SouthSounds 2017 returns April 7–9 with its largest lineup yet — more than 65 bands spread across venues in downtown Mobile. The festival has grown into a cornerstone of the independent Southern music calendar and a fully fledged nonprofit enterprise.
This year’s anchors include The Wild Feathers, the Nashville act gaining attention for “The Ceiling,” and The Marcus King Band, whose self-titled debut was produced by Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule and the Allman Brothers. New Orleans star Big Freedia headlines after a high-profile turn on Beyoncé’s “Formation.”
Returning favorites and locals
New Orleans acts Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Sweet Crude, and Bantam Foxes are on the bill, along with John “JoJo” Herman of Widespread Panic performing with JoJo’s Slim Wednesday. Homegrown talent is well represented too: Jamell Richardson (the Gulf Coast Blues Boy), the Underhill Family Orchestra, Paw Paw’s Medicine Cabinet, Eric Erdman, Glass War, Redfield, and The Hallers are all familiar names to Azalea City music lovers.
Tickets
Advance tickets are $25 for general admission and $75 for VIP, with a couples’ VIP pair available for $120. Organizers expect one of the most crowded festivals yet and encourage fans to buy ahead at the SouthSounds website.
Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-timer, SouthSounds remains one of the best weekends the Port City offers for discovering the latest in independent Southern music.