Summer Vibes

A Letter from the Director

Dear Backwoods Family,

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Mulberry Mountain 4/20 weekend!

Although every festival I’ve ever attended has offered some form of growth and self-discovery, this one took the cake for me personally. As many of you know, up until September 2022, I was simply your Backwoods resident yogi and workshop coordinator. I had spent the past 20 years helping people with their wellness journeys, teaching yoga classes, and training yoga teachers to be teachers. However, deep down I never really felt like a “good enough” yogi. I eat meat and I like to party - 2 things frowned upon in the yoga world. I always felt like the black sheep in the yoga world. 

In previous years, I arrived on site only a day or two before Backwoods opened its gates. However, this year I was the first one on site. I got to watch Mulberry Mountain transform from a blank canvas into a work of art. Not only did I get to witness this transformation, I knew what was coming, because I hired, coordinated, and brainstormed with the creators. 

Have you ever felt yourself in the middle of a shift? It was like I could feel the page turning from one chapter to the next in the story of my life. And for the first time ever, all of me belonged here. There was not one part of me I had to hide or be ashamed of. I used to think that being a yoga educator was my calling. But this, being your event director, felt more real than that. 

Did I crush it this year? Hell no! I made a lot of mistakes. But through every mistake, with every ball I dropped, and with all the fires I had to help put out, I learned a valuable lesson. I’m so grateful for my executive producers’ leadership, grace, and for believing in me. 

And I’m even more grateful for my team. 

Although I regret not having the ability or foresight to empower them fully or properly due to my lack of experience, I’m crazy proud of all of our abilities to roll with the punches, stay positive, and do our best with the given situations. Believe me, next year will be MUCH BETTER.

If you’re reading this right now and are like, “I don’t know what she’s talking about. I didn’t see any fires,” THAT’S AWESOME! I definitely learned that even though there can be turbulence in the undercurrent, the surface can feel smooth and calm. That’s a big part of the festival magic, and that’s why (despite all the mistakes I made) I still feel it was an awesome event. All of my rave kids and festival family have reported having a killer time, and that’s what matters most to me. 

So…

Right now I’m focused on all those non-sexy things it takes to run a fest again. Planning fencing, porta potties, golf carts, and trash collection isn’t exciting, but it’s important. 

If you haven’t filled out our lineup survey yet, please do, because booking our 2024 lineup is next on the agenda. We plan Backwoods for YOU, so let your voice be heard.

After booking our headliners and tier 1 acts, I’ll start digging through the online applications. Remember though, regional acts will have an opportunity to earn their spots onto the Backwoods lineup through our online applications AND through the Backroads Tour and their “battle-of-the-bands” format. As tour dates are announced, we’ll share them via our social media and here.

Online music applications went live last week, and visual artist applications open tomorrow. Every week you’ll see a different application go live until they’re all available under our “Work with Us” tab on our website. So, stay tuned. 

Until then, know that our tier one prices won’t last much longer. Now is the time to get the best deal, or become a Backwoods Lifer to break your ticket price down into smaller bite-sized pieces. 

To anyone who still hasn’t gotten the memo that our dates have shifted from 4/20 weekend to June 7-9th, 2024, now you know. We’re sorry if that disappoints you. But with me being from Texas and Will Royall (our executive producer) being from Florida and the Virgin Islands, your leadership is happy to leave our winter clothes at home. Warmer weather invites rave wear and more bare skin. If you’re not happy about the climate, maybe you can focus on enjoying the view. ;)

You probably won’t hear from me again until we’re ready to drop our lineup this fall. Until then, enjoy the summer vibes. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take care of each other. 

Sending all my love to you.

Your Festival Fairy Godmother & Event Director,

Aubrey Warren :)