Capturing Magic at Opal Agafia's Ozark Mountain Soul Fest: Part One A Dream Come True with the North Mississippi Allstars
As a photographer and music enthusiast, there are certain moments in life that you dream about, moments that seem almost too good to be true. For me, one of those dreams came to life at Opal Agafia's Ozark Mountain Soul Fest in Eureka Springs, AR, held at The Farm Campground & Events. It was an event filled with laughter, music, and a touch of magic, especially when I had the opportunity to photograph my favorite band of all time, the North Mississippi Allstars.
The anticipation had been building for weeks. I've admired Luther and Cody Dickinson's musical genius for years, and the prospect of capturing their energy and passion through my lens was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. But it wasn't just the Dickinson Boys that had me buzzing with excitement; the band was packed with incredible talent, including the phenomenal Danielle Nicole on bass and vocals, whose skills were truly out of this world. Even the very talented Brandon Miller sat in with the band on drums while Cody picked up Luther’s guitar and Luther picked up a bass to give all us folks a unique treat.
As I arrived at The Farm Campground & Events, the air was alive with the sounds of music lovers mingling, laughter echoing through the trees, and the smell of delicious food wafting from the food trucks. The setting was picturesque, nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, with the stage set against a backdrop of rolling hills and starlit skies.
I wasted no time in setting up my equipment and scouting out the best vantage points to capture the essence of the festival. Each band that took the stage brought their unique energy and style, captivating the audience and creating moments of pure magic. From bluesy ballads to foot-stomping rock and roll, the music resonated deep within my soul, and I found myself lost in the rhythm, clicking away with my camera to capture every beat and emotion.
And then it happened. The North Mississippi Allstars were about to take the stage, but there was no official introduction. Instead, Luther Dickinson and Danielle Nicole started playing a very melodic intro, an unspoken "time for church" call to the fans to come to the stage and witness what was about to be a very epic show.
Their raw talent and onstage chemistry were a sight to behold. Their blues-infused rock had the crowd on their feet, dancing and singing along to every song. I was in awe as I captured each moment, from intense guitar solos to heartfelt lyrics that spoke to the soul.
Looking back on that unforgettable evening, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude and awe. To have the opportunity to photograph my favorite band, surrounded by fellow music enthusiasts and the stunning beauty of the Ozarks, was a dream come true. It's moments like these that remind me why I fell in love with photography in the first place – to capture moments of magic, to tell stories, and to honor the incredible artists who bring music to life.
So here's to Opal Agafia's Ozark Mountain Soul Fest, to the North Mississippi Allstars, Danielle Nicole, Brandon Miller and all the talented artists who graced the stage that night. Thank you for filling our hearts with music, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
