Pink Moon Presents: June 2014

Friday, June 27, 2014

Pinky's Farm Work Weekend #2 (May 2014)

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Mad Tea Party Jam 3 Review

Mad Tea Party Jam 3 went down on the weekend of the solstice and carried an Alice In “Spunderland” theme. The event was thrown by Elise and Taco Olmstead the couple behind the heady counter culture publication Appalachian Jamwich. For years the two have been documenting and spreading the good word about the scene and putting on events. Right off the bat I noticed that our Rock Camp events have a lot in common with our friends out here in “Spunderland”. Though Mad Tea Party Jam and Pink Moon are very unique experiences, there are many similarities in how the events are run and put together. In the end, I was convinced that the biggest thing that our camps share is a overwhelming love for this kind of work and a team that has its foundation deeply rooted in family. I was curious to see what the couple would throw down for their annual highlight.

There were countless reasons for Jess and I to check out this fest. It’s in WV! Always down for a solid WV rager! And so many of our friends and bands for Pink Moon were going to be there. Some of the acts I was looking forward to checking out that are playing both Pink Moon and Mad Tea Party Jam included: Tauk, Moogatu, Broccoli Samurai, Deltanine, People’s Blues of Richmond, Kings of Belmont, Galaxy Dynamite, KR-3, Threesound, Plaeground, Litz, Tweed, Aarodynamics, Bats Dynamic String Band, Supersylum, The Braes, Nicky C and the RSB, Ypset, and Interstellar Soul. That’s only what overlaps with Pink Moon. We were also looking forward to a few bands that aren’t on our lineup (at least so far) including headliners Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Werks, Turquaz and The Mantras. Papadosio also headlined the festival. It was also clear that the event encouraged a raging art scene, which is always something to get excited about.

It was hot when we got there Friday afternoon. Jess and I were very excited to be getting down at a West Virginia festival. Don’t get me wrong, we love festivals everywhere (at least most places), but there’s something very special and unique about a wild and wonderful WV rager! And that’s what it was, and so much more of course, Upon arrival it was clear that there was a strong turn out and that most everyone there had been getting down hard for a while already.
We were directed to the VIP/Staff parking area and got to see the grounds all the way through. We saw a number of Wonderland clad festival goers as we passed through the first general camping field that was full up enough so that the Woodland Stage could be heard but not seen through the sea of tents and elaborate campsites. We passed through vendor row which was filled with old friends and people that we know from Pink Moon or other Puff T. chasing adventures, including Easy Wind Family Creations. From there, I got to peek at the art gallery that was thumping with creative energy as painters and spectators embraced the work and the process.

Soon we were upon the main venue, which was laid out beautifully with two large stages at the center point and a horseshoe of food and craft venders making a nice perimeter around the venue. The art gallery was centered in the back of the horseshoe with plenty of space to see, make, and observe unfettered creativity. As we started to pass behind the stage the rest of the property could be clearly seen. There was one more main camping field with the EDM tent in the back, which was filled up comfortably, with similar elaborate campsites and colorful people milling about as we’d seen before. We drove further and came to VIP parking, camping, and the farmhouse that was being used for staff and artist hospitality.

The layout was very picturesque. Mad Tea Party Jam was, more or less, the image I had in my head for a successful grassroots festival in our region! As we got set up at camp and started collecting our people for our Dragon and other shows, we could sense a strongly positive and often overwhelming sense of community and love!
The strong positive vibes were amplified as soon as we walked through the Cheshire Cat’s mouth and entered the hospitality area. It had the vibe of a family reunion, full of long time friends, musicians, and those throwing the event. Throughout the event Jess and I frequented this area for coffee, almost always getting caught up in intense discussion about new ideas or old tales. Before even getting to the show, it was clear we were indeed in Wonderland…. Err… I meant “Spunderland”.

We wandered the venue, figuring out the lay of the land and setting up for the show. Seldom do I get the chance to see full sets at festivals, but we had the pleasure of catching a stellar set from Pigeons Playing Ping Pong with a little of the Mantras and Dopapod on either side. Great sets right off. Our adventures also brought us to the art tent where we had the pleasure of catching up with a number of our festival artist friends including Brian Kirby and Bryan Bailey. The art in the tent was amazing, the artist’s paintings were profound, and the layout was really cool. If I wasn’t on the job, I probably would have spent most of my time in there.

