Purple Mountains Majesty

Join us in the Purple Mountains Majesty, let’s go spend some time on the HILL!

Finally some Fresh mountain air…

Hello Festival Family! Good tidings and Springtime rain! I hope you are as happy as I am to see the all the flowers of Spring again and to finally see the world is slowly waking up from its slumber.

I don’t know about you, but all I can do is think about THIS Summer and how I am about to “Carpe Diem” this one like no other and my list of shenanigans and events is starting to grow long.

This Summer my Festival LIST is really a list of which FESTIVALS have shifted to the FALL, and it is really heavy…BUT not all! There are still a few “gems” out there if you are looking for some Summer fun and for your live music fix.

Top on my list for the first weekend in June is Mountain Music Fest!

My favorite West Virginia’s music festival is back on June 3rd-5th in the New River Gorge. This is your chance to experience live music and festival life again!

With over 30 bands on 3 stages, visual artists, performers, vendors and more there will be no shortage of fun stuff to do. Start planning which shows you will see, when you will hit the waterpark and when you can find some time to squeeze in just a little sleep.

YES I said WATER PARK!!!!!!

Over 30 Bands On 3 Stages in 3 Days There will be more bands on the mountaintop at ACE Adventure Resort this year than ever before! Friday and Saturday is the main event atop Wonderland Mountain.

Friday night jam on with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Lettuce, TAUK and more on the mountaintop main stage. Saturday night stomp your feet to some string pounding fury including The Wood Brothers, The Infamous Stringdusters, Arlo McKinley & Buffalo Wabs. Plus festival favorite Big Something closes out the main stage Saturday night before The Kind Thieves and Black Garlic’s late night sets on the Blue Ridge Outdoors Strange Stage. No matter your musical taste there is something for you in this solid lineup.

FREE Workshops Happening All Weekend

This year we have curated a unique set of free workshops we hope our guests will take part in. Be sure to check out the list of exciting workshops that will be happening Friday and Saturday during Mountain Music Festival. Most workshops will take place in the Pigment Sanctuary Visual Art Gallery, at the ACE Adventure Waterpark or The Lost Paddle. Check out the schedule below to see when and where each workshop will be happening. No need to sign up in advance, just show up and take part in something cool!

Tickets Almost SOLD OUT

Get your Mountain Music Festival 2021 tickets now before they are sold out. We are expected to hit our capacity in just a few weeks so don’t wait to get your tickets, now is the time! See you in just a few short weeks let’s go spend a little time on the Mountain!

According to the MMFest Staff Here are the RULES and COVID protocols:

“The Golden Rule”: Please be respectful to your neighbors & consider their comfort

Rules for The Mountain Top

1. Have fun & love life
2. No Pets inside the festival grounds
3. No Glass Bottles
4. No outside food or drink inside the festival grounds – NO OUTSIDE Alcohol
5. No Illegal drugs, weapons, fireworks or Nitrous Tanks are allowed on resort property
6. No unauthorized vending permitted
7. Underage drinking is strictly prohibited
8. No bicycles in the festival grounds.
9. Respect the environment. Please use trash and recycling container.
10. Park only in designated areas. If your vehicle is found in an unauthorized area it will be towed to the onsite tow lot and a fee will be assessed.
11. Please be prepared for a bag search at the main ticket gate.
12. Listen to and be respectful to all staff members, whether it is a parking attendant or a police officer.

Remember our #1 goal is everyone’s safety.

Mountain Music Festival 2021 COVID protocols are as follows:

• Social distancing is strongly encouraged. Pods will not be provided however it is your responsibility to maintain and manage six feet of distance between yourself and other attendees whom you do not reside with.
• Masks or face coverings will be required when inside the festival grounds, at stage areas, on the shuttle bus and inside all buildings at the resort. Please be mindful of the people around you by wearing a mask.
• Masks or face coverings will be strongly encouraged in the campground, waterpark beach and other outdoor common areas.
• COVID Symptom screening will be conducted upon arrival to the event via the following questions.
  • Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COID-19 in the past 14 days?
  • Are you experiencing a cough, shortness of breath or sore throat?
  • Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
  • Have you had a new loss of taste or smell?
  • Have you had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?
• All patrons will have their temperature taken upon arrival and before receiving your festival wristband.
• All event staff and volunteers will be screened and have their temperatures taken daily when they report to work.
• Sanitation stations will be provided around the resort for guest use.
• ACE will employ janitorial staff to provide 24 hour cleaning of all restroom/shower facilities.
• Individuals showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival to the event will be asked to leave immediately.
• We understand many of our participants will be fully vaccinated at the time of Mountain Music Festival which is fantastic but we would still ask everyone to follow these guidelines to ensure the highest level of protection.

Festival Season 2021 may be a bit different, some of the the dates are not what we are used to and some will not return until 2022, but that’s alright, with a little planning and preparation, there are plenty on the 2021 festival list to choose from for every style and fan. For some of them that have moved to Fall and some are in the mountains!

The camping will be just as nice or if not even better than those HOT summer camps.
Just plan for it with the right gear!

Alright festival fam I hope you are with me and counting it down!!!

One Way or Another – this darkness HAS got to give!!!!!!!
One Way or Another – this Summer WE gonna have some FUN and I HOPE to see you out there Festival FAM!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is a little playlist to get you moving!
Time to put those DANCING boots on and get ready to dust off those moves!

Mountain Music Fest Playlist

Get Ready for 2021 FESTIVAL Season with all our tips and ticks and be sure and like our page on FB, Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribe to our YouTube for festival updates, new articles, and more camping tips!

Under Pressure –

TOP 5 list of for the Summer 2021 Festival Season

Under pressure….The SHOWS must go on!!!!!!

This struggle is real! We all are feeling it!

LET ME OUT!!!!!!!

