SweetWater 420 Fest 2018 Starts In Atlanta: Photos

Photos by: Ian Rawn

SweetWater 420 Fest :: 4.20.18
Centennial Olympic Park :: Atlanta

The 2018 SweetWater 420 Fest began on Friday at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. SweetWater 420 Fest hosted three stages as well as an “Experience Tent.” Funk revivalists The Motet kicked off the festivities on the main Sweetwater Stage. Memphis’s Southern Avenue, Arizona quartet Spafford and California reggae act Stick Figure were among the groups to play the fest’s Planet 420 Stage on Friday.

Colorado jam act The String Cheese Incident closed out the main stage with a pair of sets following performances from L.A. power trio The Record Company and outlaw country guitarist Sturgill Simpson. SCI’s first frame included the debut of “Get To You” featuring Lyle Divinsky and Dave Watts of The Motet as well as vocalist Rhonda Thomas. Then, the group busted out a cover of “Space Cowboy” by Jamiroquai for the first time since their 2010 Hulaween event. When Cheese returned for their second set, they were joined by young guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer on “Close Your Eyes.” Both Taz and Rhonda Thomas were among the guests who helped SCI end the night with an “I Saw The Light” encore in honor of Col. Bruce Hampton that also featured vocalist Elise Testone. The festival continues on Saturday with sets from SOJA, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, The Infamous Stringdusters, Tedeschi Trucks Band and more. Photographer Ian Rawn is on hand to Atlanta to capture the action. Check out a full gallery from Friday:

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