The Music festival Memoir

"It’s been a great weekend so far, and I’m really enjoying watching this band—The Heavy Heavy. It’s actually her first time volunteering, but I’ve been volunteering at Folk Fest for 26 years. I’ve taken on various roles over the years, and now I’m the assistant coordinator for the festival" - Brad

"It’s my first year volunteering at Folk Fest, and I’m absolutely hooked. It’s been so much fun, especially because I’ve gotten to chat with so many artists. There was a British band that had me laughing—they were a blast! But my favourite set so far has definitely been Fantastic Negrito. The whole experience has been incredible, and I’m already looking forward to next year." - Lillian

"We come to Folk Fest every single year, and by now, we’ve got a system down—we all take turns doing the tarp run. We’re a bit higher up this year, but honestly, the view is great from anywhere, and at night, it’s just stunning and picturesque. We just saw the Ruen Brothers, and they were fantastic. Now we’re excited to catch Boy Golden later on." - Danielle

"I’ve had an awesome weekend! The pizza here has been fantastic, and the music has been even better. Blue Rodeo was amazing—definitely a highlight. It’s been fun, hot, and just an all-around great weekend. And seriously, that pizza hit the spot!" - Sam

"It’s been a great weekend—so hot, which has been good for business. People are loving the lemonade, and we’ve been busy non-stop all weekend. Our stand is by Stage 5, so we’ve been catching a lot of great music while we work. It’s been a fun, hectic few days, and we’re loving every minute of it." - Ajit

"This is my first time coming to Folk Fest, but she’s been coming for years. The only band I really knew beforehand was Blue Rodeo, but it’s been great getting to know all the other bands. We saw Boy Golden earlier, and they were really good. It’s been a fun day of discovering new music and soaking in the festival." - Jess

"I’m originally from Edmonton, but this is my first time back since moving to Victoria three years ago. I’m here because my boyfriend, Roy from Jon and Roy, is playing at the festival. We actually met playing music in Victoria, and one thing led to another, and here we are. It’s been amazing to catch up with so many friends after all these years—feels like coming home." - Vanessa

"I used to go to Folk Fest every year, but then I moved to Toronto, so it's been a while. Recently, I eloped in New York with my new husband, and as luck would have it, Folk Fest aligned perfectly with our trip. My husband’s a drummer, and his band is opening for NOFX tomorrow, so everything just lined up perfectly for us to be here. It’s been amazing running into old friends and catching up" - Charlotte

"Choosing my Saturday outfit is always a bit of a battle, but you can’t go wrong with classic cut-off sleeves and aviators. It’s a solid festival look. My favorite food so far has been the perogies—they’re always a hit. And of course, I have to end the night with mini donuts at the top of the hill. It’s become a bit of a tradition, and there’s nothing better to wrap up the day." - Kyle

"I'm having a great day so far! I came to see Kim Churchill—I've seen him play before, and he's not only a fantastic musician but also pretty good-looking. His performances never disappoint. I'm also really excited to see Angie McMahon later. The weather's perfect, the crowd's awesome, and the music has been on point. It's one of those days where everything just feels right." - Nicole

What inspired your outfit today?

"I had to think a bit about what my outfit for the day was going to be, but with the recent fires in Jasper, I decided to show some love by wearing a Jasper T-shirt. It’s from a charity collaboration with Oilersnation, and all the proceeds go to supporting Jasper. It feels good to be repping a good cause while having a great day at the festival. The vibes are awesome, and it’s just nice to know that even in a small way, I’m helping out."