It has officially been a year since your feet have stepped on to any of our nation’s LIVE festival venues and witnessed the magic. You KNOW this too shall pass and we will all be together again…just hang in there!

The one thing we know for certain is that the GREATEST healing take place once live music returns!

Fresh Air, Good VIBES, Good times – GOOD news is on the way for all of us my dear music lovers!

Festival Season 2021 may be a bit different, some of the the dates are not what we are used to and some will not return until 2022, but that’s alright, with a little planning and preparation, there are plenty on the 2021 festival list to choose from for every style and fan. For some of them that have moved to Fall, camping then will be just as nice or if not even better than those HOT summer camps. Just plan for it with the right gear!

As much as I wanted to put out a festival planning article for everyone, I also wanted to wait and not put out any disinformation, with things still being so fluid. But I do think we have rounded the corner and I have started to hear some little birds in my ear. So that being said – Just know that I am making a list, checking and checking it twice so we can all get together and party all night!!!

This year, I have a few honorable mentions as far as my festival list goes and this announcement season has been a nail biter…I know like some of you who are holding roll-over alumni tickets or had the grueling process of getting a cancellation refund – you can understand the industry trepidation and mine.

We all know this all really hinges on what the CDC has to say and IF the restrictions will get lifted.
I have scoured every piece of information that I can find, and it looks like by the time JULY 4 rolls around, we should be able to start attending outdoor, multi-person events. These words came out of the mouth of Dr. Fauci, so let’s all have a collective “WISHFUL THINKING” that the scheduled shows on my list WILL go on this Summer.

Here is my 2021 list – with a few with insider confirmations.

One thing I do know, is we can expect much, much smaller capacity at these shows and the tickets will move fast! Also one quick acknowledgment, all the links on this website go directly to the Official Festival’s Websites – this blog just providing a directory and direct links for your festival planning pleasure. I already put this much effort into my festival planning research every year before I started writing about it, now I just share it with all of you.

(Just a moment of appreciation and LOVE – Thank you for your SUPPORT – some of our Vendors in The Festival Marketplace have SOLD out a lot of their inventory – thanks to this amazing community)

That being said, Let’s get into it –

TOP 5 list of for the Summer 2021 Festival Season: This year it is all about that FIRE in the MOUNTAINS!!!!!!

1 Floyd Fest
Always at the top of my list EVERY Summer, Floyd Fest is by far one of my favorite festival venues.

Nestled in the mountains in Floyd County, Virginia – this little jewel really does demonstrate why they say, “Virginia is for MUSIC LOVERS.”

Floyd Fest which received top honors in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s ‘Best of the Blue Ridge 2020:’ “Best Festival Overall” and “Best Kid-Friendly Festival” They also snagged Runner-Up honors for the following: “Best Kid-Friendly Adventure”, so if you have little ones and have always wanted to experience a music festival with them, this is the BEST one to enjoy.

This one is also an all-volunteer run so definitely check it out if you have some free time in July.

The BEST way to fest this one is to WORK it! The on site camping perks are so worth the 4 or 5 days it takes to really enjoy this one to the fullest. The DELTA lot is a bus ride away so those coveted spots on the “inside” are what makes this one so cool for the those willing to go spend a little time on the mountain!

Also, BEWARE of scammers – I hear FLOYD will likely sell all passes within the MONTH!

2

Mountain Music Festival 2021

Back at ACE Adventure Resort June 3-5, 2021 with over 30 bands in the heart of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve this one is sure to keep u up all night with excitement!!

If you have never been to the WET and WILD New River Gorge area, you are missing out on some of the most beautiful WILD areas on the EAST Coast! Just this year, New River Gorge area has been recognized as one of our countries most valuable natural resources and it has been made into a National Park and Preserve!

The ACE Adventure Resort offers adventures on some of the WILDEST white water on the New River Gorge.

West Virginia camping at it’s finest and music! You can’t go wrong with this adventure this Summer!

3 The Peach Fest

in Scranton, PA, started by The Allman Brothers Band always brings the jammiest bands for the celebration at the Pavilion at Montage Mountain and Montage Mountain Ski Resort.

This year boasts FIREWORKS every night and all different kinds of bands! With DOUBLE DOSES of String Cheese and Joe Russo’s Almost DEAD.

Although, I do highly recommend this one if you can go…I have not heard back from my inside staff contact on confirmed dates – KEEP those fingers crossed! (hopefully by July it will all be good)

4 Resonate Suwannee

For all the OKEE Crew who missed out this year, and anyone who is ready to hit those warmer temps soon – The inaugural Resonate Suwannee music festival will be held at the Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida May 21 – 23. Keller Williams, Papadosio and Marcus King are just a few of the major acts on the Resonate Suwannee 2021 lineup.

Officials have decided on PODS for this one and have said that they are monitoring the situation over the next 4-6 weeks in order to throw the safest and most responsible event possible.

“We’ll be offering a limited GA in addition to a pods configuration. No matter what option you choose, every attendee will be able to enjoy a great looking and sounding show,” add the event’s producers. “For some, this might come too soon, but for us it can’t come soon enough!”

Tickets for this one just went on sale last week – so you’d better get them while the gettin is GOOD!

5 MAYPOP Music and Arts Festival

This year in conjunction with the Tennessee Wildflower celebration of the MayPop AKA Purple Passion Flower in Nashville this JUNE there is another independent festival that boasts 40 ACRES OF NON-STOP OF MUSIC: EPIC SHOWS !

Held in the hills Of Tennessee @ Further Farms Outside the Music City of Nashville! this festival has a little something for everyone from 2 to 92 we got something for you whether you’re into Jams and Bluegrass. Or even a dubstep loving granny come out and enjoy the weekend. In celebration of this beautiful flower, amazing venue, talented artists, unbelievable performances, and out of this world production! Plenty of top choice food vendors here. From hot dogs & BBQ to something new even something if your vegan too! All throughout the weekend’s festivities! Not to mention our craft and live art vendors!”

