This past weekend, ARISE Music Festival took place on Sunrise Ranch in Loveland, Colorado.

The festival hosted a diverse lineup including Atmosphere, Tipper, Lettuce, Beats Antique, Ani DiFranco, Sunsquabi, Rising Appalachia, and The Expendables. It is easy to see why music lovers would flock to ARISE from across Colorado and the country. However, in addition to top-notch musical bookings, ARISE serves a higher purpose.  

ARISE Music Festival bills itself as a leave-no-trace event. In addition to traditional garbage cans, every trash receptacle also included recycling and compost. Because of the conscientious nature of the attendees, the grounds were consistently clean. Classes and workshops were given on permaculture, sustainable energy, and earth-friendly living in the Wisdom Village, Solutions Village and Sunrise Dome.

The artists of ARISE also facilitated the message of conservation, environmental activism, and healthy living.

Rising Appalachia Q&A at ARISE Festival. Photo by: Samantha Harvey

Rising Appalachia played two sets throughout the weekend, and is a regular act of the festival. They encouraged fans to get involved in their local community and public schools to make a difference in the future. Ani DiFranco – well known to the activist community led songs of the resistance.

Art was another highlight of the festival. Live painters congregated around the stages, drawing inspiration from the music and their surroundings. Art installations such as an owl with flames bursting from it warmed attendees during the chilly nights. A larger than life tree reminiscent of a weeping willow delighted all who passed by. However, the apex art spectacle of the festival were the collaborative visuals by Android Jones during Tipper’s set. These mesmerizing visuals were perfectly synced to the music for an absolutely mind-bending experience that could only be created by these two visionary artists.

Artwork at ARISE Music Festival 2017. Photo by: Samantha Harvey

All art, whether it be music, visual, or performance art, exists to deliver some kind of message. However, sometimes the objective is simply to get people to move their feet and reconnect with their bodies.

My personal vote for most danceable set goes to Break Science, which is made up of Adam Deitch of Lettuce and master of the keys Borahm Lee. Not only did these two deliver an extremely energetic set as usual, but they also invited some special guests to the stage. Jesus Coomes of Lettuce, Phil Salvaggio of Pretty Lights, and Nicholas Gerlach of Turbo Suit rose to the occasion of creating an epic dance party that was the icing on the cake to an already incredible weekend.

Overall, ARISE Music Festival was a huge success. This sold-out festival delivered everything that it promised and more. Attending the festival, I was treated to an educational experience, a chance to reconnect with my inner creativity, the opportunity to dance like no one was watching, and the most welcoming vibes I have ever encountered.

Thievery Corporation and Slightly Stoopid have been confirmed for Arise Fest 2018. Loyalty Priced tickets can be purchased at arisefestival.com for $139.00. See you next year!