In an Ohioan valley within the settlement of Thornville, legends are confirmed and new ones created. The Secret Dreams community reassembled for the second iteration in full support of its prized imagineers. Across three stages and beyond, varieties of musicians displayed stylish brands of melodic culture. Beneath cumulus-dappled skies with energizing sunshine overhead, psychedelic visionaries designed original displays to the delight of impressed onlookers, inspiring motivation. As stars twinkled overhead, painters continuing their craft, patrons paved courses towards different nightscapes of entertainment. Among the afterhours acts much appreciated, Andy Frasco is a helluva good time. Legend Valley is a place that feels both ancient and familiar. Walking these grounds amidst art installations, campsites, performance pits, stages, and vendors encourages the spirit to advance and explore. Simply put, Secret Dreams Music and Arts Festival promotes individuals to be their best, beautiful selves. Whatever passion drives you, follow it; be creative, true to yourself, and you’ll find pathways opening to accommodate your direction.
It feels unique for a festival to host an eclectic assortment of genres and entertainers. Secret Dreams does it well, and it’s delightful bouncing between Lucid’s and Portal’s diverse offerings. If your jam is of an instrumental variety, Lucid is your dream stage. Unique sets from Papadosio, STS9, Griz, The Werks, Lettuce, Break Science, Lespecial, and B Delicious, in addition to others, masterfully performed for excited audiences. Those craving electronic servings of hip-hop, house, and glitch transported themselves to Portal to sample their fill. Ternion Sound, Cool Customer, Daily Bread, Detox Unit, Maddy O’neal, Duffrey, Morning Coffee, Resonant Language Kursa, and Alejo kept the party bumping before Tipper and Friends’ Saturday takeover. Entangled Mind engineered a set that scintillated many souls before the regenerative vibe of Chris Karns took hold. Schmoop, followed by Klo, kept spectators charged, then giving way to a Mickman display of dazzling skill. The culmination was Tipper time, and Dave provided veterans and newcomers alike audio and visual delicacies. Per usual, Dave blended like only he can do. Was it ambient, downtempo, and even at times, up? Indeed, and Tipper always feels akin to a special event we’re fortunate to witness, as his methods elicit admiration and astonishment.
One of the most welcome surprises of this year’s Secret Dreams was the emergence of the Woods Stage as a focus of entertainment. A shaded sanctuary providing an intimate point for congregating, it quickly became a happening good time regardless of day or nighttime effects. The schedule balanced activities to afford patrons pleasant encounters, affording shade early in the afternoon and coolness after midnight. Whether discovering Chalk Dinosaur is from Minnesota beside a dragon named Jen, experiencing the showmanship and talent of Andy Frasco and the U.N., jamming with Jason Leech, showing up to party with Futexture, Wreckno, or cheering Ellie Paisely’s (@ellie.paisely) hard work and fashion show, the Woods Stage of Secret Dreams felt like a special space to attend grand schemes.
I’ve said it already, and I’m saying it again: music and arts festivals hit different. There’s a collaborative kind of energy. As you watch an artist take a complex idea and depict it in a straightforward manner, one can’t help being a bit awestruck. It’s a phenomenal process to observe, especially in consideration of the phases leading into final form. Pat Marek (@patmarek), in conjunction with zpacely (@zpacetree), incorporated incredible lighting effects that boggled sight. As illumination touched acrylic and spray paint, his untitled piece appeared to come alive, an impressive spectacle to behold. Not far away, Tom Loranz (@tomloranz) and Astral Adventurer (@astral_adventurer) focused efforts to manifest unique imageries. Further on, venerable wizard Aaron Brooks (@abrooksart) transmuted gifts of granola bars, gummy snacks, and gestures of kindness into a portrait of his characters. Nearby, Sofi Ramirez’s (@artworkofsofirami) diligent strokes brought to life depictive scenery from Sofi’s imagination.
Whether you come for music or art, Secret Dreams satisfies. Pioneers from all walks of life are welcome. This year’s roster was stacked with creative heroes and innovative legends of various disciplines. Some may complain that it’s not loud enough after 10 p.m., but Thornville has had a noise ordinance in effect since May 2017. With that in mind, it’s quite lovely to be able to converse comfortably with peers. There’s a symphonic soliloquy of storytelling cultivating mediums for exhibition throughout this celebration. At Secret Dreams, be true to yourself, and find a source that fuels yours.
Be well, be successful. Bear Swiftly.
–Electro Scribe–