For those of you missing the ROO Farm this Summer, this one might just have all those NEW MUSIC discoveries that you are jonesing for – definitely if you are looking for a TENNESSEE farm fix MayPop might get you though until September!

The SHOWS must go on

Pressing the pause button on the Live music industry has affected the lives of all of us during this time in profound ways, but for some the unexpected economic downturn will reverberate for many years to come. All you have to do is look around your local community to see once loved venues now gone.

Good News in the music industry is that Live Nation’s ‘Crew Nation’ Fund Raises $18 Million for COVID-Impacted Touring Staffers! To read the full article from Variety Magazine, click here.

And Slowly across the nation the it looks like things are starting to start back up with smaller crowds in some places and other places it looks like the covid restrictions will remain strict until well into the Fall.

The Fall festival list is stacked and packed with so many in September and October it is really going to be hard to choose. I’ll save the FALL FESTIVAL planning guide for another day!

Let us and our bank accounts survive the Summer of 2021 festival season!
(Please let there be a FESTIVAL SEASON!)

Stay safe out there festival fam and be sure and like our page on FB, Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribe to our YouTube for festival updates, new articles, and more camping music festival gear tips!

Top 10 RATM songs

Top 10 Rage Against The Machine Songs – TBT

In 1990 when I fist heard Tom Morello’s hard breaking cords and Zack de la Rocha’s hard hitting, poignant lyrics, my mind was ACTIVATED.

We were called generation x, and I realized then where the responsibility truly lies…we cannot wait for the LEADERS to make the world a better place, it is the responsibility of each individual to question authority and think for themselves. Your local community is where the difference can be made. This emphasis on the name of the figurehead who “is in Charge” is a false narrative that we have all been programmed to BUY into.

If you want to make a difference and leave this world a better place for the next generations, then “you must question authority and Learn how to put yourself in a state of vulnerable, open-mindedness; chaotic, confused, vulnerability to inform yourself.” ~TL

Bonus points if you know who said that quote and what song it came from…comment below.

Now let’s get into it – My 10 Top picks for Rage Against The Machine Songs!

WAKE the FUCK UP!!!

1

Wake Up · Rage Against The Machine

Rage Against The Machine – XX (20th Anniversary Special Edition)

Quoting the Reverend Dr. King only makes sense here:
Return the power to the have not’s…then came the shot…

2

Sleep Now in the Fire (Official Music Video)

Is it that history repeats it self or it is just the same shit a different day?

…So raise your fists and march around Just don’t take what you need I’ll jail and bury those committed And smother the rest in greed…

3

Testify (Official Music Video)

4

Know Your Enemy

Yes I know my enemies
They’re the teachers who taught me to fight me
Compromise, conformity, assimilation, submission
Ignorance, hypocrisy, brutality, the elite
All of which are American dreams

5

Rage Against the Machine – People of the Sun (Official Music Video)

2,793 views•Dec 2, 2020911Share

6

Renegades Of Funk (Official Music Video)

7

Killing In the Name (Official Music Video)

8

Bulls On Parade (Official Music Video)

9

LIVE WOODSTOCK 99 1999

FULL 4K NEW QUALITY 2020

Top live FESTIVAL performance!!!!

10 – GREATEST HITS ¡repita por favor!

Be sure and like our page on FB, Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribe to our YouTube for festival updates, new articles, and more camping music festival gear tips!

Take care Festival Fam, HOPE to see you soon! ~WREN

The State of the Industry

How can WE Save Our Stages? #saveourstages

I think we can all AGREE – OVER IT!!!!
We are all missing LIVE music and moving onto NOV like a bitch…

I know it is like pouring salt in a wound and I don’t have to remind any of you that it’s has been nearly seven months since local and national venues shuttered their doors for the pandemic and the LIVE music stopped. The RONA wiped concerts and festivals off the calendar in March — but that was just the beginning.

Before it all started, the music industry revenue has increased for two consecutive years. That’s the first time it’s happened since 1999, According to the RIAA and the projections for 2020 had a bullish outlook for amazing gains. Instead, companies are grappling with issuing refunds and lawsuits for contract cancelations.

The economic impact of the entertainment industry shuttering its doors for the entire year has created an unprecedented crisis for the music industry and for all the people who help run the machine. According to Pollstar, the live-music business was on track to generate $12.2 billion in box-office revenue in 2020, but one by one all the big festivals postponed and then canceled for 2020. Around the country big and small venues alike took heed to the CDC guidelines and all music venues remain closed due to the pandemic. Read the entire Pollstar article.

Our favorite artists have had huge losses

Everyone has heard the expression “Party like a ROCK STAR,” and we constantly see many of our favorite idols living up on TV and in the media but this year has significantly altered their earning potential and their income stream.

The social distancing restrictions have severely impacted scheduling LIVE music and the cash they generate. According to Live Nation, they have experienced a 98% year-on-year revenue decline in Q2 2020, driven by global concert shutdowns. Rumors from Live Nation management project that it maybe 2021 or 2022 before live music revenue from venues nationwide return to what they were before covid.

Most of our favorite artists have suffered major losses during the pandemic. Contrary to the idea that artists make a lot of money according to how many people listen to their music, the majority of an artist’s revenue comes from LIVE performances – touring, selling merchandise, licensing their music for things like streaming services, television, movies, or video games, and affiliate partnerships or side contracts.

With the end on crowd restrictions nowhere in sight, there is a huge uptick in artists LIVE streaming and many of the artists and companies who have been diversified and who had a digital plan are at least surviving or they are scrambling to come up with something now. As far as your favorite artists go – if you don’t already OWN their albums buy them, buy merch if you can – support them on social media, and definitely SWIM if they offer a paid LIVE STREAM. This may be the only way they can still afford their mansion and the private jet this year.