"Saturday is definitely the best day at Folk Fest, but it also means choosing the perfect outfit. My friends and I made a pact for ‘Fancy Hat Saturday,’ but only two of us actually followed through. I picked up my outfit earlier today at Value Village for just $14, and honestly, I think I look pretty good! It’s all part of the fun—dressing up, enjoying the music, and making memories." - Trevor

"I drove up from Calgary just for the day because I couldn’t miss seeing Wild Rivers and Angie McMahon. Since I moved away, I haven’t been able to go to Folk Fest like I used to, and every year I get major FOMO. But I’m so glad to be back, even if it's just for today. It feels great to be here again and soak up the festival vibes." - Jamie

"I like to think that walking up the hill is my exercise for the weekend—it’s my way of burning off all the great food and beer I've had! But honestly, there’s nothing better than watching the mainstage from the top of the hill at night. The view up there is just incredible, especially when the stage lights up. It’s definitely one of the highlights of the festival for me." - Ryan

"This is my first Folk Festival, and I’m having a blast! I even bought a weekend pass because I didn’t want to miss anything. I usually listen to rap music, but this is pretty cool. My dad’s a huge Led Zeppelin fan, so he’s jealous that I’m getting to see Robert Plant. He used to play Led Zeppelin all the time when I was a kid, so it’s pretty wild to be here now and see one of the legends in person." - Teo

"We think the baby is really enjoying the festival—he’s been soaking it all in! We brought headphones for him to protect his little ears, and people keep coming up to say how cute he is. He’s just starting to learn how to walk, so we’ve got to keep a tight eye on him because he’s always trying to make a break for it. He won’t last long, though, so it’s going to be an early night for us. But it’s all worth it to share this with him." - Rachelle

"Folk Fest has quickly become our favorite summer thing—we started coming just two years ago, and now we can’t get enough. I've been telling all my friends about it because our group usually sticks to EDM music. I’m trying to get them to open up their musical tastes, and this is the good place to do it.." - Alex

"We're just here for tonight since we could only get babysitters for the evening. Normally, we’d make a weekend out of it, but honestly, we're enjoying the night anyway. We’re not too familiar with the bands playing, but that's part of the fun—discovering new music. Plus, it’s a great excuse to meet up with friends, relax, and maybe have a beer or two. It's all about soaking in the atmosphere and making the most of the night." - Colin

"It's been great running into my niece at this festival. Life is too short not to cherish and support each other, especially when we have the chance to make new, positive memories together." - Lillian

"I really enjoy dressing up in costumes for the festival—it adds so much to the vibe! It’s like a parade of creativity and fun. This year, I’m channeling my inner pirate, and let me tell you, it’s all about ‘shiver me timbers’ and ‘yo-ho-ho’! It just brings everyone together and makes the atmosphere even more lively. I look forward to it every year; it’s my way of adding a bit of extra flair and joy to the festival experience!" - Pirate 1

"I originally bought tickets for my boyfriend, but he ended up going to a different festival, so now I’m here solo. It actually worked out great because a friend’s dad, who’s a huge Led Zeppelin fan, wanted a weekend ticket but they were sold out. Now he’s coming, and he’s thrilled about Robert Plant playing on Sunday! I'm also hoping to reconnect with some old friends this weekend, so it's shaping up to be a fantastic time after all." - Nicole

"This is actually my 17th year volunteering at the festival, and I have to say, wearing this funky hat never gets old—it's a hit with everyone, including the guests! What I love most about the festival is the incredible vibe, the friendly people, and the way everyone shares smiles and good energy. It’s such a joy to be part of this community. I’m especially excited for Robert Plant's performance on Sunday; it’s going to be a perfect end to an amazing weekend!" - James

"It's been an incredible experience being back at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival for the first time since the pandemic. I’m thrilled that the festival offers such a great selection of non-alcoholic drinks—it's made my time here even more enjoyable. Plus, with my wedding coming up in September, life feels like it's really coming together. Everything is looking up, and I'm soaking in every moment and this festival is my last hurrah before getting married!!"