As the sun began to set and the temperature eased up we went out for our first set dragon set. The heat of the day had been a challenge but everyone seemed excited for Dopapod. The audience was electric as the dragon passed through. Peaks spiked and the energy grew as the night went on. Papadosio was our next dragon set. The band seemed to be in a trance, then they punched it up for Puff, or the audience… I can never quite tell who exactly is responding to what, but it was a lot of fun. Running the dragon through the audience had a special thrill, as the excited audience lit up, the vibe seemed to ramp up. Our following set with The Werks was a blast. Those guys really threw down and carried the audience into an ecstatic evening. The dragon went to bed after that, but Jess and I got to catch some of the Broccoli Samurai with a side of bad-ass wrap from Shady Grove Wraps for dinner. It was a really fun night.

Then the rain came, which wasn’t a big deal, except I left my shoes outside the night before. I put them on in the morning and lasted way too long before I broke down and got a cheap pair of flip flops from the Project Shelter booth. I was excited to check them out because they will be joining us on the farm for The Get Down AND Pink Moon this year, and it’s always nice to say hi to our vendors. Those guys had EVERYTHING! Forgot your toothbrush? Need to refurnish your conversion van? They’ve got your back for any camping need… any… well, not anything… but anything you shouldn’t leave the festival over. Also,accept donations of unwanted camping gear at the end of the festival which goes to refugee camps and homeless shelters. Project Shelter: a great place to what you need and recycle things we often waste for people who really need them.

I dried off my feet in the sunshine for a while sitting on the Pink Moon backdrop tapestry (by SolJam) on top of some plastic tablecloths. We passively passed out fliers and hung out with a bunch of good people. Our bears made some periodic appearances during the day as well!

I had the chance to see a couple more complete sets from some of our family bands. Threesound started it all of with a strong set, and soon after came one of my favorites: The Shack Band. The only note I have for these guys is they could use a little more Church in their set.

See this video from Domefest:

Post by Jessica Abramson.

We had been pleasantly surprised to see our dear friend and Pink Moon Production Manager on stage with them a few weeks ago at Domefest, and had hoped for a repeat performance. So, apparently production managers are pretty busy, but I’m hoping I can coax another serenading by the legendary John Church at Pink Moon. Keep your fingers crossed.

People’s Blues of Richmond stood out as a bad-ass, rocked out , staple of the scene. The band shared a handful of new songs and had everyone moving. Moogatu also had a stand out set, covering Dark Side of the Moon with a beautiful guest female vocal. Aside from that, the band also threw down heavy jams and shredding leads throughout their performance.

The night came quicker than I had expected and was filled with unforeseen adventures. The Werks fired it up again during our first run with Puff. It was a very strong set with solid covers and a lot of energy. Our next set with the Mantras was a good time too, and as we slithered through the audience we were treated to Alex, child of festival orgaizer Taco Olmstead, playing sax with the band. The kid was awesome, and a great sense of pride was felt throughout the audience for the talent and courage of the family as a whole, confirmed when Alex yelled out "You are all my family"!!

After the Mantras we slithered our glowing monster down the hill to the EDM tent to catch Aarodynamics. Quickly becoming one of my favorite acts, Aaron, one amazing guy, was tearing it up. Making his own beats with a mic, and filling in everything else with a variety of looped instruments Aaron carried and eager croud. I admire a lot about this act, but mostly I’m overwhelmed by his raw talent and phenomenal stage presence. It took a lot of concentration to dragon through the low tent, but everyone was generous with energy and space making for a very intimate Puff T moment.

The evening ended with another unexpected surprise. We made our way to the farm house for a cup of coffee and found a four-piece acoustic bluegrass band that was absolutely killing it! We came in on a Phish cover and the whole place was bouncing round the room. What a way to finish up a festival! Jess and I danced for a while with new and old friends, celebrating the vibe and the occasion and had a burrito from the Grateful Burrito Brothers (who will ALSO be at Pink Moon) for dinner.

The next morning we were out after what seemed like a thousand good byes. The whole place felt like family. People kept popping out of the woodwork as if the rabbit hole metaphor had gone wack-a-mole. We came, we saw, we threw down, we had a great time, and we ate at a truck stop half way back on our four and a half hour drive. It may sound like a lot, but not really for us. I love these close-ish events, especially ones that we have things in common with. It would seem Pink Moon and Mad Tea Party Jam have a lot in common: similar intimate feel, raging awesome music, beautiful wild and wonderful West Virginia landscape, and a lot of love from everyone involved. If you haven’t been, I strongly recommend putting it on your calendar for next year. You’ll love it!

