Category: Costa Rica

Video: Envision Festival 2016 Recap

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From Envision Festival 2016

Photos by Eric Allen and video by Ari Fararooy
“Glistening beaches, resplendent jungles, and the “pura vida” mantra served as the backdrop for the sixth annual, sold-out Envision Festival as 4,700 international attendees descended upon Rancho La Merced in Uvita, Costa Rica this past February 25 – 28, 2016. Uniquely distinguished from any other festival on the planet, Envisionaries united to partake in the festival’s Utopian permaculture community, which inspires self-expression and conscious living through its regenerative infrastructure. World-class curation of music, art, live performance abound as yoga/movement classes and innovative workshops maintain an inclusive harmony within the sold-out event.

Hailed as one of the most fascinating festival experiences this planet has to offer, Envision exploded to life as nature collided with art in the form of incredible stages, driftwood sculptures, bamboo jungle gyms, and scores of smiling faces lounging in hammocks and tree pods. Sun-kissed days filled with mind-expanding workshops, philosophical discussions, yoga classes, short walks to the ocean, or a drive to a local waterfall transformed into celebratory tropical nights with an intoxicating musical lineup performing on one of four dazzling stages – Luna, Sol, Lapa, and The Village Stage.

2016 welcomed expansions to the festival including Casa de Yoga, a new zone that included two permanently installed bamboo yoga temples, the Gaia fresh juice bar, the Kula Lounge offering cacao ceremonies, and a substance-free campground. Internationally known movement and yoga teachers included author and founder of 109world.com Rachel Brathen, founder of the Goddess Yoga Project Sianna Sherman, celebrated 5Rhythms facilitator Amber Ryan, pioneer of the One Yoga movement in Trinidad and Tobago Troy Hadeed, co-founder of The Avahana School of Yoga Ashleigh Sergeant, and Mexico City’s Classic Hatha Yoga master Marcos Jassan. Kids activities were enjoyed in the Family Dream Oasis to entertain and educate Envision’s adventurous families. Envision also offered both pre and post festival educational retreats, under its new division ‘Envision Education’, which showcased everything from tours of Costa Rica to permaculture immersion, an herbal clinic intensive, and a post event yoga/detox/surfing Reboot Camp — more of these boutique-Envision experiences to come in 2017.

Festival expansions also included an upgraded medical tent employing both Western and Eastern medical practices with a free herbal clinic offering herbal remedies and tonics alongside conventional treatments. For those wanting an upgrade to their camping experience, the La Sombra VIP Camping zone offered decked out tree house suites and canvas-wrapped bungalows in addition to 24hr concierge service, a salon boutique, and private bathrooms/showers. The newly erected Templo de la Tierra offered sacred fire ceremonies at sunrise and sunset or a quiet area to sit in meditation within the temple dome.

A pioneer in green festival design, Envision set forth environmentally sound initiatives throughout all aspects of the festival. Most Envision structure were built from bamboo and other locally-sourced materials (not a single metal framed vinyl tent could be found). A long-term lease on the property has allowed the festival to plant fresh banana, papaya, and other local ornamental flora to line pathways and provide natural fencing, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Throughout the festival, all “single-use” cups and tableware were banned and replaced with reusable items and a festival-wide dish washing program, drastically reducing the amount of waste at the festival. Additionally, all generators were powered by bio-diesel, a virtually unprecedented practice in Costa Rica.

Bass-heavy artists such as Shpongle, The Human Experience, Dimond Saints, Spoonbill, and CloZee, performed on an imported Funktion1 soundsystem on the impressive Luna Stage.Designed by visionary artist Carey Thompson, Luna bellowed in the form of a towering mariposa (butterfly), incorporating 3D projection mapping by the famed Mexico City artist, Golem. Performances were viewable across the expansive field, where attendees could climb a massive, multi-level bamboo jungle gym or witness visionary live paintings by global muralists Ernest Doty, Hazul, Mario Belem,and Anderson Deberardi on the walkways leading to the Envision Art Gallery. Alongside the howler monkeys in the treetops, day-chasers welcomed the sun as they danced to Random Rab during his fabled, ethereal sunrise set.

