At Big Fam Fest in Brooklyn, MI, an outstanding collection of one-of-a-kind performances occurred over the course of three days. Add to that unique presentations of home-grown artistry, a healthy and wholesome community, and you have all the neccesary foundations in place for the success of this wonderful occasion. Big Fam Fest was, and is, a community centered event. Pretty much everything about this happening felt like it’s for, and by, the homies. It’s a reminder that community is what makes these events special. You can add all the glitz and glamour you like, but if there’s no soul invested, who is it really all for? In Big Fam’s case, soul and spirit stood front and center in every single performance and presentation. Bear Swiftly with me, the Electro Scribe, and Hollywould is along for this ride, as I share some of the moments that made my final scheduled festival experience for this calendar year extra special.
Hollywould and I rolled out around 5am on Friday, October 4 to rendezvous with our fella Tim a quarter before 10. After we arrived at our first destination, Brother Timothy, as I like to call him, took us on a tour of his acreage and shared a vision of what it might one day become. A reminder: “Dreams without goals are just dreams.” Thanks Denzel. After the tour, our triumvirate loaded up and departed for The Groves Campground, the site of Big Fam Fest in 2024.
It took about an hour to reach the main gates, where check-in was a breeze. As we rolled in with our camper and vehicles, personnel were super friendly, barely an inconvenience. They kept the lines steadily moving and forwarded us towards the location of our site for this weekend. Our campsite was located a bit of a walk from the rest of the grounds. This was the one and only downside of my weekend, if you can call it that. Quite literally, our campsite was one of the farthest from the interior of the festival grounds. Thank God I enjoy taking walks, or else this could have been a huge detriment. Naw, man, I find the silver lining in almost everything. Cardio, baby! I bet I could hustle from main stage to my campsite in about ten minutes, maybe even less if I’m focused.
Another aspect of the camping that left me a bit miffed was that GA attendees in the main campground were restricted from traveling into powered RV sections. This had me scratching my head. The only admission type for this fest was general admission. With that in mind, I feel like everyone should be able to enjoy unfettered access everywhere across the grounds. This feels like a homie festival, so I wasn’t sure what the point of keeping GA campers and GA RVs separate was. However, those decisions are above my head and it’s nothing I’m gonna start beef about. Truthfully, the organizers are professionals. They have their reasons. I guess there’s always the sneaky route for bringing people back to the camper. Act like you belong, and no one asks any questions.
After establishing our site, Hollywould and I made our way to convene with some friends I hadn’t seen in some time, Josh and Tai bomber, and explore the remainder of the grounds. There were two stages for this weekend’s performances, dubbed Apogee and Bayou. Etymology time!!! An apogee is defined as the point in an object’s orbit where it is furthest from the Earth, a point of apex. Its roots trace to the 1590’s and three different languages, the French word apogée, Latin apogaeum, and Greek apogaion (etymonline.com). Aptly named, this stage would be the site of a Super Future sunrise set followed by breakfast with Benji Robot. More on that in a bit.
The Bayou was a lovely-wooded stage, offering shaded sanctuary during the sunny daytime. A bayou is a body of water that typically feeds into a larger stream or lake. Its origin derives from the 1790s and Louisianan French, bayuk, “small stream” (etymonline.com). This natural arena is where I would discover several performers I was previously unfamiliar with. I love experiencing new things, and Glitter and Grime was a wonderful way to spend my time. I also admired and enjoyed the bevy of artistry spread throughout this arena curated by Katfish Kandy. Now, these grounds were dry at the time, but it had the makeup of a place where I would have happily caught crawdads and frogs were it filled with water. This Bayou would be the sight of some of my favorite moments and performances from the weekend, of which I have already mentioned one.
Hollywould and I continued exploring the grounds and making friends. Everyone we crossed paths with was friendly, energetic, outgoing, and wholesome to boot. That’s one of the charms of a smaller fest like this. It draws the real ones who come for the music and the experience, first and foremost. Most of the weekend, I didn’t see many phones, just a healthy gaggle of folks celebrating and enjoying their moments. Yeee buddy! Soak it up for yourselves. My phone also remained in my pocket most of the time. Yea, I captured a few photos for the blog, but being present is a blessing we should afford ourselves as often as possible.
Starting at Bayou on Friday, Hollywould and I caught some of Johnny Malek’s set which is a pleasure I enjoy whenever I can. It’s great seeing Johnny perform. Hailing from Detroit, he has an energetic display and outstanding character. Johnny was one of the first interviews I ever conducted through HEAR Magazine. I had compiled a list of twenty-one questions (so you can take e’m to the bar), and what was slated to be a thirty-minute interview turned into a two-hour conversation about a variety of topics like how we view life, the world about us, and ways we impart and impress pieces of ourselves upon communities we are part of and adore.