-Seth

Monday, June 23, 2014

"Do more, take less..."

I was at The Mad Tea Party Jam this past weekend in Hedgesville, WV. Thrown by Taco and Elise Olmstead of Appalachian Jamwich. This amazing grassroots festival is nothing short of magical. It was exactly what I needed after the deletion of our original Pink Moon Facebook event page and other stressors of the past week, and I feel so rejuvenated, with reinvigorated purpose and passion. This weekend confirmed that I am on the right path, doing the right thing, and so are countless others in The Region.

This is not a review of MTPJ, that's coming later this week. This is a post I felt I needed to make, a brief commentary on the incredible movement that is gaining speed in our region.

It's hard not to notice the sheer number of grassroots events popping up. There's at least one incredible event within the Mid-Atlantic Region (by which I mean WV, VA, PA, DC, MD, DE, NJ, and in which I would also include, though perhaps incorrectly, NC, TN, KY, and OH) every weekend, and sometimes two, three, or four!! These grassroots events, ranging in attendance from 500 to 5000 people, are gaining popularity because of the true sense of community they provide, close-knit and safe. While usually they do not boast the high dollar line-up the Goliaths in The Industry do (Bonnaroo, EDC, Gathering of the Vibes, etc) - the music is of the highest caliber, and so is the art. These grassroots events are also significantly cheaper than the big festivals. Example: at current prices, you could get almost 6 tickets to Pink Moon (exactly 5.7 tickets) for the price of 1 general admission ticket to Lockn'. It's a movement, it's strong, and it's growing. Not to mention being unique. No other region has the frequency or variety of grassroots events that we do.

Over the weekend, at the Mad Tea Party Jam, I kept hearing people talk about how many of their different circles of friends were crossing over at the festival. It really did feel like a great "coming together" of the movers and shakers in The Region. But this is not only a trait of MTPJ, this is something I'd heard people say at Domefest, at Roosterwalk, and that I'd heard in friends reviews of other fests this season. I would like to propose the following idea: it is not that great numbers of different circles of friends are crossing over at these events, but we are one big circle - even if we haven't all met yet. Our numbers are astounding, and our potential is boundless.

What is growing in this region is an absolutely phenomenal and talented community of passionate people. I feel so blessed to be a part of it, and to be able to help nurture "my little corner of The Scene" here on Pinky's Farm and at every event I attend. I believe in what we are all doing, and truly believe we can change the world. Scratch that, we have already changed the world. Let's keep it going.

In the end, I can not say it better than the Great Taco Olmstead: "Do more, take less..." - that's my mission moving forward.

-Jess & Pink Moon

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

PlayThink Movement & Flow Arts Festival Review

Photo Credit Nick Dawson

When we arrived at HomeGrown HideAways in Berea, Kentucky on Thursday, I had no idea how wonderful of a weekend was about to unfold.

We set up the typical Rock Camp Productions camp with our Bear head and were soon ready to join the PlayThink Movement & Flow Arts Festival community for the weekend. Our camp was a short walk from the crepes booth where we ate some of the best breakfast, s'mores and caramel banana crepes I've ever had!

Photo Credit Kim Blackburn Photography

Friday was filled with martial arts, yoga, aerial, fire safety, hooping, and art workshops among many, many others. As for me, I went to a fans tech workshop because I wanted to learn more about the technique and that I did! Our Orange Bear came out to a play a little bit that day with devil sticks in between giving high-fives and hugs to the many children that were in attendance. Once the sun set, a whole show from many performers of Turners Circus performed a series of amazing acts from acro-yoga to nunchucks. The night ended with a DJ set while everyone got a chance to do their own fire performances in the designated dome area.

Saturday was another beautiful day in Berea with filled with countless workshops like poi, herbal wisdom and whip cracking. Towards the end of the day, the March Madness Marching Band came out to perform a spectacular set in celebration of our community dinner that was about to take place. Shortly after dinner, a fire walk took place with much anticipation from the crowd. It was definitely a personal and individual experience that meant something different to everything involved. Later, Dixon's Violin played the violin in the most beautiful fashion I have ever witnessed! It was quite the show! The night was yet again filled with great fire performances from hoops to staff to poi - everyone doing what they love and expressing it own their own way was truly incredible to witness.

