Live Music is Back…

photo: Brad Coolidge

One year ago during the final week of April, thirty-one different artists featured on this Mile 0 Fest lineup played to empty rooms as they fought to keep their music and life somewhat intact with virtual performances. Uncertainty loomed and many, entertainers and fans alike, wondered when (or even if) live music would return. A full calendar year later, those same songwriters and musicians finally got to gather with a reduced capacity crowd in Key West, Florida for what has become arguably the best festival in the country after only just four years in existence.

Every year various attempts are made to detail the soul of this festival with written reviews, still images, videos, and stories that only seem fathomable in tall tales but once you attend, you immediately understand that while these are all great – the true spirit of Mile 0 Fest cannot be captured. Many attendees have begun to describe it as a musical family reunion, not just for the countless acts collaborating on stages all across the four-mile island but also opposite the rail, as so many have grown to become close friends using the festival as an ultimate backdrop for their gathering.

Many scheduled events across the country missed their target dates, some twice, but the Mile 0 Fest crew took advantage of their surroundings and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. An abundance of open air venues led the festival to postpone for just three months and although uncertainty surrounded their initial revelation, the dates stuck and this past week may have provided the best festival experience ever. The absence of live music for the past 14 months combined with performers finally getting an opportunity to feed off the energy of a crowd led to an occurrence unlike any other.

It also seemed to elevate the performance of certain acts, especially at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, where Shane Smith and the Saints received extended time due to some last minute cancellations and took full advantage w/ an impressive high-energy performance. Maybe it was the layoff, maybe not, but their set resonated with the sold out crowd, immediately becoming a high point among a really impressive lineup and North Carolina’s American Aquarium continued building on the momentum two nights later with a memorable set of their own. Before setting the amphitheater stage on fire, lead singer BJ Barham and his band entertained at the newly added Sunset Green stage where Barham couldn’t help but crack a smile when someone in the audience yelled, “I Saw A Tiger” between songs in reference to some of his virtual “Tiger King” related content released during lockdown.

Other memorable performances included Chance Anderson, Chloe-Beth, Lucas Jagneaux, Holly Beth, and Amber Watson all looking right at home on the amphitheater stage during their featured ‘Duets’ alongside Jamie Lin Wilson. Anderson and Chloe-Beth nailed ‘Because the Night‘, Jagneaux and Beth entertained with ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart‘, and Watson teamed up alongside Wilson for ‘Does He Love You‘. The backing band, featuring Shane Boeker (lead guitar), Alden Hedges (bass), Zachary Moulton (steel), John Henry Trinko (keys), and Giovanni ‘Nooch’ Carnuccio III (drums) also deserve a ton of credit for putting their own spin on each of these classics. Another gem included Drew Kennedy teaming up with Courtney Patton on ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life‘, but it was Mike ‘Moonpie’ Harmier who stole the show by leaping into the arms of Kennedy to end the evening.

First time invitees Max and Heather Stalling, Morgan Wade, and Roger Creager also each made quite the positive impression on their respective crowds around the island and periodic returnee Pat Green dialed up a fun set before the late night show on Wednesday. Mike and the Moonpies, alongside Courtney Patton, have also both become staples of the event continually pumping out quality performances no matter which stage they’re playing. Patton, joined by Kaitlin Butts, Jamie Lin Wilson, and Tina Wilkins created a truly memorable experience poolside singing ‘Waited‘ by the late Kylie Rae Harris. Both Courtney and Jamie Lin also shared an excellent new song, ‘Hard Time Lately‘, co-written during quarantine which Patton teased may be on an upcoming new album. The Moonpies initially played as part of ‘Honky Tonk Tuesday‘, a perfect match and hopefully annual event, while both of their regular full band sets rocked as always.

The Topo Chico Cowboys, Kennedy and Josh Grider, are made for this festival. Initially debuting armed with ‘Dollar on the Wall‘ and ‘Here’s to Friends‘ in 2020, everyone left the island this year as honorary members of the ‘West Texas Cloud Appreciation Society‘. Both truly capitalized on quarantine as each performed almost weekly as part of the Sequestered Songwriters, with Kennedy’s ‘Live From My Backyard’ and the ‘Grider Family Happy Hour‘ which happened live when wife Kristi joined Josh for ‘Islands in the Stream‘ at the amphitheater during ‘Duets‘.

