Tag: Festival

ZoukOut: Asia's largest beachfront music festival

Post author By admin
Post date October 28, 2017

What’s better than a music festival? A music festival ON A BEACH!

ZoukOut, Asia’s largest beachfront music festival and only dusk-to-dawn dance festival, has announced that it will be returning again to Siloso Beach in Sentosa, Singapore from December 8-9, 2017. Now in its 17th year, Asia’s longest running dance music festival is raved about by top DJs in the global clubbing circuit and is sworn by legions of fans as a must-attend party location.

After already announcing some of the biggest names in dance music from around the world including Marshmello, Flume, Axwell /\ Ingrosso, R3HAB, Yellow Claw, Robin Schulz, Claptone, Gui Boratto, DJ Snake, Amelie Lens, and MaRLo, ZoukOut has now finalized their lineup with the addition of a takeover from 88rising that will include Keith Ape, Rich Chigga, Higher Brothers and Joji.

ZoukOut also continues to roll out more details related to guest experience. This includes a partnership with AJ Hackett Sentosa that will allow guests to take on their 50m tall Bungy Jump Tower, Giant Swing, Vertical Skywalk and 40m long Skybridge at the festival.

Tickets are now available for purchase on ZoukOut’s website. As the >Official Card for ZoukOut 2017, DBS Live Fresh Cardmembers & all other DBS/POSB Cardmembers are entitled to purchase discounted tickets. This promotion is valid for all DBS/POSB cards issued from Singapore only. They include:

• Single Day, Day-1 tickets at SGD 124.20* (R.P: SGD138)
• Single Day, Day-2 tickets at SGD 133.20* (R.P: SGD 148)
• A set of four 2-Day tickets at SGD 800* (R.P: SGD 228 each)

For more information on full ticket prices, click here. Official hotel packages which are bundled in with ZoukOut tickets are also available here, which includes packages with W Singapore Sentosa Cove Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Genting Hotel Jurong, and Park Hotel Alexandra. Hotel packages include 2 tickets to ZoukOut 2017, daily breakfast and daily transfers to ZoukOut.

Tags beach, Festival, music, zoukout

Festivals

5 Magical Moments From This Year's LiB

Post author By admin
Post date June 5, 2017

As the sun sets on the 12th edition of The DoLab’s, Lightning in a Bottle Music & Arts Festival it gives us time to reflect on what our favorite moments from this year’s festival were. Although there were many moments that truly stood out this past weekend these were the cream of the crop:

Thunder Stage: Elohim

Another Sunday favorite was Elohim; a mysterious LA based electro-pop wonder. As I ate below a nearby shade structure; the sounds of Elohim’s “Sensations” envelope me and carry me to the Thunder Stage. On stage I find one single girl, a keyboard, and so much energy. Her catchy tunes fill the ears of her onlookers as they dance in unison to the melodic, yet spunky music. Closing the set out with some new music; she left the stage with her supporters on a high and craving more.

Increase in Big Art

BIG. CLIMABLE. ART. The increase in large art installations truly pushed this year’s LiB over the edge of greatness. From pirate ships overlooking the pristine Lake San Antonio to spinning globes (but only for a day) perfect for watching the sunset, the art reigned supreme. The attention to detail on all of the different installations truly captivated its onlookers, taking them deep into the brains of each of the artists. Other large non-climbable art was scattered throughout the grounds including Lightboxes, which told the story of other civilizations around the world thru photographs and the beautifully architectured Pulse Portal.

Do-Over! Beauty Salon & Barber Shop

Forgot to get a hair-cut or hit the salon before you headed out to LiB? Look no further than the Do-Over – LiB’s onsite beauty salon & barber shop. If you did not catch this interactive experience, boy did you miss out. The stylists, LA Sirenes, put on quite the eclectic show for everyone. Contestants were selected from the crowd by various means and put against each other in assorted challenges; all of which were you had to be there to believe actually happened. A few clues I can provide involved carrots and lap dances… The winner of each contest had the pleasure of spinning the Wheel of Misfortune, where they were rewarded with their day at the salon. If you did not walk away with your cheeks hurting and thinking “what the heck did I just watch” you must not have been witnessing the same show.

Thunder Stage: EDiT with Special Guest the Rest of The Glitch Mob

No better words to describe edIT’s set than, a sunset throw down. Midway thru the hard-hitting bass set edIT welcomes the other 2/3rd’s of The Glitch Mob on stage for a GM reunion. The sun shined perfectly through the cracks of the LED screens behind The Glitch Mob as they curated the most incredible set that had the whole Thunder Stage on their feet dancing. Closing out with some soon to be released new music; the trio thanked the crowd for an amazing time but in actuality, we wanted to thank them for what we just had the pleasure of witnessing.

The Lake

The biggest, most noticeable change to this year’s LiB was the appearance the FIRST EVER Lake San Antonio. Even in the chillier weather, the lake was lined with patrons atop their unicorn floaties, floating islands, and blow-up boats enjoying a cool, refreshing dip. Positioned just right, you could enjoy the powerful bass at The Woogie or be serenaded by the sounds of The Beacon while catching some rays out on the lake. The aquatic art installations floated like beacons to guide festival-goers to the water to make new friends with a round of Slap-The-Bag up on them. We hope the lake is here to stay because after this year, I cannot imagine LiB any other way.

Honorable Mention Goes to the People of the Festival

Shout out to all the participants of this year’s Lightning in a Bottle. Attendees, Volunteers, Builders, Organizers; without all you there would be no LiB. We are all there to celebrate life, music and art and to have a safe space to do it in. You are there to be whoever you want to be, however you want to do it and live your fullest life. YOU make the festival what it is, YOU are the most important part, congrats on making it the best year yet!

See you in 2018!!

Tags Bassnectar, california, Festival, LiB, lightning in a bottle

Festivals

5 Artists to Check Out At This Year's LiB

Post author By admin
Post date May 10, 2017

5) Eagles & Butterflies

English born, LA based producer Chris Barratt aka Eagles & Butterflies reaches all boundaries of the electronic music spectrum with his productions, blurring the lines between Downtempo to Techno to House.