- Megan

"This is my first time volunteering for Folk Fest. I’ve always gone as an attendee, but I wanted to try something different this year. With my background in communication and PR, I ended up in the media relations team, which has been a great fit. It’s been a wonderful weekend, and the weather turned out perfect. I’m really glad I made the switch to volunteering this year—it’s been an amazing experience." - Elizabeth

"I've been a Led Zeppelin fan since I was a kid—they were a huge influence on my life. So, it’s pretty mind-blowing that Robert Plant is playing at Folk Fest. That’s massive, probably the biggest artist Folk Fest has ever had. I’m super excited for his show—I can’t wait!"

“Normally, Folk Fest has been a friends-only affair for me, but this year marks a new chapter as we decided to bring the kids along. And I must say, it's been a fantastic change of pace. Seeing my son and his friend running around, making new buddies and having a blast adds a whole new level of excitement to the festival. While they're engrossed in their adventures, I've found the perfect balance – I can kick back, enjoy the sweet tunes from some amazing bands” - Crystal

“Attending Folk Fest again after a decade-long break has been a blast. The familiar faces in the crowd have been a pleasant surprise, like running into an old friend you haven't seen in years. Among them was a girl I actually hired years ago but lost touch with. It's been awesome catching up and reminiscing about the past while enjoying the festival vibes.

One of the aspects I'm really digging about Folk Fest this time around is the freedom to enjoy a beer while catching the shows. It's a game-changer that allows me to immerse myself in the music while sipping on a cold one. No need to be confined to a specific area – I can wander around, catch different acts, and still have my drink. It's a simple pleasure that adds a whole new layer to the festival experience, making it even more enjoyable and relaxed. Kudos to the organizers for embracing this laid-back vibe.” - Robyn

“I've gotta say, I feel pretty darn lucky most of the time. Funny thing is, I've sold 50/50 tickets to some folks in the past, and guess what? They ended up winning! It's like I bring the good vibes or something. And let's talk about the folk fest – it's just plain awesome. The music, the people, everything. It's like this whole different world that pops up every year in Edmonton, and I'm all about soaking up that magic.” - Samantha

Being a lifelong musician, my heart has always beat to the rhythm of the guitar. This summer, I made a bold move by taking a break to fully immerse myself in my music. However, this year held a new adventure in store – I signed up as a volunteer for the folk fest. My shifts as security ran from 9 pm to 9 am. Experiencing the event from this fresh perspective was a truly unique experience. With my shifts behind me now, I'm absolutely stoked to finally partake in the festivities as an attendee. Attending the folk fest has been an annual tradition for my friends and me — the music, the ambience, and the shared moments are what give the festival its charm.” - Daniel at the Edmonton Folk Fest

“Retiring from my long teaching career feels pretty amazing right now. I just got back from a fantastic two-month trip in Europe, and it's like a whole new world has opened up for me. You know, I've been coming to the folk fest for the last 20 years, and let me tell you, it's the ultimate way to wrap up the summer. The people, the music, the food – everything about it is just awesome. The vibes are so positive, and there's this incredible energy that you can't find anywhere else. I can't help but feel a deep connection to it all. The folk fest IS Edmonton, in my opinion. It's like a big, beautiful celebration of everything that makes this city special, and I absolutely love being a part of it.” - Marc at Edmonton Folk Festival

"This is me and my boy. Our first festival (my first festival as a mama) was challenging to say the least. I can say he did great adapting to all the people, dust and loud music. In fact, he seemed to enjoy it! He also loved waving and smiling to every that passed!"

- Rani Noriega Evans at Global Eclipse Gathering

"Sometimes you have to be a recluse and avoid social contact at all costs, but other times you have to go to Burning Man... and cover your entire body in blue glitter!!".

-Ali at Burning Man

A shout out to all who help in keeping us safe at festivals!

"We are the Medical Office Assistants, handling all the administrative duties, triage and paperwork. We make sure everything on the sidelines can run smoothly so that the Doctors, RN's, PCP, OFA's can do what they do best, attend to all the patients that come in with minor to major injuries, along with those who are in an altered state ...of mind.

It's truly a team effort, it takes the best people who have been managing our festival, who not only care about the atmosphere of the venue itself, but also the safety of festival go'ers to have a safe space when people need it. That's why we call it Shambhalove!"

