Festivais De Música Explodem Globalmente: Enormes, Pequenos, Extravagantes e Conferências

Music Festivals Exploding Globally: Huge, Tiny, Extravagant and a Conference

First of all thanks to Brad Auerbach  for this article.

The explosion of music festivals worldwide has resulted inevitably in a need to diversify. The ultimate diversification, in one sense, is to assemble an unbeatable lineup. That was certainly the case for Desert Trip, which will likely go down in history as the largest revenue generating festival in history. It will be just about impossible for anyone to beat the lineup of Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Paul McCartney, The Who and Roger Waters, regardless of the size of a archest to pay for artists.

Another festival strategy that is emerging is the destination festival, where the venue is as much an attraction as the performers. Ondalinda is in the latter camp. Situated in Costa Reyes, Mexico later this week, the organizers seek a more intimate gathering of about 400 people. The inaugural festival is described as a boutique music and lifestyle festival. The focus on the stunning setting and the indigenous Huichol culture includes a ‘giving back’ dynamic which is becoming a welcome element to gatherings of this sort.

The Ondalinda organizers point out that the inconvenience of the location takes you off the map in a positive sense. Attendees will have an hour drive from Manzanillo International Airport and a 2.5-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta unless they can arrange to buzz into the private landing strip nearby.

Once arriving at Costa Reyes, attendees will have a blend of first and third world activities focusing on health and wellness, including jungle yoga, meditation, massage, paddle boarding, kayaking, scuba, and horseback riding.

The team producing Ondalinda are veterans of Burning Man and Further Future, so visitors can expect that somewhat indefinable and intriguing collision of technology, rustic simplicity and global awareness.

Set in a private family-owned beachfront resort, the vibe is expected to be a mashup of party, outdoor and health. Music is always at the core of such gatherings, and the international lineup includes ethereal vocals and minimal production from Vienna duo HVOB, deep global instrumentations from Berlin-based producer NU, deep baselines from Barcelona’s Audiofly, tribal soundscapes from female duo BLOND:ISH, and luscious deep house vibes from LA producer Sabo, along with LUM, Gandalla, MENDRIX, and The Happy Show.

Mayan Warrior is a rolling art installation, originally painted by visionary artist Alex Grey, and was at Burning Man this year and performed a set with Robot Heart. When I saw Robot Heart at Further Future, I was astounded by its sonic punch. Mayan Warrior has apparently “recently received millions of dollars worth of mind-blowing improvements with awe-inspiring lasers and a visceral sounds system to transport onlookers to the very origins of Mexican culture.” It is uncertain how this will be accomplished; there is no promise of virtual or augmented reality. But it is a good bet that a mammoth sonic and visual experience will be on offer.

Furthering the visual arts on offer, Mexico-based entrepreneur and artist Philippe Moellhausen will install Teopa Beach with monumental art pieces, vibrant decor, dazzling costumes, and indigenous live performances.

Also on offer will be spa services such as mud baths, massages, and ritual healing ceremonies to further assuage (or enhance) the inevitable sensory overload.

Many festivals are wisely including significant culinary upsell options. At Ondalinda, the cuisine will be suitably upscale.

The promoters stress that “Ondalinda aims to honor authenticity by showcasing the art and teachings of the local Huichol culture. A portion of net profits from the festival will be donated to the Huichol to support their mission to preserve sacred land through the organisation UNESCO, and an exclusive collection of Huichol art by the name ‘Los Navegantes del sueño’ will be displayed with never before seen masterpieces that reflect the cosmovision of this mystic community.”

The whole Ondalinda shebang will cost attendees $1000 for admission, which includes some food. Lodging options range from simple casitas to more extravagant venues including castles.

The publicity team behind Ondalinda are already looking ahead to their next destination festival, which will be in Thailand. Called Wonderfruit, the event is being postponed until February 16-19, 2017 to pay tribute and respect to the recently deceased His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Not surprisingly, the burgeoning festival market has spawned its own conference. XLIVE in Las Vegas will cover everything from data analytics to optimal beer selections to geofencing.

Seemingly not a weekend goes by without a music festival being presented somewhere.