Looking back, that was a discussion that encouraged me forth on my current pathway. Though artists seem like they’re larger than life at times, I’ve come to find they’re basically humans who apply their passions consistently on a daily basis. Consistency and dedication have created more stories of success than luck and talent ever will. That’s not to say luck and talent aren’t part of the formula for many, but being accountable to one’s passions and doing the work daily is what moves our stories forward towards points we plan and work for. That’s something Johnny Malek prides himself on, he makes music that others can “do the soul’s work to.” This notion energizes me. We motivate and inspire each other through words and actions, our creative proclivities the impetus powering presentations and productions. It was wonderful seeing Johnny Malek living his best life, and we’d run into each other Sunday night and share a respectful moment of admiration towards each other’s continuing journeys. If you’re not yet familiar with Johnny’s of work, I’m going to strongly suggest you check him out.
After Johnny Malek’s performance, Hollywould and I made our way to Apogee for Wuzzy, Luminyst, Lumasi, Steller, Super Future, and some of Memba. Truthfully, I was all tuckered out after the first day, so I put myself to bed after Memba while Hollywould and Brother Timothy went on their own adventures. When a bear needs to sleep, let e’m sleep. I’d awaken the next morning early around 7am and make my way back to Apogee to catch Super Future’s sunrise set. As I walked, I saw a man hustling towards a porter potty with a handful of toilet paper to assist a damsel in distress. She was ever so thankful. Well played, young man. Well played, indeed.
With chair in tow, I set up shop next to a darling couple by the names of Ry and Chee. We’d make a delightful three, me writing haiku and poetry, and them welcoming a stranger to their midst to enjoy some early morning music and people watching. A couple of fellas with steaming coffee cups cheered each other as the sun rose above Apogee, and one of them was the toilet paper delivery specialist I just mentioned helping a fellow human in distress. Blessed! Get that recognition, bud. We all have a part to play in this extraordinary journey we call life. It may not always seem like much, but practicing the little things is integral to the formation of the larger picture. From my little floetry and haiku book, I’ll share with you one of my productions of prose from the weekend, of which I have titled, “Blue Sunrise”.
“I’m boys with the blues // Heavy mellow vibes the truth // Sunrise soothing me.” — Ben E Zander
Following Super Future’s hour and a half sunrise set, Benji Robot took over and imparted to us his set would involve tunes. And breakfast. Break your fast with breakfast. Bear Bits! A couple of Benji’s pals whipped up some batter behind the scenes and took the stage alongside him with a griddle and waffle maker cooking up delicious items. Plates, forks, and syrup were provided for all in attendance. For the next hour, we grooved and filled our ears and stomachs with wholesome tunes and treats. I, personally, devoured two waffles sticky with syrup. Delicious! Breakfast with Benji was on point, and I’ll join him for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or midnight snack anytime! It was during this set I also saw a fella with the LONGEST SLEEVES I have ever seen in my life! They extended what looked like an extra ten feet from his hands, and it reminded me of something one might see in a Silent Hill game. The horror ended there, because he was a fun and playful lad merely soaking up the sun and early morning music while wearing a clothing item he dearly adored. I respect that, bud, as I have my own assortment of items and apparel that I love wearing.
Before Saturday’s daytime action, I got myself in a quick kettlebell workout around midday. Physical health is something I prioritize. Even when I’m on the road or on vacation I make time for exercise. This day, I crushed a workout utilizing dual 35 lb kettlebells. Five exercises, four sets, and twelve to fifteen reps apiece took me about an hour to complete. Once I was done sweating, I cleaned myself up, changed, and filled up with some food. Hollywould was up and at e’m by this time, and after his own preparations, we made our way to catch some of Techtonic and A Tropical Martian, both good. After a bit of EROY, we returned to camp to collect Brother Timothy. Brother Tim elected to save most of his energy for the nightlife and held down camp during daylight hours. Once we had our wagon filled with chairs and hydration reserves, it was off to Apogee for Floppy Drive, Moftiv, Artifakts, and Daily Bread. These performances were on point, and I don’t know if there will ever come a time again where I’ll be able to catch Daily Bread amongst such an intimate gathering. There’s a unique energy that pours forth from the stage during his performances. I don’t know about you, but I love his track “Snickerz”. I’ll listen to it on repeat. Done!