- Leanne at Shambhala Music Festival See More

"It's been a bit and I think I'll start slowly reflecting on my time at Lollapalooza. I've been immersing myself in the music scene and music festival culture for a good bit of my life now and I have to say it's the best place for me to be.

I've never felt like I belong anywhere more than a massive crowd of music lovers. The world as a whole is so sick and negative lately and to be honest it scares the shit out of me everyday. Music is an amazing vehicle for change and for bettering the world. I'm forever grateful for the chance to explore and have these amazing experiences".

- Daniella Singleton at Lolapalooza

"I like hooping to any type of music.. I love jazz I love the blues.
There's this Blues singer, Tracy Wells, I remember she was singing on stage and I was hooping very slowly and she said over the mic "I didn't know the Blues was hooping music". And I told her, "Everything is hooping music.. if you just feel it".

- Cassandra Bauman at Astral Harvest

"Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny".

- Cassidy Reichman at Oregon Country Fair

"I love when you walk through the gates, you know you're at home. Walking in your most natural form, receiving no judgment.. just love".

- Courtney Davies

"When a group of powerful, independent women still invite you along to help them open all of their pickle jars.."

Max B at Oregon Country Fair

"The Edmonton music scene is very dear to my heart. I first started playing open mics at local bars, and I was very timid and shy. I met someone named Zack who really brought me out of my shell, and gave me the confidence to sing, and ultimately gave me the confidence to become an artist. Most recently I was in a band called Mayday and the Beatcreeps and we had some local success with radio play and winning contests through the radio stations. Currently I'm focused on my band, Swear by the Moon, with my friend Zack. We play often at bars and we've toured the local festival circuit this summer and hopefully next year we can play the Folk Fest!"

- Meagan Loves

“I’m getting ready to tour at the start of next month throughout Western Canada and some dates out East. I’m going to take a break and take some time to visit my family in Dubai. My family hasn’t actually seen me play live yet, only through videos. They haven’t been able to come to Canada, they’ve been denied 3 times, but I’m hopeful they can one day get accepted. The thought of playing in front of them makes me so nervous, but I’m excited for the chance to at the same time. 

I have a record coming out fairly soon and working with Artists in Residence with the Folk Fest. They started a program this year and I’m their first Artist to work with the program. We’re branching out connections to the multicultural communities in Edmonton. We’re branching out to the ethnic groups in Edmonton. There is a lot of art and music out there and I’ll be playing to some inner city schools and ethnic events. We’re trying to branch out to the communities to expand the arts and some mentorship for emerging artists. We’re hopeful that we can bring that amazing talent one day, to the Edmonton Folk Festival. I’ll be the Resident Artist for a year, and I’m excited for the opportunity! 
 

-        Mohsin Zaman

"My boyfriend is a professional hockey player, and we've bounced around Europe the last couple of years. When his season was over in Sweden this year, and we headed back home right after the season ended. We've been here since May and he didn't have any contracts coming up for next season, but we found out a couple months ago that a team in Germany is offering him a contract. These will be my last couple weeks in Edmonton, but I'm so glad to be able to hangout with my friends here. I don't get to see them very much these days, but we're going to make the best of it!"

- Breanne McLauglin

“I’ve been coming to Folk Fest for the last 15 years; definitely for the music, but mostly as a vendor. My brother owned this food truck and I would work for him every summer, while I was in school. We would get accepted to Folk Fest and we would sell perogies all weekend! I just remember it being an all-around fun time. My brother has since sold the food truck to my uncle and I live in New York now with my boyfriend. I was back in Edmonton this summer and my uncle asked me to work the food truck, and I couldn’t say no! It feels great to be back here”

-        Lori Giampa

“We recently moved downtown this year, primarily for the music scene. We’re both passionate about music and this summer we’ve been to North Country Fair and Seven Music Fest. We rode our bikes here and they have a very secure system and procedure. For us, this is a really great way to almost end the summer.  ”

