The Unfettered Critic – July 2024

Britt Season!

Just entered the start of Britt Season!

It suddenly occurs

We’ve written not one word…

About it!

 

Britt Season!

Say it loud and there’s music playing.

Say it soft and…and…well, there’s music playing then, too.

 

OKAY, MOVING ON. It’s late—July already. That beautiful stage on the hill has been sweetly resonant for weeks, with the Britt Festival Orchestra presenting the Best of the Classical Best. It was glorious—with masterful conducting by Peter Bay and Alexandra Arrieche. One special treat was the live concert presentation of Star Wars: A New Hope. We deeply regretted missing last year’s performance of The Princess Bride, so this time we made darn sure that Chewbacca hit hyperdrive and obtained those tickets at lightspeed. It was a cosmic blast, more memorable than the explosion of the Death Star! We wonder what movie is brewing for next year.

But don’t fret! Britt President and CEO Abby McKee, along with Chief Program Officer Mike Sturgill, have crafted a fantastically festive summer. Let’s highlight a few that we think you should look for:

July 5: we’ve been fans of singing-whistling-multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird since he joined up with the Squirrel Nut Zippers back in the 1990s. Today his solo career generates an eclectic collection of pop music both beautiful and fun. And capping that evening, bluegrass virtuosos Nickel Creek guarantee a night to remember.

July 7: We’d like to call the horn-based sound of The California Honeydrops “true rock ‘n’ roll,” but that may not actually cover the concept. They’ve toured with the likes of B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Dr. John, and Buddy Guy. So what do you call that mix? A fabulous night of saxophone/trumpet/trombone that we’ve already grabbed tickets to!

July 9: Ziggy Marley and Lettuce. We suspect you’re well aware of Ziggy, perhaps the most influential reggae artist today. But pay equal attention to special guest Lettuce. If you’re the type that just can’t stay off the dance floor, Lettuce is for you—‘cause you won’t be able to sit down!

July 25: Willie Nelson & Family. We have no words. But do we need them? Willie doesn’t want to be the last man standing—on the other hand he might just be. He’s been at his artistic peak every day of his life.

July 27: Shaggy. We’re confident that we’ve never used the word “sexy” in our column before this moment. But here it is. Wait until you hear him croon “Bombastic.” Or “It Wasn’t Me.” Or “Hey, Sexy Lady.” There it is again!

July 31: Trombone Shorty. By now, we’re sure you’re well aware of Shorty. He’s brought his brand of New Orleans joy to the Britt stage in the past—but not often enough! Shorty was performing with rock pioneer Bo Diddley at the age of four, and headlining his own band at the age of six. Our favorite quote about the grown-up Trombone Shorty is: “He’s not just a horn player.” Seriously.

We could go on, because Abby and Mike have booked music for us straight into Autumn (!), with superstars like Rick Springfield. Jason Mraz. Michael Franti & Spearhead (as if you could imagine, a summer without Michael Franti!), The Buena Vista Social Orchestra, Ray LaMontagne, Chris Isaak, and even a rock band called Dogstar, which includes a little-known bass player named—yup—Keanu Reeves.

 

Britt Season!

We’ve finally written about this

Britt Season.

 

Visit the hill and find

How wonderful the sounds can be,

Including from the bands we didn’t mention.

 

Hey, it’s not our fault. We have a maximum columnal word count here, ya know.