The Missouri Botanical Garden welcomes The Cree Rider Family Band at the Whitaker Music Festival Wednesday, July 27
The Cree Rider Family Band is rooted in a country music sound, with elements of folk, americana and rock n’ roll. One part Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, one part Neil Young and Crazy Horse, the Family Band stays true to its own instincts to create a modern honky-tonk country sound that is rooted in tradition but firmly planted in the here and now. Vocals and harmony are a focus, but the full band expertly compliments each song. Known for their energetic and engaging live shows, the Cree Rider Family Band has been called a “subversive country band that wears its heart on its sleeve. You’ll dance, cry, laugh, and sing along.” Cree Rider Family Band has had songs placed episodes of Justified, True Blood, Bloodline, John Leguizamo’s Comedy Special Ghetto Klown, as well as other television shows and independent films.
Band leader and namesake Cree Rider spoke with us earlier this summer about his music journey to the Whitaker Music Festival.
How did you become interested in playing music?
I have three older brothers and an older sister and I always looked up to them and wanted to be cool like them. They listened to The Beatles, Led Zepplin, Michael Jackson and all the good stuff, so I think I took an active interest in music from a very young age because of them. When I discovered Bob Dylan and started realizing I could write my own songs and lyrics, it just took off from there. I got a guitar, learned a few chords and started writing songs right away at that point. I was maybe 12 or 13 years old.
Can you pick a favorite song? Why do you like it?
There is no answer to that. I like so many songs for so many reasons and there is no one above them all. To try to answer it though…I’ll pick a song that is timeless, that holds universal truths, that conveys wisdom to the listener, is gentle and reassuring, wise and thoughtful and written by a poet (Robert Hunter). I will choose Ripple by the Grateful Dead. You can play that song for children, adults, at a graduation, at a funeral. It’s a very fine song.
What is your favorite spot in St. Louis and why?
I’ll choose the easy answer here and say Shaw Garden. I’ve had so many friends from around the world visit, and actually there are three places that jump to my mind that are always favorites…Venice Cafe, City Museum, and the Missouri Botanical Garden. They are always blown away at how world class MoBot is. And I agree.
What does performing at the Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden mean to you?
It’s an honor and a privilege. It’s a dream. It’s getting to share my love and passion in one of the most beautiful serene, spaces in the city I love. I expect it will be a highlight that I will look back upon many times in my life.
What do you like most about the St. Louis music scene?
The community, the accessibility, the passion and the diversity. You can find it all here, and people are creating their own art for the right reasons. We are rich and spoiled in our music culture here, and I don’t think most realize how good we have it. We are free from lots of nasty influences of “the music business” or “the industry”. Here, you can afford to be an artist and pursue your passions without feeling that outside pressure to conform. It’s a blessing.