Life in the day – SnowGlobe 2013
Life in the Snow Globe
Christopher J Carr
January 2014
I found myself cornered at the edge of the bar with a balding yet exceptionally friendly man who talked my ear off about the music industry. It is important to take every person seriously because you never know who they may be or become yet in the same breathe savor your words and speak lightly because they can also be batshit crazy.
I flip flopped down past the harbormaster lighthouse to my 85 VW Vanagon Desmond.
We rushed up the CA 1 with the glorious sunset exhaling electric pinks and gilded gold cloud tips on top indigo purple silhouettes. Soaring at sixty five feeling the chipper engine purr at a high idle I meditated on a pleasant journey.
The band was stoked to see I made it before sound check and luckily Omar of the B-Side Players blessed me with his bass rig to backline the show. It was so small and blown yet we sounded nice through the house. A quick Irish goodbye post jamming and I was off.
I switched out my VW in Apple Hill for a 91 Toyota Corolla with a hatchback and folding seats that became my rockstar suite and sheltered me from the subzero Tahoe temperatures. My New Years morning awakening ceremony consisted of scraping a layer of ice from inside the car that had resulted from my moisture freezing on the inside.
I drove into SnowGlobe like I owned the place hoping for a parking pass but came out with a 3 day shuttle wristband. Tahoe homies helped me out down the road and I took the clutch spot by the middle school fully equipped with porta potties and conveniently located walking distance from the event.
Buzzing ravers had a contagious bounce in their step walking down the way following the flags the organizers set out for us. I tip my hat to the organizers of SnowGlobe they truly made the experience space cadet proof.
South Lake Tahoe is truly God’s country yet it is wild. A young girl who decided to walk back from the festival last year froze and was found days later in a snow bank. This vibe was felt and explicit throughout the experience. “Take care of each other and always have a buddy” were the parting words of many performers.
Walking in were the many smiling faces of the cozy and colorful crowds in fleece pajamas, ski suits, leg warmers and animal onesies. This heady couple carried the California Republic flag hoisted high on a long pine limb marking the collective heritage of the gathering. My experience with the people inside was a celebration of all the major California regions. Tahoe is the underground capitol of the golden state.
I waltzed in after having the traditional bag search and welcomed warm frisking to the Floozies. One fat space jam. These good ole’ boys laying it down with a nice fusion of space bass and funk instrumentation. Mark and Matt Hill make up the dynamic innovative music duo with that old school classic rock influence in their cutting edge new interpretation of live music performance.
Amidst transitions between groups bundled up ski bums and bunnies toast their northern california pints while cotton candy plumes wobble above deep blue and purple skies.
It’s 5pm. Amp Live is onstage digital snowflakes precipitate behind him. Standing alone so stoic and pensive he set up the sound.
“My name is Amp Live and I’d like to warm this up for you”.
Powerful vibes. Zion I crew stoking the people inferno with words. Interactive syphers with the crowd these pros represented up in the 530 and the people responded big for that drop it on them big daddy bass.
Bay Area thunder.
Zion I crew blew up the place.
Zed’s Dead. Solid hypnotism whipping wet calculated drops Zed’s Dead plays a big bag of tricks nice range of badass bass music. Zed’s Dead: top notch, world class crew doing big things with their sound.
These artists gave me that quintessential close your eyes raise your hands up and release the hips experience.
Sitting on the edge of the railing above I somehow found myself in the VIP tent watching Kaskade.
This set resonated groovy and full of clarity. The lights were so enthralling they almost upstaged the music but the beauty of this set was taking in an ideal reservoir of people. I felt an electric atmosphere humming above this crowd and Kaskade resonated in the heartbeat of our collective bliss.
Post Kaskade was a crazy ride. I found Chico. Chico stayed in Santa Cruz over the summer and we shared some good times. Chico and his crew swooped me only to bounce stranding me at the Mont Bleu casino miles away from the car. A true fear and loathing moment walking through the casino with snow bunnies and oversized kids in onesies gambling, sipping cocktails and chain smoking camel crushes.
