The 2013 Jefferson State Hemp Expo
Southern Oregon and Northern California have always been very close in nature to each other, providing a friendly and laid-back lifestyle to those who seek it. Beyond the bigger cities lie the woods and the country, and that is truly where the magic happens. The lakes, the rivers, the trees; sacred grounds from ancient times; all of it hidden in plain sight, just waiting for you to uncover and experience.
Jefferson State Flag
The State Of Jefferson, according to Wikipedia, “is a proposed U.S. state that spans the contiguous, mostly rural area of southern Oregon and northern California, where several attempts to secede from Oregon and California, respectively, have taken place in order to gain statehood.” From what I observed at the 2013 Jefferson State Hemp Expo, the movement that now shines in the State Of Jefferson couldn’t be stronger.
Right smack dab somewhere in the middle of it all is Williams, Oregon… reportedly the number #1 producer of medical marijuana per capita in the entire state. Which is one of the reasons why it made perfect sense for producers of the 2013 Jefferson State Hemp Expo to select a beautiful piece of private land right down the road, across from the Provolt Community Center.
The 2013 Jefferson State Hemp Expo
With Washington & Colorado legalizing marijuana for recreational use last November, world attitudes toward the once taboo plant have shifted toward acceptance quite drastically as people from all walks of life continue to find health and healing benefits in one of mother nature’s oldest herbal remedies.
As more and more research is done, marijuana continues to show a multitude of benefits and scientific evidence has been giving patients and caregivers of the plant a right to hope. It is undeniable to anyone with an open mind that the benefits of this humble flower really are second to none. As chronic diseases begin to see treatment with marijuana instead of the lethal pharmaceuticals once used, patients consistently report dramatic increases in their health and quality of life.
Southern Oregon Alternative Medicine
That’s why it’s so important for events like the 2013 Jefferson State Hemp Expo to exist. It not only brings together the world leaders of an exciting, emerging industry, but it also brings together all the people who are trying to make this way of life a new standard adopted by the rest of the awakening world.
Around Southern Oregon, the locals know “State of Jefferson” also means something else: A funky rock reggae band, a booming production company, and a tight group of big hearted artists trying to do good things for other local artists and the communities they live in.
Joe Ginet of State of Jefferson
Joe Ginet, Erik Vestnys, and Ryan Redding of State of Jefferson have continually shown major support for their peers and the music scene in Southern Oregon as a whole for over a decade.
I drove my 1981 Sportscoach RV (aka The Rogue Agent Photo Mobile Command Center,) out to the 2013 Jefferson State Hemp Expo on Saturday morning, kind of bummed that I missed Friday and Floater‘s epic headlining performance. It had been really hot for a while this summer, but as is normal for Oregon weather, thunderclouds started to present themselves as I got further out and into the woods.
The 2013 Jefferson State Hemp Expo
When I showed up, it was about eleven in the morning. It was nice though, more than warm, but not too hot because of a light breeze. The clouds I saw on my way lined the perimeter of the sky, gracing the mountain peaks that lay around us. The venue was laid out nicely, in a big green open field.
Vendors wrapped around the main stage in a circular fashion, with a loop hole at the far right end that led to the Kidz Zone, Dome Stage, and General Camping area. Everyone looked excited to be there and happy to be together with their friends and family. I immediately spotted many familiar faces and quickly began to feel right at home.
Steve & Jacquie
My good brother Steve drove up next to me right as I was pulling in. We’ve camped together at several festivals and always do it up inna irie style. He has a nice bus and other toys, so I convinced him to bring the bus and park it backstage, right behind my RV. Next thing I know, Steve’s all set up, and he’s got… a golf cart too???!!!
The music began just about noon, with RevelleveR on the main stage and Synrgy on the dome stage. It was a good walk from the main stage to the dome stage, but in between was nice, clean, and spread out with interesting and unique vendors throughout the trek.
The Dome
This festival was very well planned out and production seemed pretty much on top of things. The food vendors cooked up a storm while the craft vendors showed the best of their wares, much of which was pointed at the medical and recreational marijuana industry, lifestyle, and attitude.
Ushering knowledge to the forefront, events like the 2013 Jefferson State Hemp Expo bring us all further into understanding the truth about a simple plant, with miraculous healing qualities, that has the ability to cure serious diseases. This is important stuff people, so pay attention!
Dragon’s Lair
It’s not just a bunch of hippies sparking up joints, getting naked, and burning bras anymore. Instead, we’re diligent, hard working individuals with real lives, jobs, bills, mortgages, and beautiful families trying to live normal lives naturally without relying on the evils of western medicine. Music is a vessel for information to travel, and with that, knowledge spreads.
That being said, I was particularly drawn to the dome stage on Friday afternoon…and for good reason: Synrgy and Buckle Rash both laid down tremendous sets containing massive irie vibes of musical wisdom.
Synrgy On The Dome Stage
I’m a fan of all kinds of music and was definitely liking the diversity I had heard in the weekend’s lineup so far.
The Turner Moore Band were up next on the main stage, and being a bass player myself, I was wowed by the beautiful voice and skilled fingers of their stand up bass player, Emily Turner. Modern country music for sure, but with a little bluegrass kick to it from what I caught.