BEEM me UP!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

Inside music’s unprecedented crisis

As we take a look at the big picture losses, it is easy to focus on all those big numbers and the artists and companies in the music industry we recognize but those most deeply affected by these hard times are the behind the scene workers and employees. This unplanned hiatus has created a situation where many members of the music machine have been without any income for the duration of the lock-down.

The faces behind EVENTS – promoters, tour managers, touring crew members, musicians, tour directors, instrument technicians, lighting technicians, soundboard operators, tour merchandiser, VIP coordinator, production assistants, accountants, and festival vendors who are usually independent contractors, as opposed to salaried employees, are getting the shortest straw – their jobs simply no longer not exist without concerts and festivals. And due to red tape, some are either unable to qualify or they are ineligible to even apply for unemployment benefits. Many of these workers who made over the cut off amount for the work they did in 2019, also did not get in on the government stimulus checks, so they haven’t earned any money at all in 2020. Dire times indeed.

Making matters worse, there seems to be another spike in C-19 cases and even though restrictions in some states where starting to loosen – it doesn’t seem like the end of the venue closures is anywhere in sight.

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Banding together to fight for survival

According to a National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) survey, 90 percent of independent venue owners, promoters, and show booking agents say that they will have to close permanently within the next few months if they don’t get help from some government funding. Pollstar estimates if venues end up shuttered through December, losses could spiral up to $8.9 billion losses in ticket sales alone – not including food and beverage revenues.

According to this article, “Venues Closing Across America: An Updating List (And Why It Matters)”

In the article they have created a running list of venue closings and from the look of it “the new normal” music scene is going to be lacking what were some of our country’s BEST.

In case you missed the stream from last weekend, (you can still watch – the Link is in the STREAM LIBRARY) NIVA partnered with YouTube for a 3-day virtual music festival to #SaveOurStages. This benefit event aimed to generate significant awareness, advocacy, and donations for the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund, directly supporting our most vulnerable venues experiencing catastrophic revenue loss.

The NIVA Emergency Relief Fund was launched to raise money for our most vulnerable venues, and keep them afloat while we wait on Congress. The fund will be administered by The Giving Back Fund; a separate non-profit that will collect the money and oversee the application process for venues to receive grants from the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund.

You can still donate now.

The Save Our Stages Act would establish a $10 billion grant program to provide at least six months of financial support to keep venues afloat, pay employees and preserve a critical economic sector for communities across America.

Despite the fact that the Save Our Stages has already been co-sponsored by more than 140 senators and representatives, independent venues across the country are still just to stay afloat while desperately awaiting federal assistance.

You can TAKE ACTION – Your voice matters — Tell your legislators to save independent music venues! Help us #SaveOurStages by telling Congress to ACT NOW! Here is the link to easily write to your legislators.

Congress has failed to ACT – The entire Music industry
and its people are in NEED!

This is the final push to Congress and there won’t be another opportunity. We NEED the #SaveOurStagesAct and the #RestartAct passed in order to keep independent venues nationwide from closing permanently. Please help us #SaveOurStages.

Live Nation has committed $10 million to Crew Nation – contributing an initial $5 million to the fund, then matching the next $5 million given by artists, fans, and employees dollar for dollar.

Crew Nation is powered by Music Forward Foundation, a charitable 501c3 organization, that will be administering the fund.

Get by with a little help…

While times are bleak for our country at large, if we look back to this time last year, for most of us not only was this “New Normal” something unexpected but also unplanned for, and many hard-working people are finding themselves in situations having trouble providing the basic needs for themselves and their family – something they never could have imagined before.

Struggling to find work, struggling to pay bills, struggling to pay rent…
For many, this may be the first time in their lifetime. Struggling mentally – which is a whole other article – As the politicians are throwing stones, many of our music industry workers are sadly ON their OWN and the only place for them to turn right now might be friends, family, and the local community. Getting help with basic needs, such as food and shelter, can reduce the stress of unemployment. Check out my list below with some of the resources I could find.

If you’re having trouble providing basic needs for yourself or your family and you need unemployment help, you can turn to many online community resources for assistance that are local to your area. For example, local, state, or government resources, such as a local food bank, may be available to help with meeting basic food needs. Check with local churches and local community organizations like RED CROSS for support. Also, if you call your area’s NON-EMERGENCY number, the local police department can often point you in the right direction to organizations in your local area. These organizations often have resources to help the unemployed with food baskets, donations, job help, and babysitting assistance.

Here is a list of 10 resources that may offer HELP:

1. Call your credit card companies: Most credit card companies are offering some type of Covid-19 assistance, such as payment deferrals.
2. Call your mortgage company: Most mortgage companies and banks are offering some type of Covid-19 assistance, such as payment deferrals or refi options. And through your local City government website, you can find more information on Emergency Rental Assistance.
3. If you have Federal Student loans – the government-mandated Covid-19 assistance, such as payment deferrals, and low-income payment plans.
4. Most energy companies are offering energy assistance programs if you can’t pay and most municipalities have cut-off restrictions.
5. Here is the USDA website that offers information on SNAP and WIC which are two federal programs to help families in need get nutrition benefits to purchase healthy food. (Food Stamps)
6. 2-1-1 Call Center: Call to find local assistance with training, employment, food pantries, affordable housing, and support groups.
7. Low-Cost Phone Service: Reduced-cost phone service is available to eligible low-income families through the Lifeline program. Qualifying applicants can receive voice and data packages for less than $15 per month.
8. Home Affordable Modification Program (AMP): This program, along with others, allows qualifying unemployed homeowners to reduce mortgage payments so that they can focus on finding a job without the pressure of foreclosure.
9. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Each state has a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, formerly called Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). TANF can help with food stamps, financial assistance, training, and job searching.
10. Under the CARES ACT, if you have a 401 K, you may withdraw funds without penalties. Contact your fund management.