After the main stage shut down for a couple of hours to transition over to the nightly silent disco, my group and I bopped on over Bayou to catch some of Cofresi, a dark set from TF Marz, Parkbreezy, and finishing with Alex Unger. Me and Brother Timothy anyhow. Hollywould was off doing Hollywould things. Once entertainment had finished for the night, Brother Timothy and I stopped to kick it with Josh, Tai, and the wonderful and affable Alphonse (it’s Alex, but I love me a Full Metal Alchemist reference) before calling it a night. Truthfully, sleep did not come easy this night. Conversation aplenty erupted between Brother Timothy and I, but my energy reserves would be ready for Sunday, no matter what.
Sunday was my favorite day from the fest. Every single day featured acts both emerging and well renowned, and Sunday I’d get to enjoy spirited performances from a variety of standouts. It started in the Bayou with Glitter and Grime. Glitter and Grime are the duo of Ganja Girl and Grapefruit Jacuzzi, although when I first sighted them on stage, I likened the duo to a younger looking Gangsta Boo and the personification of Strawberry Shortcake. Ganja Girl was rocking a sweet set of shades that kind of had this chic librarian vibe going on, which is cool, cuz she was a librarian of tunes at that exact moment. No need to shush, these two are gangsta with the drops, and surgical with their chops. She and Grapefruit Jacuzzi showed off their style and sounds encouraging the crowd to get down. If I could describe Glitter and Grime, it would be as a bass heavy fusion merging hip-hop and electronica. There was some trap, some dubstep, perhaps a bit of riddim, and a whole lot of energy. I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing Ganja Girl and Grapefruit Jacuzzi vibing to their own beats. Love that energy, ladies! For your information, Glitter and Grime is Bear Swiftly approved entertainment.
During Glitter and Grime, Hollywould and I happened to meet a hoola hooping woodland fae and her accompanying raven-haired mystic. Creatures of the forest band together. I’ll call these lovely beings Cassandra and Sara. Cassandra was flowing and grooving to Glitter and Grime’s vibes with a hoola hoop in each hand while Sara and I engaged in some enchanting conversation, one of my favorite things ever! Let’s talk deeply, friend. Before long, two nymphs approached Cassandra with a request to which she motioned towards my guy Hollywould. After a quick conversation, the nymphs and Hollywould exited stage left. A few moments later, the beast called Hollywould comes strolling through the crowd carrying a gorgeous friggin’ mermaid. Marco. Polo. Fish out of water! Did a Wolverine catch a dryad? I didn’t even know they could swim. I guess that’s what happens when you have your guns out and abs on full display. You get noticed a little bit. I’ll keep his self-confidence high and say to my boy, “Nicely done, Hollywould. Keep up the good work, kid.” We’re all thriving out yonder in this here Bayou.
Glitter and Grime was followed by Mayple, and golly gee I liked this flavor. It was mostly sweet with a bit of punch at times. Cool. I like versatility and range when it comes to my performers. Innervine was up next and presented a wholesome and healthy set. I would’ve preferred a bit more teeth and darkness, but those are my own sensibilities suggesting the wonderful and creative chaos that is my mindscape. Light and shadow form equilibrium within my midst. Different aspects, yet similarities they share. Spend some time with one, and you’ll come to appreciate the other.
Speaking of darkness and light, one of the acts that I made sure to catch from start to finish was Manthom Phenace. This duo, Jason and Diego, have a unique presentation that I am all about. They pair the violin with deep and dirty bass, dubz, and wubz. It’s one helluva good time and a treat to experience. I grew up playing classical guitar, so any infusions of classical instruments with new age electronica elements gets me jacked and juiced like freshly squeezed Mountain Dew. In my mind, this feels like an apogee of music. The classical characteristics of instrumentalism alongside new age tracks and technologies stirs a sense of wonder in my soul. Listening to Jason elicit gorgeous progressions from his violin, his steady hand guiding bow along the strings and frets of his fiddle while Diego sequences his own progressions, makes for a beautiful symphony to absorb. Oh, and Jason balls out on the Pioneer CDJs, too. Take a bow, fellas. You earned it!
On my way into Bayou to catch Manthom Phenace with wagon and krew in tow, I made friends with Alex and his group. Alex was a cool guy for sure, and his group was ever so sweet. I’d meet Ana shortly thereafter, who was sporting an oversized Squishmallow about her waist. I presented my own smaller Squishmallow compatriot that I clip to just about anything I wear and we became fast festy friends. I love wearing unique items as pendants, such as canvas paintings as big as 8×8 (Flavor Flav!). In this case it was my little squishmallow friend. Once I attached my little buddy to my lanyard, Ana did the same and our Squishmallows sat close to our hearts. Adorbs. We made a pact to trade one of her hand painted wooden tortoises for a leather nylon cord which I would attach several charms to once I returned to camp. That would happen later, and we proceeded to get down to Manthom Phenace until the very end before moving to Apogee for Monty and The Widdler.
