Stone River Music Festival 2014
September 19th-21st – Chandler, OK
Phil Clarkin Photography
The fifth annual Stone River Music Festival featured a stacked line-up of some of the very best rock, blues, folk, country and jam acts in Oklahoma. The festival, located just outside of Chandler, OK is hosted and run by the Pittsley family. This incredible family has built an absolutely beautiful concert and camping venue with materials mostly sourced from the land or re-purposed. The property features natural springs, a hand built stage, a large kids play area and pristine wooded camping with late-night campfire jams. The weather was perfect and the festival attendees all had a great time.
The line-up consisted of some of Oklahoma’s very best talent. From legends like Don White, Red Dirt Rangers, and Rocky Frisco to rising stars like Desi & Cody, Dustin Pittsley, and Paul Benjaman the music never brought a dull moment. The true highlight of the weekend was the Saturday night all-star jam. In the style of a “Last Waltz” family jam the stage saw a rotating cast of more than 15 musicians, some even switching out mid-song. I remember at one point leaning over and telling a friend that I was pretty sure this was all I could ask for out of a live music experience. It was amazing to see this group of musicians, young and old, all of exceptional talent and ability trade licks, improvise, and take each others songs to the next level. Sunday everyone gathered for “church” as we sat in the field and listened to one of the longtime folk music heroes of Oklahoma, Tom Skinner, play old gospel numbers and his own music reflecting his spiritual journey.
The community vibe and spirit of this festival is one unlike anything I have ever experienced. To see a family work so hard for no other reason than because they love the music and community was humbling. Small things like the way people were not worried to leave their chairs and blankets in the concert field over night or the way you couldn’t walk to your campsite without someone offering you a beer or a warm welcome made me feel this place really is one big family. Stone River Music festival is the definition of a real and unique festival experience, and may be one of the best kept secrets in Oklahoma.
Bands played:
Friday:
Dirtbox Wailers
Grazzhopper
Carter Sampson & Ali Harter
Desi & Cody
Kalo
Ego Culture
Saturday:
Chris Lee Becker
Chuck Dunlap
Jacob Tovar & The Saddle Tramps
Pete Marriott Band
Brandon Clark
Red Dirt Rangers
Brad James Band
Don White
Hosty Duo
Dustin Pittsley Band
All Star Jam
Sunday:
Tom Skinner’s Gospel Jam
Rocky Frisco & David Bright