The future of the industry is hinging on WHEN things will open again and IF all of the festivals scheduled for 2021 can happen. There are already some big scheduling overlaps such as Bonnaroo moved, and now suddenly encroaching on Lost Lands and then also Austin City Limits the next weekend and so many others are still to be determined – One thing is for SURE – The 2021 FESTIVAL SEASON is going to be packed…if we get to mingle! The 2021 LIST is constantly being updated and I am adding new dates daily for your festival planning pleasure.

As uncertain as these times are, this too shall pass and hopefully, we will all be dancing in a field somewhere celebrating LIFE. Until, then CELEBRATE LIFE – Put on your favorite song and practice those dance moves because next year CELEBRATE we WILL!

Be sure and like our page on FB, Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribe to our YouTube for festival updates, new articles, and more camping music festival gear tips!

Take care Festival Fam, HOPE to see you soon! ~WREN

Surviving LEMON Season

A guide to self-care and getting the most out of the rest of 2020

Are you waking up everyday thinking, “what the hell happened to summer?”

All those plans…

All those plans that slowly dissolved as LIFE continued on an uncharted course that has led us to a Summer of sickness, death, confusion, high unemployment, failing businesses, civil unrest, and the absolute disruption of “LIFE as we KNEW it” with no LIVE music or music Festivals.

We all share this feeling…this LEMON season and I hope this finds you WELL!

This article is not about any of the fore mentioned current events, but it is about YOU!

About how can YOU get the most out of the rest of 2020 and keep radiating that positivity that will keep us all going through the uncertainty that follows.

Watch out – the vultures are circling…YOU must take care of yourself and those you LOVE!

Some of us, we’re hardly ever here… The rest of us, we’re born to disappear…How do I stop myself from being just a number? How will I hold my head to keep from goin’ under?

JM

Don’t Give UP!

September 2020 is dubbed – “SELF CARE MONTH” in the Matrix, so I suggest each and every one of you focus the next few weeks on being extra kind to yourself and stepping up the self-care routine.

The good news is some of these ideas don’t cost a lot of money but can really help to elevate your state-of-mind when you feel like your head is spinning.

Here are my top 5 tips for getting the most out of the rest of 2020 with some SELF CARE IDEAS:

#1 – Soak up the SUN!

Although the days of laying out in the back yard covered with baby oil are long gone, most experts will agree that getting 30 minutes of direct sun exposure can have a myriad of health benefits.

Most of all getting some sun can boost Vitamin D Production. Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” and is essential for proper immune functioning. In an article by USA Today, research shows vitamin D helps prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a common killer in COVID-19 patients. It may also prevent Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome – which increases the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer, according to Cincinnati children’s Hospital Medical Center researchers.

The easiest way to soak it in is right though your bare skin so take yourself a “sunshine” break today and spend some time feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin!

Research has linked Covid-19 deaths to Vitamin D deficiency. If you want to learn more about Vitamin D and symptoms of a deficiency, check out this article by Dr. Axe, where he details Vitamin D deficiency symptoms & sources to reverse It!

Definitely plan to stock up before Winter!

#2 – Get OUTSIDE!

One thing all the “OFFICIALS’ can agree on is – Fresh air may help us avoid germs so #2 on the list is to GET OUT THERE!

We all know the warm days are fleeting – but even if you can’t chase the boys of Summer down at the beach, one of the BEST things you can do for yourself daily is getting outside and get some fresh air and go for a walk. Even if it is just around the block, at a public park, or just sitting outside on a park bench for 5 minutes, a few minutes in nature can do wonders for a worried mind.

Even better is to really give yourself a break from it all and take some time to UNPLUG and wind down by going on a hike or spend a few days camping.

Take your festival camp gear on the road and spend a few nights out in some of our National parks. Most of the National Parks are open to some capacity and they usually offer budget-friendly camping. You can look up National parks near you and check on NPS reservations here. Also, don’t forget to check out State Parks and National forests in your area. Even though most of us can’t travel the same as we could in 2019, with a little precaution and preparation, there is probably a lot of areas in your home state that would be great to visit for a little outdoor adventure.

Do a little local research and find your self a local NATURE RETREAT today! Studies show just a 5-minute walk outside can help reduce stress and a few days away from the news and computer can really help if you are feeling extra blue, sleeping outside can help with insomnia and provide some real rest and relaxation from the “new normal” daily assault.

You missed the whole damn FESTIVAL SEASON, that time outside is well spent. Just redirect and jam out outside somewhere awesome with your favorite Bluetooth speaker!

If you are new to camping or are in need of some affordable and reliable camping gear, check out THE FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE for some of the BEST Amazon deals and awesome vendor PROMO codes for EXTRA savings on the essential gear for every camp and every budget.

What is on YOUR WISH LIST 4 Prime Day October 2020

#3 – Move your ASS!

Missing out on all those FESTIVAL endorphins? YES, please!
How about a little motivational VIDEO:

So if a little isolation has got you down, that is normal. Get up!
Some exercising might just help you out of a rut in more ways than one. And the good news is there is FREE motivation and instruction out there – check out my favorite online personal trainers over at Hasfit_official have some great, FREE videos that work!

You don’t even need equipment or weights; just use water bottles or cans! HASfit has videos for all fitness levels so you have no excuse, even if you are a beginner, they have a great place to start with this beginner cardio video.

Everyone should pick one and hit it hard to get your blood pumping and a nice happy dose of those endorphins! Check here for their YouTube page

They also have great videos for every part of your body so check them out on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HASFitness/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hasfit_offi…

Snapchat: @hasfit

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeartSoulFit

They also have new app!