Turner Moore Band On The Main Stage
Bouncing back and forth between stages to shoot different acts makes for short sets, so I don’t usually get to see the entire performance from any artist if there’s more than one stage in action at a festival. This time, however, my bro had a golf cart… and that meant more time to take it all in and less foot work!!
All the musicians who performed gave it their all. You could tell they loved being there just as much as the fans, sponsors, and volunteers did. Besides those already mentioned, my favorite acts from Saturday also included Frankie Hernandez Band, Unified Culture, The Legendary Goodtimes, Matt Hill Band, Scott Pemberton Trio, and Curtis Salgado.
Scott Pemberton Trio On The Main Stage
Scott Pemberton Trio was completely on fire! Wicked guitar work and smoking tracks that lit the night on fire. Curtis Salgado came out to lend a hand with his harmonica for a few minutes during SPT’s set. Totally cool and totally unexpected, it was a treat to witness the energy of that moment for sure.
Curtis Salgado On The Main Stage
Headlining Saturday night was Curtis Salgado… and man can he sing the blues! He and his band sounded super tight with deep booming bass, smoking guitar riffs, screaming keys, and heavy harmonica!! A beautiful night for all the blues fans out there for sure. It was a wicked, wicked set!!!
After it was over, we wandered over to the dome stage to see if any music was going on. It didn’t really look like much was happening, and it started to rain a little bit, so we called it a night and headed back to camp.
Sunday morning I woke up to pouring rain… and when I say pouring, I mean buckets. It had been been raining hard all night since I crashed out, and when I peered out the window of my RV, it looked grey and dismal.
The 2013 Jefferson State Hemp Expo
All I kept thinking was, “It will pass. This is Oregon, this kind of thing is normal… right?” But it didn’t pass… at least not immediately. Music was suppose to start at noon, and it was still pouring rain while I drank my coffee at 9:30 in the morning. I stretched it out, drank it slow, ate some breakfast, cruised outside under the pop up and just waited.
I think it was right around 11:30am when the rain finally quit. It was weird too because you look up, and it looks like it still going to just wail on us. Then a hour or two later, it’s completely blue sky right above the festival, and the clouds formed a circle around us. The rain decided to stay away for the rest of the event. Just like I knew it would…riiiite???
Mama P’s Wholesome Grinding Co.
It was a really good feeling to see all the people trying so hard to make this one of the happiest weekends of the summer. As I walked around and admired the scene, one booth kept calling to me again and again: Mama P’s Wholesome Grinding Co. Their unique line of accessory products are so innovative and forward thinking!
With high quality craftsmanship and professional customer service too, I was blown away by what I saw and just kept thinking to myself “The best of the best of the best…this is it…Mama P’s!!!” If you want to know more about this awesome family owned small business, feel free to drop me a line. I got all the information you need and am more than happy to give you the good word!
The Highlife Band On The Main Stage
The performances on Sunday were another fantastic representation of different musical styles. Artists such as The New Groove, The Highlife Band, J’ourvet, Dr. Woodard’s One Man Band, The Cultivators, Pagan Jug Band, and Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang really hit the mark with warmth, positivity, and love.
The Cultivators On The Main Stage
All the artists brought something new to the table, and I danced and grooved to everything. The Cultivators really got me going though on Sunday evening. I busted moves like nobody’s business! By the time Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang came on, I was winding down, but eager to see what they had to offer the Southern Oregon Massive.
As the lights dimmed, a campfire set emerged on the main stage, and Les Claypool with his Duo, and at times Trio, de Twang began to play. It reminded me of a sing along in the old west. Les worked his bass with his hands while his feet thumped out the drum beat. The guitar player was on point, and both were joined by an outstanding mandolin player for a few songs throughout the show.
Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang On The Main Stage
It was dark on stage due to the campfire motif, and I wasn’t aloud to use flash, so I didn’t catch much of a shot of the Duo de Twang‘s performance, but I did witness the huge smiles on the faces of the giant crowd that danced, sang, and hollered as they watched one of the most talented, fascinating, and peculiar bass players in the history of modern music perform in the summer of 2013, smack dab in the middle of the State of Jefferson… and it made me smile too. I mean, come on! It’s Les freakin’ Claypool for crying out loud!!!
I wanted to send a shout out with a BIG UP to Joe, Erik, and Ryan with the State of Jefferson, Dragon’s Lair, Dutch Brothers, all the other Sponsors, Volunteers, Artists, Security, and Everyone Else who donated their time and energy towards this event.
The 2013 Jefferson State Hemp Expo
I also wanted to send another shout out with a DOUBLE BIG UP to All The People who purchased tickets and spent their hard earned money trying to forward our local positive movement toward the one love unity we all seek and need in our lives. Please check out the pictures from the 2013 Jefferson State Hemp Expo in the complete Photo Gallery HERE.
Until the next show, my name is Joe, but people who know call me “Rogue Agent”…
♥ BOOM ♥
The 2013 Jefferson State Hemp Expo – Everything We Do, We Do For Our Families & The Youth!!!
