The jam band community on r/jambands has been vocal about their growing disappointment with Electric Forest’s evolving identity. Originally rooted in jam-heavy lineups dating back to the Rothbury Festival and early Bonnaroo days, Electric Forest (EF) has since pivoted toward a broader EDM and pop focus. This shift has left traditional jam fans feeling sidelined, with main jam acts often relegated to smaller crowds and less desirable time slots.
Longtime fans reminisce about Rothbury as a peak festival experience for jam culture and lament EF’s corporate feel compared to its earlier incarnations. Many are seeking alternatives that still embrace the spirit of improvised music, naming Suwannee Hulaween as a standout. The 2024 Hulaween festival notably featured The Bobby Weir Incident— a unique collaboration between Grateful Dead co-founder Bobby Weir and The String Cheese Incident—delighting fans craving authentic jam performances.
The jam scene’s evolution also plays a role: younger festival goers tend to favor EDM acts, while jam bands draw smaller but fiercely loyal audiences. Some suggest the era of massive jam-centric festivals may be waning, with new dedicated events or even Phish’s own festival stepping up to carry the torch.
Ultimately, the jam fanbase still yearns for a “proper fest at Double JJ” or a similarly iconic venue to resurrect the communal vibe and musical heartbeat that made the original jam festivals legendary. Meanwhile, the success of Hulaween proves there remains strong demand and vibrant life in jam-focused festivals, even as Electric Forest transitions to a more genre-diverse profile.
Source: r/jambands