When you first drive into the grounds of Orange Blossom Jamboree, OBJ, you quickly realize that this isn't’t just any other place in Florida. This is not the Miami you see on TV, no cement buildings, or massive parking lots bursting at the seams with SUV’s and the latest BMW's. It even came as a surprise to other local residents who would have expected the place to be flat and void of any sort of topography. It was as if you were going into a completely different world all together, a great escape from the hustle of daily Floridian life. As you entered the grounds, you were immediately greeted by friendly faces at the gate. There were no searches to slow you down from finding the perfect camping spot. After only a ticket check at the gate, we were off to experience the magic of OBJ.

After setting up camp, we decided to check out the full camping grounds. We were taken back by the services offered at the ranch, such as running water, clean bathroom houses and electricity. OBJ offered two stages, which sat side by side. All weekend long, they bounced tunes back and forth on both stages. Continuous music went until late evening and for those willing to endure dancing until the morning hours, OBJ had something for you too. No matter where you were in the park, the music could be heard clearly from any location. It was truly beautiful to experience the tunes from anywhere, especially from within the Oakwood Forests. Whether you were hanging out at camp with your buds, or just taking a stroll through the wood, the music was there with you, waiting to heal your soul.

It didn’t take long for everyone to get comfortable. People started bringing their lawn chairs with them up to the main festival grounds. People would sit and listen, then partake on some dancing. Also, the diversity in age was beautiful, young and old were there to celebrate their love for the music. One could be dancing with an elder one second, the next it would be a contemporary. Without a doubt, everyone got down to boogie.

The weekend was packed with names, such as; Green Sunshine, The Rooze, Funky Seeds, Bride of Chaotica, Aquaphonics, Skull and Bone Band,  Soul Shine, Blue Lotus Band, VeeFinger, SoSos, Burlington Breeze Project, FunkUs, New Gravity, The Halifax Contraband, The Transfers, 3rd Stone, The Short Straw Pickers, John Lewis, Legacy, Bill Tally, and closing favorites Honney Henny Lime.

There were quite a few that stood out, like Fungus Garden Reverb, F.G.R., grabbed the attention of the crowd with classics from The Grateful Dead to The Dead Milkmen and all the way back to Dylan. They even pulled a couple of originals, one in particular having to do with a carpenter and his psychedelic travels through the dreams of the artists jamming out the tune. Russ Bowers, promoter and musician, was the front man of the band. His love for music is what has brought all of these people here, as well as F.G.R.

El Matamugu, made an impression that would last until this moment and beyond With their horn section, funky beats, and Rasta vocals, the people stomped the ground in rhythmic recognition and the celebration of the universal love through which music speaks to all of us.

Cope brought the house to a standstill with the tender way only they could. They jammed as hard as a jam can be jammed and there was  not one person present that  was not in the moment. It was Nuclear, there was more Jam than a 1950’s fall out shelter in their show. Saxophone, keys, guitar, base, and drums, all came together to shake the people into a frenzy of dance and joy. Later on in the night, if you fortunate enough to be roaming the camps, you may have caught a late night jam session from the boys of Cope that went well into the morning hours. What a beautiful way to welcome a brand new day, with an acoustic live jam and great company.

Stevie D and the No Shows, S.D.N.S., made quite the impression living beyond their name and the reputation that one may assume. At first, we were a little skeptical as to whether  the band would show up, heck, they are called The No Shows. With a name like that, it leaves you wondering at the least. Fortunately, they showed up, and gave the community true blessing, their set. With an Irish punk style, they put together a set that ranged from Michael Jackson covers to more than a handful of originals. His energy on stage easily split off into the crowd and the crowd reciprocated.

Right after S.D.N.S., Crazy Fingers, South Florida’s premier Grateful Dead cover band took the stage. Through their set, I heard many seasoned musicians glorify the way that Bubba Newton played the bass. Many of them saying things like, "that is a man who through thick and thin, has stuck to his music". Their renditions of Dead songs are not something to be  easily coined as covers, they are truly works of art beyond description. Not only did they have the crowd hypnotized by their beautiful music and tight progressions, but for a minute there it felt as if The Dead were actually on stage. Time took a step back, and it was the 60’s all over again for me. All around there were hippie boys and girls all dancing to the music, forgetting about the world outside, enjoying the moment which unfolded before them. Besides the music, there was so much more to OBJ to experience.

It was wonderful to have all the different vendors become part of the community. You could easily find almost anything you needed and beyond.  Out of the food vendors I would have to say that The Grilled Cheese Wagon was by far the best. Not only did they serve delicious grilled cheese, but also sold Guitar Strings! How many times have you busted a string mid camp fire jam at a festival, and realized you didn’t bring ANY spares? Well, go get yourself a set, as well as a fully loaded grilled cheese. Yeah, it’s that awesomely delicious and smart vending.

Above all, you could tell that OBJ had their ducks in a row. From projector screens to intelligent lighting on the main stage. Even on the second stage  every single one of your senses was being tapped into as much as possible. Nothing like seeing hoola-hoop girls changing colors on a huge screen in the middle of an awesome set.

Something that cannot be forgotten is the fact that parents were encouraged to bring their kids! There was a childrens' area, where the wee ones could hang out, paint, and jump around in the playground all day while enjoying the music at a safe distance for their little ears. There is nothing like finding little foot prints wherever you go. It is a simple reminder that youth is something that can keep us all alive, moving, and loving a world full of wonder and awe all around us.

This was Orange Blossom Jamboree 2010, pure love and music for all that attended. Plans are already in the making for 2011 and you can be sure to expect the same love felt by all. It truly was a convergence of individuals who seek freedom, love, and understanding. Along the weekends trail it wasn’t hard to make new friends, and talk to random strangers without any of the silly preconceptions that we must live with during our every day existence in the real world. This is the joyous thing about music festivals, the fact that you may always find kindred souls, people who are willing to give love and receive love. Individuals settled on one thing and one thing only; to enjoy themselves and the world around them. To see the world with new eyes and open their hearts to new experiences. I will see you all next year at Orange Blossom Jamboree 2011, this is my family forever!

Words By Julio Robledo

Photos By Rebeca Marshik