The Third Annual Purple Hatter's Ball

Article & Photos By Natasha Gaye
Edited By Rex Thomson
When I found out I was going to be able to make the Third Annual Purple Hatter’s Ball and as well share my experience with other music lovers in the community, my excitement grew as the days flew by. I had not attended any of the previous Purple Hatter’s Ball’s but had became educated to the cause after attending Bear Creek Music Festival in 2008, where I had heard about Rachel Hoffman’s unfortunate story. It seems to be bittersweet to have this cause and awareness in the community arise due to a life that had been taken far too soon. From what I have been told by those that were close to her, she was described as a kind spirit that spread her positive energy and love for music with many. A vibe that was infectious after spending a small amount of time with a jovial soul such as herself. Family, friends, and musicians help with this annual music event and celebrate her life while doing so. Rachel was extremely active in the Florida music scene and was known to emit an undeniable congenial energy that was hard to neglect. Other then raising awareness to the cause and to Rachel’s story, this gathering is a celebration of life and a place where friends old and new can come together in unity. The music is what brings us to together but her spirit is what connects us. I want to dedicate this featured piece to Rachel Hoffman, who has inspired many in life and hereafter.

As I walked past the gates the rain had ceased and I shook the lingering drops from my hair. Bodies covered in an assortments of purple billowed out of the music hall, cups were full and hips were moving as in entered the building. The music had just started and the wet figures were gathering around the front of the stage. I was very excited to see 3rd Stone; I had started out the beginning of my year hitting up festivals in and around the state. 3rd Stone was at about three of the six that I had attended. I have had the pleasure of seeing these talented



I ended up heading back to the campsite after their set to find some dry shoes and to refill my drink. I walked past the amphitheater and check out some of the vendors, where there were about five booths set up including grub, special interest, and clothing. I decided that I would save the browsing for Saturday and kept walking towards my site. I was awfully surprised that I had not seen much of any law enforcement, which if you have ever been to a music event that was held at SOSMP it is definitely something you can’t miss. Wondering if the rain had stopped them from coming out or not, I ended pondering for a few moments before I bumped into my crew. Everybody was finally here, set up and ready to boogie. After getting the essentials we head back up to the Music Hall Stage to catch the Greenhouse Lounge set. Seemed like more people were out now that the rain had stopped and they were mostly socializing among each other on the side porch next to the entrance of the building. Squeals of joy and laughter filled the air as friends greeted each other. I actually ran into two good festival friends that I had met at the beginning of the year when i started this musical journey. We coincidentally had the same run of festivals for the beginning of the year so it was more like our monthly meet up. I was happy to see their faces as well all of the beautiful faces that I have come to know due to my live music addiction. Friends from all over the state had come to celebrate Rachel. It was small and local but the energy was abundant and I couldn't think of any other place I would want to be.

I caught up with my friends for a bit before I had headed inside the building. It had been quite some time since I saw Greenhouse Lounge but the last set I saw was filled with high energy and I was ready for some more. I walked up to the front of the stage as they began, a familiar fusion of electronic dubbed out soundscapes and breakbeats filled the hall. For many this wasn't the first time they had heard or seen of Greenhouse Lounge. Friends and locals to the Jax Beach area were showing much love to the band as they broke out the heavy bass lines, acute guitar riffs, delectable percussion, and detached synth sounds that gave the perfect feel to their set. LED hoops were spinning, kids were grooving and the floor looked as if it were moving. I decided to head outside for some fresh air and to catch my breath. I could still hear the music and enjoyed watching all the happy people pass me by. I was feeling good, more than good. This was a nice change after the string of bad luck I had been running into as of late. I got a little caught up in my own head and decided to head back to the campsite to get my bearings. I was still not in the right mind set but I just needed a good funky get down, so I headed back up to the music hall. Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band was the last band scheduled to play

The mad hatter’s were up high and ready

I awoke 4 hours later due to the extreme heat in my tent and I decided it was time to start my day. I headed to the showers near the main stage and was shocked there was no one in sight. There was actually hot water waiting for me and I could take my time as I didn’t feel necessary to rush due to the nonexistent line. This was definitely another first for me, one of many of the perks I had the privilege of experiencing. Feeling refreshed I headed back to my tent. Unlike other music festivals, the music was not starting till 1:30 in the afternoon, which gave me enough time to take it easy and explore the park. The Four of us had decided to play some disc golf and hoped we would have first dibs on the course being the early birds that we are. I had never played at SOSMP, so when we finally found the trial through the woods I was thrilled to see that the parts of the course were marked by Grateful Dead songs. I was enjoying the game though overgrown plant life made it a bit of a struggle when searching for my disc. We got half way through the course before a combination of bugs and heat had become too much. Ready to cool down we headed back to the campsite for some much need nourishment. Grilled some veggie ka-bobs and had a drink or two before we got the coolers ready for a trip down to the river. Due to the amount of people spread out around the park, the vehicles were allowed to go through the festival grounds to get to the other side of the park. This was a true luxury because the river bed was extremely far from our site. We ended up sharing the wealth and picked up a group of 6 or so that was also headed that way. When we reached the river I was feeling extremely relaxed and calm, as my feet sunk into the white sand. The river was the afternoon chill spot; brews were being open as sports were being played up and down the river bed. Kayaks were paddling down the Cypress colored river water, as some adventure types were jumping from a rope swing that hung above steep rocks. I was ready to take a dip as the Sun had reached the highest point of the day. I slipped in and let the cool water consume my warm body. My friends chilled on the sand as I floated around letting the current choose my direction and watched parents play in the sand with their young ones. It was a beautiful afternoon and this was exactly what I needed before I sent my body into overdrive.

