The South Brings One More Commemoration to the Finality of Summer
WRITTEN BY: JENNIE VELASCO
Nothing, I mean absolutely nothing could have prepared me for the kind of heat I experienced in Franklin, TN at the end of September. Mind you, I’m not just talking about the southern sun and the intense heatwave it seemed to bring; but the soul-bursting, love-inducing, jump-out-ofyour-skin type dancing that pulled in an energetic heat like Pilgrimage this year. What I once thought to be one of your local, hometown festivals turned into something that I felt multiplied overnight. The festival organizers were undoubtedly prepared for the onslaught of human bodies that would take over the festival. This year’s headliners included: Eddie Vedder, hometown hero (and neighbor to Franklin): Justin Timberlake. The sun’s intensity was no match for festivalgoers determined to check out JT Saturday
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night; and there was still plenty to indulge in until show time. Pilgrimage featured a newly curated feature: The Americana Music Triangle Experience. In this area was the Antique Archeology Storytelling Stage that included performers and musical storytellers that best represent each of these historical hamlets located on Gold Record Road.
lowed attendees to enjoy the full Pilgrimage experience. There was really no getting there early enough since nearly every act was fantastic. From soulful grooves, to some good ol’ Americana crooning and funk…the acts were all worth recognizing. Shadowboxers presented a mix of pop, funk and r&b courtesy of producer, Justin Timberlake.
The Art Barn staple featured local artists and the new Farm To Turntable area filled your belly’s desire with plethora of food trucks that showcased delicious local eats. I definitely lost count on how many food and drink vendors there were, but my staple when I’m in the south is southern sweet tea. They really don’t make it as good anywhere else BUT Tennessee (just saying, but feel free to send me samples!) Also, new this year was an earlier gate opening that al-
Big Sam’s Funky Nation was also among the handful of bands that got the dance party started early. Walk the Moon brought their jumpy and happy songs that we all recognize from radio and Gary Clark Jr. had one of the most talked about performances with a cover of “Come Together” by the Beatles. This cover by Gary can be heard on the new Justice League film, in case you want to experience mere fraction of what I did live. I’ll be honest; no act can CONTINUED ON PAGE 56....