2024 Workshop Schedule
Dear Backwoods Friends and Family,
I’m excited to share with you our 2024 workshop schedule!
It’s my goal to make our workshops alone worth the cost of the Backwoods ticket. That way, we have something for everyone.
Enjoy 3 days filled with retreat-quality classes that will expand your mind, stretch your body, and increase your vibration.
Yes, I’m coming back as your resident yogi. Teaching yoga gets me out of the production office and allows me to connect with you; and connecting with you is my favorite part! I’m bringing Yoga Electrified back to the mountain Friday and Saturday, but on Sunday, I’m taking you to church! Both Friday and Sunday classes will end with an extended savasana and guided meditation.
Yoga Electrified is a mixed level Vinyasa-style yoga class to kick-ass Electronic Dance Music. Different postures and movement meditations are used to help students move stagnant, negative energies out of their bodies to experience greater levels of joy. Music is used intentionally to aid in the facilitation of this process.
Yoga Church is a slow, stretchy, meditative flow to heart-filled, spiritual music - releasing your muscles and connecting you to your higher Self.
Aubrey Warren - Event Director & Yoga Teacher
I am an Experienced Registered Yoga Instructor (E RYT 500) and Certified Yoga Education Provider with over 25 years of teaching experience.
However, if I’m not your jam or if you’d like to get your yoga on earlier, join Sage Peeples for Gentle Yoga + Meditation class every morning at 9am.
Sage Peeples - ADA Manager, Merch Manager, Gentle Yoga + Meditation Teacher &
Energy Work, 101 Instructor
Gentle Yoga + Meditation is a slow-paced class featuring gentle movements to improve flexibility and relaxation, ending with breath practice and guided meditation, accompanied by Mother Nature as the soundtrack.
Sage Peeples - RYT 500 - Reiki Master, has been a yoga practitioner for the last 10 years, teaching for 4, and a Reiki Master for the last 12 years. Yoga and energy work has become a form of therapy both mentally, physically, and spiritually for them and they hope to share this knowledge with anyone curious about healing and connecting to their true authentic selves.
Sage is also teaching Energy Work 101.
In this workshop they will dive into the basics of understanding energy anatomy and how we are energetically connected to the world around us. Learn breath and meditation techniques to connect to and feel the subtleties of these energies, and what we can do with this energy to empower and heal ourselves.
When Sage isn’t teaching workshops, find them at the merch booth. He’s also our Merch & ADA Manager, and we’re grateful to have him on our team.
Chris Campbell (aka Cosmic Soup) is a full spectrum sound shaman and will be providing healing vibes in the workshop space. Between his mastery of eclectic musicianship with world instruments, and his DJ capabilities that take you on a bass journey to multiple continents, you will feel the vibes through every cell in your body. A sound healer extraordinaire, he will show you the way frequency and vibration can transform your being.
Cosmic Soup - Sound Bath + Contact Improv Ecstatic Dance DJ
Join Cosmic Soup for a relaxing Sound Bath on Friday and Sunday mornings immediately following Gentle Yoga + Meditation. He’s also bringing the beats for the Contact Improv Ecstatic Dance on Saturday. So, no matter if you want to chill out or get down, he’s going to bring the bliss!
The Contact Improv Ecstatic Dance will be facilitated by Mika Hollis.
Mika Hollis - Art Gallery Manager,
Authentic Relating Games & Contact Improv Ecstatic Dance Facilitator
Contact Improv is an improvisational partner dance that uses motion and momentum as a creative playground for moving with another person. In this dance we learn to focus on the moving point of contact and to stay both creating and listening to our partners as we drop the traditional roles of lead and follow. This becomes a dance of deep listening and connection as the dance starts to be the mover, versus the bodies doing the dance.
Mika Hollis is dedicated to learning the uniqueness of the individual healing journey. She is enthusiastic about awakening our true nature through communication, movement, holistic wellness, sacred sexuality, and ceremony to build healthy, conscious relationships with ourselves and each other.
Mika is also leading Authentic Relating Games.
Authentic Relating (AR) is the practice of freely expressing your true experience in the company of others. This practice creates a safe, intentional space - rooted in play and supported by clear boundaries - to create meaningful and enjoyable connections to self and one another. By learning Authentic Relating skills, you can drop your conditioned relational habits, and learn to relate with yourself and others from a deeper more authentic expression of your truth.
Mackenzie Smith (aka Zipporah & SubRosa…) is returning to the mountain as our Laughter Yoga instructor.
Zipporah - Laughter Yoga Instructor
Laughter Yoga is hilariously simple. Breath is essential to life, and laughter is a potent breathing ‘technique’ that everyone has experienced before. Using laughter to heal, laughter yoga implements childlike games and silliness exercises to stimulate forced laughter, which creates genuine deep-belly joy-inspiring giggles when paired with interpersonal eye contact. Laughter Yoga was created by a medical doctor as an accessible yogic breath work practice, stimulating the vagus nerve, cycling oxygen deep into the lungs, and offering a connection-building activity for all involved. We ask that all participants arrive to Laughter Yoga without judgment, open minds, open hearts and willingness to make eye-contact.
Zipporah has been teaching laughter yoga at festivals, weekly clubs, and at private events for 4 years. She also facilitates Tantra-related classes. Her intention is to create space for your authenticity to shine, without shame, fear, or judgment. It's her joy to cultivate an environment of warm-hearted silliness for you to play and explore!
Not only is Zipporah our giggle-guide, but she’s also blessing Yoga Electrified with a SubRosa... a Mulberry Mountain debut. SubRosa... is an up-and-coming experimental bass music artist that evokes passion with her unique sound and journey-esque approach.
