It's that time of year again. As the summer heat breaks and the days grow shorter so draws near my absolute favorite festival of the year, Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival. Next weekend November 12-14, funk, jam and electronic enthusiasts from across the nation will embark in route to the Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida for the fourth annual Bear Creek Music Festival.

It's hard to believe it's been nearly a half decade since the first ever Bear Creek took place. Four years later, seemingly through word of mouth paired with unconditional support from the jam loving, interconnected Florida scenes, the little festival that could is all grown up and playing in the big leagues. This year' line up is bigger then ever before with over 70 acts on six stages throughout the weekend. Mega headliners moe. and Umphrey's Mcgee grace this year's bill. As well as Bear Creek staples Dumpstaphunk, Lettuce, The Everyone Orchestra, New Mastersounds and so many more.

Weather you're a festival veteran or green to the scene, one thing is certain. Bear Creek is all around one of the best festivals in the country, hands down. Here's why...

The Spirit of the Suwanee is an undeniable force that can not be explained unless you've experienced it, and every southerner should do so at some point in their lives. The mid November weather in Florida provides the perfect atmosphere for a weekend of camping. Typically cool and sunny during the day with temperatures in the 50's and 60's at night. Bring enough warm clothes and blankets to stay warm, and don't forget the firewood as Suwanee is one of the few festival grounds that allows camp fires.

Also undeniable is the comradely and vibe of the festival as a whole. Having been born and raised in Florida I am a firm believer in Southern hospitality. We may talk slow and with funny accents down here but at least we are kind to one another; Bear Creek is a perfect example of this. No flat bill cap wearing savage hippie is going to mow you over to get closer to the stage at Suwanee Music park. The Spirit of the Suwanee simply would not permit it. In fact veterans of the music park know that the respect runs so deep that you are supposed to leave an offering at your campsite for it's next inhabitant. A bundle of firewood, some fruit, just some little token of peace for the Suwanee Gods.

On a clear night the stars in the sky seem never ending and all perfectly visible from your camp site. There's no city lights or hustle and bustle, and if you were raised in Florida chances are you can't walk five feet without recognizing a friendly smiling face. There is simply no other festival out there of its kind.

The fourth annual Bear Creek is set for November 12-14 in Live Oak, Florida with pre-parties on the 10th and 11th for an extra $50 a pop. For the entire lineup and more info on Bear creek including tickets, what items are permitted, directions and contact info check out http://www.bearcreekmusicfestival.com

With the overwhelming amount of acts gracing this year's bill choosing which bands to see can be difficult. As always, headliners and Bear Creek staples are going to be popular choices. However, if you're interested in catching some seriously worthwhile bands that are still under the radar, here is a hand full of acts definitely worth checking out. Have a wonderful, safe and memorable weekend fellow Bear Creekers; keep that Spirit of the Suwanee alive.

Zoogma

This young up and coming band out of Oxford, Mississippi has been igniting dance floors across the country over the last year. With an over abundance of live electronic acts coming onto the scene right now it is tough to stand out but Zoogma has managed to do just that.

Combining the live improvisation of a five piece band along with carefully crafted beats and melodic textures, Zoogma has their sound down to a science. It retains the grittiness of rock and roll, yet is layered with the right amount of beets to serve up one hell of a dance party. Paired with their impressive light rig, a Zoogma show is a Hell of a good time. Zoogma kicks off the festival with two sets on Wednesday and Thursday night on the Full Sail Stage.

The Malah

This Bear Creek staple from Greensville, SC is one of the few bands who have graced the Bear Creek lineup every year. The theme of the music lies in the name for this hard working trio, and melodic is the feeling that encompasses the crowd during their impressive live shows. A Malah set will take you on a journey from beginning to end, with carefully constructed arrangements as well as improvisational jams.

The band plays with an utmost stage presence and you won't find any egotistical battles for the spot light. On point and tight nit, The Malah will not be under the radar for long. They're playing the Campground Stage from 9-10:45 on Friday night. If you've never seen this SC trio, I highly recommend checking them out.

Papadosio

This five piece live electronic act from Ashville, NC has been blowing up the West coast scene for quite some time with their electro grooves and flawless improvised jams. Having been in the market for a few years now the South is finally starting to catch on.

The band was just recently voted on to Jamcruise 2010, solidifying their success in an over saturated jam scene. Hard work, constant touring and their Zen like approach to music has put Papadosio, referred to as "Dosio" by their loving fans, on the map. Papadosio is set to play the Campground Stage from 6:45 - 8:30 on Friday.

Cope

Tampa's beloved Cope has been furiously gaining recognition over the last year by hitting the festival scene with a vengeance. Having been on the scene for quite some time, the band has gained a loyal following in the Bay area and beyond with their down home rock/blues jams and get-down worthy live shows.

You may have caught the band at any number of Florida festivals including Blackwater Festival, Orange Blossom Jamboree, Aura Music Festival and Big-N-Heart Music Festival. The band has seriously stepped it up in recent months and are sounding tighter then ever before. Their latest release, Going Home, was a finalist for Leeway's Homegrown Music Network's album of the year.

Just good old fashioned tight nit rock infused with an endless array of other genres including roots, reggae, world, blues and even electronic. A Cope show is a down home, rootin-tootin good time. If you've never seen this South Florida band take a chance and go catch their set. You won't be disappointed. Cope plays the S.O.S Music Hall on Saturday night from 1-2:30 am.