I ran out of there like a bewildered sasquatch blinded by the lights ready to sleep in my rock star suite of a 91 hatchback. I caught the last bus back to the Denny’s on the corner which was a short jaunt to my sweet sanctuary.
New Years eve came so serene with no snow to be found in South Lake. I went to the beach on Dec 31st in Tahoe with no shirt or shoes.
This second day I met people from all over and I was very pleased to see the “We from Santa Cruz and we get weird” signage above the crowd.
Zion I’s management and Vokab Kompany showed love and hooked up interviews for this gonzo.
How’d Vokab Kompany start?
“Burke lived in a house that this producer lived in. I was there making beats, a good buddy introduced us and we’d just lay down vocals and there was this track called “moments like these”.
“We felt the connection. We had always known each other through Tahoe roots.”
“We want to show that it is still rad and sonically pleasing to create every aspect and and every stem live”.
“Our message is living in the moment, working hard and quitting sleep”.
“Small victories keep ya pushing. If it weren’t for those small glimpses of what might be some measure of what success could be you wouldn’t keep pushing”.
“If you do have passion hold on to it. That’s everything. Things may steer you away. You may have a 9-5 thing that seems important but if you really do have that passion hold on and keep pushing”.
With these MC’s I found amnesty in the artist realm backstage. A land of plenty with Sierra Nevada kegs flowing on the regular and nice snacks to stimulate to most strung out guest and I am not talking about the writers except those from LA and I am not talking about the cool young Sam from “Beyond the Spotlight” and his mom because y’all were very professional. Respect.
Being blessed with an angel that made magic happen for me I sat with the artists and did my job.
Beats Antique.
Damn.
Badass beats, ingenious melodies and a truly modern day dancer.
She stands as the lioness amongst the babbling cubs bewitched by her fierce and subtle spell.
Their game show gimmick gave birth to their enormous inflatable band member that consumed so much of my attention I could not capture the moment. One lucky gal stood in front of thousands and pressed the mysterious button which released this fantastical beast. Epic tracks which included lyrics of Les Claypool and original incarnations of the Beats Antique imagination.
California Love…
Tahoe went off once Snoop Dizzle took the stage.The place was jumping, smoking, drinking and generally doing the nasty just like Snoop would have wished. Full capacity. Other butts being thrusted into spoons. Everyone became someone else’s cereal. Even the most masculine of men cuddled up to share a joint and sing gin and juice.
Big ups to Snoop for blessing up the crowd in the name of the most high “Jah Rastafari” at the end of his set and the people blessed up to the new year with the words of Bob Marley “Yeah, right, we Jamming…I want to Jam it with you”.
Don’t forget to check out Mr. Carr’s own music
Ringing in the New Year with SNoWGLoBE 2013
Freio Music had an amazing time attending and documenting our first ever SnowGlobe, set in the beautiful Lake Tahoe, California. Unfamiliar with this festival? Check out some of the music below:

Oh yeah, folks, that is Lake Tahoe- if the music wasn’t enough, just check out that view!
Meet our photographer, Jeff Patriarca (plus two fine ladies and a ballin’ photobomber in the background).
With artists like Snoop Dog, The Polish Ambassador, Zion I, and Dillon Francis, there was sure to be a set of music to jam into the New Year for everyone.
So, you going next year?!
Stay tuned for the story of SNOWGLOBE13
right here on FREIO MUSIC!
Immerse Yourself – Arise Festival – Loveland, CO
ARISE FESTIVAL 2013
“The music is like the fire …. and we all gather around it to warm our souls”
~ Paul Bassis, Producer of ARISE ~
A new festival has emerged onto the Colorado scene this summer. Backdropped by the serene beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Arise Festival has set its sights on being the very essence of a festival – co-creation, music, art, yoga, and community. Sunrise Ranch, an hour north of Denver, will provide the magical space for festival goers to explore and re-connect with nature and one another. The atmosphere is looking to come together seamlessly, complete with Hemp Village, Kids Village, Organic Food and Beverage Village, and hey, my fellow beer lovers, a Craft Beer and Wine Village!
