Antwaun Stanley, vocalist in the band Vulfpeck, will be performing this weekend with select groups at Fool’s Paradise in St. Augustine, Florida.

Antwaun Stanley, performing with Vulfpeck at Fool’s Paradise 2017. Photo by: Jeremy Scott / Fool’s Paradise

On March 31 and on April Fool’s Day, April 1, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre will be host to live music featuring two days of funk music with Lettuce. Additional acts include Break Science with Manic Focus, The Floozies with The Shady Horns, as well as many more collaborative performances.

Fool’s Paradise invites solo artists to guest spot with select groups during the weekend. Antwaun Stanley has new solo material coming out in the near future, and Tony Smith caught up with him on his recent projects.

Q.) You’re so busy as a musician, how has life been?

A.) Life as a musician is challenging, but fun! As with anything, there are highs, lows, ups and downs, but at the end of the day, when I think about why I do what I do, things always seem to fall into perspective. I’ve had the chance to travel, collaborate and perform alongside some of the best in the game and I am excited to see what the future holds. Too, it’s amazing to witness the differences between audiences, which help make each experience fresh and spontaneous.

Q.) After playing Fool’s Paradise last year with Vulfpeck and during the late night shows, how does if feel to be coming back as an artist at large?

A.) Playing with Vulf on the Late Show was amazing in and of itself! To this day, I almost still can’t believe that happened! What an experience…I’ll never forget. I am absolutely stoked to be returning to Fool’s Paradise this spring. Last year was a blast, so I’m looking forward celebrating again as part of an amazing lineup of incredible musicians.

Q.) Can you give festival goers a heads up on who you plan to share the stage with this year?

A.) Well, I can’t give everything away, but you may catch me snooping around Lettuce and The Main Squeeze sets (hint, hint…).

Q.) How is it playing in a venue as cozy as The Elk’s Lodge compared to a stage like the St. Augustine Amphitheatre?

A.) Over the past year and a half or so, I’ve had the opportunity to appear on very large festival stages and while there is a thrill and rush that almost cannot be explained, I’m a true fan of more intimate venues like The Elk’s Lodge where the band is more snug and the audience is even closer. It helps make the experience more personal.

Q.) How’s your putt-putt game? Have you ever played putt-putt with ‘Jesus’ Coomes or Lyle Divinsky?

Antwaun Stanley, performing with Vulfpeck at Fool’s Paradise 2017. Photo by: Jeremy Scott / Fool’s Paradise

A.) I have to admit, I haven’t been on the green in quite a minute, so my putt-putt game may be a little weak at the start, but I’ve been working on my swing, so I’m pretty optimistic about this weekend’s game. It’ll be a first with Jesus and Lyle, so I’m excited about that, but they better bring their A game!!! ?

Q.) How was New Year’s Eve with Lettuce?

A.) NYE in Boston with Lettuce was sick. Those guys know how to party and I was just honored to be part of the celebration. It was my first time guesting with them, as well as my first time in Boston, so you can only imagine the rush. The audience came ready to rock and THAT we did!

Q.) You’ve been a big part of Vulfpeck, how did you meet and start playing with those guys?

A.) Jack and I met during undergrad at the University of Michigan. We worked together in a band called Groove Spoon, which is also how I met Joe. I eventually met Woody and Theo later. Now, Vulf is primarily an instrumental band, but Jack invited me to sing on Wait for the Moment, the first vulf-tune to feature a vocalist, and the rest is history. What a ride it’s been!! Unfathomable, really, but grateful to have shared so much with these gents. The band is an awesome collective of musicians and featured guests.

Q.) Your music has such an expansive range, what is your core influence?

A.) Well, I’m definitely inspired by many people and many things. I guess my overall musical approach blends elements of pop, soul, funk, gospel and R&B.

Q.) What are your plans for the rest of 2017?

A.) I’ve got some solo material in the works, there may be another vulf collab and you may spot me on a few of their tour dates, and I’ll also be guesting with some beloved bands on the east coast. You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram to find out the latest!

Browse over global trends for April Fool’s Day, and connect with tickets to Fool’s Paradise for the world’s best April Fool’s Day party.