A passport, flight to Costa Rica, and transportation from the airport -– it’s all that stands in the way from an unforgettable music festival experience to welcome Spring 2017. The seventh installment of “Jungle Jam” will be held March 10-12 in Jaco, Costa Rica for three days of chart-topping reggae-rock bands, sunscreen (or sunburn) and copious amounts of good vibes.
Jungle Jam 2017 will undoubtedly be the most memorable edition of the event’s history with a next-level lineup in comparison to previous years. Slightly Stoopid and Thievery Corporation will be returning to headline the festival (the tandem had previously been at the top of the lineup in 2015 as well), but will also be playing alongside an impressive supporting cast of additional performers.
The full lineup for Jungle Jam 2017 will include:
Slightly Stoopid
Thievery Corporation
Stick Figure
Twiddle
Fortunate Youth
Zach Deputy
HIRIE
Mike Love
Rob Garza (DJ Set)
Organically Good Trio
Santos Y Zurdo
Matt Carey
Live Sets to Catch:
While the lineup certainly features first-class artists reggae enthusiasts are familiar with, such as Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, Fortunate Youth or Hirie, we want to make sure you attend this festival prepared not to miss the following groups who may not be as household a name in reggae-rock. Here’s some background on a few of the groups performing the festival you should become more familiar with:
Artist: Zach Deputy
Origin: Savannah, GA
Official Website
Why You Should See him: A household name for many, 2016 brought a new album release from Zach Deputy (Wash It in The Water) and momentum is still high for the one-man band from Savannah, GA. Considered by many to be genre-agnostic, Deputy brings his jam band, funk with soca and soul music to audiences far and wide gaining new fans with every show in the process. Currently on tour with Iration through February before embarking on a series of dates in the US Virgin Islands, Zach Deputy is sure energize fans with his unique stage presence and sense of happiness through his music. Following Jungle Jam 2017, Zach Deputy can also be found at the California Roots Music & Arts Festival in May and The Virginia-based Floyd Festival in July. Tune in!
Listen: The Pier’s Live Acoustic Series w/ Zach Deputy
Artist: Twiddle
Origin: Castleton, VT
Official Website
Why You Should See Them: Gaining more visibility and notoriety every year, Twiddle is a self-proclaimed jam band drawing influences from rock, jazz, bluegrass, reggae and funk. Utilizing various instrumentals and embracing improvisation during their live performances, Twiddle is sure to bring a different feel and unique sound that no other band can replicate. Lead vocalist and guitarist Mihali Savoulidis protrudes his unique vocal style with the combination of a dynamic sound brought together by keyboardist Ryan Dempsey, bassist Zdenek Gubb and drummer Brook Jordan. Since their musical inception in 2004, the band continues to tour routinely over the years and can be found playing aboard the Jam Cruise in Miami, FL in late January, with two additional shows in Boulder, CO before heading to Jungle Jam. Twiddle was also announced to be featured at Bonnaroo in 2017 as well.
Listen: Twiddle – Lost In The Cold
Artist: Mike Love
Origin: Oahu, HI
Official Website
Why You Should See Them: Returning to Jungle Jam for another year, Mike Love spreads positivity and island vibes through his laid back, spiritual roots-reggae music. Touring has picked up for Mike Love as well, as 2016 brought dates in the US, Central America, Canada and Australia – 2017 is shaping up to be a similar routine for the Hawaiian native. Mike Love brings a soulful feel to the table with acoustic influences that listeners can enjoy from a live performance as well as through their headphones. Newer fans can familiarize themselves to his music prior to checking out their set at Jungle Jam 2017 by giving his latest 2016 release Love Overflowing a listen as well as his 2012 debut The Change I’m Seeking. Considered a rising star in the reggae scene, attendees should embrace the relaxing vibes of Mike Love and avoid missing his set.
Listen: Mike Love – Permanent Holiday
Artist: Organically Good Trio
Origin: Boston, MA
Official Website
Why You Should See Them: Jungle Jam will certainly prove to be a busy weekend for Slightly Stoopid’s Paul Wolstencroft. Much to the delight of their fans, his reggae-soul crew Organically Good Trio will be on hand to deliver a set for Jungle Jam attendees to vibe with. Organically Good Trio will add a unique dynamic to the festival, as their music only contains instrumentals and incorporates a wide variety of genres and influences. Attendees will be able to take in Wolstencroft’s mastery of the Hammond organ, while guitarist Van Martin and drummer Tommy Benedetti complete the package to deliver hints of blues, jazz, R&B and soul with an overarching feel of reggae music. Attendees can’t afford to miss this!
Listen: Organically Good Trio – Atom Sounds (Live)
Jungle Jam Details:
Jungle Jam also prides itself on being able to offer much more than just a top-shelf lineup. Attendees will have the ability to engulf themselves in the beautifully tropic scenery, gaze into the alluring oceanfront and enjoy top-notch island cuisine. Jungle Jam portrays a deeper sense of community as well with group yoga sessions and excursions available for all attendees including boat tours for wildlife sight-seeing, the acclaimed Manuel Antonio National Park Tour, surf lessons, zip line canopy and much more. What’s not to love?
An added bonus for festival attendees is the camping options that are available as well. Jungle jammers can obtain a General Admission Weekend Pass valid from March 10-12 for $175, or VIP Weekend Passes for $300. VIP Weekend Passes include early entry on Thursday, March 9 with VIP camping location access through Monday, March 13 at 12pm ET. Additional options with meal combos and shuttle access are available to attendees ranging from $400 – $500. Hotel packages are also available for those who do not wish to camp; details can be found at the official website listing below. See you in Costa Rica!
Related Links
Jungle Jam Website
Jungle Jam Facebook
Jungle Jam Twitter
Article By: Brian Glaser
Watch: Jungle Jam 2016
