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:
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!"
Introducing Backwoods' New VIP Concierge Host: Blake Sandridge
To purchase VIP Tickets, Upgraded Campsites, or Ultimate Backstage Experiences to Backwoods 2020, CLICK HERE.
Recently we caught up with Blake Sandridge, the first ever VIP Concierge Host at Backwoods! Adding Blake to our team is one of several new perks that we're adding to our VIP experience this year.
What's up Blake! How's it going?
I'm doing great! Thanks for asking 😊
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Of course. I've lived in Fayetteville for the last 15 years or so, and my first festival experience ever was on Mulberry Mountain back in 2013. That year I volunteered was a complete mud pit, and I decided to keep coming back because I guess I figured things could only get better from there! Since then, I've worked box office, financial management, and VIP roles at many music festivals.
What made you want to apply for the VIP Concierge Host Position at Backwoods?
Well, on top of it being right up my alley as far as my prior experience is concerned, I've been really impressed by Backwoods the past couple years they've been on Mulberry so I jumped at the opportunity to get involved. Every time my friends and I have been to Backwoods we've gone VIP and purchased upgraded campsites, so I'm very familiar with that experience - ways that it is very strong, and areas that I think it can be improved. I think it's really valuable to have a dedicated team on-site for VIP ticket holders, so I'm really happy that Backwoods decided to make that change this year and bring me on board.
What's your plan before the festival to make sure everyone is informed and updated?
We're about four months out from the festival, and I've already emailed every person who has either purchased a VIP ticket or an Upgraded Campsite. I'll be following that up with a phone call and a text message, so everyone will have multiple ways to reach me before they even arrive on the mountain. Loading everyone in quickly and smoothly can be a hectic undertaking, so most of my efforts pre-festival are aimed at eliminating those logistical issues as much as possible.
What are your team's duties?
As soon as you enter into the VIP area, there will be a tent set up with my team and we'll be there throughout the entire festival. We'll be available all weekend to answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and really take care of whatever else needs to be done for our VIP ticket holders. I know first hand - when you go to an event as a VIP, you either feel like you got what you paid for... or you feel like you don't know what you paid for. That's the essence of what my team is here to do. We're here to ensure that anyone who paid for an experience that's elevated receives an elevated experience.
How many team members will you have?
Right now it looks like there's going to be a team of four of us including myself.
What about Backwoods 2020 are you most excited about?
100% without a doubt the music lineup. It's absolutely incredible this year. Something I've always been impressed by is how diverse the music selection is at Backwoods, and after seeing the complete lineup it's clear that Backwoods is not messing around this year. Mulberry is home to other festivals, but I definitely see Backwoods as the spiritual successor to festivals I used to go to on Mulberry Mountain back in the day.
How many Backwoods have you been to?
My first Backwoods was in Oklahoma back in 2016, and I've attended every single one since then on Mulberry Mountain.
Any concerns for this year?
Nope. We are going to crush it!
Do you have any future plans and ideas to improve the VIP experience at Backwoods even more?
Oh yeah, lots of ideas. Assuming I get invited to come back, I have some goals for next year and the years after that to refine the experience even more.
Thanks Blake. See you on the mountain in a few months!
Hell yeah! Likewise - I'm looking forward to it.
Backwoods Street Team Member Spotlight: LeAnna Grace (Interview)
Tickets to Backwoods 2020 are on sale NOW! Click here to purchase 👈
LeAnna joined our street team in 2019, and in a short period of time she quickly became one of our top stars, selling over 60 tickets! We caught up with LeAnna to hear her story 😊
LeAnna! What's up?!
Hey!!!
Where are you from?
I'm originally from a little town in Wisconsin called Antigo. I moved to Arkansas a few years ago and I love it here.
Do you have a favorite band/artist?
Hmmm... that's a tie between Space Jesus and Ganja White Night.
How did you first hear about Backwoods, and what made you want to go?
I came across Backwoods on Instagram back when the festival was in Oklahoma, I was in Wisconsin at the time so I didn't really think much of it for awhile. When I moved to Arkansas several years later, I was thinking "what can I do here?" and that's when Backwoods popped up again! That was in 2018, and I got accepted as a volunteer.
What was your first year at Backwoods like?
Backwoods 2018 was amazing. The whole Backwoods community is fantastic... I went alone and I also wasn't even halfway prepared. It was raining really hard and one of the people I was volunteering with overheard me worrying about it - he left and came back with a tarp for me! His name was Chris.
Shout out Chris!
Haha yes for real! I don't remember his full name and I haven't seen him again after that.... isn't that crazy! It came in so handy.
Who was your favorite artist from Backwoods 2018?
Griz, 100%. I've been listening to Griz since high school but that was my first time ever seeing him live... him and Muzzy Bearr were unreal.
How did you first get involved promoting on the street team?
I saw that Backwoods was recruiting new street team members on Facebook. I filled out an application online and it was super easy to get started. I was really drawn to the idea of meeting new people and also going to Backwoods for free.
I guess the rest is history because you absolutely killed it! You sold over $10,000 worth of tickets this year. How was that experience?
It was so much fun. I already knew some people who were on the team who loved it so I felt like it was practically a no-brainer. Joining the team introduced me to a lot of new people and now we go to festivals together. It's definitely like a big family, and throughout the whole year you can't wait to see each other again at Backwoods.
Do you have any tips for people on the street team who are just starting out?
Being a part of a large group who is going to Backwoods is really helpful.... if one of your friends is on the fence, it's easier to convince them to go if they know they can hang out you and a bunch of other people. We always go as a large group, buy the Upgraded Campsites, and camp together. Also, telling your friends they can save $20-30 in fees and taxes by buying through you is super critical. When people hear that, they're like "holy crap... that's a day and a half of food!" That has helped me sell a ton of tickets 😋
What awards have you earned being a street team member for Backwoods?
For Backwoods 2019, I earned (3) GA Weekend Tickets for myself and two friends for free! I also raked in over $450 in commission from ticket sales. I've never been on a street team before that allowed you to earn multiple tickets plus commission money. It's been great.
Would you recommend the Backwoods street team to others?
Absolutely. I can't guarantee that they will beat me or Chase though 😊We're going hard for 2020.
If you could request one artist or band to play at Backwoods 2020, who would it be?
For DJ's... Ganja White Night or TroyBoi. For bands, I would have to say Wookiefoot!
Anything else you would like to say to your fam at Backwoods?!
Do the right thing and drink water 😂
Love it... thanks for sharing your story LeAnna.
Of course! I can't wait to see everyone again in 2020 💚
Want to Join the Backwoods Street Team?! Click here to Apply Today 👈
These Five Visual Performers From Backwoods Will Amaze You
Tickets to Backwoods 2020 are on sale NOW! Click here to purchase 👈
What makes Backwoods special isn't just the music, art, or the production: it's the people behind the scenes. Everything (and everyone) coming together is what makes the Backwoods experience spectacular. We're lucky to have some of the best visual performers in the game, so we felt like shedding some light on a few of them. These entertainers dazzle our crowds year after year without fail. You won't be disappointed!
1) The Dancing Bear Tribe
The Dancing Bear Tribe is a Performance Art Collective with a mission to inspire through movement, creativity, & authenticity. Originally based out of St. Louis, Missouri, DBT was established in 2016 and is currently made up of over 30 performing artists located all across the United States. The group provides a variety of workshops and performances. Their biggest passions include LED, fire, and aerial performances with a variety of different props. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or by visiting their website www.TheDancingBearTribe.com.
2) Inspyral Circus
Inspyral Circus creates unforgettable experiences for festival guests through larger than life costumed stilt dancers, choreographed LED performances, and sizzling fire shows. Visionary founders Kelsey & Jeremy Philo have spread joy through circus and flow arts since 2012. Based in Tulsa, OK, they perform at festivals and events across the country. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, or on their website www.InspyralCircus.com.
3) Honora
Honora HoneyK is a performer based in St. Louis, MO. She is active in The Fire Technicians, the first fire troupe from STL, and she is also one of the founding members of the Firechasers. As an experience creator, she will dazzle you with multiple hoops on fire, dancing on stilts, all while engaging the crowd around her. Find her on Facebook or Instagram.
4) Tazz
Tazz is a performer based out of Dallas Texas, but that doesn't mean that you will only find him there. Tazz has traveled all over the country this year performing with fire. His specialty is fire poi which he has been practicing for over six years. He works hard to build choreography and express emotions through his flow to take you on a journey until his flame runs out! You can find Tazz on Instagram.
5) Olivia Holt
Olivia Holt is an Arkansas native who discovered her love for performance art through the transformational experience of hoop dance. Olivia has been performing for over five years and has always had love for the music festival scene. She spread her wings to became a solo performer and ever since, things have completely taken off for her. Olivia is currently in graduate school getting her Master’s in Social Work, is 200HR yoga teacher certified, and is the Visual Arts Manager at Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain. Olivia loves to put a smile on people’s faces through performance, and incorporate all of her passions to help bring a little joy and sunshine to others.
We'll see you on the mountain June 4th-7th, 2020! 💚
Vendor Spotlight: Space Fruit Truck 👽🍊 (Interview)
The past two years, Space Fruit Truck has consistently been one of our most highly requested vendors. Curious to learn more, we reached out to Space Fruit Co-Founder Bri Schott to hear their story. It's an interesting one 😊
Hey Bri! Who makes up the Space Fruit team?
Yeah, hi! My business partner Kelvin and I own the business together. We have a few consistent employees and one trailer, so most of the time there's about 3-4 of us that run around. When we travel to a festival like Backwoods, we bring some friends and volunteers so there's usually around 5-6 of us.
What made you and Kelvin want to start the company?
Kelvin's father and his roommate from college invented the recipe for Space Fruit decades ago. They started a facility in Florida to start producing it a little over 3 years ago, and the whole idea was to supply kids in Florida public and charter schools with Space Fruit. That's something that we're still doing that to this day. Kelvin and I have a huge passion for music and the festival scene, so we thought it would be a cool idea to combine that love with this really unique product that we had access to. It really just started out as a fun concept that has since taken off.
That's amazing. So unless you are an elementary schooler or a festival attendee... you can't get Space Fruit anywhere else in the world?
That's right! There's actually only one machine in the world that is capable of doing what we do to our oranges, and it's located in Southern Central Florida. All of our oranges come right off the local farms, they are frozen at extremely low temperatures at our factory so when our customers get it the fruit is still really fresh and nutritious. If you haven't had Space Fruit before, you can think of it as a healthy fruit version of Dippin' Dots.
What does your menu look like?
You can order a bowl of Space Fruit as it is, or you can get it in a smoothie... we've gotten a great response from the smoothies since we started doing those. We're also experimenting with a new product called "Cosmic Cold Brew," which is coffee brewed with our frozen citrus... so stay tuned for that 😊
And the price typically?
Anywhere from $5 to $9! Depending on what you order.
When did you start touring music festivals?
When we started out, we really didn't have any idea how to get into the festival touring scene. We literally started out by handing out free samples at gas stations off the side of the road in Southern Florida. That was around three years ago, and around two years ago we began seriously traveling to festivals around the Country. This last year was our busiest year yet, so we're just hoping to keep the ball rolling and continue growing!
It's crazy that in only two years time you've been able to grow such a loyal fanbase. Why do you think people have become so attached to the brand?
It's really humbling because like I said, we started out literally begging people to try free samples at gas stations. It's hard to say, but I think being real with people, being open, and focusing on the community over the business agenda has been really important for us. Your customers can tell if you're honest, genuine, and if you care, so we try to be as authentic as possible. On top of that, having a unique product has helped us too. It took a lot of people saying "no, what the heck is that!" in order to get one or two people to say yes, but over time that is what's gotten us to where we are today. If Kelvin were here, he would agree that the free samples have been really crucial.
How would you describe the atmosphere at Backwoods?
We absolutely love it. Our first year was 2018. We got hit with a lot of rain that year, but that's partially what made us fall in love with the community. Seeing everyone smiling, and enjoying themselves through it all made us realize how amazing the Backwoods community is. Everyone is super friendly and full of good vibes, it's just like a big family. The festival is also a very eclectic: there's a wide variety of music, people, and art, so diversity is something that runs deep at Backwoods. There's a lot of curiosity and discovery and I think that fits well with our story and product.
Last question: is there anything else you would like to say to your friends at Backwoods?
Oh man, just thank you from all of us. It's so humbling and so rewarding to feel the love every year. We are so grateful for anyone who's even simply tried a free sample of Space Fruit. We hope to keep coming back with more fruit for people to enjoy.
We hope to see you again at Backwoods 2020!
Thanks so much! We can't wait to be back.
Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain is happening June 4-7, 2020 in Ozark, AR. Tickets are on sale now! Click here 👈
Everything You Need to Know About Volunteering at Backwoods
📸: Alyssa Schwalm
Interested in Volunteering?!
Our volunteers are an important part of our family, and they play a crucial role in making Backwoods an amazing experience every year! Volunteers attend the festival for free, make new friends and connections, and and learn valuable industry skills.
Volunteer Duties
On-site at Backwoods, our volunteers help out in almost every single one of our departments. Whether it's scanning tickets at the front gate, keeping the festival grounds clean, or manning our merch tent - there's a lot to learn volunteering at Backwoods!
Volunteers helped keep Mulberry Mountain clean at Backwoods 2019. 📸: Blake Hondermann.
Official Details
Volunteers must provide a Ticket Deposit, refunded after the festival.
Volunteers must provide a non-refundable Application Processing Fee.
All volunteers will be required to be on site by Wednesday at 12:00 noon for training.
Volunteers shall be required to work a minimum of 24 hours at the event in shifts of 6 hours per day over 4 days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Volunteers shall be 16 years of age or older and sign a Liability Release Waiver. For those under the age of 18, a parent or guardian of legal age must sign the Liability Release Waiver on the minor's behalf.
Where to Apply
If you would like to volunteer at Backwoods, we are accepting applications NOW! Please note that volunteer spots are limited and on a first come first serve basis. Applications close leading up to the festival, so get your application in today!
You can fill out an application online by clicking here.
We'll see you at Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain, in Ozark, AR 💚
Thank You.
From the entire staff at Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain, thank you. Looking back on this year's festival, we laughed, we cried, we danced, and so much more. It was a magical experience and we can not wait to see you all again next year! ☀️
Ride a Helicopter at Backwoods 2019! (Interview)
Recently we got to catch up with Chuck, who runs Tulsa County Helicopters in Tulsa, OK. Tulsa County Helicopters will be on-site at Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2019, giving people rides all weekend long!
Hey Chuck, how's it going?
I'm doing great! Getting ready for an amazing weekend at Backwoods. Yourself?
Same here! Tell us about your company Tulsa County Helicopters.
My buddy and I started Tulsa County Helicopters eleven years ago: we had just graduated flight school, and were were trying to find a way to continue flying. All we had was a rented helicopter, an E-Z up tent, and my pickup truck. We would drive around and offer helicopter rides at pretty much any large outdoor gathering we could find… since then, we’ve bought our own helicopter, and built a successful commercial business out of it. We fly every day from our home base of operations in Tulsa, but we still travel to outdoor festivals like Backwoods. That’s how we first got started, and we like to stay true to our roots.
How did your relationship with Backwoods start?
We first started offering our rides at Backwoods when the festival was in Stroud, OK. The problem was, there was not a whole lot to see out there besides the venue itself. We still had a great time out there regardless, but I was ecstatic when they moved the festival to Mulberry Mountain. You can't find any better views than on Mulberry - it’s seriously our favorite place to fly!
Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2019 is less than 2 weeks away! When will you be there?
We will be out there on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each day we’ll be flying from around noon until the sun sets.
How can people book a ride with you?
Well the process is about as simple and straightforward as you can get… all you have to do is show up at our tent! If you don’t know where that is, check the 2019 festival map. If there’s no line, we will get you right on-board. It’s first come first serve.
What's the best time to fly?
Well, everyone wants to get their ride in during sunset. It’s beautiful, but that’s also when the line starts to get really really long. If you really want to fly at that time, plan appropriately and show up early. Other than that, anytime when there is no line is the best time to fly!
Very good to know. How long are the rides typically?
The rides are six minutes long. That may seem pretty short, but what’s great about Mulberry Mountain is a six minute ride there is worth more than a thirty minute ride anywhere else. There’s so much natural beauty to see over there… as soon as we pick up and I clear the tree line, that’s when everybody gets their “aha” moment. When people are driving to the venue, it’s impossible to take in all of the beauty of the scenery. Once you take them above the tree line, it’s a whole different world. That’s when it really hits them.
Are the helicopter rides awesome?
Oh yeah, it’s a fantastic time. I usually play “welcome to the jungle” when I’m flying, so that should give you an idea of the mood. Not once in our eleven years of doing this have we ever had anyone say “I wish I hadn’t done that”. Sometimes it’s like a roller coaster ride, other times it’s peaceful. There are exciting parts to it, and there are tranquil parts to it. In six minutes, it covers just about every emotion you have.
How much will the rides be this year?
Rides are still $40 per person. There’s a small surcharge if you use a card, so I recommend paying in cash if you have it.
I’m sure people at Backwoods will want to go with their friends… how many people can go up in the helicopter at one time?
We can fit three passengers at a time!
Where can people find you on the internet?
Our website is www.tulsaheli.com, and we also have a Facebook page and a YouTube channel. At the festival, you can find us at our tent. (Again, if you don’t know where the tent is, check the 2019 festival map!)
We can’t wait! Thanks for taking the time. Anything else to add?
We’re looking forward to seeing everybody back on the mountain again! We’re ready to have a great time :)
Thanks to Chuck for doing this interview!
If you haven't gotten your tickets yet for Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2019, CLICK HERE 👉 http://bit.ly/backwoods-tix
Feast Your Eyes On The 2019 Shakedown Street Lineup! (Complete Vendor List)
We understand that at Backwoods, eating delicious food and finding unique souvenirs to cherish for years to come is an important part of the Backwoods experience. This year, we've gone completely over the top with our vendors… and we can't wait for you to to see for yourselves!
We've secured over 80 highly regarded, local and national vendors this year for our vendor area we've called "Shakedown Street": Everything from craft beer, to hydration packs, fruit pearls, to tacos... we've got you covered. You can even scoop up a hammock for your campsite to take naps in between sets 😴
Less than 3 weeks until Backwoods 2019!