ARISE to the Occasion
We often hear people describe music festivals as being magical, places of transcendence, renewal and reflection. This year’s ARISE Music Festival held at Sunrise Ranch in Loveland was all of that and so much more.
Being nearly 5,000 feet high in the mountains of Colorado, this festival was bound to get you high, even without the use of legal marijuana. This small festival ensured enough room for you to snake your way to the rail of the main stage and find your friends with ease. The stages were set perfectly apart from each other so music bleeding from other stages wasn’t an issue, and there was enough room to spread out comfortably on the hills and not worry about tripping over other festival attendees.
Yoga classes and mediation sessions were held atop the highest point, overlooking the entire grounds with 360-degree views of the colorful Colorado mountains. This quaint yet major festival is on the rise; in passing I even heard someone say, “It’s like a mini Bonnaroo!” which is not something any Rooer would say half-heartedly.
The main Eagle Stage welcomed many great artist throughout the weekend including Ziggy Marley, Jurassic 5, Papadosio, Elephant Revival, The New Mastersounds, and Rising Appalachia and closed out the weekend with an eclectic group of ARISE musicians in Everyone Orchestra.
Area 51 hosted the electronic music scene on a brightly lit stage complete with flow artists and LED lights galore. Phutureprimitive, Govinda, Bass Physics and Living Light were among the many producers holding down the dance party.
It was amazing to see the two stages host such differing genres while not completely dividing the crowd, all while creating an amazing and welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved.
When you leave ARISE, you feel more rejuvenated than you came in. There is something truly spectacular about the setting and the people that give you a feeling of ease and clarity. Next chance you get, take the trip to this scenic mountain setting, and find more than you were looking for.
See more pictures below!