The festival will also feature a selection of independent films including – Bidder 70, Chasing Water, Arise, and The Bloom. If that doesn’t expand your mind enough – check out the healing space, Temple of the Heart, on site. It will encompass activities like yoga, kirtan, meditation, and a healers tent to completely rejuvinate you- mind, body, and soul.
THE BASICS
WHAT TO BRING: face paint, headlamp, re-fillable water bottle, warm clothes for the CO nights
Aside from the perks… the music lineup is stacking up quite nicely to create an incredibly diverse world sound to fill up those Colorado mountains.
So who is playing you ask?
Freio Favorites:
We are very excited to be apart of this melding of art and community. Not convinced yet? Check out the music below…
But just you wait… the complete lineup so far includes:
STAY TUNED FOR THE ARISE FESTIVAL CONTEST
FOR 2 FREE TICKETS!!
Opiuo @ Dux Live – Christchurch, NZ
So stoked to see Opiuo in New Zealand, I took an eight hour bus to catch his show in Christchurch this past weekend. Ready to get super sober raved out, I came in my concert apparel per usual – an eclectic mix of costume box findings , but Opiuo has quite the classy NZ crowd- little black dresses and high heels, ladies. The sold out show at the Dux Live got off to a sweet groove with Tom Cosm before Opiuo took the stage and brought the bass fed funk. Sweaty hands high fived as jams like ‘Don’t Hold Back’ and ‘Good Thymes’ rocked the bar. Smiling faces were everywhere as the head banging wild crowd bumped along with Opiuo’s explosive and captivating stage presence. You can’t help but bounce to the crunchy, glitch vibe of this NZ artist, and when the beat drops…shoot, you better watch out for the girls getting really rowdy on the dance floor. Incorporating sounds that span genres like jazz, reggae, funk, and rock, Opiuo’s music continues to evolve in a fresh and dance-tastic direction. The native Kiwi did his homeland some justice with his addictive beats and high energy vibe. With his international reputation, you Colorado kids can catch Opiuo headlining at Sonic Bloom this year in Georgetown, CO. And if you’re looking for a bumpin’ party to kick off summer, I suggest you don’t miss it.
Why You Should Go to a Festival Alone
Ah New Zealand. The land of of serene natural beauty, friendly faces… and awesome festivals. Oddly enough, I found myself heading up to Luminate on behalf on my new expatriate boss, not too shabby. Cruising up Takaka Hill onto the mystical Canaan Downs property with a couple from Uruguay, the festival vibes hit good and strong. Making its way into the festival’s sixth year, Luminate 2013 is what every festival aims to be. An extremely international crowd ready to get naked by a tribal fire, groove barefoot the dirt dance floor, participate in workshops, and be inspired about living sustainably. With no alcohol allowed, the stoney energy was peaceful and open.
The opening ceremony, which I now believe every festival should incorporate, gathered the tribes togethers to sing, dance, hold hands, and light the main fire, igniting the seven day journey. This kicked off the nude tribal dancing next to the Pagan circles of fire throughout the different festival zones. Luminate celebrates the ancient summer harvest festival of Lughnasadgh. It was celebrated by our ancestors in all parts of the world. This time is exactly mid way between the summer solstice and autumn equinox when people to gather together, share food, music, stories, knowledge and send a lot of thanks to the earth mother for looking after us.
The workshops in days following were also of incredible caliber. I took courses on eco-villages, tantric meditation, native plant medicine, and Mayan Dreamspell.
Commitment to ZERO WASTE
Luminate’s innovative approach to Zero Waste through its Clean Environment Strategy is unique amongst events in New Zealand and the first I have ever experienced: Pack out what you pack in, composting toilettes, solar/wood fired showers, no recycle or trash bins, bring your own cup/bowl/plate/utensils…. it is all quite awesome.
