Its been a long road since I first discovered festivals. To me like many it was the first time experiencing people on the same page as me. As on tune as my family is with me, I was always a unique individual socially,ethically, and musically. I am an obsessive person and when ever my interest is peaked I go from appreciator to apprentice in any art form. So for a while, going to shows was that art form. At first interest had little or no direction. For the first few years, I hit shows very casually. I remember a time where I would tell every one I knew about shows, but I would then end up attending alone. I moved around some and saw shows as far west as Arizona and eventually settled in Jacksonville Florida to help a friend with rent. I worked as a bus boy at first and while everyone else was focused on moving up I was focused on partying. This wasnt a total loss because I made life long friends had some good times, ate at mcdonalds, and learned to appreciate a good whiskey. I had all but stopped going to shows when, after much persuasion, I convinced one of my friends to go to a Suwannee Springfest . There is where I met Cathy Braddock Bowers and a few of her friends. Cathy was working Mellow Mushroom Jacksonville, and it was after a Wanee Festival or two together, that we first heard about Bear Creek Music & Art Festival. I wouldnt say it was the line-up but just that Cathy, my work friend (Stephen Gould), and a bunch of Mellow people at the time ( Christen Davis, Steph Gray, @brad, @rob, Sadie, Brittany and a bunch of other people who I should be naming) were heading out there at the same time. It was my first time setting up camp and that tiny little patch on the far side of Farm field. Back then we were just secluded ourselves and hooked glow bracelets to trees to aluminate our entrance. To this day Im still a big fan of the wagon circle technique of which we coined the style where all ways in are blocked but one. It gives the early mornings a place to come home to. So much is a blur that weekend but for the first time I let go. I loved the music and night after night our campsite would take turns heading out into the darkness after late night set after late night set. In the morning whiskey flowed strong and laughs grew hearty as the phrase put it in the dumpsta echoed as the punch line to almost every joke. As the festival was over and I parted ways with my new friends, i realized right away I would miss them. Then suddenly somebody mentioned that we all live in Jacksonville! For the first time I would have friends, in my own town into music as much as was. Since then I have felt the love of the community built around those bonds. Bear Creek is a very special festival for me and even though I cant attend, I hope all of you appreciate the people you meet and the moments you share. Look out for each other and take the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park with you when you leave. I love you all! Be safe and stay warm. Big thanks to SOSMP, Paul Levine and all the people that put on Bear Creek! Youre changing lives out there in the woods.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 04:30:01 +0000
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