It’s late Winter and it’s the time when many people plan much needed vacations. Some vacations are location based. Some vacations are based around concerts or music festivals. The best vacations encompass both! Columbus Day weekend 2020 will see the return of the Black Bear Americana Music Festival in Goshen, Connecticut. Goshen in nestled in the Northwest Hills of the state which is always picturesque. Because the festival is in the Fall, the stunning New England foliage adds to the majestic beauty.
There are four performance stages at this growing festival. One is greeted by the Gazebo stage as soon as one walks through the gates. The Main stage and the Acoustic stage are located side by side with a gently sloping hill that provides clear viewing of each. The last stage is the Workshop stage which offers an intimate setting for various music related, sometimes hands on workshops. 2019 saw a location in the camping area where musicians of all talent ranges were welcome to sit in on informal round table sing/play alongs.
The festival hosts a wide variety of music which focuses mainly on folk music. Some favorites who returned from the inaugural year to the 2019 festival were rockabilly cats, The Lustre Kings and rockers The Slambovian Circus of Dreams. Both of these acts also saw Anatolia the Fire Goddess perform her entrancing fire dancing in front of the stage during their sets. The beloved folk singer Joe Crookston also returned. He worked his magic on a collection of electric and acoustic guitars including a “cigar box” guitar. There were numerous returning acts as well as a hefty number of newcomers. Sunday morning found a collection of artists performing a number of gospel songs to welcome folks as they arrived.
While the music offered a bit of everything for everybody, the vendors did the same! Several producers of craft alcohols from beer to wine were on hand to sell their wares. Some fine coffee and soft drinks were available as well. A wide variety of foods were on hand to satisfy anyone’s dietary needs or desires. Also available were crafts of all sorts. From art, to jewelry to clothing, Black Bear vendors had it all! There are a fair number of lodging options within a 15 mile radius of the festival’s home, The Goshen Fairgrounds. The festival offers on site camping for those who want to partake in a round the clock sense of community that this festival exudes. Sites are available for tents and RVs alike with or without electrical hookups.
Music Madness Magazine has been fortunate to cover the first two years of this festival and we can unequivocally state that the third year will be bigger and better. The music will remain at the same quality level but what will no doubt change is the crowd. Year two saw a significant increase in attendees and the third year should follow suit as word spreads. Not only is this festival about great music, it’s about great vibes and Black Bear has them! Do yourself a favor and spend Oct 9-11 in beautiful Goshen, Connecticut because you’ll want to be part of this. Take in the music. Drink in nature’s beauty. Become part of the family!
