Our world undoubtedly needs Earthdance for many years to come. If I could put it in one sentence, I would say that it was a plethora of world conscience people mixed with a dose of Wavy Gravy’s modern psychedelic atmosphere, and a pinch of “the funk.” This recipe is essential to create an eclectic mix such as the likes of Earthdance. As we all know this year was the last and final year for Earthdance @ Laytonville, CA. After 7 years we sadly say a final fare well to Wavy and his lovely Hog Farm.
The line up was reminiscent of all the past years at the Hog Farm including Michael Franti and Spearhead, Zap Mama, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, BLVD, EOTO, Lynx and Janover, and Yard Dogs Road Show. It was a generous move for the powers that be to bring all these amazing band and acts back together for a final show down at the farm. At night, there was a set of enormous laser projection trailers ten feet from the Temple of Electronica (a.k.a. The Dome, Booty Shakin’ Dome, & Magic) that shot green beams of light straight across the valley towards the trees behind the last camps about a quarter mile away. To say that we went out with a bang is an understatement. Friday kicked off early in the day before my arrival, and by the time I went through the line and found parking, the only shows to see were Sila & The Afro-Funk Experience and Yard Dogs Road Show. As for Yard Dogs, those freaks and beauties put on a show that dropped everyone’s jaw. Afterwards the waves of people dispersed to Sila’s Afro-Funk or into other various late night tents, beer garden (sponsored only by Lagunita’s Brewery… nice), and The Temple of Electronica. The Temple looked like a big glowing igloo with heavy levels of electronic bass beats. The interior of the dome was a handy 360°-projection screen seen from any angle but down, of course.
On Saturday, Wavy Gravy and a group of wise elders combined a synchronized link up with over 300 locations in 60 countries with men, women, and children to conduct the Prayer For Peace at 4pm. The intentions of these people were to connect globally in prayer all at the same time with the same intentions for peace, unity, healing, and the global family. After all the elders had their say, we did a big Ohm, led by Swami Chaitanya, and then back to the music we went. The party turned from a dirt dance to a mudslide with Saturdays “rain storm.” After a good funkin’ by Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, the rain poured in. As Zap Mama went on stage I was trying to figure out how to take pictures in the rain without my poncho that mysteriously “disappeared” minutes before the show. Thankfully, I had an old Grateful Dead t-shirt in my bag that wicked away most of the moisture…. Ha! Zap Mama blew my mind. From a musician’s perspective, she’s got skills to pay the bills. She was backed by an experienced band, and her live looping of drum tweaks combined with beat boxing would give Rahzel a run for his money. Meanwhile, over at the Arlo Stage, EOTO was rocking out so hard that the faces on front row looked like frightened deer in headlights. Beats and trances taking the crowd into outer space and beyond were commonplace that night at Earthdance. Saturday showers turned into Sunday sun just after daylight. With a little time on my hands, I ventured out to see some of the well-known shrines set up around the farm. There were Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Shivas, and an amazing Earth Mandala co-created by the children and adults alike at the festival. Considering the children, this was one of the most kid friendly festivals I have ever been to, and I’ve been to a lot. Yet the size of Earthdance being what it has come to be hasn’t skewed that vibe over the years. Sunday was a big day with big names like Matisyahu, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Delhi 2 Dublin, and Trombone Shorty. All of which delivered spectacular shows. Matisyahu delivered a great set playing his new hit One Day. Matisyahu joined Franti and Spearhead’s set for a quick duo with Mike backing on guitar. Franti entered the crowd after his show with hugs and trash bags to help clean up after the party as he usually does. The crowd road the wave to the after party at The Temple and the Diner Divine Tent to dance the night away. As for me, I was spent, and had the thought of work the next day at 7:30 a.m. in the back of my mind. I said my farewell to the shrines on the way out, packed up, and headed home to beautiful Humboldt County. Thank you Earthdance 2010! See you next year at the new venue!