-        Mike Watson

“I’ve lived in Edmonton my whole life and I’m almost embarrassed to say that this is my first Folk Fest. My friends have been going for years and they absolutely love it. I’ve just always been working or out of town, but this weekend was my first weekend that I’ve been able to relax. I started a jewelry company this year and have been really busy all summer, trying to grow my business. My boyfriend, who’s been with me the whole process, surprised me with a pass to Folk Fest for this weekend. The weekend has been amazing so far. I can’t wait to see Dallas Green and Jose Gonzalez play together!”

-        Rachelle Gallant

"There's a big group of us and we've been planning everything for a year. You should see our camp, we have totems everywhere. We have inflatable aliens, totems, peace signs and glitter. Lots and lots of glitter. I made these jet packs out of 2 litre bottles, some rope and some spray paint. Basically, I used it from the leftover materials from my wedding!

I make things because it's fun. I love reactions from people.. they want to know what it's all about and you get to meet the best people!"

-Crystal and Nikki at Astral Harvest

"I was dancing and some random lady came up to me and gave me this. She didn't say anything, but she just smiled and handed it to me. It's my favorite thing I was given at the forest!"

- Ashley Rose at Electric Forest

"The imagination station is a tent of collaborative art projects. One of my art projects is the I Heart Inkblot, where we make inkblot art with water colour paint and then draw on top of whatever the water colour painting has created. 

I fell in love with ink blotting ten years ago with my own inkblot art and doing my own thing. I eventually started bringing it to people and doing workshops. I wanted to show people that every single person has a side of creativity to them. I wanted to show some people that thought they maybe weren't creative, but they really are".

-Tamera Newton at Astral Harvest — with Tamera Newton.

"My friends call my art "Psychedlic Toonscape" and I've been doing it since I got out of High School. I haven't had a "real" job in two years and this is my means of income, this is my passion. Anytime I was given a type of project or something to write on, I would finish the school assignment and finish it as fast as I could, just so I could doodle all over the sides of the page. At first I just used it as a way of escaping from a place I didn't really want to be. But now, it's exactly where I want to be".

Ryan Weisser at Astral Harvest — with Ryan Weisser.

A parade.. with pies.. at a festival. YUM!

"It's our 7th annual Grande Prairie Pie Parade. There are around 30 of us and we each make a pie, dress up in neon and parade around the festival handing out pie to whoever wants any. People come running for the pies and by the time we hit the beach stage we're almost out! Pie to the people because the people want pies!!"

- Melanie Stewart at Astral Harvest

All aboard the Hippie Bus! 

"This bus belongs to my friend and it's been his hippie bus for years and has seen many fairs. We were partying on top of the bus and we busted out the paints and giving the bus a makeover. Brushes were free to passersby and anyone who wanted to contribute and let the creativity flow. 

Naturally, we started hollering at all the beautiful people passing by and the theme went from "suns out, guns out", which eventually turned into "tits out, dicks out. Lots of laughs, and we had a paintbrush and a tally of boobies, asses and other unmentionables we saw!"

- Alicia Dawn at North Country Fair

Let's show some love for a fallen brother.

"Victor was part of our festival squad. He was our tall, goofy friend who was never seen in a bad mood. Last week while at Electric Forest, Friday morning I got the news that Victor had drowned at his apartment pool the night before. 

When I got the news I went into shock. I was in line for a Chaya pin drop that Vic wanted me to catch for him. I was talking about him to strangers moments before the news. I got the pin for him and I am giving it to his mom. 

After coming to grips with the situation, my girlfriend and I gathered our quartz crystals and play dough, along with a box and some sharpies set out to make a shrine in memory for our fallen comrade".

Padrig at Electric Forest

Victor Cauffield 1994 -2017

"There are some people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger, live just a little bit better... and then there are some people who make your stomach hurt from laughing, who keep your smile lit and make adventures more epic and magical".

