With an insane lineup that boasts multiple sets from the likes of Umphrey’s McGee, Lettuce, Dumpstaphunk, the New Mastersounds, Zach Deputy, The Nth Power, The Main Squeeze, Orgone, Alecia Chakour Band, Budos Band, See I, The Nicholas Payton Trio, as well as a special set from Chris Robinson’s Soulive Revue, Talib Kweli, Oteil Burbridge and Roosevelt Collier Band, Turkuaz, and more, Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival (get tickets here) is one of the best weekends of music during the course of the year. 

Held at the Spirit of the Suwannee Park in Live Oak, FL from Nov. 3rd-6th, Bear Creek also is known for its superb lineup of “Artists-At-Large” – meaning, certain artists are there to simply float around the festival site from stage to stage, and pretty much play with whoever the hell they want to; it’s a beautiful thing, and makes for some very interesting musical collaborations.

Let’s take a look at several of the Artists-at-Large, shall we?

George Porter Jr.

The bassist of The Meters is a God Amongst Men, and is one of the nicest dudes you will ever come by. He can sit-in with anybody at anytime and send the energy level crashing through the roof (luckily Bear Creek is outdoors, though watch at for tree limbs). With a slew of bands, including The Funky Meters, Runnin’ Pardners, 7 Walkers, The Meters & Page, The Meters & Bonerama, and…..the list goes on and on. As we were saying, between the bands and guest appearances all over the place, Porter is on of the most well-respected musicians in the scene not only today, but since he stepped onto the scene with his New Orleans bandmates back in the 60’s.

[courtesy of Karen Dugan]

 

Pee Wee Ellis

The famous saxophonist, composer, and arranger was one of the main players in James Brown‘s backing band. He co-wrote hits such as “Cold Sweat,” and “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m proud.” Ellis worked alongside Van Morrison for years as musical director and arranger, and has recorded and played with Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Vusi Mahlasela and many others. Most recently Pee Wee played as a touring member of the Ginger Baker’s Jazz Confusion, with the legendary Cream drummer.

[courtesy of Alois Breu]

 

Oteil Burbridge Jr.

Since bursting onto the scene as a founding member of Aquarium Rescue Unit with Col. Bruce Hampton, the two-time Grammy Award winning bassist of the Allman Brothers Band has gone on to play with everybody from Eric Clapton to Santana, and Bonnie Raitt to Buddy Guy, as well as form bands like Vida Blue with Phish keyboardist Page McConnell. Oteil is an absolute monster of his craft.

Check out Oteil throw down with Soulive, and his brother Kofi:

[courtesy of Paul Quattlebaum]

 

Skerik

To name the amount of artists Skerik has toured, played, and recorded with would be long enough to pass off as a thesis. From Seattle, WA, Skerik even played with Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready and Alice in Chains’ Layne Staley in Mad Season – check out the group’s 1995 Live at the Moore video and watch Skerik wail away on the sax during “Long Gone Day.” It’s safe to say that if Skerik shows up to whatever stage you happen to be gracing at any given moment in time, you are going to be very pleased.

Check out Skerik’s Bandalabra perform “Afro Mint” on Seattle Channel 21:

 

Jennifer Hartswick

Jennifer Hartswick has become a force to be reckoned within her own right. With the ability to blow minds with her trumpet skills, she brings a dual attack with her vocal range as well. Hartswick came to prominence with her work in the Trey Anastasio Band, as well as her work on Phish‘s 1998 album Story of the Ghost and Anastasio’s solo album One Man’s Trash, making a loyal following very quickly. A student of music, she can and has collaborated with artists all across the board, from rock to gospel, and jazz to country, and from the Rolling Stones to Herbie Hancock.

Check Jenn out starting at the 12-minute of L4LM’s Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsy’s Tribute this past summer:

[courtesy of LazyLightning55a]

 

Roosevelt Collier

They don’t call him “The Dr.” for nothing. When Collier lays it down on the sacred steel guitar, people listen; it is as if he is preaching through his instrument to the audience. Rosie made a name for himself playing with his cousins and uncles The Lee Boys. If you haven’t heard of him yet, you need to put an end to that immediately and educate yourself. He also played L4LM’s recent Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsy’s show at BB King’s in NYC with Jennifer Hartswick, Adam Deitch (Lettuce/Pretty Lights) and bassist Ron Johnson (Gregg Allman Band), effectively slaying the crowd with his uncanny ability to play to perfection the guitar parts of the late legend. Expect Collier to show up with as many artists as humanly possible at Bear Creek.

[courtesy of Barry2theB]

These are just some of the Artists-At-Large at this year’s Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival in Spirit of the Suwanne Park in Live Oak, FL from Nov. 23rd-26th. Below is a full list of the other artists you will see roaming around, as well as the full festival lineup. Get your Tickets Here!

BEAR CREEK Artists-At-Large

Bernard Purdie
Pee Wee Ellis
George Porter Jr.
Oteil Burbridge
Skerik
Nicholas Payton
Jennifer Hartswick
Grant Green Jr.
Roosevelt Collier
Khris Royal
Carly Meyers
Farnell Newton
Eric Vogel
Brandon Niederauer

Purchase tickets for Bear Creek Music & Art Festival HERE.

 

BEAR CREEK MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL 2014 LINE-UP:
Umphrey’s McGee x 2
Chris Robinson’s Soulive Revue
Lettuce x 2
Dumpstaphunk x 2
Soulive
New Mastersounds x 2
Budos Band x 2
Break Science
Talib Kweli
The Floozies
St. Paul & the Broken Bones
Zach Deputy x 2
Nicholas Payton Trio x 2
Orgone x 2
Oteil Burbridge and Roosevelt Collier Band
Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds
Turkuaz
The Nth Power x 2
The Main Squeeze x 2
Monophonics
Alan Evans’ Playonbrother
Mingo Fishtrap
See I x 2
Kreative Pandemonium
Benyoro
Locos Por Juana
Alecia Chakour Band x 2
The Heard
The Fritz
Curtis Harding
Tauk
The Broadcast
Yojimbo
Funky Knuckles
Come Back Alice
Catfish Alliance
Freddy’s Finest
Copious Jones
S.P.O.R.E.
Captain Green
Green Sunshine
Dirk Quinn Band
Herd Of Watts

Â