Check out his Coachella 2017 set below

4) Barclay Crenshaw

Better known to fans as Claude Vonstroke, Dirtybird Records mogul, returns back to his first love… Hip Hop.

His debut album is out now!

3) Bob Moses

Canada born, Brooklyn bred electronic duo is proof that underground dance music and pop-savvy songwriting don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

2) edIT

1/3 of The Glitch Mob, edIT – From the Los Angeles hip hop underground to performing with cutting-edge instruments to sold-out crowds worldwide, Edward Ma has seen it all in the past 15 years.

1) Sunrise with RY X

Just take my word for it… you do not want to miss this one!

Tickets for the festival, taking place over Memorial Day Weekend at San Antonio Recreation Area in Bradley, CA, are available via the Lightning in a Bottle website – be sure to grab yours soon as Do LaB expects tickets to LIB 2017 to sell out ahead of schedule. General Admission 4-day tickets are $280 plus fees with the additional Early Arrival Pass add-on for $75. Lightning in a Bottle also offers a Monthly Payment Plan for all ticket purchases. For the fancy campers, there is also a NEW option in boutique camping that includes in-tent AIR CONDITIONING.

RSVP on the LIB 2017 Facebook Event Page and be sure to stay in the loop with upcoming Do LaB news by signing up for the LIB newsletter. See you there!

Full Lineup

Lightning Stage: Bassnectar, Bonobo, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Kaytranada, Bob Moses, Jhené Aiko, Bomba Estéreo, Big Wild, Weval,NoMBe, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Nicola Cruz, Brasstracks, Wafia, Vallis Alps, Climbing Poetree, IHF, Two Feet, Wildlight, The Seshen, Madame Gandhi, El Papachango, Jeremy Sole & Friends, Demo Taped

Thunder Stage: TroyBoi, Paper Diamond, Perfect Stranger, Machinedrum, eDIT, Sam Gellaitry, Calyx & Teebee, Fakear, Kalya Scintilla & Eve Olution, Barclay Crenshaw, Dimond Saints, iLL.GATES B2B Stephan Jacobs, The Range, Ivy Lab, Psymbionic, StéLouse, Headphone Activist, Hedflux, Elohim, Asadi, Frameworks, CRi, Erica Dee, Plantrae, Jade Cicada, Charlesthefirst, Maddy O’Neal, spacegeishA, Magic Moments

The Woogie: Richie Hawtin, Nic Fanciulli, Hernan Cattaneo, Stephan Bodzin, Leon Vynehall, tINI, Guy J, Christian Smith, Robag Wruhme, Eagles & Butterflies, Lauren Lane, Adam Port, Satori, Monolink, Julia Govor, Kotelett&Zadak, KMLN, Mark Slee, Marques Wyatt, Fleetwood Smack, MASHA

The Grand Artique: Too Many Zooz, Elephant Revival, The California Honeydrops, ORGŌNE, Dirtwire, Zack Deputy, Vokab Kompany, B-Side Players, W.C. Thornbush & The Great American Show, Herbert Bail Orchestra, Gene Evaro Jr, Edith Crash, The Delirians, Andrew Sheppard, Cactus Wine Experience, CARLO, Boostive, Shovelman, The Bloodhounds, Bootleg Sunshine, Cannibal Catering Company, Israel Maldonado, Tah Rei, The Great American Talent Show, Lucia Soaring Diamonds, Those Folk, JoaqoPelli, Brenda Carsey & The Awe, The Little Miss, Jeremiah and The Red Eyes, Breck, Dolan, Dusty, Wagons aka Mugger

Tags Festival, LiB, lightning in a bottle

Festivals

Spring Awakening Announces 2017 Phase 1 Lineup + Branded Stage

Post author By admin
Post date February 15, 2017

Spring Awakening Music Festival (SAMF) is proud to announce a massive Phase 1 lineup for its sixth annual installment, taking place at Adams/Medill Park on Friday, June 9th through Sunday, June 11th. Over 80 artists will perform across five unique stages, demonstrating a dynamic variety of genres within the electronic music spectrum.
Returning attendees will have a chance to experience the power of Spring Awakening’s two main stages – appropriately named Solstice and Equinox – standing as homebase for the event’s biggest names and performances! The Solstice Stage will be occupied by immense DJ sets from trance godfather ARMIN VAN BUUREN, former Swedish House Mafia members AXWELL /\ INGROSSO, the king of twerk himself, DIPLO, Swedish mainstay ALESSO, and masked future bass titan MARSHMELLO. Alongside them, shark squad leader JAUZ and Dutch electro house legend AFROJACK will take to the decks with 2016 Top 100 DJs winner MARTIN GARRIX and renowned trap duo YELLOW CLAW.

Meanwhile, on the Equinox Stage, performances from dubstep dominator DATSIK, bass wizard EXCISION, and drumstick-wielding duo GALANTIS, and South African crew DIE ANTWOORD will shake the festival floor with raucous productions and DJing expertise. Joining them will be funkmaster and first-time Spring Awakening performer GRIZ, Chicago’s own KREWELLA and LOUIS THE CHILD, UK house producer DUKE DUMONT, as well as the mysterious and soulful ZHU.3-Day General Admission and VIP early bird tickets are now on sale at springawakeningfestival.com!

To accompany the first phase of artists from around the world, Spring Awakening also reveals the identity of this year’s six Branded Stage showcases. React’s coveted branded event series returns with another round of specially curated stages for fans to explore. Whether you’re searching for soaring thrills and infectious rhythms of the TRANCE ARENA, the BASS KITCHEN’s perfect combination of grit and grime, or simmering house stylings of the iconic BODY LANGUAGE series, there’s a stage for everyone to call home.

For the very first time, the festival’s 2017 edition will also receive new stage takeovers from three diverse brands within the dance music community. Attendees will experience uniquely tailored lineups from SUNDAY SCHOOL, featuring both big-name and underground champions currently dominating the scene, Above & Beyond’s deep house imprint ANJUNADEEP providing endlessly groovy beats from all corners of the circuit, and acclaimed music publication DANCING ASTRONAUT with its own all-star lineup of DJs from the highest realms of EDM stardom.
As the waves of joy and excitement from Phase 1 wash over us all, attendees can look forward to even more names on the Phase 2 announcement along with the branded stage performers, which will be revealed over the coming weeks! Don’t miss out and follow Spring Awakening on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and announcements.

