Yes, it was insanity, and I strained my knee, but it was a blast! I was actually upset with myself for not getting back into the music hall to see the Mike Dillon Band, but I was almost tapped out. I knew I was cooked when I didn't even realize that Roosevelt was on stage with the Dumpstajam. No Silent Disco for me Saturday!

One of my favorite aspects of Bear Creek is discovering bands I knew little or nothing about (in past years: London Souls, Rubblebucket, Dead Kenny Gs, Orgone, Pimps of Joytime, ...). So this year, I "discovered" (in chronological order):

Savi Fernandez Band
The Werks
Kung Fu
Khris Royal & Dark Matter
EARPHUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vagabond Swing
IKE STUBBLEFIELD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Digital Tape Machine

As far as stand-outs go, this is strictly subjective, obviously.

The Werks put me in my very happy place early on Thursday.
Kung Fu was tremendous. Two sets at AURA coming!
Khris Royal & Dark Matter were on the one. And when Freekbass and Roosevelt came on stage Friday to play "Superstition," well...
Zach Deputy can hot or miss for me, but he was big-time hit both days.
P Groove is the same -- sometimes great, sometimes not so. Their two sets were also great.
Headtronics -- ridiculous!
Earphunk was on the campground stage Friday. Incredible!
Cadillac Jones delivered big-time! Too bad the early set was underattended.
Kraz & Chapter 2
Lettuce

MY BIG FOUR
Umphrey's McGee: I had seen them twice before, but their two sets (well, three) were jaw-dropping.
Lotus: This was a funky rage-fest!
Dead Kenny Gs: Superb (but not for everybody). Great sit-ins from George Porter, Jr. & Roosevelt
Ike Stubblefield: WOW WOW WOW. Great set, superb guitar player, great sit-ins from Grant Green, Jr. & Roosevelt

I don't recommend my plan. It was like a marathon. I was by myself and just choogled here and there as I saw fit. But it worked for me!

kudos to all the parks light&sound, other workers. . they did a great job. if only they scheduled budos band at another time. now a big daptone fan

Glad you don't recommend it.....my a$$ couldn't do it!!!

Let me second Whole Lotta Love's remarks. On top of deluxe music at every stage I saw, the sound was perfect EVERY time. That is an incredible feat. They were just spot-on. Not too loud ever!!!! I was sure I would need earplugs occasionally, but I never did. The lighting was great, security friendly, the law officers were mellow, and the entire vibe was amazing.

So back to the plan about hitting powerball, buying the park, and putting up homes for us!

TYS...did you find W'topia easily enuff? And did you camp with the Brothers and Sisters there?
If you did....don't see how you got away to catch that many acts.

Sadly, no. Despite your great directions, Rivernole, I got wigged out when I turned left onto the road from the winding dirt path, so I just tucked in where I thought it was right. Obviously, it wasn't.

I will do better at AURA and Wanee.

But thanks so much for the attempted help, even though I blew it on my end.

I didn't find Waneetopia either.

I wandered up and down that dirt road but was lost to no end. May have been the treats in my purse though.

W'topia might not have been set up for Brrr Creek....I ididn't go...so I don't know. Sorry if I misled anyone. But if you stay on the road it just goes round in circles....round and round the lake.

I heard there might not be a Bear Creek next year. But I read in the paper today that Lyle Williams, the owner of Big IV Productions said that it would definitely be back next year. While they have had growing pains and a loss of money....this year a profit was made by adjusting the budget and the price of acts booked. He said this years show was the best yet.
It was estimated 8,000 were there.
And they would definitely be back next year.
Also...
Bobby Rush celebrated his 84th Birthday at BC...after being in the music industry for over 60 years. He said "to be accepted by that kind of crowd was the greatest experience that I have ever been on. It was the age of the crowd. There were so many young people that were into what I was doing." (quotes from the Tallahassee Democrat).
Bear Creek will be back next year.

WOW Bobby Rush is 84!!! That is amazing.