As my first solo festival, I had to let go of all my inhibitions and hop into random circles of strumming guitars and rotating spliffs. I found a rad posse of travelers: my lanky UK stoner and compost toilette extraordinaire, a Canadian meaning of life seeker, and a beautiful German who taught me the hip new movement of electronic swing. So why do the solo festival?
1. Being by yourself you have no real obligations to be anywhere or find anyone
2. You’re on your own time where time doesn’t really matter
3. No consulting- go where you want to go – this way, you meet an incredible amount of people
But back to the music, eh?
Best Reggae Artist: Rhythmonyx
Best Electronic Artist: Adham Shaikh
This artist bumped Luminate and kept the Live Stage vibin late into the night. He is a Juno Award-nominated music producer, composer, sound designer, and DJ who brings his powerful global groovin sounds to the world stage. Many of my new German friends at the festival dug a new genre of electro dubbed – Gypsy Swing- Check out the new sounds!
Best World Music: Mundi
“…Fresh…funky. Intricate, multi-layered works…dynamic solos” The Press
“Unique and bursting with creative genius” Presto Arts & Culture
This group was matched the perfectly sunny afternoon…world music to move to.
Wanderlust Wednesday Presents ROCKTIN GROVE
Boulder based and CU buffed band, Rocktin Grove, is jamming its way through the Colorado music scene. With an original sound that seamlessly blends together a wide variety of genres, Rocktin Grove has a little get-down for everyone. From funked out bluegrass twang to hot latin soul, their sound is something uniquely robust and not to be missed. The seven member group, with two years of jam-tastic rocking under their belts, has incredible ‘get-yo-feet-movin” potential to break from their Front Range Colorado stage to a national one. Fans of the band describe the sound as “funky bluegrass awesomeness” and as an interpretation of music they have all always loved transformed into something new and original. The band says, “Calling Boulder, Colorado our home, the mountains, beautiful blue sky, and deep powder keep us loving life and loving music.” Amen.
Meet the boys:
Jon Kimbell- Mandolin/Vocals
Will Viitanen- Percussion
Wilson Harwood- Electric Guitar/Banjo/Vocals/Tres – with “get the cougars goin'” and “gangsta banjo” talent
Adrian Flynt- Bass/Vocals
Nate Luebbe- Mandolin/Violin/Vocals
Garrett Cropsey- Alto Saxophone/Vocals
Theo Farver- Acoustic Guitar/Harmonica/Percussion/Vocals/Trumpet
Looking for latin groovin’? Check out Ice Cream Cha Cha
My personal favorite: Crowfoot Funk…it will get you going! Hot damn!
Wanting more? Check out their site:
ROCKTIN GROVE .com
and their SOUNDCLOUD
AND their FACEBOOK !
Wanderlust Wednesday Presents – Cheyenne Lee
Cheyenne Lee, a singer/songwriter hailing from Oregon, is about to make her mark on the city of Angels. With a voice like Colbie Calliat and lyrics that speak to everyday human emotion, this beautiful and talented eighteen-year-old is headed for radio stardom. Cheyenne says, “My music is about the good things in life.” Not only does she write her own contagious lyrics, play the guitar, keyboard and piano, but she has a dedication and passion that comes alive within her songs. Commenting on her sound, Cheyenne remarks, “It gives people somewhere to escape to when things aren’t going so well, it not only tells my stories, but the stories of so many others, and in that I find my music very unique…I want people to be uplifted, and I will continue to create music that does so.” Keep your radios turned on for this rising star on the LA scene.
Wanderlust Wednesday – Ananda Yogiji & Jaya Lakshmi
Jaya Lakshmi
Energized and enlivened by the beauty of Indian singing and instrumental uniqueness, Jaya began leading kirtan, call and response mantras accompanied by instruments such as the harmonium, tablas, the two-headed mrdanga, or in Jaya’s case, the 12-string guitar. She began writing her own devotional songs in the 1990′s on the Hawaiian islands. Her name was bestowed upon receiving harinam initiation from a great Vaisnava saint from India. It translates to “victory to the goddess Lakshmi”, the Hindu goddess of fortune and spiritual wealth. Since then, Jaya has created 4 solo albums on Sequoia Records.
