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Wakarusa Music Festival Is A Favorite Among Artists

OZARK (KFSM) – Wakarusa 2015 brought more than 170 musical groups to Mulberry Mountain. Now in its 12th year, the music festival continues to grow, bringi...

OZARK (KFSM) - Wakarusa 2015 brought more than 170 musical groups to Mulberry Mountain. Now in its 12th year, the music festival continues to grow, bringing in new acts each year.

“It’s kind of marshy. We don't get things like this in England. It's very hot. We also don't get that in England,” Dave and Joe from Glass Animals said.

The indie rock band was trying to adjust to the weather, having just arrived in Arkansas one hour before being interviewed on Saturday afternoon. It was the group's first time in the Natural State, but chances are it won’t be the last. Many groups make it a point to perform at Wakarusa every year and some band members are always finding a new reason to return.

“We flew into Fayetteville and drove down to Fort Smith,” Raul Pacheco from Ozomatli said. “And we had the best barbecue we've ever had! It was Ralph’s Pink Flamingo. It was so good, and it was a nice welcome to Arkansas.”

“This is our fourth or fifth time playing at the Wakarusa Music Festival,” Ulises Bella from Ozomatli said. “It’s an amazing time, and it’s always great to come to this part of the country and share some music and vibes with people.”

They must be good vibes, because a handful of the performers say Wakarusa is their favorite festival.

“I’ve only played like five festivals, but it’s still at the top of my five,” ProbCause, one of the performers, said. “I just love the energy here in the Ozark Mountains and the way they put it together. They treat the artists right. So I'm just happy and proud to be part of the whole movement.”

It’s not just the artists who keep coming back for more.

“I’ve done it for the last three years, and it’s been great,” Robin Quigley said.

Quigley had the all-important job of safely transporting people from one area to another via shuttle bus. She said she didn’t have trouble with anyone. That’s the same report we got from Dustin Stone with Tulsa County Helicopters.

“People are so happy to be here. They're friendly and not a single problem,” Stone said.

That’s good news, considering the heightened level of danger. But, it’s hard not to be happy when you’re this high above the ground.

“As a pilot who's flown around all kinds of scenery, this doesn't get old. I love pointing out the waterfalls and the trails through the woods. It’s beautiful,” Stone said.

Some of the headliners this year were Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Young the Giant, the Roots, and Andy Frasco.

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