Photo Credit Lily Webster

The last day of the festival began with a group photo in front of the PlayThink sign in addition to another parade to announce brunch. A few more workshops wrapped up the festival on Sunday.

I would like to give a huge "thank you" to Paige

Hankla for having us, staff, volunteers, vendors, performers and attendees for coming together to create a weekend encompassed by a sense of community and expression!

Photo Credit Kim Blackburn Photography

We at Rock Camp had such an amazing time this past weekend - if you enjoyed our Dancing Bears this weekend, please head over and give us a "like" on Facebook to keep up-to-date on our whereabouts!

Here's the link:
www.facebook.com/rockcampproductionsllc

The Mad Tea Party Jam Preview (June 19-22nd)

Rock Camp Productions is thrilled to be heading to Hedgesville, West Virginia for The Mad Tea Party Jam this weekend with the legendary Puff T. Magic-Dragon and our Dancing Bears! We will also have Puff T. hat pins and patches available for sale, designed by Crazyredbeard!

Here's some more information from their event page on The Mad Tea Party Jam:

PLEASE FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE WEBSITE, THERE IS NO GPS ADDRESS: http://www.themadteapartyjam.com/directions/

If you bought a ticket online, bring your ID to the Will Call gate! Even if you print your ticket out, you will still need to pick up a real-life hard copy ticket at Will Call :)

ONLINE TICKET SALES END AT MIDNIGHT ON TUESDAY JUNE 17TH!
http://www.missiontix.com/page/group?p=24620%2C24621%2C25076

Multiple Stages, Live Artists, Transformative Art Gallery, Food and Craft Vendors, Art Installations, Late Night Music, Electronic Dance Dome, Fire Performers, Costume Contests with Prizes, Late Night Futuristic Burlesque Fashion Show, Hoop Troupe Performers,

Official lineup:

Papadosio
The Werks - TWO NIGHTS
Dopapod - TWO NIGHTS
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
The Mantras - TWO NIGHTS
Consider the Source - TWO NIGHTS
Turkuaz - TWO NIGHTS
TAUK -TWO NIGHTS
Ron Holloway Band
E.L.M. - TWO NIGHTS
Moogatu - THREE NIGHTS
The Shack Band - TWO NIGHTS
Manitoa
Vagabond Swing
Fletcher's Grove
Broccoli Samurai
Deaf Scene
DELTAnine
Ultraviolet Hippopotamus
The Primate Fiasco
Elephant Wrecking Ball
People's Blues of Richmond
King of Belmont
Galaxy Dynamite
KR-3
B Side Shuffle
Threesound
The Brummy Brothers
Plaeground
LITZ
Heady Ruxpin
Tweed
Aarodynamics
Bunk Buddha
Bat's Dynamic Strings Band
Supersylum
Wicked Sway
Lee Turley
Sol Frequency
The Braes
Nicky C & The RSB
Rusty Haywhackers
Brokedown Hustlers
Jordan August Band
SOOHAN
METATRONN
Soularize
YPSET
Interstellar Soul
Noetic Pull
Betty & the Badasses
Annexation of Puerto Rico

ARTISTS AT LARGE:
Ron Holloway
Fareed Haque

Hooping Workshops by Caitlyn Harvey
Nature walks with Charlie Thelemann
Live Painting workshops
Guitar Workshops with Fareed Haque
....and more to be announced

We are pleased to announce our list of LIVE ARTISTS who will be painting at The Mad Tea Party Jam as well as taking part in our Transformative Art Gallery:

Bryan Bailey
https://www.facebook.com/cloudybutclear
Nicho Spectrum
www.nicholasdaily.com
https://www.facebook.com/nicholasdaily
Jonathan Blake
http://www.crazyredbeard.com/
Blais Bellenoit
https://www.facebook.com/RoninEyeCreations
Maddie Moore
https://www.facebook.com/MaddieMooreArt
Steven Teller
www.steventellerarts.com
Annie Kyla Bennett
https://www.facebook.com/AnnieKylaBennettArt
Kat Francis
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kat-Attack-Art/337911962905063
Zach Weaver
https://www.facebook.com/zweaverart
Liz Hu
https://www.facebook.com/lizhuart
Ashton Hill
https://www.facebook.com/KettleHeadArt
Gina Huber
http://www.ginahuber.com/
Blake Bower
https://www.facebook.com/snakebower
Renee Weber
https://www.facebook.com/RENart13/about
Win Spencer
https://www.facebook.com/WinSpencerArt
Kelsey Graves
https://www.facebook.com/SeekingNectarTheArtOfHummingbirdMoon
Corina Graves
https://www.facebook.com/Creeatureconcepts
Virginia Hadley
http://virginiahadley.deviantart.com/
Olivia Ann Grubb
https://www.facebook.com/olivia.a.grubb
Bryan Stacy Art
http://bryanstacyart.com/
John Gay
https://www.facebook.com/JohnGypsyArt
Wendi Michelle Goodwin
https://www.etsy.com/shop/WendiMichelleArts
Brian Moss
http://www.brianmossart.com/
Mack Johnson
https://www.facebook.com/ZenFluence
James B Herndon
https://www.facebook.com/HappieHippie/media_set?set=a.1052886845319.8701.1320222068&type=3
Brian Kirby
Jacob Kirby
Collyn Gold
Tiffany Mcillwain
Samwise

