Right now, everyone is planning trips to well-known festivals with big-name artists. However, there is a festival in the Northwest Hills of Connecticut that you should consider attending. Music Madness has been privileged and honored to have covered this festival since its inaugural weekend in 2018. We are talking about Black Bear Americana Music Festival!
Black Bear is a 3-day festival held on Columbus Day (or Indigenous People’s Day) weekend in the peaceful little town of Goshen, Connecticut. You will not find the huge rock names, the packed in seas of humanity, nor the massive venues of other festivals. What you will find is a bunch of great bands playing in a laid-back family atmosphere in a beautiful setting.
Some years Mother Nature has used her pallet and brush to create a Rockwellian New England foliage masterpiece. Some years, she decided she has had enough of the warm weather of Summer and turned down the thermostat. Other years have been mostly green and warm. Welcome to the fickle weather of Southern New England.
On to the bands. No matter what the weather, the bands turn up the heat. The music is a healthy mix of Americana music, alternative rock, folk, rockabilly, and everything in between! Every artist plays their hearts out to appreciating crowds. 2021 saw a healthy mix of new bands performing along with returning favorites.
The newcomers were very well received. Among them were acts such as Lance Whalen, a solo act that sounded like the lovechild of Nick Cave and Tom Waits. Eddie From Ohio, a highly regarded folk group from…Virginia? closed Saturday night with a fantastic set. Victor Wainwright & The Train had the place rocking with their combination of blues and rock.
Some of the returning favorites were the alt-rockers from the Hudson Valley, The Slambovian Circus of Dreams. Host, festival emcee, singer/songwriter, Ian Campbell performed a soulful set that grabbed both old fans and new by the heart. The Lustre Kings had the folks up and bopping to their set of blistering rockabilly. Closing out the festival was the Adam Ezra Group. They combined folk with high-energy rock which left everyone wanting more.
The festival-goers are graced with music on 4 different stages. The main stage and acoustic stage sit side by side and alternate acts throughout the day. There is also a gazebo stage located by the main entrance which greets festivalgoers with music as they arrive. Lastly, there is a workshop stage where artists present “lectures” / performances in an intimate setting. The most popular workshop session was Shanna in a Dress who taught and played ukulele music. Many aspiring and accomplished uke players participated in this riotous session!
There are vendors with a large variety of foods to choose from. From Jamaican food to vegan fare, to maple-flavored popcorn, and everything in between, you’re sure to find something that will fit your desires. Several Connecticut breweries were represented. A unique addition in 2021 was Athletic Brewing Company which produces very good quality non-alcoholic beers. There are also vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, tote bags, gemstones, and other eclectic items. Of course, many of the acts have CDs, shirts, and other items for sale. Performers are often found in the merchandise building before and after their sets.
There is a large camping area which has been attracting more and more attention as the years have gone by. There are flush toilets and shower facilities available for those who spend the weekend. It seems like it’s a very social atmosphere in the campground. While leaving the grounds, I have witnessed groups of folks gathered together, reveling in conversation regarding the day’s music. Also, some gather with instruments and have impromptu jam sessions into the evening while being respectful of their neighbors.
The festival is has a vibe that makes people long to return. People are good to one another and good to Mother Earth at Black Bear. If one word had to be used to describe patrons of Black Bear Americana Music Festival it would have to be “respectful”. It’s a refreshing change from the “me first” world that we’re living in. Do yourself a favor and check this festival out in 2022. You will not be sorry!
