Local Topics :

Local Events :

Stetson Kennedy to Host the 2nd Annual Southern Exposure Music & Heritage Festival on Feb12 2010

by staugnewswire | Print the article |

2nd ANNUAL SOUTHERN EXPOSURE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO ALPINE GROVES PARK

FOLK HISTORY IN THE MAKING!

ARLO GUTHRIE AND THE GUTHRIE FAMILY

RAMBLIN JACK ELLIOT & STETSON KENNEDY TO PERFORM

Sunday March 14th

On Sale Saturday February 13th at 10:00 am

Stetson Kennedy, Florida’s most beloved author and human rights activist, will be hosting the 2nd Annual Southern Exposure Music & Heritage Festival March 14th at Alpine Groves Park on 54 beautiful acres adjacent to the St. Johns River. This event is a momentous part of folk history as it reunites Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, the Guthrie Family and Stetson Kennedy for what could be their last reunion performance.

Over a half century ago, Stetson Kennedy infiltrated the KKK, ran for Florida Governor, wrote about Florida folklore, and befriended Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Woody Guthrie. History was made in St. Johns County by both Kennedy and his frequent house guest, America’s legendary folk balladeer Woody Guthrie (whom wrote 80 songs and his autobiography at the Kennedy residence).

Southern Exposure Music & Heritage festival celebrates the past, present and future with three generations of the Guthrie family, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and the best in old time music, country, bluegrass, folk, and blues. Activities for everyone include story telling, cultural exhibits, a barn dance, old Florida vendors, pony rides, crafts, and southern cookin.

Arlo Guthrie’s career exploded in 1967 with the release of “Alice’s Restaurant,” which became nothing less than an anthem of an entire age. His stock in trade comes in the form of classically styled folk songs intermingled with clever storytelling, always reminding one and all of Guthrie’s father, the beloved singer/writer/philosopher Woody Guthrie. Now Arlo gathers three generations together on one stage with the Guthrie Family (Abe, Sarah Lee, Cathy, Annie & Johnny), in which the entire family performs favorite songs, Arlo’s standards, and a selection of unpublished Woody Guthrie lyrics put to music by friends and family.

2010 Grammy award winner Ramblin’ Jack Elliott tells stories of riding the rails with Woody Guthrie, carrying only a guitar and a razor. He was mentored by Guthrie, and returned the favor to Bob Dylan and the generation of folksingers who followed. Woody Guthrie had the greatest influence on Jack. Woody’s son, Arlo, said that because of his father’s illness and early death, he never really got to know him, but learned Woody’s songs and performing style from Elliott.

The festival features performances from Lonesome Burt & the Skinny Lizards, Frank Thomas, Alvah Allen, Willie Green, Shorty Robbins, and Anne Feeney.

Proceeds from the event are to benefit the Stetson Kennedy Foundation & the Guthrie Foundation.

Alpine Grove River Park contains 54.5 acres and is located in northwest St. Johns County between the St. Johns River and William Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway (SR13). Access to the festival grounds is best reached through the William Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway, located parallel to the Saint Johns River through a canopy of majestic oak trees.

WHEN: SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2010, Gates open at 11:30 pm, music starts at 12:00 noon, and ends at sundown

WHERE: Alpine Groves Park 2060 SR 13. St. Johns, FL 32259

Google map: http://tinyurl.com/alpinegroves

ON SALE: Saturday February 13th at 10:00 am

Ticket link: http://tinyurl.com/buysetickets

PRICES: Tickets are $15.00 and free for children 12 and under

For more concert & venue related information, please contact:

Dan Larson – St. Johns Cultural Events Division 904 209 0366 dlarson@sjcfl.us

For interview requests, please contact:

Ramblin Jack Elliot – Hilary Villa at Anti Records hillary@epitaph.com

Arlo Guthrie & Stetson Kennedy – Dan Larson 904 209 0366 dlarson@sjcfl.us

OTHER SJC EVENTS ON SALE