My second day of coverage at The Orange Blossom Jamboree, which was the event’s third day, started similar to the first day I attended. It changed very quickly as the campers were waking up from a full night of activities and were out and about. The crowds around the front two stages, The Cypress and The Citrus stages, were much larger than the day before. The mood was the same from the day before as everyone was just groovin’ and having a great time. People were making friends and embracing one another everywhere. Great music played continuously and the ranch’s weekend residents moved from stage to stage. Guest musicians continued to join bands on stage making a statement that the music community is strong and united; truly a beautiful thing to witness.
The schedule for the day had twelve performances equal to Friday, the day before, but this day’s lineup started on the Citrus stage as opposed to the main stage. The temperatures were in the low 80’s and the crowds were more active with extra curricular activities as concert goers were engaged in frisbee, hula hoop, painting, and free form dancing. As the day turned into night, costumes and lighted garments started showing up. In the back camping area there were even mirrored disco balls in the trees. With the help of spotlights, it was snowing light everywhere. This was a very cool effect and added to the party atmosphere. One campsite even had a illuminated flying saucer! It was Saturday night, and the party was in full swing and the nights headliner was Led Zep! What’s not to get excited about?
Crowd shots from the day.
Again as I wrote yesterday, I am going to point out a few performances that really caught my eye. But, in no way does that signify that the other bands sets weren’t great as well. There wasn’t a performance during this whole festival that didn’t warrant coverage. All of the artists were outstanding musicians, and it was a pleasure to attend the Orange Blossom Jamboree!
With that being said, Mountain Holler stood out as a fun show with plenty of emotion and energy making one want to get up and dance.
I really found Ajeva to be a great performance stage show. The band was very tight and the lead singer, Reed Skahill, captivated the audience in a way unequaled by anyone on this day’s bill.
Led Zep captivated the rambunctious crowd to bring the stage performances to an end playing Led Zeppelin tunes that everyone could sing along. They were the perfect choice to end the night on a high note.
I did say to end the night, but for those camping at the ranch, the night wasn’t quite over. I have been told there was a parachute party that went on to the early morning hours. It sounded like a good time, but I’m afraid those parties are not a part of my job. So, I drove the two miles to the ranch were I was staying and started processing the images taken throughout the day. The ranch is owned by my business partners, Sheree and Chuck Englehardt owners of the listing service GoTonight.com. All Music Magazine and GoTonight are currently merging into a Central Florida music powerhouse site. So, be sure to check it out!
Friday May 14, 2021 coverage of the Orange Blossom Jamboree
Stereo Vudu a Rock-N-Roll band from from Gainesville, Florida 1:10pm – 2:10pm Citrus Stage
Shawn Brown Acoustic musician from Tampa, Florida 1:45pm – 2:45pm Clementine Stage
Mountain Holler & Friends Cavernous Alt-Folk Music from St. Petersburg, Florida 2:20pm – 3:20pm Cypress Stage
Este Loves A soulful singer-songwriter who plays guitar and sings original music from Plant City, Florida 3:25pm – 4:25pm Citrus Stage
Fuzzy Britches Grungy surfy bluesy psyche rock with garage punk influence from St. Petersburg, Florida 4:00pm – 5:00pm Clementine Stage
The Headtones Funk-Hip Hop-Experimental from St. Pete, Florida 4:30pm – 5:45pm Cypress Stage
Tand From South Florida 5:50pm – 7:10pm Citrus Stage
Oxford Noland Indie rock band from Plant City, Florida 6:45pm – 7:45pm Clementine Stage
Greenhouse Lounge electronic musical trio that combines the computer based production of a DJ with rock guitar leads from Jacksonville, Florida. 7:15pm – 8:30pm Cypress Stage
Ajeva Progressive Funk, six piece powerhouse hailing from St. Petersburg, Florida. 8:25pm – 10:15pm Citrus Stage
S.P.O.R.E. Live Progressive Rock/Electronic Jam Band from Jacksonville, Florida 9:45pm – 10:45pm Clementine Stage
Led Zep Led Zeppelin Tribute Band 10:20pm – 12:00pm Cypress Stage
About The Sertoma Youth Ranch:
The Sertoma Youth Ranch was established in 1973. Since it’s inception, it has been enjoyed by over 1,650 youth groups. The Sertoma Youth Ranch operates as a 501-(3)(c) Non-Profit Organization. The development is sponsored by the Ranch Hands Sertoma Club for mentally and physically challenged children and adults. Part of the income from all festivals goes to maintenance and improvements to the facility. The park has camping sites for RV’s with water and electric as well as primitive campsites. There are Restrooms with hot showers, a bunkhouse with 8 beds, 225 campsites with water and electric hookups, fire Rings throughout many campsites, propane and RV dump station, acres of woods with walking paths, and a spring fed creek. Located on the boarder of Hernando and Pasco counties, north of Dade City and south of Spring Lake, this remote 85 acre setting is in a serene area great for rustic outdoor recreation. Sertoma Ranch is the ideal place to bring youth and nature together. Pets on leashes are also welcome. From their website: “It is our mission to provide a rustic outdoor recreational area for the children of Florida. We believe that our children should inherit this small haven of Florida in its natural state.”
In addition to the use of the facilities, there is a covered pavilion with a stage and green room that seats 550 folding chairs measuring 120′ X 65′ built for sound definition. Some of the past festivals include The Orange Blossom Jamboree, Broken String Fling, Spirit of Woodstock, Celtic Family Jamboree, Bluegrass Festival, Spring Break Music Fest and the Riverhawk Music Festival.
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Photographer and Editor/Founder of AllMusicMagazine.com. My love of live music has taken me to incredible experiences with the top bands of all time in stadium shows to the smallest venues with equally inspiring musicians. Using the medium of photography and my publication, these memories will last forever.