Read on for your chance to win tickets to this three-day music and art extravaganza!

By Zahara Zahav; Photos by John Davisson

“It’s gonna kick ass,” says Paul Levine, who created the festival with the help of partner Lyle Williams and a group of loyal friends they’ve worked with at other festivals for about six years.

Artists who have previously played at the park agree. Drew Heller, guitarist and soku extraordinaire of African-influenced funk band Toubab Krewe, says he and his bandmates have heard people buzzing about the festival throughout the band’s tour all the way out to California. “We’ve heard it’s an amazing party,” Drew says. “And it’s gorgeous there. All that Spanish moss and big trees—beautiful.”

Paul, the festival's project director, says he and his crew are doing everything they can to make sure that rumors of a kickin’ party come true once again. The festival organizers packed more than 60 incredible performers into three days. But, music will be just one ingredient of this party.

About nine visual artists (most from across the Southeast) will be creating art live and displaying their work in a special festival gallery while the music plays on. Some will be on sale at the festival. Paul says he hopes the visual and audio dynamic will enhance the festival’s atmosphere of artistic improvisation, spontaneity and creativity.

But Bear Creek festival organizers view the music festival as having responsibilities beyond providing a few days of entertainment, Paul says. Festival attendees are encouraged to bring canned and non-perishable goods to support The Food Bank of Suwannee Valley, and anyone with five or more items will receive a festival poster and sticker. Funds raised from a weekend disc golf tournament will go to the food bank, and attendees will have the opportunity to donate to the Dreams of Recovery Foundation, which offers support for people with spinal cord and/or brain injuries. Other non-profits will also make an appearance.

The festival will also participate in the Suwannee Music Park’s “Green Program,” which requires organizers to ensure that the grounds and camping areas keep in line with environmental standards. James Cornett, whose parents took over The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park 25 years ago and has managed the park for about 15 years, says the "Green Program" is part of why the grounds have remained so beautiful even after hundreds of shows .

“I tell people over the phone what it’ll look like,” James says. “But they always get here and say, ‘I had no idea it would be this beautiful.’” James, who estimates the number of shows he’s seen at the park at about 20 a year, says Bear Creek’s audience is particularly vibrant, and it appears to be a close-knit group of people. “It becomes a very local festival that people can embrace easily because their friends and neighbors are there,” Paul says.

Steve Kimock, a well-known guitarist who performed with members of the Grateful Dead and who will play at the festival this year, says people should remember that festivals are not just about the artists. “It’s the entire energy of the event that winds up making the music,” he says. “That’s why people need to get out to festivals. It’s good for you, and it makes the music better.”

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