Tags Festival, SAMF, Spring Awakening Music Festival

Festivals Music News

Summer Camp 2016 – The Quintessential Element

Post author By admin
Post date June 3, 2016

A trail of wagons scooted their way towards the entrance packed up to the brim with colorful sleeping bags and backpacks as our imaginations flourished with thoughts of what surprises Summer Camp had in store for us this year. The 16th annual Summer Camp Music Festival brought out its regulars as well as steadily attracting many newcomers to join in this life changing event. This wild adventure which is created around music is comfortably encapsulated in Three Sister Park in Chillicothe, Illinois. The event is host to more than 20,000 attendees, over 100 bands on seven stages on a span four days (counting Thursday Pre-Party) and has proudly managed to intertwine funky jam bands along side of the ever-expanding genres of electronica and Dj sets.

As you make your way into the camp; of course the usual amenities were conveniently placed in your pathway. A general store and alcohol/beverage stand greet you just as you enter and further down the straight away were a variety of food vendors including; Thai, Asian, Greek, pizza, burritos, coffee, and much more. There were also beautifully designed clothing vendors supplying; bikinis, leggings, T- shirts, and hats in which many incorporated sacred geometry entangled with expansion of colorful supernovas. A wide array of bohemian styled jewelry and festival pins also filled many of the kiosks at the park.

In the night the forest went cosmic and lined in tents from the hundreds of campers who hurried in early to get a spot in the shade. As the whites of our eyes began to glow within the black light and the neon colors framed us within and the forest became an art installation in which we had all become a participant in. Tapestries lined the dirt pathways and became home to fest goers. Attendees dressed of belly dancer belts, sun dresses, moccasins, and harem pants filled the festival from one end to the next; venturing out with wide eyed discovery.
There were several types of musical acts in the festival this year from jam bands, electronic-funk, blue grass, hip-hop, dub-step, and Dj sets. The difference of musical genres allowed a great diversity of scenes packed into one fest. This festival was made on good vibes and the musical acts were expertly selected to encompass just that.

The group Moe. has established themselves around the jam band community as one of the favorites in the improvisational rock scene. They rose in popularity in the 90’s with bands such as Phish. Fans are coined “Moe.rons” comparatively as grateful dead fans are called “Deadheads.” They opened their first of two Sunday sets with a cover of the The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” and joined by Allie Kral of Yonder Mountain String Band on fiddle! It was definetly a crowd pleaser to see two great groups be able to collaborate in such a way!
Lotus Formed in 1999 and after a few years of playing what they describe as “jamtronica” infused with jazz-funk. I definitely noticed that their set was based a lot around rhythmic aspects which in effect gave the crowd a very chill feel. I had a great time relaxing and vibing out at this set.
An appearance made by the Roots drew many old fans to the stage to reminisce upon such hit that ruled the 90’s. The Roots are a legendarily live hip-hop band with one of the most recognizable drummers of our time, Quest Love! They are one of the few successful bands in their genre and still proving to hold the crown!
Warmly welcomed newcomers to Scamp was local band EGI. They’ve built quite the fan base around the Chicago area and never fail to impress. EGI has managed to incorporate inspiration found from Carlos Santana and Phish that in effect have skyrocketed this band into one of my personal favorites.
Three nights of Umphrey’s Mcgee but it still left the crowd wanting more! Some songs that could be heard on their set lists included; Mad love, Weight Around, 40’s, Sludge and Death and many others. Each member is vibrantly fluent in instrumentation and well bonded as a band that their performance has become second nature to them. The sharpness the drums held were heard clearly above a blanket of guitar melodies in a beautiful mixture of classic rock and jam band inspiration. Umphrey’s almost linguistic solos connect their fans on such a level that it is no wonder so many are die hard for them.

Excitedly, During one night of an Umphrey’s set; lightning could be seen as it spread like spider webs while fanning through the night’s sky. A thunderous boom and sporadic flashes of light only to make the music all the more monumental. I could have sworn it was planned as the lightning accentuated the vibrance of the gorgeous stage lighting design in which drowned the stage in colors and perfected climatic energy of the drums.
Manic Focus and Break Science were Funk meets electronica and underlying element of old school hip hop. While Big Grizmatik went just as big as the name says while incorporated a live saxophone with an unbelievable solo that would forever stay with fans.
Shiba San took electronic music into more into an Ibiza feel and flocking to this scene were the hula hoopers and poi artists of the underground scene. The Vibe Tent was home to many acts of this sort. It was a grand spectacle of dancers who took the stage on the side of the dj. There hula hoopers confidently weaved through an encyclopedia of tricks. A feline poi enthusiast didn’t hesitate to glance into the eyes of her fans and truly captivated an audience of her own teasing flirtatiousness.

If you were looking for some of the harder dubstep; then you surely would have wanted to have checked out acts like NGHTMRE, Liquid Stranger, Excision, and Protohype.
Excision took the Moonshine stage on Friday night and had the crowd in a chaotic rampage. If you had not understood the world of dub before; Excision made it clear what it was exactly about! His work submerged an audience into a whomping frenzy and his huge drops began to transform a crowd of tree huggers into a whole new skin of relentless party animals.