The equally impressive Sol Stage featured complex psychedelic 3D mapping projected onto its sun centerpiece by Zebbler Studios. Sol hosted live music from California’s experimental, world-fusion band Beats Antique (Live), Saint Croix reggae legends Akae Beka (formerly Midnite), Costa Rica’s 80s synth-pop band Patterns (noted as a top band to see at SXSW 2016), Colorado-based folk musicians Elephant Revival, and Costa Rica’s stand out electro-fusion rock band (and surprise festival favorite) Santos y Zurdo offering one of the most unique sets of the weekend complete with electric sitar.House and techno music came alive on the more intimate Lapa stage, where legends such as Desert Hearts’ Lee Reynolds, tribal house leaders Bedouin, Berlin-based DJ and production duo, M.A.N.D.Y., progressive trance dub DJ Grouch, and Los Angeles-based deep house selector Tara Brooks, drew dancing revelers into its feathered domain.

In the heart of the festival grounds stood The Village, a bustling caravan of educational workshops, inspirational speakers, vendors, and the fresh produce Vida Market complete with the live music Village Stage, Tea House Lounge,and a women’s only Red Tent pavilion. The Village Stage hosted insightful and speakers such as nutritional expert David Wolfe, astrologer Kaypacha, City Repair Project’s Executive Director Marc Tobin, and sustainable living educator and Envision Co-Founder Stephen Brooks, plus live musical performances by Vir, Camilo, and Incus. The Witches Healing Sanctuary provided a unique communal healing and ceremony space for herbalists, body workers and educators to share therapeutic practices. Craft vendors boasted unconventional souvenirs with beautiful handcrafted jewelry, art, and clothing from across the Americas. Food vendors offered a selection of mouthwatering world cuisine and local dishes made from unprocessed, fresh food sourced from local farms.

Having successfully set itself apart from other music-driven festivals through its emphasis on soul empowerment and holistic living, Envision seeks to fulfill an inherent human desire to connect with like-minded individuals and feed the innate human need to be and live interconnected with nature. Don’t miss out on the chance to cross Envision Festival – Costa Rica off your bucket list. Tickets for the 2017 gathering taking place from Feb 23-26 are already on sale and are destined to sell out! Visit the Envision website to grab your Envision 2017 ticket and start planning the trip of a lifetime to experience the wonder of Envision on the tropical pacific coasts of Costa Rica.”

Websites & Links: EnvisionFestival.com | Facebook | Twitter

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Envision 2016 Releases Dates and Lineup with Shpongle, Beats Antique, Elephant Revival & More

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From Envision 2016
“Envision Festival – Costa Rica announces a world-class music, yoga, and speaker lineup for their sixth annual gathering, taking place on the majestic shores of Uvita, Costa Rica from February 25th to 28th, 2016. With the goal of creating a festival that represents the harmonious blending of many different cultures, the musical acts come from nine different countries, span three continents, and represent a wide array of musical genres.

Headlining acts include a rare Central American performance from England’s forefather of psychedelic electronica Shpongle and California’s experimental world fusion favorites Beats Antique Live. Showcasing the lineup’s musical diversity, Envision rounds out headline billing with Berlin’s deep house favorite M.A.N.D.Y., the heart melting vocals of Colorado’s Elephant Revival, and a late night reggae set from St. Croix roots legend Midnite (under their current touring name Akae Beka).

Adding to the list of headlining musical acts are the sultry bass sounds of Grouch, Spoonbill, Dimond Saints, The Human Experience, Beat Fatigue and Envision six year alumni, Random Rab, who returns to deliver another world-renowned sunrise set in the jungle. Additionally, Envision is bringing a strong representation of the underground house world with Bedouin, Lee Reynolds from Desert Hearts, Tara Brooks, Atish, and Costa Rican locals Melissa O and Ivan Cespedes. Live band local favorites include Patterns and Sonambulo. See the flyer for the full lineup with more to be announced.

