The Bands at The Bear

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: May 2024

J.J. Grey & Mofro

The stage is set for a celebration of the mountains – of music vibrating, of folks dancing and friends cheering, of laughter and food and hat-topped heads bouncing and sandal-clad toes tapping.

Ahh, yes, it is the Bear Shadow Music Festival marking its fourth incarnation at Winfield Farms in Scaly Mountain May 11 and 12.

It’s here amid the ridges, in the wide fields, with room to roam, close to the sound and the stage, the good times roll, and the stars come together and the music soars from bona fide stars.

Headliners J.J. Grey & Mofro ascend the stage on May 11 to strut their stuff, guaranteed to ignite the crowd with their raw rural blues and tough swampy Southern rock.

On the next day, May 12, it’s the ageless music of Black Pumas that will be heard echoing through the mountain range – the blend of soul, symphonic pop, jazz-funk, and psychedelia that garnered them seven Grammy nominees.

And where else but here are the supporting acts as compelling and talented as the headliners? First up On Saturday, May 11, are the Grammy-nominated North Mississippi Allstars, known for their mix of Delta blues and bluegrass; followed by North Carolina’s alt-country band The American Aquarium, and finally Futurebirds entertain with their laid-back country rock,

Black Pumas

On Sunday, May 12, 17-year-old Nashville prodigy Grace Bowers kicks things off, and the freewheeling indie band White Denim keeps things going with their mix of psychedelic/garage rock. The final opening act of the day is the swaggering 3-piece, Grammy nominated rock band, The Record Company.

Only here at Bear Shadow do Southern gentility and hospitality and sense of community permeate the festival grounds. Adding to the festive vibe is top-notch food, artisan vendors and retailers selling local wares, things to wear, and mountain gear. With food offerings as elevated as the venue, this food meets music bash has a wealth of scrumptious ways to fill your plate and sate your appetite.

From top end Sushi served up by Raleigh’s Umami Restaurant, to wood-fired pizzas from Freewheelin Pizzeria, succulent barbecue by Ruritan’s Smoking Good BBQ, and Hendersonville’s Post 25 Kitchen’s famous burgers, and healthy hearty bites from Brevard’s Local Harvester food truck, the culinary delights are as fetching as the headliners. Beyond the food, there are beverages galore – alcoholic and not – and all included in your ticket price.

Best of all – the money spent on your ticket goes toward a good cause – the Sky Valley-Scaly Mountain Fire & Rescue. Visit bearshadownc.com for more information.