SubRosa… - Yoga Electrified DJ
It’s going to be so much fun co-creating with this goddess!
Kinsey Cahill (aka kinzspinz) is new to our workshop team, but she’s not new to Backwoods. Last year, she performed. This year, she’s excited to help you start your flow journey.
kinzspinz is a multi-prop flow artist. Growing up a gymnast, her love for movement transformed into a passion for flow. She is an insured fire dancer and loves sharing her passion of flow arts with others. Join her for Hoop Dance & Intro to Poi.
kinzspinz - Hoop Dance & Intro to Poi Instructor + Flow Jam Facilitator
Hoop Dance is a single hoop workshop, where participants will learn a variety of beginner to advanced hoop tricks depending on skill level. Tricks you'll learn include a compilation of fun isolations and trippy illusions to add into your hoop flow.
Poi is a flow art, where weights on the ends of tethers are swung through rhythmical patterns. Come learn the basics of poi to find your own flow.
If you have a hoop and/or poi, please bring them with you to class. However, don’t let your lack of toys keep you from coming. There will be hoops & poi provided for each class on a first-come-first-serve basis. So, get there early if you don’t have your own props!
Emily Ashley is a warm and intuitive Breathwork Facilitator, Ceremonialist and Counselor who cultivates healing spaces for individuals seeking personal growth and embodied transformation. Emily draws upon her lived experience in ritual arts to help transform suffering into wisdom, guiding seekers to awaken to their own empowered healing through a myriad of holistic practices. Emily draws upon her background in Rebirthing Breathwork Therapy, Yoga, Meditation and Esoteric Arts to purify the body, resolve negative emotions and help in restoring an individual’s wholeness. She is a student in somatic embodiment and the shamanic healing arts and will be leading breathwork and a philosophy class while at Mulberry.
Emily Ashley - Rebirthing Breathwork & Radiant Presence 101 Instructor
In Rebirthing Breathwork you'll embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner healing. Through this guided rhythmical breathing practice, you'll practice mindful awareness and experience the profound wisdom of your breath to release stress, increase vitality, cultivate a deeper connection to your true essence, and tap into an altered state of consciousness.
All these experience-based classes are geared for all skill levels. No experience is necessary. Just bring a yoga mat, water bottle, and open heart.
Emily Ashley will also share her philosophical knowledge in Radiant Presence 101.
In this workshop we delve into the mystical realm of cultivating radiance from within. Explore ancient wisdom and esoteric teachings as Emily guides you on a journey to unlock your inner light and unleash your true essence. Through sacred practices and transformative insights, you'll learn to harness the power of self-love, mindfulness, and energetic alignment to radiate beauty and authenticity in every aspect of your life. Don't miss this opportunity to awaken your luminous potential and shine brightly in the world.
Desiree “Dez” Johnson is our resident Tarot reader. Instead of simply offering you readings, this year she’s also teaching you how to start your own Tarot practice. If you’ve ever been interested in tarot but don’t know where to start, this is the workshop for you!
Dez Johnson - Resident Tarot Reader, Tarot 101 & Magick 101 Instructor
Tarot 101 teaches you the tarot basics. Learn meanings behind the cards, explore the difference between tarot and oracle, practice listening to intuition, and learn how to expand your knowledge at home.
Dez is the creator of Stoner Tarot and is passionate about teaching others how to use tarot as a self-care tool. Dez prides herself on taking a cozy, kitchen-table approach to reading cards. Go visit her tarot tent in the woods; and if you see her roaming the festival, be sure to stop her and ask for a Backwoods Spirit Animal reading! However, if you miss her on the mountain, find her at www.weedandsage.com.
Dez is a wedding officiant and is enthusiastically looking forward to officiating her first festival wedding at Backwoods this year! So, if you’ve ever considered getting married on the mountain, hit her up, and plan for next year.
Dez is also our Magick 101 instructor. In this informative workshop, learn about the history, un-just demonization, and evolution of Magick. Discover how to practically incorporate magic or magick into your life and gain empowering wisdom that will support your already-established spiritual practices. Please come with an open mind.
Sex Magic 101 is led by me and my king, Jacob Warren, and is back by popular demand.
This workshop will take your intimacy to the next level. Sacred sexuality is a path that turns sex into a spiritual practice. This workshop focuses on the lineage of Egyptian Sex Magic and inner alchemy. Learn the philosophy and some physical practices to help jump-start your journey. (No nudity or sex will be involved during the workshop.)
Jacob & Aubrey Warren - Sex Magic Teachers
Jacob and I have been married for 20 years, have 2 teenagers, and have been on a spiritual journey together since the day we met. Before having children, we made a pilgrimage to Egypt that changed our lives forever. I study with a Tantra Kundalini Master and Guru of the Shaktipat sect. My relationship with my teacher guided me into turning all aspects of my life into a spiritual practice. As a tantrika, I started bringing meditative practices into the bedroom with Jacob, and we’re excited to share this information with our community. We hope it brings more connection, presence, and passion into your life and relationship(s).
Last but not least, we’re including some opportunities for you to express and share your creativity through art. Rose Bud is an artist, a community builder, and a trauma-informed space holder who is passionate about cultivating pathways for self-expression. As host of the Radiant Sun Poetry Society and director of Ecstatic Dance Fort Worth, she is privileged to help guide others along their creative journeys. She is excited to connect with like-minded souls here on the mountain.
Rose Bud - Workshop Stage Hand & Sidewalk Chalk Group Art Project + Community Jam Facilitator
Join Rose on Friday for a group art project. Meet at the workshop space, but then you will shift locations together. Create a community side-walk-chalk mural that will add beauty and inspiration to the mountain throughout the weekend.
