Lynyrd Skynyrd, Trey Anastasio Band, and Tedeschi Trucks Band. Blues Traveler and Moe. were also there.

2015 Festival Highlights

This was the first festival after the Allman Brothers Band retired. Held April 16–18, it featured Widespread Panic, Gregg Allman, and Gov't Mule. Earth, Wind & Fire also performed.

2016 Festival Highlights

The 2016 event was held April 14–16. It featured Widespread Panic, Gregg Allman, and Gov't Mule. Umphrey's Mcgee and Bruce Hornsby and The Noise Makers also played.

2017 Festival Highlights

This event was held April 20–22. It featured Widespread Panic, Bob Weir and the Campfire Band, and Trey Anastasio Band. Dr. John & The Nite Trippers also performed.

2018 Festival Highlights

The last Wanee festival was held April 19–21. It featured two nights of Widespread Panic and Phil Lesh & The Terrapin Family Band. Other bands included Dark Star Orchestra and The Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

Images for kids

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  Sean Chambers visits the crowd at the 2014 Wanee Festival