Monty was awesome and delivered a robust drum and bass set that had me rocking. Three-minute plank? Done! You earned it, Monty. We had this cool light up palm tree that ran on solar batteries that sat within our wagon making it easy for folks to find us. As The Widdler began his set, I was locked in and ready to go. Then Ana showed up with the hand painted tortoise and called me out since I hadn’t made my way back to camp just yet to fetch her trade. Well, that was about to change. I did a quick stretch and took off at full sprint to grab the item that we had agreed upon. It took about ten minutes there and back, and when I returned, Ana and her compatriots were gone. Not a problem. I enjoyed the remainder of my time with The Widdler. She’d find me later to complete our trade.
Once The Widdler concluded, we prepared to make our way back to Bayou for Chmura, Random Rab, and Dixon’s Violin. At this time, we had a new recruit to our group. Willow. I processed the paperwork quite quickly, signed and notarized within seconds, and Willow joined us for the remainder of the night. She was primed and ready to get down, chomping at the bit to sport her moves, and we went straightaway to the front right of the Bayou stage. Ana found us again, along with her spirited compatriot Maya. Maya was cool for sure, confidence and energy oozing out of every pore. There was this one moment that had me cracking up! Maya pulls up in front of us, expounding words a mile-a-minute, reaches into her thigh high sock, and pulls out a shooter of Fireball! Dude, she’s turning up. Exceptionally handled, young lady. Han Solo, and the smuggler in me, salutes you.
Speaking of presentation, the Bayou stage really came to life Sunday night. It was banging all weekend long, but it reached a new level of awesome here. Accompanying both Chmura and Random Rab were a series of fire infused flow performers. They spun and twirled, the fire in their hands fueling deft, graceful, and skilled movements. It was magical to watch, especially when one of the performers expunged her fire by consuming it. Whoa, that’s a tasty treat! The Fire Nation certainly showed up to impress us in the crowd and support those on stage. By the way, Chmura scored as Brother Timothy’s favorite set from the weekend.
After I got everything I wanted from the Bayou, I’d finish my Sunday night by enjoying Bosstatus, Cass, and Panther at the Apogee silent disco. I wanted to experience this late-night presentation at least once before the weekend concluded, and Bosstatus definitely hit many of the notes my ears appreciate. Cass was pleasant in following him, a maven layering passionate vocals over fierce dubstep, and Panther performed an exemplary set as well. Once I had my fill of what the Silent Disco had to offer, myself and Hollywould bopped around a bit longer before returning to camp to bed down in preparation for packing up and saying our goodbyes the following day.
Big Fam Fest was a wonderful experience to be a part of. Though it’s a smaller fest, this event offered everything I’ve come to desire for my time spent at festivals. A stacked lineup of music and performances, unique artwork and artistry featured throughout, and a compassionate, lively, and engaging community. Plus, helpful and friendly personnel and staff. Absolutely wholesome, and I loved how clean the festival grounds were throughout the entire weekend. Everybody was picking up trash, and that’s a sign of a solid community right there, folks!
From start to finish, my Big Fam Fest adventure was a blast and an exceptional way to close out my festival season. Reconnect to your roots, or if you don’t have any, lay e’m down and start growing. That feels to me like what Big Fam Fest is all about. Mission accomplished, folks. “Dido and victory, Mechwarrior.”
Before I sign off, I want to give a final shoutout to one of the festival volunteers who popped up frequently throughout my adventures, Alissa. Myself and Hollywould met her entering Bayou on Friday and she was wearing the BIGGEST KANDI BRACELET I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! Literally, it was the size of a garland and hung gracefully around her torso! When we shared our nicknames with her, she commented she didn’t have one. I promised her by the end she’d get one. I followed through and titled her the ‘Bayou Babe’. Guess what? She didn’t like it, thought it was too long. Fine Alissa, I’ll shorten it for you. “Bye You!” Nailed it, schwing!
Finally, I’m going to feature some creativity from the young lady Willow. Firstly, a haiku she wrote commemorating the weekend. Secondly, an audio file she, myself, and Hollywould recorded describing the events of our weekend at Big Fam, collaborating in our unique and colorful ways, which I will feature at the very end of this piece. Willow and I may practice different styles, tempo, and pace, but we both share a love for verb and prose.
“Killer weekend vibes // Tadpoles in the Bayou dreams // Love flows through the night.” — Willow
This is Bear Swiftly, the Electro Scribe, signing off. Sayonara all you samurai.
Be well, be successful. Bear Swiftly.
–Electro Scribe–