Envision 2015

Envision’s emphasis on creating a platform for different cultures to coexist in a sustainable community resonates throughout the entire event as is evident in the new yoga and movement village, which features an inspiring lineup of top yoga instructors, speakers, and educators including the globally renowned and leading wellness expert David Wolfe, as well as international yoga teacher and motivational speaker to millions Rachel Brathen.

Leading yoga teachers also include the founder of the Goddess Yoga Project and renowned instructor Sianna Sherman, pioneer of the One Yoga movement in Trinidad and Tobago Troy Hadeed, and Classic Hatha Yoga master Marcos Jassan. Workshops include accomplished herbalist 7 Song, architect of the New Paradigm Astrology Cooperative Kaypacha, and Envision festival co-founder and resident permaculture expert Stephen Brooks. Additional classes range from bilingual language classes and African dance to Tai Chi and biomechanical alignment. See below for the full list of workshops and speakers released in this Phase 1 announcement.

Envision is a true festival of the future, encompassing a cultural movement, a sustainable permaculture movement, a spiritual gathering, and an appreciation of humanity and the planet. “I believe that by gathering in community out in nature, we create a rare opportunity for individuals to observe their value systems and inherent human motivations from a new or alternative perspective that is free of social conditioning. At a successful event, participants capture this moment and create from it a forever lasting positive impression.” – says Matt Siegel, co-founder of Envision.

If you haven’t seen it already, the Envision 2016 teaser video by Pure Souls Media, showcases the beautiful environment and enchanting wonderment from the 2015 gathering. The unique Costa Rican backdrop of Envision provides a plethora of other opportunities for the adventurous traveler. Enjoy surfing at sunset, trek to magnificent waterfalls, and camp in the lush jungles of the tropical landscape.

As part of extended efforts to spread Envision’s Core Values, Envision is launching a series of Education Retreats where those who wish to expand their experience beyond the festival may continue to learn and heal. The first event, Embody, takes place February 19th – 24th in Uvita, just ahead of Envision. Details online at Envision Education.

Stay tuned for further lineup announcements and click here to get your 4-day Envision Festival pass! A limited number of tier 3 tickets are still available at $277 and the price will continue to increase as tiers 1 & 2 have already sold out.”

Websites & Links: EnvisionFestival.com | Facebook | Twitter

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Jungle Jam V in Costa Rica 2015 with Slightly Stoopid, Thievery Corporation, Papadosio & More

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Jungle Jam 2015

From JungleJam.com
Jungle Jam V returns to Jaco, Costa Rica for its fifth consecutive year with a stellar line-up on the grounds of the beautiful Hotel DoceLunas for 4 days of music in paradise March 19-22, 2015. This year’s performers include: Slightly Stoopid, Thievery Corporation, Steel Pulse, Morgan Heritage, Mykal Rose (of Black Uhuru), Papadosio, The Beautiful Girls, Jesse Royal, Dopapod, Twiddle, The Werks, Zach Deputy, Perro Bravo, Thicker Than Thieves, Paul Damon, Hayley Jane, Michael O’Brien, Humble Soul, Ras Attitude and DJ Jacques. Jungle Jam V also will include late night DJ sets from Rob Garza and Congo Sanchez of Thievery Corporation, plus Costa Rican performers Talawa, Un Rojo, Ojo De Buey and Santos Y Zurdo! GA & VIP weekend passes, camping, all-inclusive hotel packages available by visiting http://www.junglejam.com

The music will kick-off on three stages, starting afternoons in Jaco Beach at The Beach Stage overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The evening action moves into the friendly confines of Hotel DoceLunas outside oasis, where the Main Stage will host the festival’s biggest bands and international headliners. UK reggae legends Steel Pulse will close the Main Stage Thursday night (March 19), 17 piece world electronic ensemble Thievery Corporation headlines Friday night (March 20), California’s finest Slightly Stoopid graces the Main Stage on Saturday night (March 21) and Sunday closes with a strong finale of Jamaican Reggae that features Mykal Rose (of Black Uhuru), rising new star Jesse Royal, and for their first time appearance ever in Costa Rica, Royal reggae family Morgan Heritage.

