ARISE Music Festival: Full of Uplifting Music, Unity, and Hope

ARISE Music Festival: Full of Uplifting Music, Unity, and Hope

Thank you. That was what I heard continually over the weekend at ARISE Music Festival. It seemed to be a reoccurring theme throughout. Many times I heard fans yell the phrase to artists on stage, artists thanking the fans for making it all possible, and organizers giving thanks at the closing ceremony. I heard workshop teachers being thanked, festival go-ers constantly thanking other attendees, and bag-checkers thanking cooperative attendees. I am thankful for the entire spectrum of the experience. I am thankful to the forces and people who made it possible. I am grateful for the experience, the lessons, and the beautiful people I was able to share the time with on the majestic mountain land of Sunrise Ranch Spiritual Retreat Center (Loveland CO).

My ARISE experience blasted off on Thursday morning during the Permaculture Action Day presented by The Polish Ambassador. I have been following the tour since it first started last year and had always made it a goal to get involved in one of these interactive days. The Polish Ambassador and his crew do this in every city on his tour. They strategize with the local community beforehand and plan projects for people to take part in, such as turning abandon lots into community gardens, planting food forest, and building sustainable structures. ARISE took place on the property of Sunrise Ranch, a community that already has existing permaculture. Along with nearly 200 people, I built a cob oven, planted vegetables and herbs, and rebuilt longlasting walkways. Others built different structures and created art from tree branches. It was a great way to interact, network, and meet new friends. A lunch was provided from a local business, ‘The Growing Kitchen,’ as we sat in the shade to get to know each other better. I met so many people in the full day of noble work whom I continued to see throughout the festival. I know The Permaculture Action team is onto something special, as music festivals continue to transform the world for the better. Afterwards I washed up, got familiar with the festival grounds, and met some new friends before resting up for the marathon of music ahead.

When Friday morning rolled around I was ready to take on a full schedule. I love creating my daily schedule; there is so much excitement as you choose from the flood of positive options. My Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were packed full of music, workshops, and presentations in the Big Sunrise Dome auditorium. I started off with a yoga class to get me balanced and uplifted to take on the festival. During one of my poses I thought to myself, “I would be pleased staying in this moment forever.” That became part of my theme throughout the weekend, as I found myself surrounded by people in blissful moments. The packed class was accompanied by guitar music in the background of the teacher’s guidance. The yoga tent was located on a hill, the highest ground of any stage or tent. It had the best view and was a perfect place to get a perspective of the entire event, especially at sunset. I wanted to try a little bit of everything, so afterwards I went to an interactive dance workshop. It helped those who participated to listen to their bodies and let them move in whichever way they felt! Liberating.

My secret spot of the weekend was the dome. Many powerful moments went down in there. It also had A/C and outlets to charge electronics. I arrived early for folk legend Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul, and Mary). I listened to his sound check and jokes. Man, was I in for a treat. He poured out his humor, spirit, and wisdom to everyone. He was up close and personal with his acoustic guitar. He wasn’t there to just play music. He was there to unite with us, to teach us, and to tell stories. His music was a huge part of the anti-war protest of the ’60s. He made us all sing together. The purpose was to unite us even more; this was something he learned in all of his days of promoting peace. “How close did you feel to the other people?” he asked. He called us all a pool of peace as we become one in our voices. He is in elder in the ARISE community, the activist community, and the folk music community. Peter is at the heart and soul of the festival, which to him is “an act of peace-building.” I feel fortunate to be a part of this little piece in history. Following his event, I stuck around the dome to watch a documentary by ‘The Yes Man.’ They are hilarious environmental activists who play pranks in order to promote awareness. I knew the festival had a focus on activism, but I wasn’t aware that it really revolved around making a positive difference in the world.

Wow. It didn’t stop there. Friday’s music was a 10 out of 10. Ayla Nereo, the singer/songwriter who is also a part of ‘Wildlight’ with ‘The Polish Ambassador,’ was one of my most anticipated performers to see. We were graced with an intimate set at the yoga tent. One could tell that her angelic voice, spirit, and openness inspired all those at the tent. She played brand new songs and several of my favorites: “It’s Okay” and “Show Yourself.” Near the end of her set, I made my way to the ‘Eagle Stage’ (the main stage) to make sure I could check out Mike Love. Mike is a one-man reggae, roots, dub performer based out of Hawaii. Like the entire festival, he exceeded my expectations with his looping machines and beat-boxing. He set the positive tone for the main stage and the acts that would follow throughout the weekend. The crowd was groovin’ as he laid the platform for music with a message. “Jahawakening” and “Permanent Holiday” were some of my favorite tunes he played for us. Roots music was in full effect in the late afternoon. Next up on the Eagle Stage was the soulful four-piece band from the south, Rising Appalachia. I have been in love with this group since I first saw them in 2013. Since then I have seen them perform three times, and each time it gets better. As the sun set behind the main stage, the dance party erupted. Bluegrass, hip-hop, and traditional tribal music accompanied by the virtuous voices of the two sisters completed the musical circle for everyone to enjoy. They are one of the main musical acts that performed who make it a point to include activism into their musical movement. This year they started the “Slow Music Tour,” a way to make touring more sustainable through traveling by train. Ayla Nereo was all over the place at ARISE; she joined the group on the mic near the end of the set. The troubadours played a lot of crowd favorites of the past and songs off their new album Wider Circles. A couple of my favorite new songs of their album were performed, “Novels of Acquaintance” and “Medicine.” The music for daylight had climaxed, and it was time to prep for the late-night festivities.

