On Friday and Saturday, the resurrected S.P.I.T.T.L.E. Fest moved from Deep South the Bar to The Pour House. The fest gathered together many members of the alt-country boomlet from a decade ago for what was, in many ways, a reunion.
There were many highlights, not the least of which included retired pro wrestler Major DeBeers serving as the MC. John Howie Jr. & The Rosewood Bluff continue to be the most consistently excellent honky-tonk band in the state. The Loudermilks brought their driving alt-country from Charlotte. The Friday night all-star jam pushed Keef Debonzo from the shadows to deliver three monster solos as Steve Howell and others looked on.
Saturday brought Andy Vaughn & Driveline and their cowboy-boot koozies from Richmond. Chip Robinson and the Vibekillers followed with a set of mostly covers, attracting a large crowd. Melissa Swingle, Kenny Roby and Phil Lee rounded out the evening before Hank Sinatra closed down the festival, with what must have been the most raucous and ear-splitting set of S.P.I.T.T.L.E. 2013.
Attendance increased with each day; I hope to see the revived festival continue next year.
Hank Sinatra and Kenny Roby – “Ghost”
