Instead of studying in the library, my mom spent her college years following The Grateful Dead and rallying for peace on the streets of New York. Though she’s currently your contemporary ‘Jewish mom’ from South Florida, her 1960s’ vibe continues to prevail. Thanks to her stories over the years, I’ve grown quite fond of the ‘peace, love and music’ era. And apparently, I’m not the only one.
During the weekend of November 11-14, modern-day hippies traveled to Bear Creek Music Festival, a jam/folk music festival in Live Oak, Florida. Though it’s literally in the middle of no where, Live Oak is known for its music, good times and magical memories. And luckily for the ‘usuals’, Bear Creek 2010 was a great trip.
Beginning that Wednesday afternoon, attendees flocked north to leave reality behind, and enjoy music from popular acts such as Moe., Umphrey’s McGee, The New Deal, Spiritual Rez, The Soular System, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Break Science, Perpetual Groove and many, many more. The eclectic bands ranging from Jam to Blues to Break Down Beats, brought the Bear Creeker’s into a serious-great funk, all weekend long.
Though advertised as a music festival, Bear Creek was really more just a thread of concerts; it was an exciting experience. It was a time for people to enjoy music while camping out, looking at art and forming new friendships. The music, people and culture created such a genuine, friendly aura that truly shined upon what the festival is all about: a cultural experience.
After The Soular System’s set Saturday night, I sat down with the band for a few quick words. With a handful of people in the Tallahassee local group, The Soular System has a plethora of personalities that make for a great live band. Below is a transcript of a few comments spoken by The Soular System themselves:
So how do you guys feel about tonight’s set?
Tonight was fun, a bunch of rednecks in this town but the people who’re here for the music are great.
So there are seven of you here tonight but there are usually ten, where are the other three?
Well, we’re all in different bands and different side projects within those bands, it’s confusing but it all works out. So the other three are off doing their own thing right now.
So you guys must bring many different ideas and concepts to the table being a part of many different projects?
Yeah, absolutely.
What would you all consider the main idea of The Soular System?
We hate capitalism. Anything to do with capitalism is death.
What about your music?
Well, we are completely different than other bands, both our music and individually.
What would you say makes you most ‘special’?
We are a conceptual funk band with a Ska influence and all have individual personalities which makes for a great time.
Who were your biggest influences when forming the band?
Led Zeppelin, Prince is great, P-Funk, The Band
Any comments you’d like to share with the Knight News readers?
Get an education! I don’t care what you get a degree in but get an education. Going to college is the only way to succeed in life.
