Do you ever go to re-unions? Those get-togethers where members of your family or a community you are part of gather to celebrate connection and the passing of time? Making the effort to show up to these kind of events takes some doing, and while it isn’t always easy, it’s generally worth the effort.Last Saturday night in San Francisco, over 1000 people came out to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Wicked Sound System. It all started in 1991 when four expatriates from London arrived in San Francisco loaded with records and and a desire to create a new kind of culture based around positive dance music and the Summer of Love ideals of the bay area.From the start, they approached things differently by throwing two events each month—one being a nightclub that generated income, the other being outdoors, for free under the full moon to celebrate the pagan spirit of dance. The Full Moon parties served to inspire me and many others with a spiritual awareness of the transformational nature of dance. In my case, they’re what started me writing about consciousness and movement the first place.Checking in with people you met decades ago is always an eye-opener. Some people continue to move forward in life, (glad to count myself in this crowd), other folks seem to be spinning around in the same circles as ever, and then there’s the ones who are sadly missing altogether.
It feels good to show up with an open heart and a clean conscience. Continuing to grow through life allows you to show up as a bigger person, with the sleights of the past growing evermore insignificant as they flow further downstream on the water of forgiveness under the bridge. Celebrating the success of those you love is a treat too.
Earlier on Saturday night, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in an event and community that is quite young. The Soiled Dove is a modern historical event that began it’s life a year ago in San Francisco. The Vau de Vire Society has insured a permanent home by purchasing a 40,000 ft.² Italian circus tent, which will enable them to continue this epic adventure and take the show on the road.
It’s my sincere hope that in 23 years I will be celebrating their 25th anniversary as well. It’s an evolution of immersive entertainment that takes the simple notion of dinner theater to a new level. Ostensibly, the setting is it bordello set in San Francisco’s Barbary Coast circa 1893. What must be upwards of a hundred characters in full regalia first serve a scrumptious four course dinner to the guests seated around the main floor, accompanied by violin quartet on stage interpreting classics from artists like Led Zeppelin and David Bowie.
As the night progresses, the story unfolds through a manic sequence of scenarios involving aerial performers directly over the heads of the diners, burlesque acts onstage, circus and vaudeville vignettes in every corner of the circular tent, all accompanied by the extraordinary talents of The Jazz Mafia—a sophisticated live band on a raised platform featuring torch singers and solo vocalists that would give Lena Horne or Frank Sinatra a run for their money.
Upon its conclusion after four solid hours of frenetic activity, my companion and I remarked on how artfully the production managed to toe the line of good taste. While somewhat shocking, obviously risqué, and geared for grown-ups, it never once veered into crass territory. Instead, it’s a celebration of skill, talent, and physical prowess all wrapped up in an array of costumes and characters that are building a living mythology as they go.
Whatever communities you are a part of, whether they are on their second year or second decade, keep showing up as your largest self and shining your light of gratitude on those who are on the journey with you.
DANCE FIRST MEDIA PARTNER EVENT SPOTLIGHT – ENCHANTED FOREST GATHERING
This week’s spotlight shines on a conscious festival happening at one of my favorite venues in California. The Enchanted Forest is blessed to call Black Oak Ranch, aka Wavy Gravy’s Hog Farm home. This several hundred acre property in Mendocino County is a magical spot for a large gathering, this is billed as Northern California’s Sauciest Soirée.
The beauty of Black Oak Ranch is in the variety of venues within it that create multiple opportunities for different kinds of experiences. From small shady creekside stages perfect for folk or acoustic music, to the large grassy main festival bowl and main stage, a weekend here is an adventure in exploring various vibes and settings in the beauty of Mendocino County.
The Enchanted Forest features a wide variety of electronic and live music acts, as well as a host of workshops, dance and yoga classes and prides itself on being an alcohol-free, family-friendly festival. With ample room to camp in the shade by the creek, an old-fashioned swimming hole to cool off in, showers, late night fire circles, and even a general store—this event has all the accoutrements to make it a memorable weekend in the country with thousands of your best friends.
ENCHANTED FOREST FESTIVAL – JULY 22-24
BLACK OAK RANCH – MENDOCINO CALIFORNIA
