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Tallahassee Swamp Stomp Celebrates 40th Year

Tom Flanigan

Tallahassee's oldest annual music festival happened on Saturday, July 14. The Tallahassee Museum's Swamp Stomp has been happening since 1978.

This year's musicians included Craig Reeder.

"And it's a wonderful community event. Absolutely wonderful!" he remarked after the set with his duo "Hot Tamale."

There was also Kevin Robertson.

"I played my first gig with Mickey on that stage! And I've been coming here for 40 years, since I was born," Robertson recalled.

And then there was Mimi Hearn.

"I love Swamp Stomp!" she said. "I mean it's hot and humid and all that stuff, but it gives you that rosy glow! And especially when you look out in the audience and see all those people and kids that are coming out and having a good time with a bunch of stellar musicians."

That audience came from all over. Belinda Miggitsch came all the way from Austria as she fulfilled a lifelong dream of a solo road trip across America.
"And now I'm here and I'm at this wonderful bluegrass festival...something I really wanted to see and hear and I'm pretty happy, I have to say," she smiled as yet another band took the stage.

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Tom Flanigan has been with WFSU News since 2006, focusing on covering local personalities, issues, and organizations. He began his broadcast career more than 30 years before that and covered news for several radio stations in Florida, Texas, and his home state of Maryland.

Find complete bio, contact info, and more stories. here.