Written by Craig McGreggor
Following life at a music festival, it always takes a few days to re calibrate to the normal world. UTOPiAfest is one that provides such homeliness and warmth during your stay that you truly miss the environment from which you just left. Following a very torrential and hail-mary-to-the-end-zone 2018 year (which I won’t go into and really wasn’t their fault by any means), the festival found itself in the same Reveille Peak Ranch but in a much better logistical location. There was ample room for car camping, RVs, easier paths in and out of the festival grounds, efficient walks to Portos that were well maintained, great sound quality, a solid group of food trucks, ect. The line-up felt more catered to the central Texan with Austin hometown hero headliners in Shakey Graves and Brownout along with local support from Jackie Venson, Sir Woman of Wild Child, Cowboy Irie from San Antonio, Utopia Players led by Golden Dawn Arkestra’s Topaz McGarrigle and resident Utopian group Sid Fly. Of course, there were plenty of new and rising artists to rave about, the silent discos and one of the most unique festival constructs, the Tank GoodTimes silent acoustic sets at 2am.
- Sir Woman – Kelsey Wilson, best known as the frontwoman for indie-folk-pop local act Wild Child, describes this current project as “outlet for me to work through my own shit going on while I was touring and making music with all of the insanely talented people I get to create with.” With this came a shift into a very different style towards funk/soul/r&b and gospel. On Thursday, Kelsey presented Sir Woman flanked by a mass of musical friends to support the music they had created. The result was a flawless execution of deep rooted soul spirit and honest lyrics that is heard within Wild Child but in this new vessel. The energy gelled smoothly but without too much of a downtempo vibe to keep every moving, grooving and warm from frigid 30 degree weather. With the debut album still set to be released, we will happily be seeing much more of this project in 2020.
- Jackie Venson – Local Austin stalwart guitarist, bassist and singer Jackie Venson is running a victory over a wonderful 2019 album release in “Joy” and being named “Austin’s Best Guitarist.” Accompanied by only a drummer, Jackie relied on multiple loops to cover other bass and keys tracks during her performance which showed no slowing even after a couple innocent audio blips. Her voice enraptured the heart and soul via Joss Stone while her guitar playing blends a Gary Clark Jr attitude with a Courtney Barnett veracity. There is obviously no slowing down for her as another Austin musical pioneer.
- SwimWear Dept – Hailing out of the Houston-area, SwimWear Dept won the award for most B-52s meets !!! (chk chk chk) meets LCD Soundsystem award for whimsical lyrics, punk attitude and just plain fun beats. Donning, well, swimwear including a mesh top, the lead singer Matt Graham enthralled a mid-day crowd into a dance frenzy with energy filled with stage jumping, dancing, and excellently executed stage banter and crowd work. The kids of UTOPiAfest were all present within a make-shift “pool” made of a large blue tarp, limbo line and dance contest. Of course, the adults were just as frenzied. They are instantly one of the acts that I placed on “must go to” when I see they’re touring.
- Mikaela Davis – Travis Sutherland, founder of UTOPiAfest , described Mikaela as the perfect “Utopian Artist” upon seeing them with veteran Utopian group RubbleBucket. Strolling between keys and harp Mikaela brought classical sense to psychedelic-rock mixed with indie-pop. The set was awash in the night which blanketed the mood perfectly with ambient sounds, down tempo beats, and an angelic voice.
- Toubab Krewe – Utopian lineups excel at bringing a variety of sounds to the ears of its citizens. Toubab Krewe, an Asheville NC born group centered around American instrumentals fused with music from West Africa and Mali, presented a different stroke of flavor to the festival. Accompanying a normal arrangement of guitars, bass, and drum were members utilizing kora (21-string harp-lute), kamelengoni (12-string harp-lute), soku (Malian horsehair fiddle). The refreshing change-up provided heated beat styles while fire spinners provided gazing material to keep us Utopians warm during the chilly evening.
- Southern Avenue – One of the most exciting acts out of Memphis, Southern Avenue graced a mid-day crowd with a cruising energy of gospel-soul vocals and ripping blues rock riffs. Each member was a centerpiece of talent and most notably from lead vocalist, Tierninii Jackson. She led with the bravado and grace who easily compares to that of Janelle Monae. They’re easily representing the Memphis soul and blues at festivals such as Firefly, Waterfront Blues and of course, UTOPiAfest.
- Band Aid and Kids Having a Great Time – What can be more notable about rising talent than a revolving group of adolescents and parents knocking out originals and covers in front of the Utopian crowd. Along with the kids on stage, around the festival were plenty of activities including a Band Aid booth where kids could try out instruments themselves. UTOPiAfest definitely is an example of a reliable, safe and comforting family friendly festival.
- Donovan Keith – “The man who never stops moving” holds very true to the frontman of Soul Track Mind. Performing as a solo project certainly did not slow him down and nor did the cool early noon weather. Most likely at no point were both his feet on the ground as he belted like a vocal dynamo and dance machine set to stun. It was a funky fresh and soulful way to roll in the final day of UTOPiAfest and as a Black Fret in 2018, Donovan is poised to continue this growth as the captain of his own musical ship.
- Reveille Peak Ranch – Hats off to the owner and volunteers of both the ranch at UTOPiAfest for clearing the way for the weekend citizens. 2018 had its hardships for the 10th anniversary celebration which, to my knowledge, had mostly been covered. Every campground had a multitude of areas to park and set up camp, most hazards were clearly marked or moved, the roads easily traveled to the main site, and stage placement, food forest, utilities, ect were easily navigable. With at least 3 more years of festivals promised at the new site, we can only foresee a growth in amenities, beauty in structuring and wonderment as Utopia settles in its new home.
- Warmth from Fire and Love – Last but certainly not least is the overall vibe of the festival. Being held in mid-November during a rare near-frost temperature drop certainly challenges the 2000 citizens of UTOPiAfest to keep warm. This was easily done thanks to the multitude of warmers, fire pits, massive bonfires and most importantly, the general love from everyone attending. Campers generally congregated and made neighbors whether known or unknown. Rations were shared. Gloves were given. And hugs and bonding were abounding. It is truly a different world you see when out of the city and left to your own devices. Utopia provides that warmth and coverage whether partnered with a blazing Texas summer or an abnormal fall frost.
