The line-up for Mountain Jam was announced this week (in a fun way on Instagram one hour before the general announcement was made.)

The addition of a big act on Thursday night provides a new twist for the repeat festival goers.  Waking up on the hill Friday morning, instead of just pulling into the lot after a long drive, sounds like a great way to start the day….with already a full night of music enjoyed.

Now the fact that it is Primus, led by crazyman Les Claypool — whose 5-star tracks on the Bonnaroo dvd (see video below) broadened his fanbase and helped chisel his legacy as one of the “bassman in the game” (a topic for another day) — makes Thursday night a can’t miss.

As I have said in past years (read my review of last year’s Festival here), the lesser know acts that play on Friday and Saturday afternoon are usually the ones that leave the most impression. Last year’s Sheepdogs and Sister Sparrow acts were springboards for each band.

My early bet (especially if they get one of the double set slots: one inside the lodge and one outside on the mountain) is Simo. I expect to also see Jackie Greene burn the mountain down.  He’s a stud with style. This venue should bring the best out in him.

Initial reactions to the line-up are…

in addition to Simo + Jackie Greene…I am super-pleased with Widespread Panic(let’s hope they play either Friday or Saturday nights),

Gary Clark Jr reprise (aside is a nice shot I got of him from last year 2012), Soulive return (click here to read my story from 2011’s show). Nothing against Phil & Friends (but I hope he’s on Sunday night in case I have music overload and need to cut loose early.)

In 2011, Soulive played a set inside the lodge and then during the early afternoon outside. Here’s one of my favorite moments of past years…from Soulive inside one the lodge stage.

Big fun.

More soon.