The Bear Shadow music festival enjoyed quite possibly its best weather ever, and likely not coincidentally, it’s biggest crowds ever over the weekend at Winfield Farm in Scaly Mountain.
Saturday’s performance schedule kicked off with the soulful sounds of North Mississippi All Stars, which led into performances by American Aquarium, Futurebirds, and JJ Gray and Mofro.
“I had never heard of this festival until just a few weeks ago when a friend told me about it, and I am really glad they did,” attendee Tom Rivas said. “This is such a beautiful area and the caliber of the lineup is just amazing.”
Food and beverage vendors from across the Southeast lined the outer perimeter of the event venue and several local business from Highlands and Cashiers had booths set up to sell their wares.
While most of the entertainment was on stage, the sprawling nature of Winfield Farm allowed for other outlets as adults and children spread out in open areas and played soccer, threw a Frisbee, played freeze tag and otherwise enjoyed themselves.
On Sunday, four bands performed throughout the afternoon and into the night to crowds of cheering fans.
Up first was Nashville-based artist Grace Bowers, who, at 17 years old, electrified the stage with hits such as “Tell Me Why U Do That.”
Following Bowers was White Denim out of Austin, Texas, who had to borrow an amp from the next band on the schedule, The Record Company, when they were “in a pinch” before their set. White Denim has hit songs such as “Let’s Talk About That,” “Ha Ha Ha Ha,” and “Had 2 Know.”
The Record Company, hailing from Los Feliz, California, took the stage next, with powerhouse vocals by Chris Vos, a thumping bass by Alex Stiff, and Marc Cazorla on drums. The band’s hits include “Talk to Me,” “Off the Ground,” and “I Found Heaven (In My Darkest Days).” The band also performed covers of iconic songs such as “Whatcha Want” by Beastie Boys and “All Day and All of the Night” by The Kinks.
Finally, another Austin, Texas-based band, Black Pumas, ended the day with a set that included their hits ranging from “More Than a Love Song” to “Ice Cream Man.” The band consists of Eric Burton on vocals and Adrian Quesada on lead guitar, and the duo had two backup singers and a full band backing them on stage.