On Sunday, she’s hosting a Community Poetry Jam. Bring something you’ve written and want to share or come ready to riff. Rose is the facilitator, while YOU are the art and artist.
So, as you can see, we have a lot to offer, and we hope you soak it all up.
If you don’t have your Backwoods ticket yet, it’s about time you get yours!
See ya on the mountain, fam!
All my love,
Aubrey Warren
Event Director & Festival Fairy Godmother
Where’s the Lineup?
A Letter from the Director
Dear Backwoods Family,
I hear you! I know you’re wondering, “Where in the world is our 2024 Backwoods lineup?”
Yes, we realize that other fests have dropped their lineups. We know you’re trying to decide which fest(s) you’re going to invest in this summer. We also know that for some of you, it’s not just all about the community. We realize that our lineup plays a role in whether or not some of you make the trek to the mountain at all.
Yes. We hear you, and we get it.
All that said, I’m asking you to be patient just a bit longer.
When I was brought on as your Event Director in October 2022, I was told the Backwoods trajectory plan. I would be working from a budget that was similar to years past for my first rodeo in 2023, but my executive producers planned to double the investment in music for 2024.
2023 turned out to be a challenging year for the music festival industry. Summer Camp announced it’s last year and Sonic Bloom is going on hiatus. But through it all, we felt like we had produced one of the best renditions of Backwoods to date.
Figuring out a game plan to double our investment in music for 2024 has taken some time to put together. Fortunately, however, the stars have aligned, and we expect the lineup to be announced soon.
We are also adding more workshops. I’m adding another yoga teacher to the schedule, and I’m bringing on a doctor to bless us with some informative lectures that will empower your evolution.
We know there are many of you who love the Backwoods community and the family-feel we create and don’t want to miss an opportunity to commune on the mountain regardless of who’s playing. History shows that Backwoods always bring the good vibes. If I were you, I’d get my tickets NOW.
Ticket prices will go up the day we drop our lineup. So, trust Mama Bear with this one. You are NOT going to be disappointed. I’d get my tickets while they are still at our lowest rate.
Once we have a lineup drop date, I’ll give you a heads up so you don’t miss it. We’re working through some final artist confirmations for an unforgettable show.
Until then, thank you for trusting us and for being a part of our community. We do this for YOU, and we can’t wait to deliver you the best and most stacked Backwoods ever.
We’ve got so much goodness coming your way. Grab your tickets or become a lifer today.
I can’t wait to see you in June!
Your Event Director & Festival Fairy Godmother,
Aubrey Warren
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 :)
A Letter from the Director: ADA & VIP
Dear Backwoods Friends & Family,
A lot has happened in the past month regarding the Backwoods team and I’m excited to fill you in.
When I was promoted into the Director position in October, it seemed that all the other paid positions were already filled for the upcoming 2023 event. My executive producers planned to re-hire those who'd served our community in previous years.
Although I completely understood the reasoning behind this approach, it felt like I was being hired to manage a team that wasn’t mine. I was simply hoping and praying that I would earn the respect and trust of those who have followed my leaders over the years; all the while I was asking Spirit, “Who would I have on my team?”
Seek, and you shall find….
A part of my job is to write up the agreements (aka, contracts) for all of our staff. So, before drafting each agreement, I’ve been reaching out to contractors to confirm if they're still cool with the terms they’ve previously agreed upon.
Change is a constant, so it’s not surprising that several people aren’t able to return this year. Some can’t get the time approved off work. Others got offers from larger festivals that we can’t afford to out-bid.
So, all of a sudden I had positions to fill; and one of the reasons I was offered the Backwoods Event Director role was because of my extensive festi network.
Rewind…
In December, I was at the Polish Ambassador Trail to the Woods show at Deep Ellum Art Company in Dallas. It was my first director “work gig.”
While getting down hard and getting lost in the vibes I heard Spirit whisper to me, “You’ve been wondering who would be on your team. Look around you right now. This is your team.”
To my left was Christina Tran. We met when the 2021 Backwoods Tour was in Dallas. She did booking for the venu and decided to come check out the Backwoods yoga teacher (me) who taught a class at the beginning of the event. Although we haven’t worked together, I’ve watched her over the years. I’ve been impressed by her professionalism, network, resume, and presence within the community.
And in that moment while dancing to the Polish Ambassador, I could sense Christina’s deep, pure and potent relationship to the music. A relationship my husband and I both share. A relationship that drew us to being in service to this community in the first place.
So, when my first position opened, I knew who I wanted to fill it.
However, more positions opened, and the potential to fill our already existing team with people I know and trust expanded. Thus, I knew I needed to empower Christina to the max and decided to make her our Operations Manager.
She’s going to be running things behind the scenes, and will be managing all of our volunteers. We still need more. It takes a village. So, if you haven’t filled out the application and you’re interested in helping, please do so ASAP. Applications close March 1st.
Two new faces that you need to know that I’m excited to introduce are the ADA Manager, Josh Peeples, and the VIP Concierge, Angie Daniel.
I met Josh (AKA, “Sage”) at Middlelands, my first festival yoga teaching gig, in 2017. Sage is a gender-fluid healer that specializes in yoga and reiki. (Actually, I’ve been a part of his training and yoga education/certification.) Sage feels deeply called to hold space and be of service to others. Being fluent in all things wellness, Sage identifies as an artist, entrepreneur, and is a neurodivergent Gemini whose motto is “Communication is Key!”
