
Two days. Two stages. Two sets from select artists. Good things clearly come in twos at Orange Blossom Revue (OBR).
The roots music festival returns to Lake Wailes Park in Florida the first weekend of December. This year’s lineup will feature headline performances from The Revivalists, Drive-By Truckers, and The SteelDrivers, as well as rising acts like Grace Bowers and Johnny Mullenax. Several artists on the bill will also be representing the Florida music scene.
Community has always been top of mind for OBR organizers the Lake Wales Rotary Club and the Blossom Charitable Foundation, Inc. In addition to the fest’s family-friendly atmosphere and camping tradition, a portion of event proceeds go towards local arts and education programs. Last year, OBR piloted a secondary stage that’ll debut as a permanent fixture this year, dedicated to performances from local acts only.
Get to know about those Sunshine State gems below and check back at Full Access Detroit for photographer Steve Galli’s coverage of the fest.
Hubo Bentley and Dim Crooked Fools
A trio and a local treasure, Hubo Bentley and Dim Crooked Fools brings Lakes Wales flavor to their brand of roots and rockabilly. Tune into their sets for some sweet riffage and upright bass action. They play a kick-off show at the Downtown Market Place the night before their Friday OBR set at the Side Stage.
Skinny McGee and the Handshakes
This Winter Haven duo plays two sets on the Side Stage on Friday at OBR. Their country croons and twangy riffs reminisce the thrills of old Westerns. Just have a listen to their latest single, “Little Model A.”
Phoenix5
There’s no shortage of good grooves when it comes to Central Florida’s Phoenix5. The multi-instrument collective takes hits from The Beatles to Dua Lipa and layers them with elements of funk, soul, and reggae. Catch them at the Side Stage first thing Saturday.
Brett Staska and the Souvenirs
A cheeky homage to Florida tourism, Brett Staska and the Souvenirs combine country music and surf rock, dubbed “Coastal Cowboy.” The Loxahatchee native and company take the Side Stage on Saturday for two back-to-back sets.
The Gnarbuckles
The Gnarbuckles return to OBR for a double-header set at the Side Stage on Saturday night. On some cuts, bluegrass meets a touch of psychedelia with the band delivering wah-wahs by way of the mandolin. Others dive straight into Americana roots. The band describes their sound as a patchwork of “Americana, folk, and bluegrass tunes together with liquid nails and sounds from the future.”
The Revivalists
Drive-By Truckers
Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge
The SteelDrivers
The Dip
Improvement Movement
Eddie 9V
Johnny Mullenax
Orange Blossom Revue takes place Dec. 5 to 6 at Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales, Florida.
Festival preview written by Chloe Catajan
