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Five Local Acts You Can’t Miss at Bear Creek Bayou Music Festival

Bear Creek Bayou Music Festival has finally come home to the banks of the Mississippi River in New Orleans where it belongs.  And it’s bringing along an all-star lineup that will be sure to connect fans of funk, jam band, electro-funk, world music, and rock together from all ages and corners of the globe. This well-rounded lineup is everything a funk fan could hope for. There are established artists like George Clinton & the Parliament Funkadelic, Lotus, and Papadosio bringing the jammy funk; and new-comers to the funk scene such as Lettuce, The Floozies, and Earphunk bringing an electronica vibe to this classic genre. There are also a few Supergroups made up of several artists from different bands like Foundations of Funk (George Porter Jr., Zigaboo Modeliste, John Medeski, and Eddie Roberts) and Bernard Purdie & Friends (Pete Shad, Brian J and Ivan Neville). To top it off, Bear Creek Bayou is bringing in The Flaming Lips as their headliner to really push the envelope.

What’s really going to give Bear Creek Bayou that New Orleans’ vibe is the local love shown in this festival with several acts that frequent the New Orleans live music circuit. These bands contribute to the NOLA funk family and have continually helped deepen the roots of this thriving scene. For new and old generations of music, these artists have been paving the way for New Orleans funk to make it’s debut into the national and worldwide festival scene. Bear Creek Bayou Music Festival has hand picked an amazing variety of local artists, but here are five we think you definitely need to check out:

Gravity A

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Coming off of their recent August residency at Maple Leaf Bar (home of Rebirth’s Tuesday sets), Gravity A is one of those bands you can see many times and always expect something different. With their funky rocktronica style and playfulness in their performances, seeing a Gravity A set is a guaranteed good time. Catch them from 1:15 – 2:30 pm at the Ballroom Stage Saturday, October 1.

Flow Tribe

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Among the five bands featured here, no one does it quite like Flow Tribe. This six-person group, made up of all locals, truly encompasses what it means to have a good time in New Orleans. Bringing a modern take to New Orleans funk, don’t be surprised if you find yourself “Walkin Like An Animal” after seeing them live. Flow Tribe plays from 1:00 – 2:00 pm at the River Stage on Friday, September 30.

Doombalaya

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When this 11-member group takes the stage, you are in for an experience unlike any other. Describing their music as, “progressive world beat,” these musicians take music experimentation to a funky new level–a bit of New Orleans funk peppered with worldly sounds, rock n’ roll, and hints of classical influences. Doombalaya is known for their eclectic covers and unique original music that will take you all across the musical sphere. Don’t miss their set from 12:00 – 12:45 at the Ballroom Stage on Saturday, October 1.

Honey Island Swamp Band

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Honey Island Swamp Band truly brings together what Southern Louisiana livin’ is like and why they are a must-see a Bear Creek Bayou Music Festival. You can’t have “bayou” without mentioning the Honey Island boys, and they will have you dancing like you ain’t never danced before! You can check them out from 5:30 – 6:3o pm on the River Stage, Saturday, October 1.

Smoke N Bones

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Smoke N Bones is your daily dose of soulful funk much needed for having a well-rounded musical experience at Bear Creek Bayou Music Festival. Enjoy the sultry vocals of Mykia Jovan over smooth horns and a funky bassline that will keep you feeling great all throughout the day. Check them out as one of the first sets at Bear Creek from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the Ballroom Stage, September 29.
Pick up tickets for $169 GA and $3-400 for VIP presale, which will increase to $179 and $4-500 respectively, at the gate the day the event starts.

Buy tickets here!

They also offer student discounts on tickets and donate $1 for GA and $3 for each VIP ticket to Roots of Music.

“The Roots of Music empowers the youth of New Orleans through music education, academic support, and mentorship while preserving and promoting the unique musical and cultural heritage of our city. Our goal is to provide our kids with the resources they need to lead positive, productive, self-reliant lives.”

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