It’s literally impossible to witness each and every set available at Mile 0 Fest, even in a reduced capacity environment, but there are certain settings and lineup combinations you know will be extra special. It may be the artist, it could be the landscape, but there definitely are situations only Key West can create – including John Fullbright playing guitar, keys, and harp on the beach with the ocean serving as a natural backdrop – unforgettable.

As with any event, there were obvious highlights but the fact music was being played in front of appreciative and jovial fans was undoubtedly the best thing witnessed all week. For that, the entire Mile 0 Fest staff, from the very top to the army of volunteers, including the city of Key West and Monroe County, should all be commended for their efforts in being a part of helping to bring live music back. Yes, there are still precautions to take and no doubt the pandemic has changed a lot of how things used to be handled in the past, but the sheer joy this festival induced over the past week could not be ignored and 2022 should offer another opportunity to highlight the best (artists, bands, staff, and fans) in this industry right back to paradise.

CLICK HERE to reserve your spot and come find out for yourself what the fuss is all about. Also, make sure you check the RedDirtNC calendar for a full slate of events, including multiple acts from this festival, who have upcoming dates in North Carolina.

Seven things you need to know before you go…

photo: Brad Coolidge

After postponing briefly from its original January/February dates, next Tuesday (04/27/2021) begins the fourth-annual Mile 0 Fest as a few thousand people descend upon Key West for one of the best vacations imaginable. For both first-timers and veterans alike, these seven items will enhance your experience as you prepare for four-plus days in paradise with the best in Red Dirt and Americana music.

1. Don’t Worry If Your Plan Goes Awry
Not everyone enters with a detailed plan but for some there are definitely certain shows which are deemed “can’t miss” depending on personal preferences. The good news is that the island is packed with so much talent that no matter who is performing it’s sure to provide a memorable experience. Even for those artists or bands you’ve seen countless times, Key West offers such a unique backdrop for the event that it furnishes a seemingly new adventure. Although historically rare, due to expected reduced capacity numbers at certain venues, some shows may fill up quickly but don’t worry should you be unable to attend. With so many different opportunities and quality performers on the lineup there’s something else out there which will be just as enjoyable. In fact, some of the best times can be had when there’s no set plan or schedule to follow.

2. Go See Someone New
Attending Mile 0 Fest not only offers individuals the opportunity to witness their favorite acts in a paradise setting but also the capability to find new favorites. Each of those more familiar acts performing later in the evenings was once a brand new addition somewhere on a lineup. Shows take place most everyday from 11:00am to midnight, offering plenty of time to explore so schedule in someone you’ve either heard about but haven’t seen live or a name you may not even recognize – chances are it’ll be well worth the trip.

3. Get Out On or In the Water
Word has quickly gotten out that both the festival and Key West have plenty to offer, making combining musical experiences with water expeditions a natural entertainment scenario. There’s no question a great time can easily be had landlocked on the island but getting out on the water offers some completely different and unique experiences. Mile 0 Fest offers their own opportunities with the Charity Fishing Derby, Tipsy Tiki rentals, and Cruise Series shows but anyone can also book their own trips with Fury Water Adventures. All patrons automatically receive a discounted rate on snorkeling, parasailing, eco tours, jet ski rentals, and so much more. If a pool is more your style then you’re also in luck as Dante’s, The Marker, and The Lighthouse Pool all offer a chance to enjoy a show while taking a dip or cool off in the ocean at Southernmost Beach Resort.

4. Make A Charitable Contribution
There’s an abundance of music and good times to be had all across the island but don’t miss out on an opportunity to make a difference while you’re in attendance. Mile 0 Fest is committed to giving back and there are multiple opportunities for contributions to the Red Dirt Relief Fund, Michelle Halpern Foundation, and Florida Keys SPCA throughout the festival with a sponsored Fishing Derby, Beard/Mustache Competition, and signed guitar auctions each night at the amphitheater. In addition, a member of Oklahoma country rock band Chance and the Takers, Michael Frost, is biking from Miami to Key West while helping to raise awareness for the Red Dirt Relief Fund (with a $10,000 goal) ahead of Chance Anderson’s performances at the festival.