No Jungle Jam would be complete without a strong U.S. jam band contingent, and 2015 is no exception featuring multiple sets from Papadosio, Dopapod, Twiddle, The Werks, and Zach Deputy. A Late Night Stage, which promises to see some surprise collaborations from Jungle Jam’s favorite musicians, will also include DJ sets from Thievery Corporation’s Rob Garza and Congo Sanchez, spinning until the sun comes up.

In addition to the all-day music schedule, major headliners, and beautiful beaches of Jaco, Jungle Jam also offers a spectacular array of classic Costa Rican excursions. Deep sea fishing, canopy zip-line tours, sailboat snorkeling cruises, surfing, ATV tours, horseback riding, sea kayaking, crocodile jungle river tours, and tours of nearby Manuel Antonio National Park are just a few off-site adventures festival goers may experience. Many of these excursions will be accompanied by performing artists, giving festivalgoers a chance for an unforgettable experience alongside their favorite musicians.

Websites & Links: JungleJam.com | Facebook

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Jungle Jam IV 2014

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From JungleJam.com

“Slightly Stoopid, the Ocean Beach/San Diego, CA group led by multi-instrumentalists and founding members, Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald, will headline Jungle Jam IV January 16-19, 2014 in Jaco, Costa Rica.

Featuring four days of continuous music, this year’s party in the jungle also includes festival newcomers G. Love & Friends, Dumpstaphunk, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, The Expendables, Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, Kung Fu and dopapod, as well as Jungle Jam veterans Max Creek, Oteil Burbridge, bassist for the Allman Brothers Band, Zach Deputy and Ryan Montbleau Band.

The one-of-a-kind music and camping festival in Jaco, Costa Rica is hosted by the beautiful DoceLunas Resort Hotel and includes concerts at multiple locations in the area, including beach front venues, late night clubs and local theatres, all designed to create an up-close and personal concert experience. It is not unusual for bands to play multiple days at Jungle Jam. Nor is it unusual for sets to turn into big jam sessions.

“We are stoked to have some of the best touring bands in America come ROCK JACO once again,’ said Eric Freitas, event producer for Jungle Jam IV. “This year’s line-up represents a mix of genres and styles that fit in perfect harmony with the culture, surroundings and the vibe of Costa Rica. Roots Reggae, Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, Fusion, Americana, Jam and Electronic…it’s all here.”

A limited number of early bird tickets are available while supplies last starting at just $149 for a four day festival pass and $299 for a six day camping and festival pass. Camping packages include the full access to Jungle Jam IV as well as camping in a secure area and round trip airport transfers. All the amenities of a top notch camping and music festival will be available including showers, food vendors as well as a General Store. The campground will open on January 15, 2014 and close on January 21, 2014. Once the early bird packages are gone, Jungle Jam camping and festival packages will be available starting at $199 per person for the four day pass and $349 per person for a 6 day camping pass.

All-inclusive hotel packages are still available at the Best Western Jaco Beach Resort. Condo packages are available at a number of the best resorts along Jaco Beach including the La Paloma Blanca, Bahia Azul, Bahia Encantada, The Palms and Diamante Del Sol.

All camping, hotel and condo packages include festival tickets and ground transportation transfers to and from San Jose Airport.

The DoceLunas Resort has been the home for Jungle Jam since 2011 and is truly one of the gems of all Central America. Located among the towering jungle shade trees, the DoceLunas Resort is a three minute drive or a one mile walk from the beach. Wild life abounds and scarlet macaws, monkeys, geckos and anteaters all can be seen on the grounds at DoceLunas. DoceLunas offers all the amenities expected of a four-star hotel, including a full service gourmet restaurant, high speed wireless internet, a spectacular waterfall cave mosaic swimming pool, yoga studio, a full spa and beauty salon and more.

Most Jungle Jam IV performances will take place during the evenings allowing attendees the opportunity to take advantage of all that Costa Rica has to offer from zip line adventures across the rain forest, boat cruises to see crocodiles, surfing lessons, day trips to Manuel Antonio National Park and much more.”

Websites & Links: JungleJam.com | Facebook

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