Karina Rykman Joins My Morning Jacket at Hulaween

The Hulaween Music Festival in Live Oak, Florida, recently featured a notable collaboration that highlighted the event’s reputation for onstage synergy among artists. My Morning Jacket, the Kentucky-based band known for their eclectic blend of rock and psychedelia, were the headliners on one of the festival’s key days. During their performance, they welcomed bassist and singer Karina Rykman to join them on stage, marking another chapter in an ongoing musical partnership.

Rykman, who has appeared with My Morning Jacket multiple times throughout 2024, brought her distinctive bass lines and vocals to a sequence of songs that showcased the band’s improvisational strengths and deep respect for their influences. This collaborative segment began with an extended rendition of "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Pt. 2," originally from My Morning Jacket’s album Evil Urges.

Following this, the group and Rykman ventured into covers that resonate deeply with both the band and their audience. Among these was the Grateful Dead’s "Franklin’s Tower," a song they have recently revived in their live repertoire. They also interpreted Radiohead’s "The National Anthem," a track noted for its avant-garde jazz-inspired bass lines, an apt choice to spotlight Rykman’s talents. The segment concluded with "Mahgeetah," a fan favorite from My Morning Jacket’s acclaimed album It Still Moves, underscoring the band’s rich catalog.

Rykman’s involvement with My Morning Jacket is not new; she recently joined the band in San Francisco during performances at The Fillmore. These appearances coincided with her own headlining tour supporting her second album, Late Checkout, illustrating a creative synergy between her solo work and collaborative endeavors.

Aside from this collaboration, My Morning Jacket’s Hulaween set featured several cover songs that the band has recently incorporated into their live shows. These included Marvin Gaye’s soulful "Baby Don’t You Do It," Neil Young’s evocative "Like a Hurricane," and Sly & the Family Stone’s funk anthem "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)." These selections reflect the band’s diverse influences and their ability to reinterpret classics within their own sonic framework.

Following the Hulaween performance, My Morning Jacket is set to take a break from touring until they headline the One Big Holiday festival in Riviera Maya, Mexico, commencing January 14. Meanwhile, Karina Rykman continues her live performances, with a scheduled appearance at Charleston, South Carolina’s Pour House soon after.

Hulaween itself continues to celebrate a broad spectrum of artists and collaborative moments. The festival’s lineup includes a headlining set by Pretty Lights and a special joint performance featuring The String Cheese Incident alongside Warren Haynes. Additional acts slated for upcoming days include Gesse, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Taper’s Choice, maintaining the event’s eclectic and artist-driven spirit.

The collaboration between My Morning Jacket and Karina Rykman at Hulaween underscores the festival’s ethos of fostering creative partnerships and dynamic live experiences. It also highlights Rykman’s growing presence within the contemporary rock scene, both as a solo artist and a sought-after collaborator. These performances not only provide fans with unique renditions of beloved songs but also enhance the live music landscape through shared artistry and unexpected musical dialogues.

As details about future collaborations or tour plans remain limited, the music community watches with anticipation for further developments involving these artists. Their continued willingness to merge talents on stage exemplifies the vibrant, interconnected nature of modern live music festivals.