B.E. EASY FESTIVAL

Published on January 11th, 2015

B.E. EASY FESTIVAL

It is unfortunate that many times great events and causes come to be after tragedy. Such is the case of the B.e. Easy Music and Arts Fest. In 2011, after becoming addicted following hip-replacement surgery, 23 year old Ben Evans passed from a prescription drug overdose. Since, his parents and brother have honored the music and arts lover with a festival that captures the aspects of his brief life that brought him the most joy. Now in its third year, the festival continues its goal of becoming fully funded through donations and sponsorships so that the charitable beneficiary of the event, the B.e. Easy Scholarship Fund benefits from all monies raised.

The scholarship’s motto is “Open dialogue saves lives” and the fund has labored to help individuals and families struggling with addiction by providing financial assistance and contact information to those who want help. Part of their approach is the advocacy for open dialogue amongst friends and family of those dealing with addiction. This seemingly insurmountable struggle is at the heart of their mission since they “are hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t in some way been affected by addiction or mental health issues” as stated on their website.

This year’s event will feature Nahko and Medicine for the People, Cope, The Resolvers, Ancient Sun, The Funky Nuggets, Sawgrass Express and Unlimited Devotion. The B.E. Easy Clam Jam will be comprised of Stinky Pockets/Funkin’ Grateful’s guitarist Billy Gilmore, Cope’s multi-instrumentalist Juanjamon, Ancient Sun’s guitarist Rick Krasowski, former Funky Nugget Nico Swarley and Lucky Costello’s drummer Adam McWilliams; guaranteeing a musician’s style jam incorporating the eclectic takes on funk, reggae and Dead-influenced music this ad hoc army brings to the stage.

The festival, aside from offering a variety of vendors and food and drink choices, also hosts workshops from varied enterprises like Florida Flow Fest. Artists, an integral part of the festival circuit that Ben enjoyed, will also be featured. This group which includes Dillon Endico, Pat Anglin and Emily Holtzheuser will help keep the proceedings lively since this great cause, borne out of the Evan’s tragic loss, is a celebration of life and a testament to the human spirit’s intrinsic nobility in the face of hardship.