I attended the ‘Catalyst for Change’ dialogue featuring David Sugalski, also known as The Polish Ambassador, and Ayla Nereo. They were joined by the permaculture expert of their tour, Ryan Rising. It was a space for festival attendees to engage with these artists and activists on how entertainment is catalyzing activism beyond festivals. All three shared stories of their background, how they get involved in the current events, and some stellar stories from tour. Everyone I spoke to were awaiting the building anticipation of the late-night musical options. Emancipator Ensemble continued the high vibes on the main stage. Emancipator is an electronic producer who performs with an electric guitar. He is usually joined by violin player, Ilya Goldberg. You are in for a treat if you get to catch him with the entire ensemble. I love to listen to his electronica, trip-hop, and downtempo music when I am concentrating on a project. For me, this festival was a great vehicle for personal growth. All the love being spread inspired me to love more and become the best version of myself. I had been at Arise for less than 48 hours, and I was already getting hit with lessons and realizations. The talks from artists, attendees, and others really made me want to unite more. I had to fully let go of my ego to allow this to happen. We have to live this life together if we want to make it better, and if I want to be more expressive and take more action I had to let go of the fear of my ego. So there was this special moment when the music guided me and the wave hit me. It was a discreet occurrence; it casually happened. One could call it an “ah-ha” moment of liberation. These gatherings and the music can be avenues for individual renewal, which is why I fully support and make them such a huge part of my life. Before the next set I found my way to the “New Earth Portal.” No matter the time or place, one could always find a group having a meaningful conversation. I scurried back to the main stage because The Polish Ambassador was scheduled to top off the night from 12:45 to 2:30 am. The energy and excitement felt like the Super Bowl. It started it off chill with Sister Nancy, The Fugees, and Erykah Badu remixes. It then evolved into more of his original songs. Some of my favorite songs he performed were “Let the Rhythm” and “Lost & Found” featuring Ayla Nereo and hip-hop artist Mr. Lyf. It was the most crunk dance party I have been a part of. The vibes were electrifying!!! It was as if fireworks went off inside everyone, especially TPA. I could feel everyone, knowing they were a part of something special. His dance moves and notorious onesie added to the good time. The finale was explosive as a crew of dancers flooded the stage; there wasn’t a still body in the amazed crowd or on the stage. David was a humble guy who gave his thanks at the end. Partaking in the permaculture day made celebrating that much more enjoyable, something he likes to call “party with a purpose.”

I didn’t start my Saturday off with yoga, but I was still energized from the food court and ready to take on what ARISE had to offer. There were well-rounded options. I loved going back to the food court each time to try something different. There were raw vegan, vegetarian, local, and carnivore-friendly options. Unique treats, snow cones, popsicles, acai bowls and nut-butter. Of course there were the usual favorites of ice cream, pizza, barbecue, tacos, and more! The coffee and yerba mate bar was always pumpin’ out drinks first thing in the morning.

I spent the first part of my day in Dome. The next dialogue was called ‘At The Epicenter.’ It was a “forum for education, interaction, entrepreneurship and community involvement dedicated to promoting healthier, more sustainable communities and economies.” There was a panel discussion with five local entrepreneurs that have ecofriendly food companies. There were free snacks afterwards, so you know I was there. For Saturday I was most excited to see the Earth Guardians perform. They played on Friday, but due to schedule conflicts I saved them for a more intimate stage on Saturday. They played at the Starwater stage, which was in an enclosed tent. If you do not know about them, please do some research! The two (Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh and Itzcuauhtli Martinez) brothers are 15 and 12 years old. The conscious hip-hop duo are environmental and social activists. They have given speeches all over the world for children in classrooms and all the way to the United Nations. The skilled, confident, and smooth lyricist had the entire tent on their feet. Most notably, the pair has collaborated with Nahko Bear and would make a surprise appearance later in the festival. They are at the core of the ARISE community, being an integral part for the past three years. For the next few hours I spent my time at the ‘Workshop Tent’ to get some wisdom and knowledge. I attended ‘Liberation of Impermanence’ led by Laura Chiraya Fox and ‘Mastery of Consciousness Teachings’ taught by Nandhiji Tapasyogi. Both of these classes focused on getting in tune with our inner and true selves. My favorite festivals integrate these types of options along with the rest of the festival experiences.

