The events of day one impressed in such a way that I harbored high hopes for day two’s entertainment. I would not be disappointed. From the moment I entered the building shortly after 8pm Saturday night, energy surged throughout. I could tell tonight was going to be special. As I made my way to embrace friendly forces, emanations of Parkbreezy from the main room enticed my every step. He served as a harbinger of things to come, as tonight would exceed Friday in every single capacity.
Before I delve into describing the performances that excelled in my mind, and there were many, I’m going to take a few moments to gush about artists and vendors. First and foremost, I’m thankful for the aplomb and patience creatives put forth. To manifest something from nothing is a process that takes time and planning. It’s difficult enough in isolation, but to form a canvas amidst an environment of chaos demands an elite level of composure. Throughout the weekend, I observed the likes of Tom Loranz, The Whimsical Libra, Dakota Rogers, Danielle Mae, Pharaoh Kemet, Jaclyn Close, Sara Gross, Lucien TrapArt, and Megan Nolte, to name a few of many exemplifying the principles of their practice.
Additionally, I spent some time speaking with Rowyn Hagen and Anika Jean about their passions. Rowyn is a fascinating young man, the proprietor of Rowyn Designs, who hand forms glow in the dark wood art through precise measuring, planning, and execution. He delineated his process of engraving, where he guides 10,000 volts of electricity to burn what appear to me to be lightning strikes in different wood types, and follows by injecting the patterns with color. His productions are beautiful to behold, and I picked up a wooden pendant and a token of black walnut for my keychain.
Anika’s business is Weird Wire, where she creates jewelry and mementos utilizing resin and wire wrapping techniques. I delighted in adding one of her spoons to my collection. Absentmindedly, I left my wallet at her table, and she ensured it was returned. Outstanding in grace and demeanor, of which I never had a doubt. She was stationed alongside Thotbreaker, who makes apparel that can only be described as filthy, but a debaucherous kind of filthy. I’m sure we can all appreciate that.
Now, let’s get down to arranging letters into words that recommend Saturday’s standouts. The turnout for Saturday was greater than Friday’s, and every room hosted full, healthy crowds. As I mentioned, Parkbreezy was my welcome into the building, followed by Thought Process, also excellent. I caught some of Caustic Grime b2b Mooski, before observing Copycatt. Good times.
I made my way upstairs to Solar Tide stage for Visages and one last dance with the Elements. Let me tell you, it was packed out, boi. Visages set was so fire, his haze set off the smoke detectors. The room was absolutely rockin’. With the sirens now blaring, I found solace below in Bass Station with Bommer b2b Yunit. Bro, these boys absolutely slayed. The version Bommer dropped of ‘Yasuo’ had those Funktion-One’s thumping sonic slashes capable of summoning or dispelling the most powerful of Oni. Superb.
Only two remained from my list of acts I wanted to see, The Widdler and Of the Trees. I had previously seen The Widdler at Wakaan where he played a 4:30pm set, which didn’t feel appropriate for his body of work. Here in Waukegan, IL, he was respected like a don, with a prime time slot on main stage beginning at midnight. He understood the assignment and widdled hard from the onset.
It was about this time my energy peaked, and I ventured into the crowd to sport my moves for a healthy get down. Seriously, I was dropping it low to the ground with a number of spirited babes all around, matching one another’s vibrations pound for pound, to the synchronizing beats of The Widdler’s sound. With about fifteen minutes to go, my homegirl Nyx led me towards a premium spot near the front right of the stage, with a delicious view of The Widdler just as he transitioned into a remix of The Killer’s ‘Mr. Brightside’, then followed with an unheard rendition (at least to me) of Darude’s ‘Sandstorm’ that left the room breathless. It was a potent and moving moment that caught many by surprise. Yet, it was a moment that touched us all to be part of. This is what it’s all about.
I feel truly delighted with the fact that The Widdler gave way to Of The Trees. Why? Wood. A widdler respects the trees, for it is their sacrifice that enables a widdler’s craft. Perhaps I’m the only one who made that connection, although I highly doubt it. With that, Of The Trees took the stage for the final performance of the festival, and it was a good one.
One of the things I like about Of The Trees is how he names his tracks. There’s something beautiful about titles like ‘Elegos’, ‘Spanish Moss’, ‘Tanglewood’, and ‘The Owl Song’, to name a few of my favorites. It’s almost as if he’s a real life Lorax, and his audial message comes directly from copses, forests, and groves. The first several tracks I recognized from his set went a little something like this: ‘Mushrooms’, ‘Everglade March’, ‘Muscaria’, ‘Since 6ix’ (Key Glock), and ‘Flip It’ (Levity).
As a member of the forest tribe, I applaud his efforts. He performed with spirit that engaged all in the audience, and I know for a fact there were many who traveled far to see his performance, specifically. I remained in my spot near the front of the stage until very nearly the end, and I’m thrilled I did. By the night’s culmination, I was a sweaty nightmare, but so were many others, and we were delighted basting in each other’s company like a swampy grove. Perhaps a new song title for Of The Trees? Only time will tell.
Lunar Tide Music and Arts Festival exceeded my expectations, with Saturday’s finale as the absolute cherry on top. Thankfully, it did so affordably. A single day ticket the day of cost approximately $77, which is outstanding for 8 hours of music across three rooms of distinctly unique sound design. Early bird specials placed a two-day pass at a mere $100, before service charges and fees. That’s a helluva deal.
Not to mention respectable prices on beverages, a café serving food throughout the event, and don’t forget free parking at the Lakehurst Event Center all weekend. Additionally, the location is surrounded by a bevy of hotels, so you can ditch the drive and walk or Uber a short distance instead. I’m going to go out on a limb here and venture a guess that some forward-thinking folks are involved in the planning and execution of this fest. Professional efforts from organizers and personnel laid the foundation for a welcoming, wonderful, one-of-a-kind experience. Performers and sound technicians made sure all adventurers walked away with memories to cherish and share. Keep Lunar Tide Music and Arts Festival on your radar. They’ve got a formula that works, and they know how to use it.
Be well. Be successful. Bear Swiftly.
–Electro Scribe–
