Tag: Yoga

Video: Envision Festival 2016 Recap

Posted on May 1, 2016January 28, 2017 by TheHippieSeed

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

Video ~ Arise 2016 Announce Ziggy Marley, Jurassic 5, Hard Working Americans & More

Posted on April 30, 2016January 28, 2017 by TheHippieSeed

From Arise 2016

“Featuring over 200 scheduled performances across 7 stages, ARISE highlights a diverse musical lineup that spans hip-hop, reggae, bluegrass, electronic, rock, jam and improvisational acts from around the country. With three more headliners to be announced in May — plus Yoga Zone, Workshops, Children’s Village and more — the 2016 ARISE Festival will be the very best yet!

3 Day GA Super Early Bird Tickets are available now at only $149.00. Walk-in camping included. This tier will sell out soon!”

Websites & Links: AriseFestival.com | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

Enchanted Forest 2016 Announced Dates and Lineup: Shpongle, Polish Ambassador & More

Posted on April 9, 2016January 28, 2017 by TheHippieSeed

From Enchanted Forest2016

“The sixth annual installment of Enchanted Forest Gathering,Northern California’s celebrated music, yoga, flow-arts and conscious movement festival, has just announced its most heavy-hitting music lineup to date. Taking place July 22-24, 2016, the Gathering’s headliners include England’s forefather of psychedelic electronica Shpongle,the festival circuit’s unofficial Funkiest Diplomat The Polish Ambassador, plus MartyParty and Ooah (of The Glitch Mob) who combine forces as the melodic bass duo PANTyRAiD making a highly-anticipated return after a three year hiatus. Rounding out the electronic list of headliners is West Coast bass movement champion Minnesota and soulful Chicago trio Autograf.

Included among the much-hyped live acts headlining in 2016 is a three-hour, otherworldly trance set from groovy world-hip-hop fusion group Hamsa Lila, a vivid harmonic storytelling experience by ethereal melody-weaver Ayla Nereo, and two passionately devotional music sets from Fanna Fi Allah – a leading representation of ancient Sufi Qawwali music. Grammy-nominated, drum and bass Reggae stylist Youssoupha Sidibe, indie-rock electronica band Lila Rose and ecstatic vocalist and innovative composer Suzanne Sterling will also deliver spirited live performances over the course of the weekend.

Joining the musical headliners for the three-day festival at the musically historical Black Oak Ranch in Laytonville, Northern California are KRNE, Stélouse, Thirftworks, Bluetech, Morillo, Clozee, Love and Light, Matthew Human and Friends, Cello Joe plus many more! With over 50 acts playing across four alluring stages – the River Stage, the Hearth Stage, the Mighty Oak Stage and the Shower Party Stage – Enchanted Forest Gathering combines the close knit community vibes of a small festival with the upscale caliber of production and talent of a larger festival. The result is a unique, holistic, transformational experience that the festival’s founders have light-heartedly dubbed as “Sacred, sexy, silly and saucy.”

By day, Enchanted Forest Gathering provides attendees with a myriad of intellectual and body motivational activities including educational talks, forums, dance and flow classes, yoga, workshops and music at the River Stage. At sunset and continuing under the moonlight; the Hearth, Mighty Oak and Shower Party stages will play bassy-deliciousness for participants to feast their ears on until the wee hours of the morning. And for the night owls, the Nectar Temple healing area and the amalgamation of healing stones at the Crystal Dome will always be available for exploring. Continue on with a journey to the late night comedy stage or visionary art studio and splash around in the river, which will play host to its very own River Stage, a non-alcoholic elixir bar and lounge area for water immersion and fun whether you’re planning to relax or rage in its depths.

Throughout the weekend, Enchanted Forest Gathering will be both teaching and promoting healthy lifestyles. In addition to the stages for performances and music, the grounds will have a vendor area, home to organic food, craft and clothing vendors from local sources. All merchants will be encouraged to use biodegradable items and a “green team” will be working with the festival to help compost food waste and recycle. As always, the Gathering will be an alcohol-free event, allowing guests to focus solely on the experience and surrounding energy.

Tickets for the festival are available via the Enchanted Forest Gathering website: EnchantedForestMendo.com. Following a very successful “Hurry-Up Homie Hookup” ticket pre-sale, passes for the 6th annual Enchanted Forest Gathering are on track to sell out. “The Time is Meow” General Admission 3-day tickets are on sale now with prices set to increase on April 1st and again each month until the day before the festival.”

Websites & Links: EnchantedForestMendo.com | Facebook | Twitter

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

Posted on November 30, 2015January 28, 2017 by TheHippieSeed

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’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