Ananda Yogiji
Gentle acoustics coupled with peaceful vocals, Ananda Yogiji is a talented musician and composer. Not only is his music fed by mantras and a deep devotional spirit, but also his practice of yoga and meditation (primarily Kundalini) for over five years. He is a singer, a guitarist, a teacher, harmonium and Bansuri flute player, and a open and kind soul. Since partnering with Jaya Lakshmi, he has performed with artists like Jai Uttal, Shimshai, David Newman and Dave Stringer.
Since the two came together in November 2010, their collaboration has resulted in an incredible musical fusion, sacred and beautiful. Their album, Live at the Altar of Love’ was a product of their Altar of Love Immersions which involve teaching yoga together, performing music and holding ceremony.
UPCOMING SHOWS!
- 07/13
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07/15 Oregon Country Fair
Veneta, OR :: Oregon Country Fair Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be playing at the Front Porch all weekend. Click here for more details. - 07/18
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07/23 Mystic Garden Gathering
Cave Junction :: Lake Selmac Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be performing a Kirtan and Kirtronica as well as teach a Kundalini Yoga workshop at this years Mystic Garden Gathering. Please join us for this very special gathering. To receive $10 off, enter code 1008. See you there!! - 07/29
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08/03 Jaya and Ananda @ Breitenbush Hot Springs w/ Jeffrey Williams
Detroit :: Breitenbush Hot Springs Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be accompanying Jeffrey Williams’ EDGU teacher training at Breitenbush. In addition to the EDGU training, Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be performing a Sunday night Kirtan, Wednesday night Kirtronica ecstatic dance, as well as a Kundalini Yoga Workshop and Cacao Ceremony on Thursday Aug. 3rd. *Music nights will be open to the public. - 08/10
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08/13 Beloved Festival
Tidewater, OR :: Beloved Festival Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be performing Thursday night in the purple tent to start the maha blessing of the 2012 Beloved Festival!! They will aslo be teaching a Kundalini Yoga workshop as well as playing music for several artists and Yoga classes. Hope to see you there!! - 08/17
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08/19 Altar of Love Weekend Shasta
Mt. Shasta :: Shasta Yoga Center Join Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda at the Shasta Yoga Center for a very special Altar of Love Weekend. They will be offering Kirtan, ‘Kirtronica’ Ecstatic Dance, Yoga and a cacao ceremony. - 09/06
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09/09 Bhakifest
Joshua Tree, CA :: Bhakti Fest Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be performing a Kirtan and Kirtronica performance as well as be playing for yoga classes and workshops. Be sure to use the discount code “2012Jaya” to receive $25 off. Hari!! - 09/13
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09/16 Harbin, Altar of Love Weekend
Middletown :: Harbin Hot Springs Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be holding an Altar of Love weekend at Harbin. Thursday night Kirtronica ecstatic dance, Saturday night Kirtan, yoga workshops and cacao ceremony Friday, Saturday and Sunday. - 09/28
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09/30 Pranafest
Ashland, OR :: Jackson Wellsprings Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be performing Kirtan and Kirtronica as well as teaching yoga workshops at the first annual PranaFest.
Wanderlust Wednesday- Marv is the Man
Deliberate poetics, smooth flowing kinetics, free of the synthetic. Let me introduce you to: Marv Ellis.
Hip-hop has deep roots connected to the human struggle. The young men and women backing this movement speak their peace as lyrically minded poets that represent the truth, the fight, the message of the common man. Marv Ellis is no different. He beautifully articulates a positive energy fed by his Northwest surround. I caught his last show on a rainy Saturday night at the magical Prindel Creek Farm near Newport, Oregon. The vibe that he embeds into the audience is something like an optimistic get-down, a funk-fed soul filler. Sharing his talent with artists including Michael Franti, Nas, Bone, KRS-One, Blackalicious, Living Legends, and Ozomatli, Marv has set the stage for greatness. If you’re looking for lyrics and beats that deliver something beautiful and real, Marv is the man.