Each summer thousands make the voyage to the the Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan for the “ultimate music and camping festival” known as Electric Forest. Featuring an unparalleled community integrated with music, art and the Sherwood Forest with its wide variety of surprises, Electric Forest is often described as a festival which must be experienced to be fully appreciate and I for one, found that out first hand at EF 2013.
First and foremost, Electric Forest 2014 features a carefully curated diverse lineup welcoming back The String Cheese Incident who are slated to play three performances with a special collaboration from Ms. Lauryn Hill otherwise known as “The Miss Lauryn Hill Incident.” Other headliners include STS9 (2 Shows), Cut Copy, Flying Lotus, Stephen Marley, Aloe Blacc, Moby (DJ Set), Classixx, Tycho, Art Department, Poolside, Steve Angello, Eoto, Rac and St. Lucia (to name a few). While the music may be the main driving attraction, there is much more that meets the eye with EF.
With a magnitude of camping music festivals happening around the county, Electric Forest easily sets itself apart with a large scale of programs and offerings such as the Plug In Program, Electricology and the Sherwood Forest. The famed Sherwood Forest is the heart and soul of the festival, described as “an experience within itself.” By day, kick your feet up and relax in one of the many hammocks scattered within, enjoy the various sculptures and/or the performances happening throughout. As the sun begins to set, let the extravagant light display carry you away into surprise performances and parties deep within the woods, such as the renowned “Silent Disco” or the “SolLun” Solar/Wind Powered Whiskey Bar. The various stages such as the Observatory and Forest Stage feature a unique intimate space to enjoy music throughout the day/night, and are NOT to be overlooked.
As the morning draws near, you may want to utilize the Daily Yoga session instructed by the professional Hannah Muse, a veteran of the practice. Her teachings fuse a variety of physical poses, while nourishing and strengthening all those positive EF vibes we’ve all worked so hard to keep going. In all seriousness, I would strongly suggest utilizing this free festival service, but if Yoga isn’t for you…there is always Psyhedelic Friendship Bingo, so be sure to pack your daubers!
Last, but not least is the Electrocology Program, which is a fun way to keep your campsite clean along with your neighbors, and in return will keep the festival grounds clean. Within the campgrounds and festival gates, pickup trash bags to earn EcoPoints, redeemable at the Electrocology Store located at the entrace and near the Ranch Arena. These are the ONLY places to win signed posters and other official goodies, although the green team will be on the hunt for good environmentally conscious deeds all weekend to handsomely reward you with prizes such as: Custom EF Hammocks by Eagle Nest Outfitters, Custom EF Daylite pack by Osprey, Custom EF Eco Vessel Water Bottles, Nothing But Shades Sunglasses and Solar Go Batteries.
To learn more about the festival and other Plugin Programs such as the Electric Glen!, The Wounded Warriors Program (very cool program inspired by veterans), Dome of Dance, The Queens Hunt, Kyle Hollingworth’s Brewru Experience, Ultimate Camp and the Conscious Alliance Food Exchange visit the official Electric Forest and Plugin Progam site. Otherwise, we’ll see you in the Forest!