We headed back to the campsite to get ourselves prepared for a day of music mayhem, though I don't think we could have prepared for what this Saturday had in store for us. Tallahassee locals, Pepper Drive was starting out the afternoon of music at the Campground Stage. I had never seen the band before but from what I heard they were not to be missed. As I stepped out of my tent and grabbed a nice stiff drink I could hear a familiar guitar riff being carried over by the lake. They were covering Hendrix's Manic Depression and I decided to put some pep in my step. This quintet was bringing the raw soulful groove that Jimi was known so well for. They had just the right amount of funk, blues, and soul pouring out if their set. I was pleased as the sun shined through the trees and warmed my skin. Their lead vocals were rough and rugged, which was a perfect blend with the fervid chords that the guitarist plucked out. The organist who also played the blues harp made sure that you were feeling the connection to the sultry sadness that so many blues artists share when telling their dismal stories. Steady rhythm and grooves were being laid down by the drummer and the bassist of the band created an ample sound with guitar feedback that caught your ear. I love discovering new music and I was extremely

Trial By Stone was scheduled to play the Purple Hat Amphitheater minutes after Pepper Drive had ended. I had seen them play recently at a smaller festival outside of Orlando where I had enjoyed the band instrumentally. The trombone player, drummer, bassist and guitarist are all great musicians. Sufficiently dubbing out the tracks and adding the familiar echo and reverb that you hear in most reggae music was all adequate but it is the vocals and lack of lyric ingenuity that I did not enjoy. I checked out their set once again to see if maybe something might change my opinion but I would have to say I would enjoy the band far more if it was purely instrumental with maybe some vocal sampling here and there. I decided to head back to the campsite before venturing out to the next stage for Catfish Alliance the heat was beating down on me and I was feeling very exhausted. I ended lying down in my tent to get some shade and to take a breather. Before I knew it I was being woken up by harsh piercing house music that the neighbors across the way were enjoying on their downtime. I had then realized I missed Catfish Alliances set. I had heard that these Tallahassee natives were a strange enjoyable mix of psychedelic southern rock with lyrics that can have a smidge of hip hop influence. A bunch that likes to dibble and dabble in their influences and that mixture intrigued me.

The gang ended up meeting me back by the time I got up and got myself situated. I had changed into my funky funk threads and I was ready to get down. I figured it was going to be a long night but I really had NO IDEA of the crazed journey we were going to embark on. The sun was still beaming down and we weren't going to get a break from the heat till it started to set. The Burnin Smyrnans were on the amphitheater at six; so the we strolled on up to the stage and anticipated the arrival of dusk. It was nice to see so many familiar faces in the crowd as I smiled to myself and felt content sharing this weekend with good friends. It had been a while since I had seen The Smyrnans play and I wouldn't have picked a better place or time. This multifarious musical ensemble has something for everyone. Influenced by many different realms of the music spectrum, they have a completely original sound. They straddle the lines of jam, funk, and psychedelia with a touch of latin semblance. Jeff White lays out vivacious bass grooves and adds an essence of soul in his vocals. Upholding the backbone of the rhythm was Anthony Diaz, with an exuberant drum technique that created a solid rhythm section with the bass guitar. Jason Rogers shreds meticulous licks as lead guitarist. His solo’s advance into spacey jams that are saturated and enhanced with exceptional pedals and effect units. Jason Wigley adds adamant riffs, as well as incorporating the keys and synth into their set; giving an electric progression through their tone. Intertwining sounds from the woodwind family, Eric Christian constructs an effervescent touch with his saxophone and flute. The set was filled with energy from beginning to end. Playing lively tunes and some favorites like “Dirty White T” and “Dennis Conner”. The sound had an ambitious and natural flow; I was very pleased with the set and overall performance.
After the set had ended I was feeling a little worn out from the sun so I hopped onto a golf cart with my good friend Dave and got a little natural a/c as we cruised around the property. We discussed how strange yet nice it was to not have entrapping law enforces around every corner that we turned. I was wondering if this was pertinent due to the circumstances of Rachel’s death or if they had finally done something about the injustice that goes on at the majority of the festivals at this park. I kicked it with my buddy and lost track of the time. Before I knew it I was rushing back to the other side of the park. The sun was setting and it was getting weird out. Everyone was in full on rage mode and the night was young. I got to my site and met with the crazies and got some supplies before the darkness set in. I was elated for Dubconscious’ set. It was here at SOSMP I had seen them last but I had thought it would be my last due to the change of direction of the band and the members. They are one of my favorite live acts to see, they naturally embody the spirit and positivity that they spread through their music and it’s sad to say but there are not many bands that are on that level. I was grinning as the fog was illuminated by the colorful light rig and created a beautiful atmosphere around the stage. Within the last year Dubconscious’ sound has changed much from when they first immerged in the music scene back in 2002. Still the same spiritual dubbed out feel good music, but now adding a stronger aspect of an electronic influence. They walked up and greeted the crowd as the bodies surrounded the stage. They began their set with a hypnotic guitar lead from Adrian and an energetic cadence of percussion coming from Scott. Jerry following on the keys ever so invitingly as Matt created the clean ample sounds with his kit; hearing that sweet reverb as the hit of his snare imploded in your brain. I was feeling the energy they were spreading and became completely consumed in the music. I raised my head to clear the sweat from my brow and saw a wicked lightening storm behind the trees of the amphitheater, it looked nasty but I had much wishful thinking that it wouldn’t hit us. Combining songs from their latest release as well as songs mixed and performed differently from their original make, the set was fire! I enjoyed their roots reggae vibe they had been known for but I love where they are going with this new sound.Adrian then took a moment to speak about the people that gathered here and our


