Featured Art: Michael Garfield – Sonic Bloom – “Going Backward To Go”

This year’s Sonic Bloom Festival, at Georgetown’s Shadows Ranch is slated to be Colorado’s most innovative camping festival. Boasting four whole days of musical entertainment, visionary art exhibits, workshops and projects, and many inspiring performance artists/groups, this 8-year old festival is sure to draw even larger crowds of enthusiastic campers this year.[quote]Spring’s blossoms shall give way to summer’s heat as Sonic Bloom unites us and turns music into magic, dance into art, and natural beauty into transcendent joy[/quote]

The bill of (so far) 75+ musical talents includes big names like Opiuo, VibeSquaD, Minnesota, Bluetech, and The Polish Ambassador, coupled with local favorites such as Robotic Pirate Monkey, Unlimited Aspect, and ill-esha, and so many more amazing artists on large and small scales. Check out the full list here.

Opiuo – “Fizzle Tickler”

Spring’s blossoms shall give way to summer’s heat as Sonic Bloom unites us and turns music into magic, dance into art, and natural beauty into transcendent joy. During off-times, or simply when seeking a break from the sick beats, there will be a variety of dance, yoga, educational, thought exercise, energy, and earth-friendly workshops and group meetings to keep visitors busy. Descriptions of the many activities can be found here  and here. There is definitely something for everyone here. If all that isn’t enough to catch your eye, there is a colorful list of around 30 talented performance artists/troupes, around 20 psychedelic painters, and even two original films! Boredom will not be an option.

Besides the beautifully choreographed platform of entertainment, festival-goers will have food, liquor, and merch tents to peruse. Equally important are the various non-profits and “greening” movements, respectively intended to raise money or food for those who need it, and lower our environmental impact on the gorgeous land Sonic Bloom is housed on. A large field has been designated to to set up tents and socialize with other attendees, including a communal fire pit and wash station.

Although this event does showcase a few hugely popular producers, it is the unique vibe generated by the focus on the more innovative and truly artistic, if lesser known, talents that cultivates a more intimate and specialized experience. Larger EDM festivals tend to bore their fanbase by pulling the same few large, overproduced acts, but Sonic Bloom handily avoids this, be it by virtue of its small scale or by virtue of its creators’ vision. I, for one, am quite excited to attend, as this will be my first camping festival. Be sure to check back soon for a special interview with Michael Garfield , who will be performing at Sonic Bloom with his unique “cyberacoustic” guitar.

Here’s a mix from the folks over at the Sonic Bloom SoundCloud!

MAGAZINE LINKS

1. Mujica Review: Sonic Bloom 2013 | Event Review & Photography
2. Michael Garfield | Interview
3. Sonic Bloom 2013 | Are YOU Ready!?