Article written by-Jess Phillips and Tina Praino
More than just a festival, The Hometeam New Years Rally in Lakeland is a community of like-minded people who believe that connecting through art, music, and creativity is vital to building a more kind and peaceful way of life.
The Hometeam New Years Rally rose out of necessity in 2011 when another festival cancelled on short notice. Founders Cody and Jenelle Bean opened their home to the bands who couldn’t find pick-up gigs. They called it the Bondfire Refugee Party. The festival quickly gained traction and continues to grow. This year’s festival was full of warmth in an otherwise cold weekend.
Heavy hitters Roosevelt Collier, Applebutter Express and Dumpstaphunk took the stage in addition to local legends Holey Miss Moley and The Heavy Pets. At Thursday's pre-party, The Reality and Joose kicked off the night while Holey Miss Moley headlined with a powerful funk-filled set that had everyone dancing. The highlight of the night was the surprise Green Sunshine reunion set that was teased online for weeks.
Friday did not disappoint. The energy built all day with nine bands on three stages, while the night’s headliners rode their momentum to the last note. Come Back Alice brought a striking sound that lit up the night with electric energy. The Heavy Pets closed out the main stage with a powerful fusion of funk, jazz and rock and roll, and left us wanting more.
Saturday was all about good vibes, and it wasn’t just the music. Everywhere I turned, I was greeted with creative flow and opportunities to connect. The Rising Light tent hosted workshops and holistic activities, while flow and visual artists wove their magic. The night’s headliners, The Juanjamon Band, brought a mellow reggae and jazz-infused performance that kicked off the night, while Dumpstaphunk closed out the evening with a resounding bang. The band's robust rhythms and brassy grooves work their way right down the spine and you just have to dance.
New Years Eve was on fire. We rang in the New Year riding a powerful wave of sound. The versatile rock group Groove Orient played a heavy funk set — the perfect setup for a knockout finish. Roosevelt Collier headlined the night with a super jam that wove together many of the musicians who played throughout the festival. A masterful orchestrator, he pulled in musician after musician as he built the energy leading up to the stroke of midnight. With fireworks above, Rosie’s lap steel and driving rhythms rocked us right into 2018.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the extraordinary Hometeam artists at large. Emcee Jon Ditty, saxophone guru Chris Sgammato, harmonica master Isaac Corbitt, guitar maestro Critter, trombone slinger Clay Watson, and rhythm master Richie Jones got on stage throughout the entire weekend and flowed effortlessly between different styles of music as they joined forces with numerous acts.
The Hometeam New Years Rally left us with a feeling of connection created and magnified by the many artists and energies who danced and played and shared in so many special moments. I can’t imagine a better way to ring in the New Year.
