Get the funk out with this nearby music festival

Get the funk out!

As we too often read these days, “After a hiatus of nearly two years…” But the break is over this summer, and promoter Bob Backstrom sums it up, “We’re really excited for this year. People need this to put their funk on. We want everyone to come on down and jump in the river and listen to some great music.” Since 2014, Bob and his partner, Spencer Rouse, have been putting on the event in the form of the “For the Funk of It” summer music festival held at Belden Town in the Feather River Canyon.

It started in 2012 when Bob, Spencer, and some friends had a discussion about all the great music festivals in Northern California, but none that were dedicated to funk, a genre of music that has its origins in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Funk is listenable, danceable, and literally makes you want to get your funk on. It’s an irresistible sound that makes your body sway and your feet move.

Funk originated in the ‘60’s with the signature groove of James Brown. His unique style influenced many to follow, prime groups being Kool and the Gang, Sly and the Family Stone, the Ohio Players, and Parliament Funkadelic, to name a few. Funk has influenced hip hop and electronic dance music as well. Herbie Hancock played a jazz-funk style on his tremendously famous album Head Hunters, and other jazz bands have embraced funk over the years.

Backstrom and Rouse have been fans of funk for many years, but their life paths took a few turns before they arrived at Belden Town. After attending Chico State, Backstrom ended up running a destination hotel in Ecuador for a year. He came back to Chico, eventually left for Costa Rica, and worked at another vacation spot before finally returning to Chico. During this time, Rouse lived in Hawaii, where he worked at a sushi restaurant.

Finally, the two ended up in Chico again and began to formulate the idea for the funk festival. They mulled over many locations and eventually agreed upon Belden Town as the primo location, and it has lived up to its magical location on the Feather River. For the Funk of It has been sold out over the years, booked over a hundred different groups, and currently has about twenty groups booked to play on the festival’s three stages.

Due to the ever-present COVID-19, Placer County has put some new rules into effect: Attendees have to have proof of a covid vaccination or have been tested negative the week before the event. Masks will not be mandated. There will be a COVID compliance officer on site. 2020 tickets will be honored for the 2021 festival to be held on August 13-21, 2021. A full list of rules, accommodations at the Belden Town Resort, and available amenities such as food and water can be found on the For the Funk of It! Facebook page.

SPECIAL NOTICE! Due to the Dixie Fire, the festival could be cancelled or a smaller version moved to another location. Check on Facebook or at www. FTFfest.com for the latest news.