Jason Isbell’s ShoalsFest is returning to the town of Florence in his native Alabama in early October. He and the 400 Unit will headline both nights of a bill also starring Lucinda Williams, Candi Staton, Drive-By Truckers, and other notables.
ShoalsFest made its debut in 2019 but did not take place in 2020 due to the pandemic, as was confirmed in July last year by Judy Hood, chairman of the Muscle Shoals Music Foundation. But it will be back at Florence’s McFarland Park on October 2 and 3, with a Saturday bill featuring Isbell and his band, Williams, Staton, Isbell’s wife Amanda Shires, Cedric Burnside, and Farmer Jason.
On Sunday, before the headliner set, audiences will be able to see Drive-By Truckers, Centro-Matic, Slobberbone, Pine Hill Haints, and another early set by Farmer Jason, otherwise known as famed rocker Jason Ringenberg, of Jason and the Scorchers. He created Farmer John in 2002 “to educate and entertain children about farm life and the wonders of nature.”
“We had a whole lot of fun in 2019, so we’re excited to get back to McFarland Park,” says Isbell. “It’s the perfect place to enjoy world-class artists and the beauty of the Singing River. These acts are all personal favorites of ours, and we’re proud to bring them to our hometown and show them a good time.”
Tickets go on sale this Friday (June 11) at 10am CT;l a two-day general admission pass costs $99.50, with two-day VIP passes also available at $499.50, offering dedicated entrance, exclusive concierge service, a limited edition poster and other benefits.
Ahead of ShoalsFest, Isbell and the 400 Unit will begin their 2021-22 tour on July 10, in a vast itinerary that runs over several legs until November next year. It includes that month with an extensive European run. Dates will variously feature such guests as Williams, Joy Oladokun, Brothers Osborne, Rob Aldridge, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, Brittney Spencer, S.G. Goodman, Strand of Oaks, Gabe Lee, and Morgan Wade.
