After encountering this obstacle, Big IV Productions directors Paul Levine and Lyle Williams spoke with an associate in the music and festival community, Clint Tipton, the promoter of the Paralounge Drum Circle at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Tipton suggested that they speak with James Cornett, President and CEO of the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, and the ball was rolling.
Big IV Productions had acquired land in Gadsden County with the intent of it being the venue for the Bear Creek Music and Art Festival, a roots music festival featuring dozens of bands such as Little Feat, Umphreys McGee, Burning Spear and Perpetual Groove, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Porter Batiste Stoltz, Dubconscious, The Everyone Orchestra, Rose Hill Drive, New Mastersounds, Skerik's Maelstrom Trio, The Legendary JC's, Ralph Roddenbery Band, Yo Momma's Big Fat Booty Band, The Last Waltz Ensemble, Donna Hopkins Band, Ancient Harmony, Cadillac Jones, Polyester Pimpstrap, The Burnin’ Smyrnans, Zach Deputy, Seepeoples and more. Levine and Williams acknowledged that they had not allowed ample time to get to know their neighbors in the surrounding community and this resulted in the permit denial. Levine was formerly co-producer of the Down on the Farm event, held for the three previous years on another farm in Gadsden County. “Our goal”, said Levine, “is to (go back to Gadsden County) and to do more community oriented events. We need to prove to Gadsden County that our intentions and actions are always focused on our neighbor’s best interests. We recognize that we have to make a greater effort with Bear Creek to educate the community about the event and to help them understand the positive economic and community impact.” Williams noted that “we just did not have enough time to get to know each other and for the community to understand the positive things we are trying to accomplish in Gadsden County through this festival”.
Other participants in the event include Clean Vibes, a recycling company that will be managing grounds cleanup and providing some environmental education as well. The festival will be utilizing recycled products where ever possible. In the future, the event hopes to utilize solar power and bio-diesel energies. Sweetwater Brewing Co., out of Atlanta, Georgia, is sponsoring the event. Regional painters and photographers will also be showcased in a gallery setting.
Advance weekend tickets are available for $95, plus tax and handling fees. Weekend passes will be available for $110 plus tax and handling fees at the gate. Single day tickets are only available at the gate. Primitive camping is included in the weekend ticket. Water and electric sites will be available for an additional fee.
To learn more about the event, ticket prices, talent and scheduling, visit BearCreekMusicFestival.com. The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is a 700+ acre camping and music resort located on the banks of the historic Suwannee River in Live Oak, Florida, just 4 .. miles from I-10 and I-75. For tickets and camping information contact the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park at (386) 364-1683 or visit MusicLivesHere.com.
