The CRUZ FEST is our annual Benefit Concert in the Redwoods.  An all-ages event, the 2014 Cruz Fest will feature music by the B-Side Players, Ancestree, Boostive, an all-ages drum circle, and a dance party with classic funky tunes. Children’s activities will be offered in the afternoon, culminating with a performance by Santa Cruz-based bubble magician, Tom Noddy.  As a kid’s camp, this venue is an ideal space for children to enjoy free-play safely in the forest. This event is made possible by a wide collaboration among community groups in Santa Cruz County, such as the Resource Center for Nonviolence, The City of Watsonville, and more.  Food will be for sale by Conscious Creations Catering and beer by donation from microbrewery, Chanti Shack.  Advance tickets are available at on brownpapertickets.com.  For more information about the Cruz Fest or our camping programs, call 831-768-7089 or email  info@growingupwild.org      

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MUSICAL PERFORMERS

B-SIDE PLAYERS

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The B-Side Players are a 9-piece band that explores the multifaceted grooves of Latin America and the Caribbean, incorporating the sounds of Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico and Brazil with the funk, rock, jazz and hip-hop rhythms of their homeland, dropping bits of Cumbia, Salsa, gritty street Samba, Son Montuno, Jarocho and Boogaloo into the mix.
Since 1994 The B-Side Players have been laying down their own inimitable latin global funk.
Their incendiary live shows have defined them as local favorites with 10 San Diego Music awards.  As a nine piece band the players are known for igniting crowds with their fierce rhythms and uplifting message of unity and consciousness. Meanwhile always keeping their focus on the political climate of the world and nation. The B-Side Players are a living and breathing cultural art experience for the mind body and soul.

ANCESTREE

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If you don't know by now, Ancestree is an explosive, spiritual Roots Reggae band emerging with the goal of spiritual healing and equal rights. The band consists of musicians from Israel, Mexico, Sierra Nevada, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. Inspired by the Jamaican vocal trios of 1970s, Ancestree features three vocalists (two males and one female), two guitars, two saxophones, organ, Latin percussion, bass and drums. With influences ranging from The Beach Boys, to Rage Against the Machine, James Brown, to Pink Floyd and inspired by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh; Ancestree blends Roots, Rock, Funk, Dub and Soul.  

BOOSTIVE

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Playing mainly in a scene that loves the dj, Boostive believes very strongly in the energy created by a group of people collaborating to create a unique experience on stage. Boostive performs to preserve the organic roots of music using live instrumentation while still incorporating the influence of electronic music that is ever so prevalent in our culture. Stay Boostive.

IBOU N'GOM

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Born into a Griot family of traditional musicians in Senegal, West Africa, Ibrahima (Ibou) N’gom  is a Master Drummer/Dancer Artist who facilitates community drumming and dancing with people of all ages. He has worked with and performed for elementary though high school students, at-risk youth and university students. His group Domu Africa is a favorite in Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. Together they bring the sights and sounds of Senegal alive through traditional music and dance performances. Ibrahima toured with two prominent Senegalese dance companies, the 2nd National Ballet of Senegal and the Ballet Sinomew before coming to the United States seven years ago. Since then Ibou has been working to share his native culture’s music and dance traditions with US audiences and especially students.

Bubble Magician, 
Tom Noddy

Click on image to see Tom Noddy on the David Letterman Show or visit www.tomnoddy.com

Sneak peak of 
the event site

Pictures of event site

Click here to see pics of the Cruz Fest event site and Growing Up Wild Programs in action

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          EVENT SCHEDULE 
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES                              3:30
BUBBLE MAGIC by Tom Noddy                5:00
DRUM CIRCLE led by Ibou N'gom            6:00
DEM ENTES RAP GROUP                                 6:45
SOUL TRAIN DANCE PARTY                       7:00
BOOSTIVE                                                                      7:45
ANCESTREE                                                                  8:45
B-SIDE PLAYERS (2 sets)                                   9:45

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