McDowell Mountain Music Festival Review

by Kevin Wierzbicki

Arizona bands got the music started each day; Mikel Lander & Meredith Moore and the Steve Reynolds Band kicked things off Friday while Peppermint James and the Tempe-based Mojo Farmers got the two opening slots on Saturday. 

With the afternoon sun bathing the festival's namesake mountain in the background, John Magnie of the Subdudes waved a conductor's baton at the rest of his band and led them into a roaring rendition of "Late at Night." Magnie apologized for the band's set starting about 20 minutes late before launching into a somewhat ironic selection, "I've Got All the Time in the World." Always a character, Magnie introduced "Fair Weather Friend" from the band's Street Symphony album as a cut with "pretty whiney lyrics." 

At the acoustic stage local band Truckers on Speed decided to bring their music right to their audience, stepping off the stage and playing from seats right in front of the front row. 

Music was also being played in the Fender tent where festival-goers gobbled chips and dips and sampled wine and tequila while Fender employees Alan Dequina and Bob Woods played an acoustic set. The tent also held dozens of Fender guitars that patrons could play through small amps while listening on headphones. 

Testing a guitar in the Fender Tent

Back on the main stage Grace Potter and the Nocturnals got their 90-minute set going with one of their popular bluesy guitar rave-ups and that style has made the Vermont band a MMMF favorite. The festival strives to have no repeats in line-up from year-to-year but Potter and her boys were so popular last year that an exception was made in bringing them back. Potter makes for a striking figure, strutting the stage while flailing away at her Flying V but of course it is her voice that steals the show and she sounded great when dipping into blues classics by the likes of Irma Thomas. 

Next up was Robert Randolph and the Family Band with a 90-minute set of guitar wizardry. Randolph sat blazing away at his pedal steel guitar for a few songs before standing up and grabbing a sparkly Telecaster. Near the end of his set Randolph played an instrumental version of "Voodoo Chile," teasing the crowd with a start-and-stop intro before he smoked through the Hendrix classic. Gov't Mule closed out day 1 with a two-hour set that included a brief intermission.

Between sets attendees had lots of things to do and one of the most popular areas was the Silent Auction tent. Here you could bid on all kinds of sports and music memorabilia ranging from a framed autographed photo of football legend Joe Namath to an autographed Bruce Springsteen album. Gear from Nolan Ryan, Phil Mickelson and even Luciano Pavarotti was auctioned off along with guitars that were signed by both days' performers. 

Also in the Silent Auction area was the "Best Seat in the House" raffle where for $10 a try you could take your chance at winning a seat right on the stage for the performance of the band of your choice. 

Among the food and drink vendors scattered throughout the festival grounds were lots of souvenir stands, gift tents featuring everything from cowboy (and girl) gear to gemstones to collectibles from Jamaica. Youngsters could bounce on the Bungee-Tramp or climb the rock wall; the big kids could buy their way into the VIP area where the admission charge included an all-you-can-eat barbeque spread and the adult beverages to wash it all down, a private viewing platform, overstuffed chairs and couches to lounge on and private restrooms. 

The VIP and general admission areas were both packed but not uncomfortably so and many in the crowd had taken advantage of the festival's on-site camping area. All in all everyone on and off stage appeared to have a great time enjoying the festival. 

Also performing were Toubab Krewe, the Wailers, Blues Traveler and JJ Grey & MOFRO. Best of all MMMF gives 100% of its profits to local charities Phoenix Day and the Golden Date Community Center ($100,000 was donated last year.) 

Visit the official homepage for the festival
 

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