I was lifted. Elevated on the energy that was all around me I was about to take a dive into the deep end as the sky swirled in the distance and I watched the flashes of lightening slice through the darkness. I was giddy as hell. The Malah was up next and I was more than ready. This South Carolina trio has been a band I have enjoyed over the recent years. Making a couple runs in Florida throughout the year, I have grown very found of the way they stimulate the mind with ample organic and electronic soundscapes. The guitarist, bassist, and drummer all add more mechanically with synth and home made samples as they play live and coat the sound with electronic mayhem. I headed back to my site before their set began and tried collect myself as light drops of rain cooled my body. I caught up with Daniel and we headed over to the campground stage. They had just started and their was a large crowd that surrounded the band. The lights splashed vivid colors over the leaves in the trees and the bodies moved in what looked like unison. I walked towards the stage and squeezed in. They were completely focused on the sound, I walked towards the front right of the stage and saw the live artist that is usually present at most live shows. After watching his


After that complete rage out, I found a water spigot and put my head under it’s cool flow. My crew and I headed over to the amphitheater for Big Gigantic. The crowd was excited for the final act that has been blowing up on the electronic music scene with their high energy performances and distinct style of instrumental and electronic fusion. They address the spunions and began their set. Dominic Lalli (the Motet) saxophonist and Jeremy Salken the drummer are a duo with a copious sound that has been grabbing the attention of many in the electronic music scene. Combining the feel of a live band with an essence of a DJ; mixing samples and synth all into an appealing sound. Everyone was getting down, and the band was feeling the energy. They asked for people to join them on stage as they produced sleek sounding funky grooves that incorporated a touch of hip hop. Within minutes you could barely see them as the purple bodies covered the stage. Everyone was enjoying the set and before knowing it they were walking off the stage to have the crowd begging for an encore. Paul Levine one of the many behind the scenes that worked so hard to make this event run successfully, walked on the stage. Reassuring us that was the end of the set, most saw the gag for what it was and Big Gigantic was back on stage giving us nasty sax melodies wrapped in laden drum beats. The night was turning out to be an insane one and far from being over.

It was announced that Green Hit and Greenhouse Lounge would be playing late nights. Good news for the night owls and kids that had much more raging to get out of their system. I decided to head back to my site and

Woke up Sunday feeling sore as could


I relaxed some more with my friends before I could hear Corporal Boil sound checking. This north Florida trio usually has a mix of southern rock and reggae but this afternoon they were covering all Bob Marley originals. Some of my favorites including Soul Rebel, Waiting in Vain, Exodus, Small Axe, We Jammin, and I Shot the Sheriff. Irie folks gathered around the campground stage as they poured out positive vibrations that Marley’s songs are known to express with messages of love, peace and unity of the people. The festival seemed to come full circle with the messages the artists were spreading. We were all here for a reason and had purpose. I was glad to have shared this weekend with such great people. I was sitting in a hammock waiting for the last act, Ralph Roddenbery and his band, former Grapes guitarist Ted Norton, drummer Richie Jones, bassist Tommy Jones and additional vocalist Samantha Alessi-Jones to begin.

www.rachelmorningstarfoundation.org
Amazing review !
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