#4 – Pamper Yourself

All I can say is YOU deserve it!

No matter what you have been doing, what has been going on in your life, or what you have been going through, take some extra time for you! One thing most people can agree on is that this “PAUSE BUTTON” is a wake-up call!

We are on a little blue rock flying through space and no one knows how long that will last. But we have today…so Enjoy!

Jam your favorite NEW song!

September 2020 has a HUGE NEW release LIST!

Sept NEW video releases:

Take a long soak!

Imagine a bath that can help prevent cold and flu! This DIY recipe from Dr. Axe may do just that. Rest is one of the critical requirements when it comes to preventing illness as well as recovering from it. By soaking in a tub for 12 or more minutes a few times a week, you can help your body get to a relaxed state in preparation for much-needed healing rest while detoxing.

Check out the article and the DIY recipe

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EAT DRINK and BE MERRY!

Support Your Local Curbside Pickup
Order Your Favorite Food from Your Favorite Restaurant
Have a bottle of wine (or 4)

You can work it all off with your NEW fitness routine!!!

#5 – Focus on Wellness!

Drink lots of CLEAN water

Did you know that buying a 3-gallon refillable bottle and refilling it with reverse osmosis water at your local food store can save you $1000s of dollars a year and costs just a few dollars a week instead of buying bottled water or sugary sodas? Not to mention help to combat all those wrinkles…
you are not getting any younger.

If you want to look younger and feel energized, drink 8 8 oz cups a day!! Give your brain more “juice” – the more hydrated the cells the better your body will function. The more pure water you drink, the better you will feel! Don’t believe me? TRY IT!

Spend MORE time in BED

Most definitely take advantage of those cooler mornings where you might be able to sleep in. Now is the time to spend more time in bed and de-stress. Getting that restful, recharging sleep is more important now than ever because another serious threat to the immune system can be the lack of good sleep. With so many worries to keep our minds racing at night, it is easy to fall into a pattern of several sleepless nights or feeling tired during the day.

The days of taking harsh, addictive sleeping aides and feeling lost in a fog are so 1990, sleeping pills are for zombies. High quality, 3rd party verified CBD from Colorado is the way to go if you are in the need of a restful night’s sleep.

When was the last time you were able to rest completely for 8 hours?
You should move this to your TOP priority list.

Exercise Your Mind

Limit your news consumption.

LEARN something NEW

What language do you wish you could speak?

Listen to an Audio Book

Watch something INSPIRATIONAL!!!!

I have to SHOUT OUT to Ralph Smart, who always has something
GOOD to say! Thank You for making my day!

A positive mental attitude can help attract the things you want the most in life and can help turn your life around. But it is OK to have some anxiety and to feel overwhelmed. It is also OK to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you are having trouble coping with all of the changes and adversity we face in the world today.

If you ever need someone to talk to someone immediately, the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.

I hope to see you soon festival FAM!
Stay safe out there and be kind to one another.

~WREN

If you like this article be sure to like our page on FB, Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube for festival updates, new articles, and more camping music festival gear tips!

The Brave New World

The Brave New World

Be the change you want to see

I don’t know about you but I am really feeling it this week. Usually, by this time, my festival pile has grown to a masse and I am deep into all the “new music” I can find on the Bonnaroo playlist on Spotify and I am planning my schedule. My festival gear is almost ready to go and I am thinking about my food prep menu. But this year’s reality is thinking about PPE. I saw the post by consequenceofsound.net pictured above, about this festival suit, and I started thinking about what the future is really going to look like for us music lovers.

All I know is I am not ready for this and I’m not sure wearing a hazmat suit will be the same “festival experience”, but times are a-changing so I have a feeling what ever it takes, I’ll do it to be able to get back there!

If you are interested, I have a whole bunch of blogs about festival camp planning and some of the many tips and tricks I have learned over the years. Including some of my favorite tried and trusted must-haves for your festival camp, if any of you are adding gear to your wish list.

Gen Admission – VIP – Super VIP

But not this year, like so many of us I am struggling to grasp what I have seen on the media and I am trying to discern what is fact and what is fiction. I am trying to not be scared or anxious but the struggle with all of this weighs a ton. Not to mention that my work hard play hard philosophy has been hijacked for the summer by some mysterious disease. I am fortunate to still have a job and I can work from home, but so many friends and people have been affected by this – I just can’t help but empathize with those who have lost loved ones and those who have lost jobs. Strange days indeed. I have some serious heartache.

Experts are predicting that live concerts won’t return until “fall 2021 at the earliest,” but that won’t stop the music, I have seen quite a few Drive-in shows pop up, but it may be a while before we can all get sweaty and mingle.

It is super hard to sit here and write this thinking that I will not get to experience some of my favorite places on Earth this year with all my festival family, I have tears in my eyes. It may seem a bit silly to some, but I know some of you also look forward to this yearly utopia of festival season and the laughter, dancing, music, and friends as much as I do. I get giddy just thinking about the festival farms I love, all the pretty lights all the beautiful people and the energy. I know some of you depend on it to make a living too.

Live music inspires millions around the world, but the concerts we all enjoy wouldn’t be possible without the countless crew members working behind the scenes. I came across an awesome stream website of past Bonnaroo performances (check out my STREAM LIBRARY for the link) that also has a donation page for CREW NATION. As COVID-19 puts concerts on pause let’s think for a moment about all those people behind the scenes who LIVE for MUSIC just like we do and LIVE by MUSIC. If you are able please extend a helping hand to the touring and venue crews who depend on shows to make a living. We are all forced into this momentary lapse of SILENCE.

Crew Nation was created to help.