Sage fell in love with EDM in high school and loved getting to know people who had the same taste in music. It was at Sage’s first camping festival where they realized that this love could turn into a lifestyle. Many years and many shows later, Sage reflects on how “the rave community has always been supportive, accepting and joyful. Now I enjoy returning the favor and cultivating the tradition for the next generation of ravers.”
Being a part of my soul family, Sage was committed to serving Backwoods in any way I needed them. However, when the ADA Manager position opened, my gut knew that this is where they needed to be. But honestly, I didn’t know how qualified Sage really was.
Being Sage’s friend, I knew that Sage lost their hearing in their right ear 10 years ago. Considering the personal experience of adapting to the world with a disability and through a healer’s empathy, I knew instinctively that Sage would be amazing at bridging that gap for others.
This is what I didn’t know. When chatting about my open positions, I asked “Besides having empathy for the population through your own experience, do you actually feel qualified to play this role?”
Surprisingly, Sage responded, “I spent many years managing home remodel projects that specialized in disability modifications. I worked through a contracting company to construct and install wheelchair ramps, install safety grab bars and complete full-scale bathroom remodels according to ADA requirements.”
So, although this is Sage’s first time as an event ADA Manger, I have complete confidence in their ability to assess the needs of our attendees, determine the necessary accommodations, manage the implementation of those modifications, and to communicate clearly, effectively and compassionately with those who need the service.
If you or anyone in your crew need ADA accommodations, please fill out this survey ASAP. Sage needs to know about you, your needs, and what tools we can provide to help you have an amazing Backwoods experience.
Remember this name and face. Sage will be on site and most often found at the merch booth. Should you need Sage’s assistance on location and they aren’t at the merch booth, they are only a radio message away.
When I asked Sage, “Do you have anything you’d like to communicate to those you will be serving at Backwoods?’ Sage replied, “I am here to help! I consider myself optimistic and approachable, so please reach out for individual questions or accommodation requests. I can be contacted by email at sage.the.peeples@gmail.com - I look forward to spreading love and light with you on the mountain!”
One more name and face I want to introduce is our VIP Concierge, Angie Daniel.
I met Angie in the DFW music scene. We were a part of the same extended festi-family for about a decade before our paths ever crossed. She, too, fell in love with Mulberry Mountain at Wakarusa and has felt called to be of service there ever since.
Her first festival, however, was Coalessense Fest 2008 in Eureka, AR. When reminiscing about her experience, she shared,
“I’ll never forget those first moments I had when several strangers helped my friend and me carry our ridiculous amount of camping gear deep into the primitive camping area known as ‘The Trippy Forrest’! These remarkable humans helped us set up our whole camp, fed us and partied with us long into the morning! I was so moved by the love and sense of community that remained palpable throughout the entire festival. Everyone had been drawn together to see some of the most talented musicians, incredible artists, and brilliant minds in the world, and it was through that special bond with others that I fell in love with music festivals. I would spend the next few years meeting many amazing individuals, seeing some phenomenal lineups, and exploring my festie-love affair, but it was at Backwoods 2021 that the magic of Mulberry Mountain I’d experienced over a decade prior would once again change my life forever! The group of individuals with whom I connected with at Backwoods would help me renew my passion for music festivals and rediscover the part of me that I feel most comfortable with. The special bond that brought us together lives on in 2023 and they will continue to be ‘my people’ until the end of time.”
Angie and I are new friends. I don’t feel as versed in her story, so I’ll let her speak for herself.
“I am an advocate for others,” she shared. “Whether it's for my children, my friends or someone seeking a voice. I will ask the hard questions and push past my comfort zone to help others be seen or heard. I am naturally personable and my free spirit and motivational nature makes those around me feel supported. I am a trusted advisor to many and a dedicated woman of action who takes pride in finding positive solutions. I love with my whole heart, and I strive to show gratitude in all things!”
What I know through watching her is that she takes care of her people and she’s responsible. Not everyone has the ability to stay sober when their friends are going hard. I’ve witnessed her be the designated driver for her crew, and having the capacity to be at a party and not get lost in the party is a rare quality that I need my team members to possess.
As positions opened and I presented Angie with the different job possibilities, she stated, “I feel like the role of VIP Concierge was made for me!”
“With several years of experience as an Event Coordinator for a wedding venue, I have seen firsthand how my talents in multi-tasking, creative problem solving, and strategic foresight can be used to save the day and ensure that events run smoothly. My inner girl scout takes pride in thinking ahead and living by the motto ‘Be Prepared.’ It takes a special kind of person to keep everyone on schedule and in good spirits while rolling with the punches to ensure that someone’s big day or event goes according to plan. I have proven time and time again that staying calm and collected under pressure can make all the difference in creating a positive outcome for those who are depending on you.”
And that is the exact attitude and energy we need to ensure our VIP get what they paid for.
Angie will be reaching out to those that purchased the Ultimate VIP (UVIP) Backstage Experience within the next few weeks. Although I’ve already reserved your golf carts and RV’s, Angie is going to double check all my plans to ensure we’ve solidified the proper facilities for each individual party. Expect to hear from her via email.
If you purchased a UVIP package, save her email in your contacts list now (adaniel4395@gmail.com). That way, her messages will land in your inbox and not your spam.
We are working with 1 individual who owns a slew of RVs. Angie will act as a liaison between our UVIP and our provider before and during the event to ensure the best experience is had by all.
After Angie connects with our UVIP, she will also reach out to everyone who purchased VIP tickets. Within her email, she’ll share her cell number. Please save it. She is your go-to on site should you need anything. However, if your cell service isn’t working, you can always find her or one of her team members at the VIP tent.
