Wow. That's one of the many words I could use to describe my experience at Electric Forest. Amazing, spectacular, Insane, are only a few of the other ones. I had always dreamed of going to Electric Forest and getting lost in the magic that it appeared to possess. At first I thought it was an 18 and up event, and when I learned it wasn't, I made plans to attend the following year. That year was 2017, and it just so happened, my favorite artists including Odesza, Jai Wolf, Big Wild, The Floozies, Tycho, and many more happen to be on the lineup. I began to prepare for my first Music Festival. In the coming months before the festival, I decided to take a listen into the huge amount of performers that would be at the first weekend. In those months, I truly fell in love with electronic music, and the emotions behind each and every song.
When we arrived at the fest, I immediately knew I was in for an amazing weekend. From the smiling faces to the trippy gear sticking out of the cars, I knew I was going to meet so many amazing people, and people who had passions much like my own. Boy, was I right. Throughout the weekend, I met people of all different backgrounds, from places all over the world. The ones that stuck out to me were our neighbors and a boy named Sam. Our neighbors because throughout the weekend, their friendliness and kindness radiated throughout our campsite and made returning from the fest, just as exciting as going to it. When either of us needed something we had forgotten, someone at either site would reach out and save the day. The other forest family member that will stay with me forever is Sam. One night, when we were expecting a storm and heading back to our campsite to prepare, we stumbled upon him. He was working the festival with the work exchange team and shared how his tent probably would not make it through the rain. We offered him to stay under our canopy at out site, and he gladly said yes. Throughout the rest of the weekend, he remained at our site. He shared stories of his backpacking adventures and played guitar and sung to us till the wee hours of the morning. After the fest, we exchanged addresses as he did not own a phone, and he went on his way backpacking and hitchhiking to the "Big Ole Wild West" as he called it. We hear from his now and again, but he still remains as mysterious as can be, and we love every part of it. There were many parts of Forest that seeked to engrave in my mind, that life IS like the movies. From walking back to camp with Jenna, with bandannas on our faces, blaring Robbers and singing our hearts out, to laying in a hammock with Evan (Harvey) falling deeper into love under the colored pines, and beautiful music. I couldn't be more thankful to Dillon, who shared his second year of Forest with us. He taught us the way of the Forest and used his experience to make sure ours was exhilarating. The art installations caused me to question if I was living in a fairy tale or reality and the stage designs had my jaw low and my eyes wide. The amount of work and creativeness that goes into each and every piece of the forest is memorizing. I appreciate that dedication more than words can describe. I would pick a favorite if I honestly could. I will definitely be returning to the Forest again, for many years that follow. It is a place of wonder, a place of exploration, a place of kindness, and a place of mystery. Through the pouring rain, and severe thunderstorms we danced all night. I am so honored to say that my first music festival was Electric Forest, and I can't wait to see this festival become even more magical. 11/10 on the Evan scale I'd say.
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AuthorEvan Hazlett Archives
September 2017
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