Crew members are the backbone of the live music industry, and I hope you’ll join me in supporting them through this temporary intermission until we can once again unite millions around the world through the power of live music. Crew Nation is powered by Music Forward Foundation, a charitable 501c3 organization, that will be administering the fund.

Live Nation has committed $10 million to Crew Nation – contributing an initial $5 million to the fund, then matching the next $5 million given by artists, fans and employees dollar for dollar.

There has been a lot of talk about LiveNation and the fate of the music industry and recently, Live Nation just sold 800 million dollars in debt. With nearly 20% of its workforce being laid off, it seems the company has fallen on seriously hard times just like so many other businesses struggling through this pandemic. I heard Saudia Arabia purchased half a billion dollars of shares of Live Nation on the open market.

The “New” normal

Every time I hear it I cringe…

I am definitely having a hard time processing and fathoming the impact this Corona Virus will have on our society, our daily lives, and the future of humanity. I think this is a place in time where we all can recognize that we are the same as we face this future of adversity and the unknown.

I think the best thing we can do is realize where you spend your money will dictate what the future holds for us and answer the question: are you willing to leave it up to a handful of huge corporations who are pretty much-feeding everyone poisonous garbage and running things?

The content you consume becomes your consciousness, the food you eat fuels your engine.

Anonymous

If you have a favorite local restaurant, SUPPORT THEM!

If you have a favorite product or business that you recommend, SUPPORT THEM!

If you have a favorite band buy some of their music so you own a copy or buy some merch, to SUPPORT THEM!

If you have a local record store, SUPPORT THEM!

If you have a local non-profit organization that is trying to create change for one of your issues, SUPPORT THEM!

Seek out those businesses and companies who offer you products with real value and not the ones who are fucking up the world. Because you know it is all about that mighty dollar dollar bill y’all, and if you think about it – this is where the power of the people is strong – if you don’t like the policies or practices of a business or company, then DON’T GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY!

If you have never really thought about it well – the rabbit hole is deep my friends. Just check this topic on REDDIT.

I recommend everyone take the time to watch this one to the end or at least take the time to listen to what this Doctor and cancer researcher says:

Definitely watch it before it gets DELETED!

That video is deeper than the ocean, but we all need to hear it. It is one of those paradigms like smoking, it is a pleasure, but you know it will kill you. Disease and chronic illness run rampant and then comes a virus that threatens the weakest among us. We are what we eat. And according to this science – Garbage in is the quickest path into disease and a body bag.

I don’t know about you, but I want a perfect earth, it started that way and it can return – it all starts at the local level. Just look at the progress and change local grassroots organizations have been making over the years –

According to Wikipedia:

Grassroots movements, using self-organization, encourage community members to contribute by taking responsibility and action for their community.^[3] Grassroots movements utilize a variety of strategies from fundraising and registering voters, to simply encouraging political conversation. Goals of specific movements vary and change, but the movements are consistent in their focus on increasing mass participation in politics.^[4] These political movements may begin as small and at the local level, but grassroots politics as Cornel West contends are necessary in shaping progressive politics as they bring public attention to regional political concerns.

VOTE with your MONEY and raise your voice with your VOTE!

This is a photo I took of two of my favorite volunteers for Headcount. I hold this non-profit organization near and dear to my heart. (not the weird guy in the background)

Headcount is an amazing group of people headquartered in New York City and they have teams all over the county who go to shows and festivals to register voters. You may have had one of their ambassadors approach you at some point, or maybe you have seen their booths at a local show or a participation row at a festival? They are EVERYWHERE! You can sign up on their website and look at the shows in your local area where there are volunteer opportunities. There are Team Leaders from all over so you can contact your local team and get involved.

Their mission is: HeadCount is a non-partisan organization that uses the power of music to register voters and promote participation in democracy. We reach young people and music fans where they already are – at concerts and online – to inform and empower. Our message is not about what party you support or where you land on an issue. It’s that you must speak to be heard.

If you need to register to vote or check out your voter registration status – click here.

Headcount has some really cool merch – check it out!

A few years ago I wrote an article about volunteering at music festivals if you have some time to read more about it:

What lies Ahead?

I think we are not in Kansas anymore, Toto…

And what the man behind the curtain has planned is the stuff that keeps conspiracy theorists up at night. This global pandemic is going to transform our society whether we like it or not – each one of us has a choice – to idly stand by or to be an active participant as WE SHAPE THIS “NEW NORMAL”. Just imagine if each of us chooses an issue in our local community and made a commitment to do everything possible to make that change.

You are not powerless! We are not Powerless!

Sadly, my FESTIVAL LIST has become the list of COVID -19 carnage and broken hearts and there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of the few remaining shows that have not canceled on my list. There have been and still are a few hold outs that have moved dates, and I will do my best to keep that updated but don’t quote me, everything is SO fluid.

Hopefully, soon we can gather, dance, and laugh again – until then let’s radiate love and positivity into this world and not live in fear. Find a good source of information and FEED YOUR HEAD!

~Wren

If you like this article be sure to like our page on FB, Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube for festival updates, new blogs, and more camping music festival gear tips!

Positive Thoughts!

I know there is a lot of confusion and FEAR right now and I am not a health professional so my opinion is not relevant here as we all worry about the Covid-19 pandemic that is threatening the world.

I am a big fan of TEDTalks (Technology, Entertainment, Design – ideas worth spreading) because the information usually comes from professionals who are at the top of their fields and are highly respected by their peers. (Which in this day and age is a critical component.)

This is NOT fake news or a ploy for media ratings:

I think the big take away is that only 20% of people who contract this will need medical care. It has mild symptoms for most people, but it is easily spread, and the elderly population and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk. If you happen to fall into one of these categories then self-quarantine may help you from coming in contact with the virus. This is why events are being canceled – the spread.

