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Tag: festival season
Enchanted Forest Gathering 2018
Enchanted Forest Gathering took place last weekend at this little campground in Northern California called Black Oak Ranch about 3 hours away from the Bay Area. Enchanted Forest featured three music stages, a spa, fire dancers, a mobile art gallery, a kid’s play area, belly dancers, plenty of vendors, boutique camping (and of course, regular camping), ample drinking water, delicious food options, workshops, and hardly any cell service.
Many people, like those who pay thousands of dollars to attend EDC or Coachella, will see a lineup like Enchanted’s, where they don’t recognize most of names, and look right past it.
Here’s a suggestion: go to the shows, concerts, and festivals where you don’t already know half the lineup, even better – go early, catch the openers, and support the local, independent, and underground talent. This is the best remedy for anyone who has self-proclaimed Music-ADHD, like all of us over at KSJS.
At Enchanted Forest, there were certain things that you’d expect – long lines to check in, somewhat unknowledgeable staff on the first day, wooks everywhere, dust (lots of dust), less than ideal restroom situations, you know – the norm for camping festivals, however, there were certain things about Enchanted that stood out.
The Grounds: The camping area was goddamn beautiful. There were tall, sultry, droopy trees. We got a good spot next to one. Ample drinking was available throughout the entire festival and camping areas (YAAAS). There was river access – I would call it a creek, but all technicalities aside, it was the perfect amount of chill for my feet after setting up camp. On Saturday – much to everyone’s surprise – it rained all day. It never really got cold, and the rain cleared up before sundown so, overall, I would call it a successful little storm. Each row of campsites had a name making it easy to tell friends how to find you – we stayed between Oak and Maple. Little things like this make all the difference. Overall, nature was good to us and I would go back to Black Oak Ranch anytime.
The People: A wide spectrum of people were in attendance. Everything from families with children to hipster millennials, middle-aged couples to college grads, rave kids, yogis, people with disabilities, and every race imaginable. I never saw a fight. I never saw security ruffle feathers. I never saw anyone unhappy. Not to say that Enchanted Forest didn’t have to deal any issues, however, they were minimal and respectfully handled. The good vibes were strong and people were so kind. Some standard festival guidelines to follow in case you didn’t know:
- Help your neighbor
- Return all things that are lost
- If you get a gift, give a gift
And lastly, the music: highlights curated by KSJS Music Directors David @demiurg3 from the Smile High Club, live every Thursday 2-5pm on 90.5 FM KSJS, and DEBO @c4lif0rni4gr0wn
Butterscotch
Keys N Krates
Ill-Esha
Dirtwire
The Pirate & Smasheltooth’s Anniversary Sets
DEBO also highly recommends this mixtape from Smasheltooth for your hyphy needs:
Truth
Del & Amp Live
Truth
2/3 of Dirtwire
Ill-Esha
Del
Amp Live
Pirate & Smasheltooth
Butterscotch
Fire Dancer
Keys N Krates
Serenity Gathering 2018
My First 3 Looks of Festival Season
Festival season is here! Whether you are traveling across the country, staying local, or going “glamping”, there is one important thing on every fashionista’s mind—”What. Am. I. Going. To Wear?”
The obvious: comfy shoes—for long days running from stage to stage turned to nights of endless dancing. Layers—once the sun goes down, the temperatures will drop (cue bass drop) and you may need a sweater. And last, sun protection—a hat and sunscreen will protect your gorgeous made-up face and delicate skin.
For a multi-day festival, especially one that’s out-of-town, packing may become overwhelming. And while you’re trying not to forget your toothbrush, hair products, and makeup pieces, getting festie-ready might be harder than you expected.
I’ve got a few key-looks to inspire your weekend wardrobe for what could be the highlight of your summer.
Look 1: Festival Goddess
Bohemian-chic inspired styling with florals and ruffles. An outfit might include a wrap-around skirt, romper, and neutral colors decorated with turquoise jewelry, floppy hats, and booties.
This is a timeless look you will see at every music festival. From Coachella to Lollapalooza, the Festival Goddess lives on. She is part moonchild and part wanderer, with a dash of modern to balance out her vintage look.
Here’s what I’m wearing:
Boho Playsuit – $16.99 via Amazon.com
Billabong Levi Vegan Suede Booties – $74.95 via SwimOutlet.com
Floppy Hat – $23.49 via Target
Rose Quartz Aphrodite Necklace – $21.95 via YogaOutlet.com
Look 2: Rave Bae
Ready to sit atop a pair of muscular shoulders in true rave fashion, this look is beautifully bright, sometimes neon, sometimes glow-in-the-dark, and quite practical. The Rave Bae lives at EDC, but she often ventures out to mix things up at other, less-EDM heavy scenarios.
No need to get a new crop top—consider rocking one of your fav bikini tops! Pair with your go-to high-waist or cut-off shorts, a backpack for your things, and pro-tip: if you were thinking of a bodysuit, try a statement one-piece instead… it’s waterproof (and inevitably sweatproof) so you can drench yourself in all those good vibes. This is a PLUR-approved message.
Here’s what I’m wearing:
Mermaid Crop Top- $28.99 via SwimOutlet.com
An old pair of cut off shorts that I’ve had for years
Teva Sandals – $70 via SwimOutlet.com
CamelBak DayStar Backpack – $85 via CamelBak
Look 3: Chill Mode
Grand finale aside, cute, comfy-casual is your best bet for day 3.
Chill Mode Chick likes moisture wicking yoga pants, graphic tees and hoodies, slides and tennis shoes. Get creative in your chill mode. Wear those fun, funky prints, bust out your tie-dye, and mask your messy hair with a trendy dad-hat.
Day 3 is also the perfect opportunity to wear the merch you just bought. Whether it’s The Governor’s Ball or BottleRock, remember… you want to be comfortable enough to call this the sleep-on-the-ride-home outfit too.
Here’s what I’m wearing:
Support local artists – buy a t-shirt or sweater and wear it!
A Vibe Called West 