The VIP tent will be found along the street between VIP camping and the upgraded RV camping area. It will be staffed from 8am - 10 pm daily. Should you need any assistance or need to catch a festi-cab, this is your go-to place.
Alright, fam. That’s enough for now.
May the darkness of winter provide the necessary nourishment we all need to bloom into our best selves this spring.
It will be 4/20 before we know it!
Your Event Director and Festival Fairy Godmother,
Aubrey Warren
A Letter from the Director: 2023 Workshops & Instructors
Dear Backwoods Family,
Can you believe 2022 is almost over? The New Year will be here and we’ll all be reunited on the mountain before we know it.
Speaking of New Years, I want you to know that if you have any intentions, resolutions or goals to become a more conscious and healthy human in 2023, we’re providing tools at Backwoods 2023 to help you stay on track (or get back on track if you fall off between the New Year and 4/20).
I know you already know about the kick-ass lineup we have in store for you, but are you aware of the mind-body-spirit activations available as well?
The majority of yoga-type events and retreats cost about $100 per day. Your 3-day GA Backwoods ticket (current price is $159) equates to $53 per day!
Not only do you have amazing music and art to enjoy, but you have the option to be nourished by retreat-quality classes and workshops. It’s my goal to provide a workshop schedule that’s worth the cost of your festival ticket even if there wasn’t any music. So, no matter your flow, jam, or vibe, we have something to fill your cup, expand your mind, elevate your soul, and amp your vibe.
So, although the majority of my time recently has been devoted to planning all of our festival infrastructure (like acquiring fencing, porta-potties, RV’s, golf carts, and all the non-sexy stuff it takes to run an event), I’ve been able to complete my workshop schedule as well.
If you joined us in 2019 and/or 2021, you’ll recognize the names and faces on our schedule. Each instructor has served on the Backwoods Workshop team previously, and I’m excited to showcase such awesome humans!
We’ll have workshops Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Although I’m teaching several classes on the schedule, let me start by introducing my team.
Thai Yoga Partner Massage Instructor, Christina Duncan
Our workshops begin daily with Thai Yoga Partner Massage at 9am led by Christina Duncan.
Although Christina’s first love is performing, she also loves teaching many different formats in the mind-body world. After starting her Thai Massage certification a few years ago, she was excited for the opportunity to join the Backwoods 2021 team. People loved her classes, so why not invite her back this year?
Christina is the owner of Wichita's premier aerial and flow arts studio, Flow Foundry. She has been performing and teaching for over 20 years. Her modalities include flow, fire, aerial, yoga, SUP and Thai Massage. Christina’s electrifying energy invites your body and spirit to step outside of your comfort zone and into the place where magic happens.
This workshop will guide you through a simple but therapeutic flow to bring healing energy to your partner while you tap into your own meditative state from the ancient healing art of Thai Massage.
Laughter Yoga Instructor, Mackenzie Smith
Tap into your silliness in Laughter Yoga at 10am, led by Mackenzie Smith.
Mackenzie is a laughter enthusiast and an all around yogi. Her goal is to bring people closer to themselves and each other through the art of authenticity and exploration.
Mackenzie was trained by our original (2019) laughter yoga teacher, Michael Murphy. Michael’s classes were our most popular in 2019, thus I didn’t hesitate to invite him back for 2021. Although Michael’s life took him in a direction that didn’t allow his return to Mulberry Mountain, he was excited to introduce me to his protégé.
Mackenzie proved herself to be a valuable addition to the team, and has revealed herself to me personally as someone deeply entrenched in festival culture. After running into her randomly at several events since working together in 2021, I realized how passionate she is about spreading goodness throughout our community.
Laughter Yoga is hilariously simple. Breath is essential to life, and laughter is a potent breathing ‘technique’ that everyone has experienced before. Using laughter to heal, laughter yoga implements childlike games and silliness exercises to stimulate forced laughter, which creates genuine deep-belly joy-inspiring giggles when paired with interpersonal eye contact.
Laughter Yoga was created by a medical doctor as an accessible yogic breath work practice, stimulating the vagus nerve, cycling oxygen deep into the lungs, and offering a connection-building activity for all involved. No experience is needed to join, and we ask all participants to arrive without judgment and willing to make eye-contact.
Hoop & Poi Instructor, Lee Jeffries
Find your flow in Hoop Dance at 1pm and/or Poi at 2pm, led by Lee Jeffries.
Lee Jeffries is a southeastern based performance artist that has been specializing in a fusion of dance and hooping for over a decade. He began learning multiple props under the direction of the team at Arkansas Circus Arts in Little Rock. Since then, Lee has had the wonderful opportunity to work with such companies as Facebook, Rowdy Mermaid, and Lumia Dance Company in varying capacities from performer, instructor, and choreographer.
Lee strides to cultivate community and collaboration amongst those who cross his path, and encourage all to express and share their perspective through movement!
Lee taught alongside our long-time regular hoop instructor, Katie Sunshine in 2019, but was unable to return to Backwoods 2021 because his body was healing from a recent surgery. Although I promised Katie Sunshine a resident hoop-spot as long as I’m with Backwoods, she had a personal scheduling conflict that’s keeping her from the mountain this year. So, I knew I had big shoes to fill. I also knew I needed to find another flow instructor, as hoop is Katie’s only prop, and the main feedback I’ve gotten from our community over the past few years in regards to future workshop offerings - MORE FLOW CLASSES!
So, I was overjoyed when Lee reached out to me asking if his talents could be of service this year. Being a versatile flow instructor he’s excited to fill Katie’s shoes and add something new of his own to our schedule. This will be our first year to offer poi classes at Backwoods. Ask and you shall receive!
