Little Feat, Oteil & Friends, Daniel Donato, and Karina Rykman Bring the Heat to the 30th Hot August Music Festival

The 30th Hot August Music Festival, held on August 19, 2023, at the picturesque Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Maryland, was an exceptional day of music, sunshine, and camaraderie. Against the stunning backdrop of the park's rolling hills, attendees enjoyed performances that catered to different musical tastes and moods. With the temperature in the mid-80s, not a cloud in the sky, and a constant cooling breeze, Mother Nature must have conspired with the festival’s organizers to craft an impeccable setting for the occasion. 

One of the standout features of the festival was the family-friendly atmosphere. Attendees of all ages reveled in the enchanting melodies and captivating rhythms while relishing the delicious offerings from the food vendors scattered throughout the grounds. The aroma of various cuisines wafted through the air, offering a wide selection of food vendors. Union Craft Brewing's ice-cold craft beer provided a perfect respite from the summer heat, adding to the vibrant festival ambiance for those seeking refreshments.

The musical lineup was a tapestry of talent that catered to an eclectic audience at the main Hillside Stage and the smaller Meadow Stage. Natalie Brooke & The Infinity Tribe opened the day at the Hillside Stage with a blend of progressive funk rock and Natalie's signature keytar skills taking the performance to new heights, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong's drummer Alex "Gator" Petropulos holding down the rhythm section. During the second set of the day and the Meadow Stage's opening set, the Jonathan Sloane Trio's mighty blues rock set continued the high energy while paying tribute to Hot August's origins as a blues festival.

Later in the day, local Baltimore legend Cris Jacobs set the Hillside Stage ablaze with his roots-infused performance. Those who enjoyed Cris' set should keep an eye out for his upcoming record—featuring contributions from Jerry Douglas, the Infamous Stringdusters, Sam Bush, Ashby Frank, Lee Ann Womack, Lindsey Lou, and Billy Strings. 

The day took a mellow and relaxing turn with Sunny War's intimate Meadow Stage set that tugged at heartstrings with her raw and emotional lyrics. Ripe then reignited the funk with their upbeat dance music at the Hillside Stage, igniting infectious energy with attendees dancing to the fiery horn section. 

Karina Rykman kept the funky dance jams going at the Meadow Stage by playing several songs off her newly released album Joyride—which Phish's Trey Anastasio produced. Karina's signature smile and dance moves were on display as she played thundering bass lines and her guitarist's—Adam November—distinctive synth looping style. Karina's danceable tunes and her ability to get a crowd grooving show why she was a crowd favorite and why she will be a staple of summer festivals for years.

Another crowd favorite of the day, Oteil & Friends, transformed the Hillside Stage with psychedelic energy, blending original compositions, Grateful Dead classics, and Allman Brothers Band hits. Oteil Burbridge, Steve Kimock, and Duane Betts traded melodic guitar and bass licks throughout the set, which included songs like "Every Hungry Woman," "Dreams," "Cats Down Under The Stars," "Dark Star," and "Mountain Jam." 

Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country was another crowd favorite of the day. Donato showcased his unique psychedelic chicken pickin' style and his band's improvisational prowess across a range of original tunes in a series of long exploratory jams. It was easy to see why this young Nashville-based musician is quickly rising through the ranks of the jam scene. 

Little Feat closed the 2023 Hot August Music Festival with their distinctive southern jam echoed through the hills. Keyboardist Bill Payne led the band in several of the band's classic hits, including "Fat Man in the Bathtub," "Dixie Chicken," and "Spanish Moon." As the final notes of Little Feat's set rang across Oregon Ridge Park, it was clear that the 30th edition of the festival will be remembered as a remarkable chapter in its storied history with jam legends, local favorites, and future stars of the jam scene providing a perfect sonic landscape to celebrate the day.