Evolvefest 2012: A Higher Celebration

This weekend will mark one the busiest weekends for NYC this summer, especially because Electric Zoo will be bringing in the a-c names in electronic music. It is because of that festival that I am making sure to trek to Jersey and experience an entirely different festival that is one of the biggest of it's kind, Evolvefest.

Evolvefest is a four day festival running this Labor Day weekend, August 31 - September 3, 2012, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. It looks to be very spiritualistic and quite majestic, that's split between music, nature, meditation, art and education. It is hailed as one of the top ten yoga festivals in the world, it's family friendly, and it's very close to New York City and Philadelphia. Let's take a look into what you can expect at Evolvefest and the top three reasons I'm most excited for this weekend!

Greenbus

So Much To Do!

We are so used to there being music pounding out the beats almost 24 hours a day, and in some cases this was true to an extent (Camp Bisco 11). However, there are multiple stages of multiple activities. There are two music stages, with some awesome acts performing both live bands and DJ/producers, such as Telesma, Bad Buka, Outersect, or Consider the Source. The music plays pretty much all day, 9am-11ishpm.

Then There's the Yoga Stage. There you can not only participate in what might be the largest yoga pool of people you've ever been in, but you will also be learning and involved in sessions with seasoned instructors such as Sara Gallmann, Stephanie Sirico, and Beth Filla. Oh, what's this?! It's a music stage as well! You can catch acts like DJ Inanna, and DJ Knowledge!

That for the stages, don't forget about all of the workshops that are being offered as well. A few that caught my eye include Beekeeping, Kung Fu Movement, and Sacred Geometry. All the workshops are held at one of four different camp ground locations, to give you an idea of the size, in fact check out this nifty map!

Made Extra Large for those Hard of Sight

The Community Aspect:

The fact that this environment is family friendly says a lot. To be able to bring your kids and have a safe place for them to enjoy themselves, as well as being exposed to so much art and culture is really a wonderful thing. There are sure to be many vendors as well. I'm hoping to see more on the side of homemade items, as well as certain specialties, and less of the main line of merchandise. There is also going to be a ton of art and art of all forms. Whether it's paint or dance, I can't wait to see all the live art, the opportunity to sit down and take a minute to actually write, fire spinning, drum circles, story telling and so much more... it's all very exciting to see how everything will pan out.

Joe Longo Photography

Joe Longo Photography

  
A Different Side of EDM Followers

As a whole collective, their is a very large community behind these events. The biggest picture is covered under "EDM" with every event from Sensation to Camp Bisco, or Burning Man to Electric Daisy Carnival, the music is the initial focal point for gathering. In this festival, there is a much different focus aside from the music. The music comes into play with a higher sense of being. Yoga, meditation, art, these are all forms of expanding one's mind and using a more creative side of our brain.  This festival garners more peaceful vibes, I don't think the getting pushed out of the way while dancing will happen here.

This is the 6th annual Evolvefest, there are sure to be many return campers as well as new comers such as myself and Z. It will be a different turn from the pounding dubstep and hardstyle nights spent in the warehouses and mainstream festivals. It is highly anticipated by us both.

Participate!!

Ticket prices aren't going to kill you, and fr what you get this will make for a great getaway from your average event. Get your tickets now, and come join us for what is going to be a beautiful weekend! Find more info here:

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FAQ

Get Ready the Festivals in 2012!!

When you first dive into the underground world, you start to hear a lot of new music that makes you want to jump and dance, meeting and hearing new DJs putting their spin on different tracks. You see a lot of familiar faces, the staples in the raving community. But what say you when you want more, to expand with the community? When you get to see some of the biggest names in EDM culture performing live, and there are more than ten fold the amount of people experiencing the music and vibes with you...

EDC satellite in LA: VACAY By: Drew Ressler

There are festivals! And a handfull of them at that.. The major ones that come to mind in the states are Ultra Music Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival, Camp Bisco, and Burning Man Festival. They are all here in the USA, Ultra's in March down in Florida, EDC is out in Vegas beginning of June, Camp Bisco in upstate NY is just before mid-July, and Burning Man is in Nevada at the end of August. There are other festivals out there for sure, don't be pissed I didn't mention your favorite... but for someone like me who is just coming onto the scene, these four are pretty much all I hear about.

Michael Franti chilling with people at Burning Man By: Kyer Photography

Bird is the Word! By: Matteox Photography

They are all very different scenes and they way they are held. Ultra and EDC are stadium events, where as Camp Bisco and the Burning Man are camping grounds. They also all have different types of music playing at that, between heavy on the house, heavy on the heavy, or heavy on the trance. The scenes of people that come down are widely different too, but when it comes down to it, so are the people at raves. They are all gathering for a greater love of music, art, self expression, and the community as a whole.

Now ya'll know I'm here in NY, only 30 minutes from the city. We've seen a lot of the city scene together in the past month, diving into house parties, mixing the club scene with the rave scene, and the straight up in-your-face bangers that go all night. Traveling isn't always so easy for people, and especially when you want to go to 4-6 major events all over the country. That's airfare, hotels, ticket prices...things get a little crazy. But here's the good news, early birds, pre-sales, and being local.




Camp Bisco should be on your calendar for events to go to this year, ESPECIALLY if you are part of the city's scene. Coming around for it's 11 year, Camp Bisco will have three days of non-stop PLUR over 200 acres, over 90 musical guests from around the world (Including The Disco Biscuits, Skrillex, Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, Holy Fuck, STS9...and more!) and over 25,000 people in attendance... all for under $200 if you act now. The holiday sale is over, but you are still in time for the early bird tickets. Save some money, buy now. You also have the option for VIP treatment, but the Platinum VIPs are almost out...so act fast.

The Lights at Night are Insane By: Blow The Scene

Chilling in the Field By: Sophia Lahlou

The Disco Biscuits By: Dave Vann

The drive isn't that bad at all, especially if you have the head start not having to drive through New York City. For me (without traffic), there will be about 4 hours on the road, no big deal. It's be worth it for the massive activities going on (COLOR WAR!!), art, people, huge tents of music and light.... But let's go full circle here of why you NEED to go to this festival. Four of the DJs from our scene will be spinning there. Yup, Jake Dukes, Mad Panda, Nick Nise, and Sprite will all be on stage, and we need to go and represent and support these guys! They are all very talented, and I'll be sitting down with them working up towards Bisco so ya'll can get to know them a little better.

Camp Bisco 11 Tickets

Camp Bisco 11 Directions

Camp Bisco 11 Info

Check out the main site for Camp Bisco, and make sure you get your ass out there! Until next time (tomorrow FAIRYTALE MASSACRE) my fellow electric friends!