Preview: ShoalsFest, October 3-4, McFarland Park in Florence, AL

For the fifth time since 2019, Jason Isbell‘s Southern rock, Americana-tinged ShoalsFest is happening. Returning this October to the beautiful banks of the Tennessee River in Florence, Alabama, the fest continues to pull in fans old and new. Isbell, who grew up in nearby Green Hill, has made this a true homecoming event.

Former Drive-By Truckers bandmate Patterson Hood comes from Muscle Shoals, a music Mecca famously known for shaping the sound of American R&B, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. Both are returning home for this incredible music festival. Isbell and his 400 Unit will headline both nights, while the Truckers will be performing 2003’s Decoration Day in its entirety (with Isbell joining, of course).

Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy will make his inaugural appearance at ShoalsFest, sharing his wares from years of producing superb music for the masses. In addition to his band’s 13 albums dating back some three decades, Tweedy’s solo material holds up miraculously. His latest foray is Twilight Override, a 30-song, triple album showing the artist as prolific as ever.

S.G. Goodman joins the fest this year with her melding sound of folk, country, and rock. Recently releasing her critically acclaimed third studio album Planting by the Signs, Goodman’s star continues to ascend. A relative newcomer to the music scene, singer-songwriter Willow Avalon joins the fest promoting her new album Pink Pocket Pistol, which features Isbell on the track “Cardinal Sin.”

Alabama magician/musician and rockin’ eco hero Steve Trash resumes his role as resident crowd worker, entertaining kids and adults throughout the weekend.

ShoalsFest has teamed with Athens, Georgia-based Nuçi’s Space, whose vision is “to end the epidemic of suicide and to inspire a culture free of the stigma attached to brain illnesses and its sufferers by supporting a community-wide effort that focuses on education, prevention and access to appropriate treatment.” A most worthy cause.

For ticket information, visit the ShoalsFest site; and check out my review from last year. It promises to be another unforgettable time. And don’t forget to bring a chair!

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