Yoga Electrified by Yawei Instructor, Aubrey Warren
Get grounded in your body, flow, stretch, and vibe out in Yoga Electrified by Yawei at Noon, led by me, Aubrey Warren.
I am an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and Certified Yoga Education Provider with over 25 years of teaching experience.
Yoga Electrified is a mixed-level vinyasa-style yoga class to kick-ass music. Different postures and movement meditations are used to help students move stagnant, negative energies out of the body to experience greater levels of joy. Music is used intentionally to aid in the facilitation of this process. Classes will be more gentle and stretchy as the festival progresses.
Typically I curate a playlist full of artists on the lineup. However, this year I decided to take Yoga Electrified to the next level by adding a live DJ.
Yoga Electrified DJ, Yawei
Yawei is a multi-media BIPOC artist with a bold new vibe coming out of Austin, TX. Delicately weaving multiple genres into unforgettable alchemical dance experiences, Yawei creates organic, tribal, sensual, worldly musical mantras punctuated by deep, shamanic bass beats that speak to our primal, expansive, highest selves.
Check her out on Soundcloud.
Guided Meditation + Sound Bath Instructor, Aubrey Warren
Find your Zen during the Guided Meditation + Sound Bath at 1pm, led by me again.
Receive an energetic massage for your soul and central nervous system as you're guided deep into a relaxed meditative state. These quartz crystal singing bowls attuned to the chakras will have you melting into your mat.
I literally had someone fall asleep last year, and we had to wake him up so we could start the next class. So, if you need to find ease in your mind or body and don’t have the energy for yoga, please allow the good vibes of the enviornment to bring you solace.
I’m excited that I not only get to share my love of mind-body practices with the Backwoods community this year, but I also get to share my passion for philosophy.
I’m not just a yoga teacher, I’m a yogi, which means I practice something called svadhyaya. Svadhayaya is a Sanskrit word that means “self study.” So, as I have gotten to know myself better, I have learned some life-changing philosophies and have developed tools and practices that have aided in my evolution, consciousness, and inner peace.
Join me every afternoon for a different Philosophy Class at 3pm.
Friday is Embodied Time Management: The Empowered Female Flow.
I don’t know if the other ladies in the Backwoods community have struggled with their menstrual cycles as much as I have. It used to be a huge area of grief, frustration, pain, and it strained my personal relationships. So sisters of the tribe, if you resonate with my experience, let me share with you what I’ve learned.
It’s possible to become empowered by your period. Learn how to harness your weekly superpowers by becoming more mindful and in tune with your menstrual cycle. Learn how to schedule your to-do list and get more done while improving your personal relationships.
If you haven’t ventured down this path yet, trust me, it’s going to blow your mind!
Saturday is Shadow Work 101.
Change unwanted behavior patterns through depersonalizing your programming. Your personality and psyche are composed of a combination of archetypal patterns. An archetype is an unconscious program of human behavior. Each archetype has "light" and "shadow" qualities. Your shadow is simply the pieces of you that you haven't gotten to know yet.
Learn the four primary "survival archetypes" that all humans have in common and their unique voices (recurring tapes they play in your head). Learning the languages and lessons of your survival archetypes enable you to identify which fragment of your shadow is in control and when. This awareness aids in your evolution and empowerment.
Sunday is Sex Magic, and my king, Jacob Warren, will help me lead the class.
Sex Magic Teachers, Aubrey & Jacob Warren
Take your intimacy to the next level. Sacred sexuality is a spiritual path that turns sex into a spiritual practice. This workshop focuses on the lineage of Egyptian sex magic and inner alchemy.
Learn the philosophy and some physical practices to help jump-start your journey (no nudity or sex will be involved during the workshop).
Jacob and I have been married for 19 years, have 2 teenage boys, and have been on a spiritual journey together since the day we met. Before having children, we made a pilgrimage to Egypt that changed our lives forever. I have studied with a tantra kundalini master and guru of the (mystical and underground) Shaktipat sect for the past five years. My relationship with my teacher guided me into turning all aspects of my life into a spiritual practice. As a tantrika, I started bringing meditative practices into the bedroom with Jacob and eventually started exploring Egyptian sex magic.
So, if you’re a dedicated yogi or if you’re simply curious to learn more and be a fly on the wall, wander over to the circus tent. We’ll be in the woods between VIP camping and the second (EDM) stage.
All of our classes are appropriate for all skill levels. No experience is necessary. Just bring your yoga mat, water, and a journal to take notes in the philosophy classes.
Inside the Goddess Awakening Temple
However, if you party until sunrise and sleep through everything I just mentioned, know that the Goddess Awakening temple will be next door and will host a few classes each day after the official workshop schedule ends. From arts and crafts and journaling exercises to quiet contemplation - Goddess Awakening is a safe space for healing, connection, and harm reduction.
They focus on gender equality and empowerment and create a judgment-free environment for all humans. They are allies and supporters of BIPOC and the LGBTQ+ communities as well.
Staff members will be available 24/7 should you ever need a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or someone’s presence to behold your processing.
So, if you haven’t gotten your Backwoods ticket yet, whatcha waiting for?
Don’t forget, if you purchase your ticket between now and the end of the year, we’re going to gift you a ticket to the late night acoustic set and TACO PARTY with String Cheese Incident.
And lastly, have you heard about our art contest?
We would love you to design our 2023 official lineup tee. Learn more here. Deadline for submission is February 15th. I’m so excited to see what you come up with.
That’s all I’ve got for now.
May you and yours have a peaceful, healthy and joyous holiday season, and may we all lean into 2023 with courage, curiosity, and wonder.