Created originally to celebrate the anniversary of Elise & Taco, the annual Mad Tea Party is an intimate rager where all come together to love one another and transform our energies into a single creative collective. Hardly your traditional festival, it takes place on beautiful land with two ponds, a stream and swimming hole. Also on the property is a Bavarian style villa and stone courtyard, and a camp where you please, party where you please attitude that is always family friendly.

Musicians roam the property and rub shoulders with attendees, there will be plenty of meet and greet and play time together. Due to the limited number of attendees allowed, the setting is very intimate and we are all excited to become best friends with each other if we are not already!

GATES CLOSE EVERY NIGHT BETWEEN 4AM-9AM!!
CASH ONLY AT THE GATE. NO ATM's ON SITE!

Ticket prices are now at our 3rd tier of $100.

These tickets will be on sale until Tuesday June 17. Day of the festival you must buy tickets at the gate for $115.

GA SATURDAY TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GATE FOR $80. VIP SATURDAY TICKETS WILL BE $140.

Tickets include all 4 days of the festival and camping. You can buy them here before the price goes up: http://www.missiontix.com/page/group?p=24620%2C24621%2C25076

VIP Tickets include:
• VIP Camping in a preferred, shaded area
• VIP Hospitality Area
• Official T-shirt
• Official Poster
• 4 Private VIP acoustic sets
• 3 Free Taxi Cab rides
• 3 Free Beer Tastings with The Brewstel

VIP tickets start at $165
after MARCH 1ST $185
after MAY 1ST $200
at the gate $215

If you have already purchased a GA ticket but would like to upgrade to the VIP experience, it is always $100 to upgrade your ticket.

OUR VENDING SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

We will have the option to purchase a WALKING VENDOR pass. An application is not required for this pass and can be purchased ahead of time via paypal or at the gate for $50. Please email elise@appalachianjamwich.com to purchase a walking vendor pass. If you are caught selling anything without a vendor pass your merchandise will be confiscated!!

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

PlayThink Movement & Flow Arts Festival Preview (June 12-15th)

Rock Camp Productions is thrilled to bringing our Dancing Bear Mascots to PlayThink Movement & Flow Arts Festival this weekend at HomeGrown HideAways in Berea, Kentucky!

Keep an eye out for Puff T. and our signature Dancing Bear Mascots for chances to win FREE tickets to Pink Moon Festival VI! We will also have a limited number of Puff T. Magic-Dragon hat pins and patches available for sale, designed by Crazyredbeard!

And here's some great info from the PlayThink event page and website:

June 12 - 15, 2014HomeGrown HideAwaysBerea, KY

yoga ~ poi ~ hoops ~ staff ~ kirtan ~ artcapoeira ~ aerials ~ qi gong ~ nia ~ beatboxingdrums ~ dance ~ meditation ~ sacred geometryfire dancing ~ stilt walking ~ circus balancing

PlayThink is a celebration of Art, Sustainability, Music, Performance, FLOW, and Life itself. The PlayThink Movement is an inclusive, participatory, community and family oriented culture of vitality, fun, and well-being, rooted in the belief that each of us has the power to re-shape our own experience mentally and physically to live life to the fullest.

The PlayThink Festival offers an atmosphere of magic letting you experience dance parties, circus camp, and a full four days of play just for you and yours. Inspiring playshops, presentations, and discussions will be led by some of the best known flow arts regional instructors. Musicians, Dancers, Artists, and Lovers of Life will converge in Berea, Kentucky with their full range of unique talents offering a wide range of life enhancing skills and thoughts.

PlayShops/Workshops: