Jon Walker often sneaks away from the camp to go fishing before anyone else wakes up. Even in the midst of a growing music festival, it provides some solace.
Later in the day, the nearby Mulberry River starts buzzing with the energy of float trips, and the stages start rocking with bands. The river and the music come together during the Highberry Music Festival, which returns to the Byrd's Adventure Center grounds on Thursday, continuing through the early morning hours of July 5.
FAQ
Highberry
WHEN — Thursday through July 5
WHERE — Byrd’s Adventure Center, Arkansas 215 near the Mulberry River
COST — Three-day passes are $90; two-day passes are $75
INFO — highberryfestival.c…
About 150 people attended the first event, a back yard party at Walker's house. It grew again in year two, and attendance has nearly doubled every year since. Walker, who with his colleagues in Deadhead Productions moved the event to Byrd's to accommodate larger crowds, says another doubling might occur in 2015. He anticipates as many as 4,000 people will make the journey to the riverside camping area for the annual event, which features headlining sets from Railroad Earth and Keller Williams.
But those aren't the only two names to know, Walker says. Last year, two nationally touring acts were brought to the festival, and the rest of the lineup was filled by local and regional acts. Twelve national bands make up this year's roster, including Ott, Earphunk and Random Rab. As always, there's a Grateful Dead connection, too. After all, his production company is called Deadhead Productions. This year, that tie is tribute act The Schwag, which tours the country calling itself the Grateful Dead experience.
Not only is the festival larger, and the talent better known, but Walker promises the fireworks show will be the largest yet.
Music typically runs from 1 p.m. until the wee hours of the next morning. In the morning hours, workshops on hula hooping, yoga and tie-dye occupy guests. There's also a children's area.
"It's a very upbeat, positive experience," Walker says.
Ironically, the actual Grateful Dead booked a series of farewell shows in Chicago the same weekend. Walker will miss the last hours of the festival while he makes the trip to see his favorite band perform at Soldier Field.
-- Kevin Kinder
kkinder@nwadg.com
NAN What's Up on 06/26/2015