Your Event Director & Festival Fairy Godmother,
Aubrey Warren :)
A Letter from the Director: Introductions & Announcements
Dear Backwoods Family,
Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Aubrey Warren, and I’m your new Event Director. I’ve been with Backwoods since we stepped foot onto Mulberry Mountain in 2018. Until now, I’ve been serving as your resident yoga teacher and workshop coordinator.
I’m the mom of two teenage boys, and I met their dad (my husband and best friend) over twenty years ago at a rave post-party. We stopped raving for a few years when the boys were babies, but then the festival gods started whispering in our ears and the forest fairies started pulling us here. Our first camping music festival was on Mulberry Mountain in 2012, and that’s when our love-affair with this venue began.
During that magical weekend, we let go of all the roles that life demands and remembered just how much we love getting lost in the music together. We’ve prioritized attending music festivals annually ever since then as a form of marriage therapy.
My degree and early work experience were in the entertainment industry. I had some health issues that led me to yoga in my early 20s, and I ended up falling into the wellness business by default. After teaching yoga for fifteen years, my first festival-teaching gig fell in my lap and the Festival Fairy Godmother was born.
I planned to pursue this sort of position after our boys left the nest. However, our Backwoods Executive Producers thought it needed to be sooner than later. As they felt the need for the Backwoods leadership to evolve and grow, they surveyed their options and decided to extend the opportunity to me. So, I’m surprised and grateful to be here at this point in the game. Do I have room to learn and grow? Absolutely. Am I ready to rise to the challenge? Hell yes!
I believe deeply in the importance of gathering in community. Studies show that healing is more profound when witnessed by another. And I think we all can admit that we have some healing to do as a society. We have experienced more collective grief in the past three years than the total of which I’ve experienced in my lifetime. COVID-19 brought to our attention just how bad we need each other, as loneliness surfaced as a new and rampant killer in our culture. Science has revealed that feeling isolated from others can disrupt sleep, raise blood pressure, lower immunity, increase depression, lower overall subjective well being and increase the stress hormone cortisol (at sustained high levels, cortisol gradually wears your body down). Thus, what better way to heal ourselves and our world than through prioritizing COLLECTIVE JOY
Maybe we’ve met before. Maybe we haven’t. Regardless, I’m so happy you’re here. I promise to sprinkle my fairy dust all over Mulberry Mountain and make Backwoods 2023 the best yet.
I assume you’ve seen our lineup by now. But just in case you haven’t, let me tell you about what we have in store for you this year.
Join us April 20th through April 23rd, 2023 on Mulberry Mountain in Ozark, Arkansas.
This marks the 15th year anniversary for the event and the 12th festival to date. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend over the course of four days. Expect to experience over 150 artists (both visual and musical), 80 vendors, daily workshops, an open-hearted community, and all-around good vibes.
Our initial lineup announcement includes headliners Big Gigantic, The Floozies, Lettuce, and two sets of The String Cheese Incident as well as many other top national touring acts.
Other artists on the bill include EDM and bass heavy Apashe, Of The Trees, Dirt Monkey, Boogie T and the up-and-comer Zingara as well as psychedelic jam and funk from the likes of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Papadosio, Keller Williams, and Boogie T.rio. More than 36 major acts have been announced.
Those attendees who purchased tickets after String Cheese was announced last year, and prior to their cancellation in 2021, will receive free tickets to a Late-Night Acoustic Taco Party with the band if they have tickets for this year’s festival, while other attendees this year will be offered the additional intimate experience with the band for a nominal fee if they choose to attend. The acoustic jam session will constitute a third performance essentially for The String Cheese Incident, as they plan to perform two headlining sets on the main stage Saturday.
To those of you who are curious: Yes, I am still your resident yogi. I’m not ready to let that go yet. So please, come take one of my classes and introduce yourself. I would love to hear about your experience, learn your name and feel your vibe. My wizard husband will be the workshop stage manager and ensuring the positive energy flows abundantly when my attention is needed elsewhere. I’m bringing back my Thai yoga and Laughter yoga teachers, however I'd love to add some flow classes to the schedule.
If you are an experienced instructor, please apply.
All of our applications are live. Vendors, live painters, artists who do installations, performers, DJs, bands - we have spaces to fill. Combing through the offerings and talent throughout this community is a lot of work and awe-inspiring simultaneously.
To all the rave kids and festi-family Jacob and I have acquired over the years: please prioritize Backwoods on your 2023 party agenda. I’m trusting YOU to be my eyes and ears on the ground. Should you see any dropped balls or gaps in how we’re taking care of our people, I’m giving you permission to text me during the event and let me know what’s up. You know my heart and you know how important it is to me for us to kill it this year. It takes a village, and we all have our parts to play. Thank you in advance!
FYI: since announcing our initial lineup, tickets are going fast. Get yours before prices increase and limited ticket options are sold out.
Although we’re proud of the work we’ve done, there’s still a lot to do. As more plans get ironed out, I’ll let you know. Stay tuned. I can’t wait to see you on the mountain.
All my love,
Aubrey Warren
Event Director
Backwoods 2021 Vendor Spotlight: Gouda Boys
From The Gouda Boys:
"Gouda Boys. The bad boys of tour return. New England attitude meets comfort classics. Born on Dead and Phish Lot, and the originators of the mac & cheese sandwich and the infamous egg roll slugs. Stuffed with mac & cheese and a variety of BBQ meats. Love us or hate us. We are the chaos. Come see what all the fuss is about. Much love."
Follow The Gouda Boys:
Get Ready for Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2021
Backwoods 2021 is just around the corner! Please read below for important information about attending the festival:
Only PromoTix tickets will be accepted at the front gate. If you purchased your tickets on Eventbrite and you have NOT received your re-issued tickets through PromoTix, please request your tickets be resent here.