<<CLICK HERE TO HELP SUPPORT THE RED DIRT RELIEF FUND AND #BIKEWITHFROST>>

5. The Mile 0 Fest App Is Your Friend
Consider the Mile 0 Fest app as your own personal key to the kingdom. Not only does it contain an up-to-date schedule but the push notifications are essentially priceless. Even if you prefer to view your selected shows in another medium, the app provides instant updates, potential schedule changes, and other alerts which can be extremely important. Regardless of how you choose to plan, make downloading the app a priority to enhance your experience throughout the entire festival.

6. Food
The festival focus centers on music but don’t let the ample opportunities for dining pass you by during the week. Many of the daytime venues offer substantial food selections, including The Smokin’ Tuna (which is rumored to have undergone some renovations in the past year), Garbo’s Grill, and Hank’s – all of which shouldn’t be ignored. In addition to the plethora of dining opportunities on the island, multiple vendors working the amphitheater also offer a wide variety of seafood and island selections for festival goers to enjoy.

7. Enjoy the Experience
The coronavirus pandemic effectively shuttered live music over the past year and although its impact lingers, opportunities for support are creeping up more readily every day. Mile 0 Fest took a risk in delaying their product only four months when many others were postponing for a full calendar year, but the timing appears to have paid off significantly. For many this will be their first live music experience in over a year and as everyone dives back into the mix one thing remains certain. Regardless of personal beliefs, the fact that live music continues to crawl back into existence is an opportunity which should be relished by everyone – especially those fortunate enough to attend this festival. Remember, for many of the artists, this too will be their initial shows post-pandemic so let’s show them the love and not let any moment pass without an appreciation for the opportunity to enjoy and support live, original music with a few thousand of your closest friends.

It’s a vacation, trip, festival, etc. unlike any other but it’s also important to remember that it’s the people of Key West and those in attendance, working, performing, and responsible for putting on the event – who make it extremely special. A boutique affair with yet another incredibly talented lineup ensures all of the music heard throughout the week will be spectacular, so have fun, meet new people, take care of your bartenders, and enjoy one of the best times you’ll have all year – guaranteed.

The fourth year of Mile 0 Fest is sure to offer a unique experience.

Four years ago a brand new festival, Mile 0 Fest, arrived within the red dirt and Americana scene down in Key West, Florida. A logistical hurdle to secure both artists and patrons at the southernmost point of America, the initial lineup was too impressive to ignore. Since, the folks at Oh Wook! Productions and those working with their organization, including the city of Key West, have arguably created the absolute best festival in the country and a global pandemic isn’t going to slow them down. Dealing with a literal work stoppage within the live music arena across America just after the 2020 event, next year’s festival has been pushed back from the traditional late January dates into late April (04/27-05/01) but Mile 0 Fest has revealed an intriguing initial lineup.

BACK FOR YEAR FOUR: Wade Bowen, Jack Ingram, Cody Canada and the Departed, Mike and the Moonpies, Jamie Lin Wilson, Bruce Robison, Walt Wilkins, Jason Eady, Courtney Patton, Kaitlin Butts, Tina Wilkins, Bri Bagwell, Red Dirt Rangers

RETURNING FROM A PREVIOUS YEAR: Randy Rogers Band, Pat Green, American Aquarium, Reckless Kelly, Shane Smith and the Saints, The Band of Heathens, Micky and the Motorcars, John Fullbright, Adam Hood, Old 97’s, Hayes Carll, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Stoney Larue, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jaime Wyatt, Kelly Willis, RC and the Ambers

MAKING THEIR INITIAL APPEARANCE: Lucinda Williams, Blackberry Smoke, Shovels and Rope, Roger Creager, Morgan Wade, Parker Millsap, The Dirty River Boys, Kyle Nix

If you’ve been any of the preceding years, then you already know – If not, book now – check the reviews from 2018, 2019, 2020, some tips for concert goers and we’ll see you in paradise next April. Until then, stay safe out there.