- Kyndle Kuchera at Electric Forest

"This man and his crew of Michigan State Police Officers are spreading the good vibes out here. High five'ing everybody and telling us all to have a "Happy Forest" and a great day. 

Hate all you want, but to me, Police are just another life form.. just like all people some are biter assholes and some are just doing their job! Happy Forest!!"

Alexandros Triantafillou at Electric Forest

Kurtis Schultz - Better Living DJ's

1) You're a drummer and a DJ/producer, how did you get your start in both?

I started drumming when I was 12 years old. One of my neighbours had a drum kit and while my family was visiting I got to try it out. Somehow, I could just play. That summer, I borrowed the kit from my school and I was hooked. I had been learning to play piano and violin for a few years up to that point, but I had found a true passion for drums. By the time I was 15, I realized I wanted to put my focus solely on music. 

I didn't get into DJ'ing until I was 17 or 18. At that time I was really into hip hop and starting to dabble in electronic music. I had started a pretty decent record collection of garage sale finds and decided to buy a set of turntables and a cheap mixer. I would buy a few hip hop records online every few weeks and learned how to beat match and scatch a little bit. I only had them a couple of years, but I ended up selling them to buy a drum kit hoping to replace them with better gear. It didn't happen until 5 years later. 

2) You've done some travelling as a musician. What are some life lessons that you've learned as a travelling musician? Some things you've learned in general? 

One thing that truly stands out to me is the importance of patience. On the road, unexpected things happen all the time. I used to crave structure, wanting everything to be at  maximum efficiency. Now I just try to enjoy the ride. Sometimes the long way around is really the best!

3) How did you learn to produce/DJ ad who were your influences growing up?

I was heavily influenced by hip hop records from the 90's when I started DJ'ing, I wanted to produce beats like the ones I heard. I would listen to records and write down the techniques I thought the producers were using. Using Protools I would try to replicate the techniques using original sounds and melodies. I always loved that I could record real sounds, use individual samples, sample parts of songs and use midi to control synths to do things that a human can't physically do. In my mind, the possibilities are endless. 

4) If you could describe playing in front of an audience, how would you describe it?

It's the best feeling in the world! I would love to perform and make people happy. When I'm at a concert and I feel connected with the performers on stage, It's amazing! To be on the other side of that connection and give my heart and soul through music to a crowd of people is indescribable. 

5) Can you describe your sets at Astral Harvest and your overall experience? 

My entire festival experience was second to none. These are my favourite grounds of any festival I've been to. As a long time NCF patron I feel at home at this place. I love that Astral Harvest is held here and another community of music lovers can enjoy it. Playing at Astral is so incredibly fun! I feel like everyone is really open and waiting to take the music in. Also, with so many close friends there to share the experience with, it's impossible not to feel comfortable. It was an absolute blessing to play both the Beach Stage and Manor stage!

What does North Country Fair mean to you?

"Going to North Country Fair meant finding a place of belonging. When "welcome home" was first said to me there, those two words carried all the thoughts and feels I was experiencing. I can't believe this is only my third fair, but it really is HOME.

How did you get involved in the music scene?

"I got involved in the music scene by going to a ridiculous amount of local shows and seeing the same people and musicians at those shows. Friendships formed from there. The Edmonton music scene is full of talented, supportive, generous, ambitious, and driven folks who have inspired me to want to do the same. I’m not a musician myself (and don’t plan on becoming one) but I felt more and more connected to others through the music and experiences I had at shows. I wanted to be able to return the support I received from the music community". - Valeeshia Young

"Last year I went to Groovin The Moo as a moo cow and this year my beautiful girlfriend went with me as a moo cow... It's hard to find someone who will commit to silly shit with you in this world. So when you do, hold onto them".

Corey Hopkin at Groovin The Moo

"I like you and I like to dance. Put those two together... and we'll call it magic".