Snails put on a unforgettable Dj set where he executed an epic smooth transition in which he arpeggiated 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 into an infinite frequency that lingered through the crowd. He thickened his beats with the use of slimy tentacle like sound fx that teased a Nintendo like snail logo which was promoted on the video backdrop. Surprisingly, He also threw in Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody where the crowd shouted the lyrics right along to the music.
Protohype proved to be well worth the wait performing Sunday night starting at three in the morning. He infused many elements of rap and dubstep.
I was truly blown away by the projection visuals artists during his set. Their visions gravitated us into the otherworldly dimension. The art was not for a second over shadowed in comparison but help transform into a fully embodied experience.
If the music wasn’t enough to fancy you; There were daily work shops and activities which included; belly dancing workshop, stepping into the hoop, cultivation care, kick ball and on top of that morning meditations and yoga sessions! These activities connected people in a more intimate level making it easy to create new friendships.
All in all Summer Camp 2016 compiled a vast array of diversity suited to please all its attendees. As an interactive playground for adults and children alike and has not only allowed its fest goers to let loose and become closer to their inner child; subsequently it has provided an outlet to expand spiritually. The knowledge gained from such an immersive experience can be taught no where else! True friendships are made, appreciation for the earth is cultivated, and a joy of life is taught from living in the moment. Scamp is more than a music festival in the eyes of its attendees. Here festie goers have adopted its ways into their lives and scamp has become a quintessential element of what makes them who they are.

Check out the entire photo album HERE!

Article by: Lana Eucalyptus

Photos by: Jerry Kamysz, Josh Skol, Blazej Zalewski

Tags 2016, Festival, Summer Camp

Festivals

A Trip and a Half: Envision Festival 2016

Post author By admin
Post date April 6, 2016

My partner Erin and I decided we were going to embark on an unforgettable journey to Envision Festival 2016 late one cool evening late last fall. It was not entirely clear what was drawing us to this communal event but we could not deny that something powerful was calling us there. We had been contemplating booking a trip to Southeast Asia for some time but once we discovered Envision we shifted our focus entirely to Central America. It seemed like a consciously fueled gathering that would prove to be as much of an educational seminar on sustainable living and community as it would a transcendental music festival. The whole idea excited us greatly. Personally I thought it would be the perfect chance to connect with likeminded souls, have intellectual conversations as well as confirm my own sanity. Fortunately our journey to Envision not only met but greatly exceeded our lofty expectations as well as restored our faith in humanity.

Over the last year or so I have become significantly more privy to some of the heartbreaking truths about our world and those who run it. I know now, especially with the help of events like Envision, that I am not alone in possessing this knowledge of truth. Not even close. Any individual with even an open mind and an internet connection can google topics like agriculture, healthcare, global economics, free-energy suppression, the pharmaceutical industry, politics, and the list goes on to come to an inevitable realization; there is massive collusion and corruption surrounding these connected issues that almost without exception can be traced back to the abuse of power and greed. These are issues that need to be addressed and discussed more openly between the masses. Thankfully, I now know they are. More and more humans are awakened every day to the realization that we live in a corrupt world that needs change. I have come to learn that the change must come from within before it can be experienced externally in the world around you. It may be a bit cliché but as Ghandi said “Be the change you want to see in the world.” After we experienced the Pre-Envision Tour followed by the Envision Festival it has never been clearer that thousands upon thousands and likely millions of fellow humans have taken that quote to heart. The abundance of beauty, creativity, music, connectivity, sustainability and love that we experienced on our “Journey to Envision” was truly inspiring. Envision felt like the most collective, conscious, compassionate, and powerful group of human beings all gathered in the jungle to express themselves and share.
Music is what brought Erin and I together, music brought us to Envision and ChicagoMusicFestivals.com provided us an opportunity to express ourselves and share our experience at Envision with others who will hopefully relate to our story. I met Erin at a music festival on the beach in Chicago called “Mamby on the Beach”. We felt an instant connection to one another and did not let life’s obstacles or circumstances stop our infatuation with one another from growing. I think it is important to stress that this was not easy at times. Anyone can create a thousand fear based rationalizations disguised as practicality as to why they cannot do something, just remember anyone can just easily create a thousand rationalizations based out of love to chase their dreams as well. I left my lucrative and secure corporate insurance sales job in late 2015 to pursue a life filled with more happiness. Erin left film school and her hometown in Canada with the intention of traveling more of the world and pursuing film/photography further in her own direction. She is an absolutely beautiful and talented being inside and out with a unique perspective of the world we live in. We both moved out of our apartments in Chicago and committed to embarking on this adventure. We also both were blessed with a unique freedom that enabled us to go or do whatever we wanted. We had the tickets to Envision and were stoked for the Pre-Tour but decided to start the journey early to explore more of Central America as well as avoid the harsh Chicago winter. Not to mention spread the word about Envision!
We started our Journey to Envision in Tulum, Mexico on New Year’s Eve for the Desert Hearts gathering in the Dos Osos Cenote. What an incredible night. One of the more memorable sets of the night which made us even more anxious for Envision was delivered by the English born DJ, Lee Reynolds, who moved to California in 1988 which is where he started spinning. Looked at as “Papa Lee” by the Desert Hearts crew Reynolds brings over twenty years of house music experience to the table. We were blown away by Lee’s set at Envision last Friday which occurred at the trippy Lapa Stage. The psychonaut deep-house vibe bumped through the jungle as the crowd danced passionately and long to the positive vibes being sent out. I know for a fact that Lee personally inspired a 35 year old Navy veteran turned successful salesman who lives in Seattle to start making music again. I know this because that 35 year young man was in our Pre-Envision Tour group and became a dear friend. He proclaimed after seeing Lee Reynolds for the first time that if “That old dude can still bring it with that much energy and at least twenty years on me I no longer have an excuse for not making music.” The Pre-Envision Tour created an inclusive environment of 25 inspiring and deeply loving people who quickly evolved into an Envision Family. Erin and I are genuinely grateful for the journey that led us to that special group of people.

After spending New Year’s Eve in Tulum, Mexico we took a bus to Chetumal, Mexico followed by a water-taxi to Caye Caulker, which is a small island off the Eastern coast of Belize. After spending a week or so in the ultra-relaxed environment we took a sailboat from Caye Caulker down to the Southern point of Belize to Placencia. From there Erin, myself, and three other friends we met on the tour formed a traveling family and took a long bus to Flores, Guatemala. We were from the USA, Canada, Iceland, Holland, and Australia respectfully, knew each other for just a few short days, and yet we already felt like a family. Traveling is an extraordinary transcendental experience. For those who haven’t felt the magical bond between travelers I am referencing, I encourage you to get out and chase that wanderlust that may be brewing inside you. If there is one thing we learned on the road it is that people want to help people. Between locals and fellow travelers it was surprisingly difficult to feel lost once I truly embraced that connection. From Flores, Guatemala we wandered into the majestic Mayan Tikal Ruins. Words cannot do justice to the awe-inspiring energy felt while on those sacred grounds. From there we took a long and very bumpy bus ride to the tough-to-reach Semuc Champey. Overwhelming beauty illuminates this natural waterpark filled with cool spring water and caves you can explore. It was easily one of the most memorable days of the trip leading up to Envision Festival 2016. From Semuc Champey we took another long bus ride to Antigua, Guatemala. Antigua is an old, resilient colonial town that has withstood the test of both time and numerous earthquakes to remain a strong city with character. It was here that we climbed Mount Acatenango standing nearly 13,000 feet tall. We camped on the mountain and woke up to views that are indelibly burned into our memory cells. We also spent some time in San Marcos on Lake Atitlan. Another unforgettable place with high energy that can feel out of this world at times, perhaps for good reason. It seemed that both of Erin and my own wishes were granted in this unique city as we learned that we officially were going to be able to cover Envision for Chicago Music Festivals. Erin and I had relentlessly been promoting Envision to anyone we would encounter and felt tremendously grateful to find out we would be able to share this story through our collective passions of writing and photography as a team. It was here we made even more friends that were also journeying to Envision. One working as a chef, some volunteering, some working in plant medicine workshops, and we even met someone who was working at the Zendo Tent at Envision. The Zendo Tent provides a safe place to relax and chill out for those who may be experiencing a “bad trip” from psychedelics. A concept that is widely and justifiably being adopted throughout the music festival scene.
From Antigua, Guatemala we bussed down to a small surf town in El Salvador called El Tunco. Party vibes filled this town as we enjoyed two nights here before heading to Leon, Nicaragua. Leon is another old colonial town that was rich with culture and art. We spent some time at a hostel in Las Penitas outside of Leon right on the beach. We left Leon, Nicaragua on another bus which would bring us into the most visited country in Central America and our final destination; Costa Rica.

Erin and I spent a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend exploring Montezuma and Santa Teresa, Costa Rica before heading to San Jose to meet up with the Pre-Envision group. All of Central America is ripe with beauty but in my opinion Costa Rica is in a league of its own. The lush jungle is so vast and vibrantly filled with so much life we often felt like we were in a dream. The Pre-Envision Tour was led by Chad Carson and Brooke Rochester who both did a fantastic job. They essentially acted as loving, caring parents with an abundance of patience as twenty five Envisioners filled with wanderlust explored innocently through a new world. The Pre-Envision Tour started with a bang as we went White Water Rafting through the Picuare River. It was the perfect combination of releasing adrenaline and bonding with new friends as we rowed, splashed and drifted down the natural rapids. The next day we were lucky enough to be shown around a Bri Bri Farm that also acted as an Iguana Sanctuary. Iguanas have been hunted to the point of extinction so this native family of Bri Bri decided to be the change they wanted to see in the world. Not only did we get to see and learn about this Iguana Sanctuary but we also got a hands on demonstration of how this group of people live completely sustainably on their land. They make bowls out of leaves, medicine from various plants that grow naturally, tools and weapons from different types of trees. It was incredibly eye opening to see how connected these people were to nature and their land. We also enjoyed a delicious vegan lunch when we finished our tour. It was a lot to take in as I realized further how privileged we are in “Western Civilization”. It is saddening to realize how disconnected we have become from nature and how reliant we are on an unsustainable system. Planet Earth will survive with or without us, it is humanity that needs to make drastic adjustments. That being said I personally believe to my core that millions of people are on the right track and mindful events like Envision help reinforce that belief. As Ben Franklin said “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”

Between the myriad activities we experienced on the Pre-Envision Tour it is difficult to choose a single highlight. If we had to choose one however I think we would have to point to the time spent at the Permaculture Farm, Punta Mona. We took an educational guided hike through the jungle for four hours to reach this off-the-grid Permaculture Farm. Chad, the guide, had spent seven months there himself and you could tell it was a special place for him to come back to. Stephen Brooks, public figure and co-founder of Envision started this Permaculture Farm. His inspiration came from visiting Costa Rica and seeing a plane fly over a group of children spraying them with pesticides from bananas. He has said that this was his own personal “ah-ha” moment that led him to be the change he wanted to see in the world and start this sustainable project. At Punta Mona they live and honor the Permaculture Principles and all of the meals served were Vegan. All of the meals served were also delicious! They compost all of their waste, including human fecal waste, and even make you take your trash with you if you accumulate any before you leave. Picture a treehouse playground in the middle of the jungle that has plants, fruits, and vegetables from all over the world growing in it. They have herbal remedies and cures for any illness or irritation that may arise. It is as if some of these utopian like ideas I dreamed about when I first learned how upside down our world has become already exist. Countless brave souls have already been dedicating their lives to building sustainable communities that can give back to the environment. We felt a tremendous amount of gratitude to experience such a place mixed with motivation to help spread this message of sustainability and love throughout my life.

The Pre-Envision Tour all stayed in a comfortable hotel in Domincal, Costa Rica as we prepared for the jungle on Envision Eve and ate dinner together as a family with eager anticipation for the magical weekend we were in store for. It is so peculiar how close and connected you can feel to people you just met when you share such special moments together. It felt like we were flying as we rolled into Envision on our Pre-Tour Bus midday on Thursday. Stephen Brooks kindly welcomed us into the festival and took us right through the line into the campground that would turn into our village home for the weekend. Stephen’s passion for what he was helping build could be felt from a mile away as he spoke to us about what Envision meant to him. The layout just outside of Uvita, Costa Rica, setup, stages, vendors, bathrooms, showers, mud baths, and tents all rose up together to form the epic jungle village that became Envision Festival 2016. It was a mindful conscious gathering of over 5,000 Envisioners and over 2,000 staff/volunteers/artists that formed the 2016 Envision Family. These 7,000 plus consisted of people from all over the world; gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, occupation, bank accounts, age, and experience all meshed together and blended to form any reality you wished to create. All different types of yoga, workshops, massage therapies, healings, witchcraft and music from deep house to folk could be found throughout the day. The San Francisco based Random Rab again delivered his coined sunrise set at 5:30 AM on Sunday Morning which was not a set to miss which took place at the trippy Luna Stage. Comprised of troopers who were at it all night mixed with folks who just woke up to catch the sunrise set melodically grooved together as the psychedelic trance vibes carried all of us into the last day of Envision. David Wolfe’s talk on top soil Saturday during the day at The Village Stage gathered one of the larger crowds of the weekend as he taught, motivated, and then planted a tree in front of the engaged crowd. Thursday night at the Luna Stage had some extra funky vibes brewing as the Colorado based DJ Defunk had a large crowd grooving to his set which set the stage for the rest of the evening. No matter how hot, sticky, wet, or uncomfortable the conditions became, the overall positive vibrations were consistently brewing throughout this important event. To be able to share this experience with my partner and grow together on the road is something I will cherish forever.

If Envision taught us anything it was that we should never stop fighting for what we believe in and chase the life we dream of with everything we have. In this moment I no longer have a clear career path and some of my life decisions are surely questioned by those who care about me. We spent over two months taking buses and rides from strangers through some of the most “dangerous” parts of Central America. At the same time I know I am loved by my family and friends infinitely, and that infinite feeling of love is reciprocated. I have never had a greater appreciation for life. I am excited to continue to learn, live, grow and love as I continue to work towards being the change I want to see in the world. I do believe that dreams come true on the other side of fear so I urge anyone who feels that itch to chase their dreams to do so. Let’s continue to Envision a world where all can thrive as humans with divine power as I believe we were intended to do so. Thank you to every party involved who helped make Envision a reality in our world and here’s to many more Envision Festivals and like minded communities thriving in the future.

Check out the entire photo album here!

Tags Envision, Festival

Events Festivals Interview Media Music Video

ATTENTION: This is a FEST, this is only a FEST

Post author By admin
Post date September 27, 2015

Riot Fest 2015
Chicago, IL
Sept 11th- 13th
Riot Fest 2015, this summer, stood as an homage to that sacred fight against the “Establishment” over the past 50 years. There were key faces, reunions, and debuts much like they have had in years prior, but something this time was different. Now, it very well could be the change in overall scenery since the venue moved, although, the 12^th and 24^th ward held its own. Somehow it just felt like something was missing. Even with a more accessible and simple lay out of Douglas Park, celebrated by the crowd over all, the tragically scenic bottle neck passages between stages in Humbolt were missed. There was something else though; something almost a bit more elusive. It felt like passion wasn’t fully there. Not from the festival itself, per say, or the organizers really, they dealt with quite a bit to keep it in the city, but more so from the city itself. As a whole the masses felt somewhat benign, due to what I wonder, in a way that contradicted the theme of the whole event to “Riot!”

Now ironically this is the type of crowd that would bring their kids to a carnival while System of a Down was raging in the background on a Saturday night. (I mean I know I would. Start ‘em young). But, children sometimes don’t always know how to play nice with others, as was the case with Steve Sneider during that set. “At least he’s still breathing.” I mean it’s a rock show, but really they were only ones that I could see getting anyone pumped. System carried what looked like to me as one of if not the largest crowds of the entire festival. To get across field took over 20 min when earlier in the day it took 3. That’s cool. That’s how it’s supposed to be. But, what with the rest of the fest? I mean the line up was sick. The acts are all world class, having left their mark on music history for decades beyond their inception. How is it that the city just seemed so distant?

Let’s look at the positives No Doubt was a treat giving us the sound and style we all anticipated. Tenacious D was for sure entertaining. Rancid killed it though you could just barely tell from the crowd (This one kind of threw me off)…

12039353_1239017449445540_2164788167168958758_n — Flogging Molly

Flogging had a fun little mosh pit circulating but rocking just like I remember in high school.

12042949_1239017752778843_9097449857040350824_n

Alkaline was definitely making moves.

12032121_1239016386112313_2575102979770623822_n — Coheed and Cambria

Coheed and Cambria destroyed the stage, looking like a real life version of “Blanka” from Street Fighter. (His sounds revitalized the reasons why I am a fan.) Rodrigo y Gabriella took a minute to get off the ground, but as soon as they hit their Megadeath cover it felt right on track.

12004955_1239018626112089_7005260769978933594_n — Billy Idol

Alexisonfire, Ice Cube, Damian Marley, Billy “fucking” Idol, I could rattle them all off, but you get it. This is why we go. We dance, we thrash, we cheer, drink beer and all the while we bond with the people around us, kind of. See this is not a festival like all of its other psychedelic peers. Oh there were party favors; let’s be real, it’s a festival. But, not the type you see more and more of now a day. No, this is the Whiskey slamm’n, joint flick’n, beer mongers that we all know and love. Just this time it felt like they were ready to call it a night by the time the cops shut down Snoops set. And, when I say shut down I mean on the DOT.

11951369_1239022759445009_5732866388460721458_n — Snoop Dog

Your choice of food was either fried, fried, or triple fried anything. Not complaining when you’re drunk, but the badass food trucks were left tucked away by the Riot Speaks stage. Now, RIOT SPEAKS, this was cool. Getting some insight to the inner working of what’s going on around you is not something you get anywhere else. So, hell yeah to that! After getting some knowledge laid down, you could find a donation run Arcade just around the corner. That’s right they had Rampage! Winning! Then to top it off you got a sideshow circus. Legit freaky deaks! Um, Awesome! So, what’s the deal then? Why wasn’t the crowd beside themselves with child like glee from the sick and twisted carnival that they all came to see?

Well, if you paid for any of the levels of VIP then you may have had a reason since it was pretty lack luster for the price. You still had to by drinks and wait in long lines for food. But, you got a nice limited seating Lounge area to mellow or watch the bands from a live stream. (If that’s your thing) The top level Super VIP felt like something that I experienced at a North side Bar mitzvah. Easily expensive, so don’t get me wrong, but cookie cutter. It almost felt like a statement was being made about the price I could have paid. Sorry, Sean and Mike, gotta be real here. If you are gonna put massage chairs, lounges and short cut access out there for what you are clearing after over head, you gotta give some more love to the creative lay out of it. Press was ultimately not allowed in the VIP, so, technically I wasn’t supposed to me there but just goes to show you where you can find yourself when making new friends. Thanks Frank. Upon entering the forbidden zone with our newfound friends I realized very quickly, how luck we got, and that in order to maneuver the grounds freely you needed a combination of bracelets. Sixteen if remember correctly. Credentials for days! Every area was ruled by another bracelet. But, only “One to Rule them all!” Our locally hired crew from S3 controlled the flow of the population and made a valiant attempt to hold the lines but people were still jumping fences. Can’t shut a poor rocker down! They plugged that hole quick though, so, hats off.

12002864_1239017376112214_7407862655668984183_n — One of these things is not like the other

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If you were lucky to get back stage or even on the stage during the sets you had to have super special bracelets to make the cut, other wise you weren’t going up there and that’s that. Even the photographers were not allowed to have their allotted 15 min under the artist in the pit during the Headliner sets. No, those spots were then reserved for the uber special bracelets. I couldn’t understand this move, really; I chuckled to see iPhones instead of Pro-cams taking shots of the headliners so I thought it was slightly ridiculous, but who am I to judge? I didn’t have to pay $180,000 to prep and repair a city park, after getting kicked out of my home, and negotiating with a hospital board to let me move in next-door with ten’s of thousands of my friends. I have no clue what it takes to run a multi-million dollar machine. But, it was fun and I had a good time. One better be enjoying themselves at a fest, other wise go home!

12003327_1239019016112050_7585869691749386864_n

All in all it was well done even though it was a quiet Riot compared to years past, but it held it’s own in its new home and I got to interviewed Gwar! Heck yeah!

11999053_1239018159445469_6119270586757871136_n

Check out the entire photo album from Riot Fest 2015 here!

Tags Billy Idol, braclets, Carnival, chicago, chicago music festivals, Dog, Douglas Park, events, Festival, Gwar, Music Fesitvals, No Doubt, Riot Fest 2015, Snoop, Video, VIP

Festivals Music News

DayTrip Music Festival Announces Headliners

Post author By admin
Post date May 14, 2015

DayTrip Music Festival announced that EDM superstars Alvin Risk, Midnight Conspiracy, Buku, Party Thieves, Louis The Child, Milk N Cookies, Dani Deahl, and DJ Rye are headlining the first year festival.
Fueled by Electronic Dance Music powerhouses, The EDM Network, Your EDM and Untz, the DayTrip Music Festival is pulling out all the stops with this surprisingly star-studded lineup. Alvin Risk heads the bill. He has most notably collaborated with Prodigy, Kaskade, and Skrillex. Chicago legends Midnight Conspiracy are representing the midwest along with Milk N Cookies and Louis The Child. Buku, Party Thieves, and DJ Rye are bringing some serious East Coast and international flair.

On May 31st, DayTrip is also making history by hosting the first all women lineup in electronic music festival history. Led by Dani Deahl, Zaena, and Fortune, DayTrip plans not just to feature, but also to celebrate the massive strides women are making in the electronic music scene.
“We wanted DayTrip to be a completely different festival experience where electronic fans can be connected to the culture like never before,” said by Jason Sizer, President of Maek and Founder of the DayTrip Music Festival. “I am proud of what our team has done. Foam, paint, and snow all in the same day. It’s going to be insane.”
One-day tickets are a universal cost of $25, and four-day passes are only $75. The price of admission covers all festival experiences, such as the paint, foam, and snow activations during each day.
Use coupon code CHIMUSICFESTIVALS for 20% off at checkout. Buy tickets now by clicking here.
About DayTrip Music Festival
DayTrip Music Festival leads fans on a journey of breathtaking atmospheres and unforgettable emotion. Instead of recycling the same headline acts, DayTrip spotlights 100 of the freshest faces in electronic music. Constructed to be the ultimate festival experience, DayTrip combines three of the wildest parties into one event: an outdoor paint party, a foam party, and a snow party. Additionally, the festival features a 700 square foot ball pit, a paintable car, and a skate park. DayTrip Music Festival begins on Sunday, May 24 and spans the following four Sundays (May 31st, June 7th and June 14th).

For more information about the festival go to DayTripFest.com

Tags Festival

Festivals

Summer Set Music & Camping Festival After Parties Announced

Post author By admin
Post date May 7, 2015

Tags Festival

Festivals Music News

Interactive Area News: Lightning in a Bottle 2015

Post author By admin
Post date May 2, 2015

With Lightning in a Bottle Right around the corner, they have searched high and low to offer interactive experiences that will open your eyes to the entire universe of play, laughter, performance and moments of connection. From immersive environments to roving interactive stations and pop-up environments, be sure to take some time to stop in and drop into an entirely different world that will make your LIB experience unforgettable. This year, we are offering two incredible options for sit-down dinners.

SIT DOWN DINNERS

Dinner at Amori’s

Friday thru Sunday Amori’s is proud to present “Dinner at Amori’s” an intimate sit down Family-Style Italian Dinner with a delectable menu created by Chef Brian Vaccarella of the Gypsy Kitchen and Anything for Food. Join us for a delicious meal with live music, dancing and of course the Mayor of Love himself. Nightly dinners from 7pm – 9pm.
Tickets available HERE

Lightning in a Plate

Friday through Sunday, join Giggle Juice Cafe at their “Lightning in a Plate” an immersive dining experience, where dining is a bustling, boisterous celebration of food. Meals are shared, eaten and still considered a ceremony of nature, hard work, and treasured bonds with others, linking the importance of organic growing methods, sustainable living practices and environmental awareness and sensibility.
The guests will be transported on an unforgettable journey through a curated, bohemian six-course menu by Captain and Doctor Giggle, performed over an elevated rooftop that offers unobstructed views of the Festival. One long sharing table–exquisitely dressed by designer-ceramist from Brooklyn, Nicole Pilar--will be open for reservation for two sittings only: 6pm and 8pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday !
Tickets available HERE

CAMP CALIFORNIA BABY & KIDS

California Baby will be launching a brand new California Kids line at the festival and can’t wait to share it with you! Come test and try all of California Baby’s lotions and potions. There will be crafting for the kids, and a refresh station for mom and dad. Learn baby and kids massage techniques and aromatherapy blending with Jessica, California Baby founder. At night, kids can get ready for bed with calming aromatherapy products and story time. Visit Camp California Baby & Kids for a dollop of sunscreen, and look for biodegradable shampoo in the shower area. California Baby loves supporting families and can’t wait to meet yours!Visit the California Baby Website HERE to shop and learn more about the company!

NEW AT THE GRAND ARTIQUE

The Grand Artique returns for another year of unforgettable good times at Lightning in a Bottle 2015, bringing our infrastructure of barter and trade, performance art installations and live music acts of all kinds! We invite you to take a step back in time, relax under the oak trees, make a trade with the Boss, get a room at the Hotel and remember anything goes in Frontierville so expect the unexpected! Don’t forget to dig through your treasures and bring something to trade!!Thursday night The Grand Artique stage kicks off at 6pm!!Don’t miss! W.C. Thornbush and The Great American Show brought to you by the cast and characters of Frontierville, show times are Thursday 12-1am and Saturday 5:30-6:30pm

LATE NIGHTS at The Grand Artique

We have been given special permission to keep the party going after the other stages have stopped…with a lineup to keep you going all night long Feat Vokab Kompany, Diablo Dimes, Solovox, LowVolts, Brother Grand, ForkRoot, The Herbert Bail Orchestra and a secret late late night stage for when it really gets interesting….

Frontierville presents SUNDAY REVIVAL

Feeling a little worn out on Sunday morning don’t fret come join in on the revelry! Musical guests Lou E. Bagels, Henry Pope and CARLO along with the cast and characters of the Grand Artique will take you on a spiritual journey …Skinny DeVille’s Bar opens at 10am!!

GRAND ARTIQUE SPOTLIGHTS

Vokab Kompany

Vokab Kompany are two MC/singers from San Diego, backed by their 4 piece band of awesome. Their live show combines multiple synths/keys with bass, drums and guitar to create a sound that doesn’t quite adhere to a specific genre, but seems to fit the bill with several. Alternative Hip-Hop, Rhythmic Soul and Electro Funk are just to name a few. Vokab has been hitting the festival scene hard the last couple years playing Electric Forest, The Bounce, LIB, Shambhala, Coachella on The Do Lab stage and many more to date. As of recent they have been touring with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and will be joining them this year at Jazz Fest! Their music has also been featured on a number of commercials and movies most notably on the Blake Griffin Kia spot and on the Southern Comfort fiery pepper release. This year at LIB they will be hitting the stage Sat night at 3am joined by Karl Denson’s trumpet player Chris Littlefield!

HANNAH

Echoing the sounds of the Nordic coast and urban dance halls, cinematic sonic bass producer/violinist/vocalist HANNAH blends folk songs and improvised instrumental/vocal music with cutting edge electronic sounds, counting Massive Attack, Phaeleh, Trentemøller, and Ólafur Arnalds as influences in crafting her sound. The resulting sonic palate takes listeners on “a kind of mystical journey” (PopMatters), whose destination is a crossroads between classical and contemporary, organic and man-made, familiar and mysterious. HANNAH has shared the stage with numerous musical giants (The Rolling Stones, Kanye West, Bassnectar, MOBY, The National, EOTO) and appears on releases by Irma Thomas (Simply Grand), Beats Antique, Random Rab, An-Ten-Nae, among others. You can catch her Friday night at 11:45pm on The Grand Artique stage!

The Fungineers

The Fungineers are a psychedelic hip-hop kids show for adults. Amazing puppets and over the top costumed characters perform an energetic and awe inspiring mix of theatrical musical numbers, purple unicorn beat boxing madness, interactive improv and and crowd hyping dance parties. It’s a full sensory adventure that is silly, sexy and surreal. They are led by Paragon the Cyber-Unicorn-Tron, part robot-monkey, part unicorn, all beat boxing DJ. His musical menagerie includes MC’s Lil Dino, Doctah Aqua-Sock-ta-Puss, Flavatar, Plush Groovy Plaidapuss and an always-expanding cast of Fun friends and guests galewore! Bringing creativity and Fun to the forefront of the festival community! At LIB you can expect The Fungineers to occupy an uncommon realm of interactive entertainment, a magic story time dance party where colorful characters explore playtime possibilities with world-class puppets musicians and vocalists. They will be playing Sunday evening at 8:15pm-9:30pm…don’t miss it!!

Moondog Matinee

Moondog Matinee out of Reno, NV is a hard-living, hard-working, rock & roll band with a heavy blues influence that recognizes the beauty of an unforgettable live performance. In 2013 they were selected to perform at the Life is Beautiful Music Festival in Las Vegas, NV, as well as being selected as Red Bull Sound Select Artists. They have performed alongside the likes of Deer Tick, Girls, Broken Social Scene, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. You can expect two energetic performances from them at LIB first oneThursday night from 9-10pm and number two Friday night 9:30-10:30pm!

CELLOJOE & BIKROPHONE

CelloJoe plays through a loop pedal and produces intricate tapestries of harmony, melody, and rhythm. His beatboxing and funky cello grooves form a rich soundscape for intelligent lyrics and his music spreads love, joy, laughter and conscious vibrations. It’s Classical Hip Hop. Bikerophone is a mobile, bicycle pedal powered sound system that the audience powers. Freestyle cyphers with Narayan from Zion and members of the audience! If you see it, run and participate! It may not be there later…

WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Wheel of Fortune is an interactive divination tool created by Anne Staveley & Jill Sutherland of Livinlargephoto. A circular installation of salvaged doors which reveal a multiple exposure photograph of wildly unique depictions of the Tarot’s Major Arcana archetypes. Inside is a beautiful parlor with gazebo and seating with steps that invite curious visitors up to spin a bullet ridden barrel lantern that casts beads of light throughout the space. Crowned by a fire chandelier. Come for revelry and a reading!

LINEUPS

Tags california, Festival, interactive area, lightning in a bottle, summer