“The best thing we all can do is wash your hands (A LOT) and if you feel sick, stay home!“

Alanna Shaikh

As of today (3/14/20), around 55 people have died in the United States from the Covid-19 virus, and there is a widespread lack of facts and misinformation about the illness and it is creating widespread panic. Any number of people is a heartbreaking tragedy and shows some serious holes in our health care system, but it is not time to freak out. Most people will not die from this if they come in contact with the virus.

Social Distancing & Canceling Events

We are at a time of crisis, and uncertainty – but let’s not make any assumptions:
(again I am not a doctor and I do not play one on TV)

Here is a really good article that really describes the fate of our beloved 2020 festival season. Most viruses don’t transfer well in the heat, but that is still to be determined about Covid-19. (Can Coronavirus Be Crushed By Warmer Weather?)

“What we know is that they’re [the droplets] are better at staying afloat when the air is cold and dry, ” says McGraw. “When the air is humid and warm, [the droplets] fall to the ground more quickly, and it makes transmission harder.”

Elizabeth McGraw, who directs the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics at Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Nancy Messionnier of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, “I think it’s premature to assume that,” she said during a call with reporters on Wednesday. “We haven’t been through even a single year with this pathogen.”

Given the uncertainty, public health officials say they must plan for the unexpected and for the possibility that the outbreak drags on regardless of the weather.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed and our thoughts positive that the warm sun, all that vitamin D will protect us all from this new virus.

Anyone who has been on the farm know…it is HOT AS BALLS and only the hardcore can survive that HEAT!

The WOOKFlu is pretty common after attending a festival, but once you get some rest and give yourself a little self-care – most people will start feeling as good as new after a few days. Again, only a small percent of people have to go to the doctor to get over the wookflu, and it seems despite all the media hype, Covid-19 seems to the same – most of the symptoms are mild, for most people. If you have a high fever then it is time to seek medical attention.

Let’s hope this one runs its course just as SARS, MERS, and Ebola and is not as lethal and scary as all the hype is making it out to be.

That being said, list of canceled and postponed events are staking up:

Ultra Festival – Miami

Coachella – California

420 Festival – Atlanta

Merle Fest – Wilkesboro, NC

Live Nation to Stop All Tours Due to Coronavirus Concerns – around the country

Many municipalities are also imposing a 250- 500 Person Cap On Events Amid Coronavirus Spread

So far it seems the protocol is calling for the cancelation of large gatherings (250 – 500) through April 30, 2020. This includes most schools and many businesses and organizations are following this by self-mandated closure and asking people to work from home.

I am going to do my best to keep my 2020 Festival list updated as we hear more announcements about the state of 2020 festival season. Hopefully, most shows and festivals will just be postponed and the cold season will be over once it gets warmer.

One LOVE Y’all!

~Wren

If you like this article be sure to like our page on FB, Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube for festival updates, new blogs, and more camping music festival gear tips!

Festival Fit: 100 days to ROO Challenge with HASFit

Rounding down to 100 days out Y’all!

Hopefully, you got your hands on some tickets! If not, don’t despair…
Check out my blog about festivaling for FREE and remember the 2020 festival season is full of amazing experiences. If you and your croo did not get tickets to ROO, just check out my festival list and have an alternative plan. Festival season 2020 has something for everyone and festival planning is one of my favorite things to look forward to…so keep going…

Who needs to get in shape for Roo? Who wants to feel better, have more energy, sex drive, motivation, and less depression? Hello! It is not that hard people. This has nothing to do with what you look like, the size you wear or how your bathing suit fits…this is about living your BEST life to the fullest every day! Not just a few days in the Summer.

Personally, I have been on a little adventure and I have been learning about letting go and breathing it all out. Working it out, being more flexible and trying to harness the feeling like I need to go run around the block. Energy levels at an all-time high and it has everything to do with being in MOTION!

What was Newton’s first law?

An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

You know it is the law of the universe, y’all – you have the power – just use the FORCE!

FLOW • ENERGY • VIBRATION

Turn on that love light and make sure you shine some of it on you!

You got to take the time…for you! Maybe eat a watermelon or a banana or two!

What is your goal? Want to go climb a mountain? Skydive naked from an airplane? or run an 8-minute mile? Be able to walk a mile? (it is going to be a packed FARM!) How about just fit those shorts you had last year or just have more energy…

Any amount of exercise will help you achieve it!

Think it into existence

Speak it into existance

Write it into existence

Work it into existence

I’m throwing out a 100 day challenge today to get ready for the BEST time of your life.

My favorite online personal trainers over at Hasfit_official have some great, FREE videos that work!

Today, I did the 30 Minute HIIT Workout for Fat Loss – High-Intensity Workout Exercise – At Home HIIT Workout and I’m not gonna lie – it was really hard but I know I’m going to see some real results in 30 days, 60 days, 90 days…100 days!!!!!!

A level for everyone!

You don’t even need equipment or weights; just use water bottles or cans!

HASfit has videos for all fitness levels so for the next 100 days you have no excuse, even if you are a beginner, they have a great place to start with this beginner cardio video.

Everyone pick one and let’s hit it hard for 100 days and get ready to ROO! Check here for their YouTube page

I discovered HASfit when I was searching online for ways to relieve Sciatic nerve pain and the stretches in their video saves me after those long road trips. (and we will all need it after the road trip to ROO) They also have great videos for every part of your body so check them out on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HASFitness/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hasfit_offi…

Snapchat: @hasfit

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeartSoulFit

They also have new app!

They kicked my ass today…but I will be ready for B-F-E or basically camping in Texas on a PACKED FARM 2020!

Let’s start now and be festival FIT!

I’ll see you on the RAIL!

~Wren

One LOVE Y’all!

If you like this article be sure to like our page on FB, Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube for festival updates, new blogs, and more camping music festival gear tips!