- Sarah Massoglia at CRSSD festival
 

"I went to a music festival by myself and overcame a big fear of mine I've had since I was young, shyness. I realized I really had nothing to fear, people are always willing to be friendly and you just have to open up. Thanks for all the memories and beautiful people I met!"

- Alejandro Jose Duplechain at The Hangout Beach, Music and Arts Festival

If you could change one thing from your music festival, what would it be and why?

"Nothing... Although I would say I would get less fucked up lol. But honestly, I can never say I would change anything because it was all apart of making me who I am today".

- Leila Ziari

If you could change one thing from your first music festival..

"I'd be more appreciative of being in the moment and of the people I was with. My first festival changed my life, broke my boundary and shook my consciousness. It changed me for the better. And some of the homies I was with are as close as family now. One particular homie is not with me anymore. And if I could go back and do anything again, it'd simply be to hug him 10x more and 10x harder and simply be by his side".

- Daylan Bester at Motion Notion Festival (official)

"I'm so glad I get to do life with ya and thank you for still being with me... even though I do weird things with my hair!"

- Sophie Cachia at Groovin The Moo

Meeting strangers can be a humbling experience!

"That time I lost my landing from NY in SF, carpooled with Facebook strangers and entered the festival with no responses from friends for hours... Then taken into the safe haven of new beautiful friends, where I felt like I was dreaming. Got my hair done and fed organic fresh foods to kick off the festival. I was spoiled. A lesson for me to be more inviting and accommodating to those around me. If only everyone in this world would be like festival go'ers.."

- Brittany at Symbiosis Gathering

"I bought my first ever piece of art at the festival. Immediately drawn to this piece, I was able to watch it beautifully metamorphosize into a breathtaking, incredibly meaningful masterpiece.

Occasionally in life you're blessed with the opportunity to meet genuine kindness which helps restore faith in the community we live in. Hold those people close and support their creativity. Thank you Logan for the opportunity to proudly hang this piece of magnificent beauty in my home. This is something I will look at everyday of my life and forever remember you by". 

- Fitta at Desert Hearts

"When all you want to do is RAGE and wear glitter all day.."

- Marissa at Beyond Wonderland

"Because life is too short to be sour! That weekend was magical and vibes were high. The coming together of people from all walks of life is exactly what is needed to witness and appreciate the diversity of human expression. So live, laugh and love. At the end of the day, it's all we have!"

- Raul Hernandez Font at Earth Frequency Festival

"When your girl gets 10000 compliments on her outfit and you only get one drunk guy saying "WHOA PINEAPPLES!..".

- Josh Tats Coachella

Who can relate?

"We're just covered in dirt and bad decisions.."

- Christina Lucchesi at Coachella

All nighters can be the best thing about a festival.. 

"What a priceless Monday morning with beautiful people. Thank you for making me stay up so that I got to experience one of the best mornings of my life. I'll never forget the amazing connections and endless laughs we were able to share. Cheers to many more!".

- Hannah Nicole at Desert Hearts

"This dude right here, this right here is my older brother. The love and bond we have could never be broken. We are bound by not only blood, but by our souls. We always loved jamming to house, and sharing new artists we discovered and eventually we ended up going to music festivals.

I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you brother! You're the guy that I look up to. Thank you for being an amazing role model and best friend".

-Jean Pierre Chachin at Ultra Music Festival

"Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating it for everything that it is".

- Alexandra Maria at CRSSD festival

"The greatest freedom in life is to love without limits, without restraints and conditions. To be open and to feel deeply. To give yourself again and again to the world even after being beat down. To love fiercely and passionately".

- Natalie Rodriguez at Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival

Here we go.. Let the festival season begin! 

"Because you get so comfy and busy in normal life, you forget to be that creative and outgoing person you are. That's all about to change. Cheers to the festival season!"

- Katie Omelet at Ultra Music Festival

How about jamming with GRiZ?!

“I was down at Okeechobee with my band Funky Dawgz Brass Band, which I play tenor sax. We played right before Waka Flocka Flame and while walking around the artist village backstage, we bumped into GriZ and started chatting with him. 

Every festival we play, we always walk through the grounds and play pop up sets in addition to our stage set and we told GRiZ we do that and asked if he wanted to join. Sure enough, he said he’d love to do it right after his set. We waited on the side of the stage after he finished and he and our other friend Ivan Jackson came out with us and played for about 45 mins! The crowd totally knew who he was and they were going nuts! He was a super nice guy and he gave us a shoutout in his recap video!"

- Tommy Weeks at Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival

"Last night turned things around. In all honesty, for a good amount of time I lost myself this year and made bad decisions without even realizing it. It's amazing that clarity is brought forth by music, real friends, and good company. At the end of the day, you're in control of only so much in your life. What choices and path you decide to go on makes you, you and your life, yours. You just have to make the best of what you got".

- Rubaie at Beyond Wonderland

Meanwhile in Australia.. Snakes at a music festival?!

"This is at one of our local festivals in Australia. They set up a "Fear Factor" section and filled it with snakes and baby crocodiles! It was an amazing experience, because I learned to not fear them and they're down for the party!"

- Jessie Savage at Let Go Fest.

"This picture was taken right before I left the festival. This was a pivotal point in time for me. I was vulnerable, but oh so strong in this moment. I released so much pain and past torment from this life and It was a beautiful rebirthing process I went through. 

I didn't hold back my tears, I let them stream down my face for four straight hours until my soul was cleansed. My spirit bled and all of my sorrows, judgments, ideologies, insecurities, fears and resentments I held towards myself and others were washed down this river. Just as this cairn symbolizes balance, mine too was restored within the deepest depths of my being".

JJ at The Mad Tea Party Jam

Always be thankful for your friends!

"There comes a point in your life when you realize that moments spent with your friends can't compare to any amount of dollars that you spend. Be THANKFUL for your friends.."

- Donny G at BUKU Music & Art Project

"I don't always lead a group at a festival, but when I do I make sure we all wear our onesies, we stay up until sunrise, we party hard, we stay safe, stay hydrated and just have fun and dance like no other!!"

- Sean Wilkie at Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival

"What a great festival, Charleen and I are now engaged to get married!! We walked in on Saturday with a bigger group than usual. The fountain/pool area was our meet up spot. It was quiet enough to hear everyone talk, but not too suspicious..

When I said "Honey, I love you so much.." She thought I lost our money (which I've been known to lose festival possessions in the past). When I asked her for her hand in marriage, we were both dazed and Charleen even gave me her right hand instead of her left. A little over 9 years of dating, before that day happened. We're more in love than ever!" 

SynthetixDJ at CRSSD festival

"We surfed, we camped, we sang and we danced from sunrise to sunset. We had the time of our lives surrounded by the most beautiful, admirable people who respect Mother Nature and exude love".

- DeLa at Envision Festival

Festival Relationship Goals.

"Lay out in the middle of a crowd and gaze at the sky, kind of love"

- Isabelle Bianchi at Panorama NYC

Sometimes you have to burnout before you shine bright again

"I've never been this sick in my life, literally bed ridden for the past 3 days. I think this is my bodies way of telling me to slow down. I've done nothing but neglect it for the past few months and it's no surprise that I'm now suffering. So today, I've forced myself up and to the doctors, eaten some good food and booked a crystal healing session this weekend. I've also volunteered for a few festivals, which I plan to do solo and sober. It's really time to let go of all the negative and focus on me. Sometimes you have to burnout before you shine bright again".

-Monique at Rainbow Serpent Festival

"I loved that at Rainbow, I saw heaps of ladies killing it and wearing whatever they wanted, without judgment, shame or fear. So much body positivity, shared by so many queens"

- Klara Tiara at Rainbow Serpent Festival

"I wish I was still a glitter mermaid, dancing in the dust".

- Madeline Edwards at Rainbow Serpent Festival