May 11th and 12th was the third year of the Mill Valley Music Festival.
The two day music festival was another successful weekend for music lovers in Northern California. The headliners were Fleet Foxes on Saturday and GreenSky Bluegrass on Sunday. Other artists were (ex criminal defense attorney turned singer) Danielle Ponder, and bands, Meels, Fruit Bats, Eric Lindell, The Army The Navy, Margo Price, Rebirth Brass Band, Mullet Daddy, Roadkill and more.
I'm just going to touch on a couple of my own personal highlights from the weekend....On Saturday my favorite of the day was Thee Sacred Souls. An old school soul band from San Diego lead by a super talent, and all around charming guy, Josh Lane. He had a real connection with the audience throughout their set. I'd never heard of this band before and a friend I saw early on in the day told me that I would like them best, he wasn't wrong, I did! Thee Sacred Souls were infectious and Josh Lane is a fantastic lead vocalist, backed up by a tight band. So far they've been on a few big late night talk shows such as Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel as well as selling out shows across the U.S. and Europe. As far as I'm concerned, I think they are well on their way up. Look out for them when they play in your area. If you like soul music, you will like Thee Sacred Souls.
Sunday, St Paul and the Broken Bones played mid day and that was my, and the friend I went with highlight of the day. We've both seen them before. And we knew we were in for a great set. We were not wrong. I heard someone describe the lead singer, Paul Janeway, and he said, "he looks like an accountant but he acts like a rockstar." Perfect description really. Janeway is charismatic and truly embodies the music he sings. St Paul and the Broken Bones are an eight piece soul band from Alabama and have been around for a dozen years. I first saw them at another festival. And they are impressive, if you like a band with an authentic soul and an R&B, bluesy flavor, this is the band you should see. Janeway made his way into the crowd via the railed photo pit leading up to the sound board. He sang a song from there whilst high fiving and shaking the hands of the crowd. Truly immersed in the captivated audience. I personally love when that happens. It's one of those musical connections that only add to the likability of the band. The music has to be good, but when bands connect to their audience like these two bands at the Mill Valley Music Festival it only enhances the experience of the attendees. Bravo to Thee Sacred Souls and St. Paul and the Broken Bones for doing this so well.
I didn't stay for the headliner on Sunday because I was headed to the Steve Vai and Joe Satriani show. See: https://www.themusicsoup.com/post/2024-satch-tour-finale
As far as the festival itself. The Mill Valley Music Festival is one of the nicest run events I've attended. A homey feel, not cold and corporate. This is only their third year but I do hope they contine to put these on in the future. It's atmosphere is chill and relaxing. I saw many people I know and met a bunch of new people during the weekend. Those running the festival do a great job and everyone seems to have a great time. Adults and children alike!
© Cheryl Alterman Photography 2024
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