In order to attend the festival on Thursday (8/26) you must have a Thursday Arrival Add On Pass.Gates open at 2:00 PM CDT on Thursday.
Full weekend GA, Shade, and VIP tickets provide entry to the festival on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Gates open at 8:00 AM CDT on all three days.
Friday day-passes are NOT available. Saturday and Sunday passes are available, and Sunday day-passes are also available. All passes include camping and provide entry from the time you show up until the end of the festival.
A Car Pass is required for all cars brought onto the property.
An RV pass is required for all RV's brought onto the property. Backwoods considers an RV any recreational vehicle or trailer designed for sleeping, including but not limited to: vans over 16 passengers, buses, tow-behinds, pop up campers, and trailers.
In order to check you in, our staff will scan the barcode on your ticket. Please wear your masks when interacting with festival staff, and stay in your car unless instructed otherwise - even if you are picking up your ticket at will call. The name shown on your ticket will not matter. If you do not have your ticket, we can only look you up with a matching ID.
You will be screened with CDC questions and temperature checks upon arrival. If you fail, you must show a negative COVID-19 test result. If you cannot present a negative COVID-19 test result, rapid tests can be taken in Ozark or Fayetteville nearby. If you are feeling sick, please stay home!
DUE TO COVID-19, RE-ENTRY IS NOT PERMITTED THIS YEAR. Once you arrive, you will not be able to leave and return to the event.
We'll see you on the mountain!
For last minute tickets to Backwoods, click here.
The Official Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain Mobile App is Here!
Download the official Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain mobile app today for early access to official set times, the festival map, and more.
iOS Download: https://bit.ly/bw-mobile-app-ios
Android Download: https://bit.ly/bw-mobile-app-android
Still need tickets to Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2021? Click here.
Meet Your Workshop Instructors for Backwoods 2021! 🧘♀️
Yesterday, we released the complete workshop & yoga schedule for Backwoods 2021. If you haven't checked it out yet, click here! 👈
Also, haven't purchased tickets to Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain yet? Click here 👈
Meet Your Workshop Instructors
Arkansas Acro Yoga
Class: Acro Yoga
Scott and Hannah Forbush are two of the founders of Arkansas AcroYoga. They have been teaching for 6 years. They are certified instructors through Acro Revolution and teach and perform with Arkansas Circus Arts. They did acro on their first date 7 years ago and it has been a foundational part of their relationship ever since. They love sharing with others the joy, playfulness, trust and team building that acroyoga brings. When not on their mats, Scott runs a coffee shop and Hannah teaches music lessons and paints pottery. They have two beautiful children who can’t stop moving, just like their parents.
"We’re excited to get to be back in the festival scene and to provide an outlet for movement and play in a fun and relaxed environment."
Christina Duncan
Class: Thai Yoga Partner Massage
Christina Duncan is the owner of Wichita's premier aerial and flow arts studio, Flow Foundry. She has been performing for over 20 years in many modalities including flow, fire and aerial and is certified to teach Aerial, Yoga, Yin, SUP and working towards completing Thai Massage certification. Christina’s electrifying energy invites your body and spirit to step outside of your comfort zone and into the place where magic happens.
"I am excited to attend Backwoods because I missed the opportunities when it was in Oklahoma but I have a personal connection to Mulberry Mountain from my many happy and challenging Wakarusas including the untimely last one. I am so grateful to connect with the mountain and all its people again!"
Mackenzie Smith
Class: Laughter Yoga
Mackenzie is a laughter enthusiast and an all around yogi. Hee goal is to bring people closer to themselves and each other through the art of authenticity and exploration.
"I am so excited to be behind the scenes in a community that I already love so dearly. This will be a great step towards being a part of the creation of environments where people can come to be free, connect, and grow."
Katie Sunshine
Class: Hoop Dance
Katie Sunshine was first inspired to pick up a hoop in 2008 after being introduced to hooping at a music festival in Ozark, Arkansas. What started as a hobby turned into a profession when one of her hoop videos went viral on YouTube. Since then, she's racked up more than 16 million Youtube views, hooped for commercials and music videos, and taught workshops all over the country.
"Backwoods is such an exciting gathering of artists, creatives, and beautiful souls in general. I'm just happy to be part of the magic that happens on Mulberry Mountain!"
Aubrey Warren
Classes: Guided Meditation + Sound Bath, Yoga Electrified
Aubrey Warren, your Festival Fairy Godmother, has been married to Jacob since 200, and they have been attending music festivals together since the beginning of their relationship. They live in Fort Worth, Texas, and stay busy raising their two boys. Aubrey is a Yoga Instructor, Certified Yoga Education Provider, Conscious Dance DJ & Facilitator, and an Ordained Minister with the Church of Spiritual Humanism. Although she's been teaching for over twenty years, her career started in TV commercial casting. Her unique skill set makes Aubrey the ideal Backwoods Workshop Coordinator, and she's excited to serve our community again in this role.
"Jacob and I found great healing and solace at Wakarusa (on Mulberry Mountain), when we were in a dark pace in our marriage. This venue has a special place in our hearts and we feel called to serve this community that's given us so much! When Backwoods took over the venue, we knew we had to be a part of it! I taught yoga at Backwoods 2018, and it was awesome. I was overjoyed to have the privilege to coordinate our 2019 Lineup, and I can't wait to share with you everything we have in store for 2021! I'm proud to work alongside such amazing instructors and even more proud to work for such big-hearted producers committed to bring us the best event possible! This year is going to be EPIC!"