It was now dusk, and I found myself relaxing out in the open field behind the main stage with some friends. There were dozens of live painters near us as Ozomatli brought the noise to the main stage. This enormous Latin funk hip-hop band reeled in a giant crowd to match their intensity. They were give an award on behalf of ARISE for all of helpful work they do off of the stage. Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, the diverse jam reggae band, brought heavy sound waves to the next stage. They matched the loud intensity of Ozomatli. The high energy wave continued with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, who are known for Grateful Dead repertoire and fervor. That’s a lot of music! The night had just begun as Wildlight combined their harmony and bass for a sonic, spirit-filled show. My last set of the night would be from David Block – The Human Experience. It was my second time seeing him perform this summer, and he didn’t disappoint. He plays with love and passion for his downtempo and trip-hop music. I first discovered him through his remixes with Rising Appalachia. So, my favorite songs of his were birthed from that collaboration. I had a considerable dose of activities that day. I was fulfilled… and ready for the final stretch.

It was hard to face the reality that the festival was coming to a close. I was set on making the best of the remaining time. I attended a Sunday service in the dome, which is the norm for Sunrise Ranch community. It was a close-knit festival, where one would constantly see artists walking around, listening to discussions or leading workshops. I was at the workshop tent for a few hours, because The Human Experience and Saqi led a joint class on the creative spirit. It was moving to hear some of their personal stories and be able to see them as equal. One thing I heard from many of the artists who spoke throughout the weekend was that the art is something higher than them, that moves through them. No doubt, it takes hard work and skill to put one in the right position to let the songs flow through. I stuck around the tent for the next topic. Ayla was all over the place! Her workshop was one of the most heartfelt experiences that I was able to be a part of. She is so connected to her heart and led a giant pack of people through exercises that helped them find their voices. She really created a peaceful container and united an army of people together. It was another one of those moments where I just looked around in awe at the beauty and connectedness of the people. After her workshop I took a little break at the children’s village. It was like heaven for kids, full of creative and active set-ups. Again I was in awe of the stage — the small stage that was set up over there. There were little kids beat-boxing, singing, and rapping. It was epic to see those seeds being planting in the youth. I found myself in the dome for a couple hours again. This time the panel discussion was filled with artists and activists. It was narrated by Marc Ross of Rock the Earth. The artists included poet Lyla June, filmmaker Josh Fox, Peter Yarrow, Alex Ebert (lead singer of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes), and Bethany Yarrow. The panel led an intense and heartfelt dialogue on the state of our world and planet. Once again I was awestruck, as we all joined hands at the end and sang “Blowin’ in the Wind.” I am appreciative of that boundless connection of song. The avalanche continued through the evening. Before I made my way out to the main stages for the night, I was gifted a treat with Songwriters in the Round, featuring Trevor Hall, Katie Gray (Sea Stars), and Sage Cook (We Dream Dawn & formerly of Elephant Revival). It was a warm unplugged-type communion. Each songwriter spoke a little on his or her personal life and played two songs for the auditorium. I was overwhelmed with love and music, and the sun was still out.

For the final evening California reggae roots band Stick Figure continued the momentous good vibes with their youthful energy. Their set was on the Eagle Stage, which was right next to the Phoenix Stage. This was a smart production move. As soon as one performance was over, quickly the next would be on the other stage. In between the two was a small platform for MCs and speakers. Here was where one of the momentous times of the entire weekend took place and the perfect way to send us off into the last night. Many of organizers, leaders, teachers, and children of ARISE joined up on the stage to speak encouraging words. At the end Peter Yarrow led a crowd that was connected arm and arm through another song. “If I Had Hammer” will always take me back to the moment that gave me more hope for humanity. The headliner Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes came to downpour community music upon us. They put on a show! The folk rock psychedelic gospel group was full of strength, emotion, and charisma. Alex Ebert is quite the character. Alex freestyled some poetry behind the band of about 10 musicians, and there was a fan with a saxophone in the crowd Alex let play near the stage. The family feeling remained when a young boy from the front row sang the lyrics to a song through microphone. The stamina of the festival was abiding. It still wasn’t over. Ahhhhh!!! Trevor Hall was up next on the main stage. I am a huge fan of his folk reggae music. I was a little curious how his calm demeanor would match with a late night set from 10:45 pm to 12:15 am. Well, that was the perfect move by the ARISE team. Trevor wrapped up the festival in the best way possible. He brought in clear heartfelt, spirt based melody with some Sanskrit chanting. We got to hear songs such as “Well I Say…,” “Wish Man” and a cover of  “Fortunate Son.” This random dog that looked like a brown lab kept appearing on stage. It was comical as well as graceful, as the animal’s demeanor matched the music. Wow, the finale was bananas! As if a bomb of exuberance went off. It had drum solos, bass solos, and guess appearances by Tubby Love, Amber Lily and the Earth Guardians. It was perfectly harmonious; it felt like everyone was a magnet of pure vibrations. I was completely floored as the magnitude of the set greatly surpassed my expectations. Jaw dropped…

The themes keep coming back to me: thankfulness, amazement, and eternity. I believe everyone involved was thankful to have played a role in the festival. I can’t even count how many times I was astonished by the appreciation, friendship, and togetherness. Finally, the feelings that I had will last forever. That’s the vision of the ARISE family. How can humanity keep a healthy existence? How can we make positive impacts that last forever? Together we joined forces for a short time in hopes to uplift the world and have it ripple out across the globe. Thank you ARISE.

Photography courtesy of Josh Webster

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