To call Unifier a “party” is somewhat misleading. Yes, this is a music festival, where people will gather from far and wide to hear Nahko & Medicine for the People and The Polish Ambassador (amongst many other talented musicians). Yes, there are beautiful woodland grounds for camping (Camp Timber Trails in Tolland, MA), and a roster of visual artists and dancers to keep your eyes as stimulated as your ears. The truly unique thing about Unifier that sets it apart from other events in New England is the event’s intention. Described as a “Transformational Healing & Expressive Arts Festival”, Unifier intends to create an event that leaves you feeling refreshed and awakened, with a better understanding of yourself and the universe.
This is an emerging pattern in music festivals, and one that makes a lot of sense. The large, commercial events of years past did very little to benefit the attendees or the community overall, often doing more harm than good. Festival attendees arrived home feeling drained and malnourished, the grounds of the event resembled a landfill, and much of the financial gain was pocketed. Unifier seeks to change the paradigm entirely, by contributing a significant portion of their proceeds to a Land Trust Fund with the intention of creating an ecofriendly village and retreat center, for the enjoyment of the community. The festival founders seem to see the bigger picture, and have created an event to reflect that image. Listed as one of Fest300’s “15 Transformational Festivals to Attend in 2015”and recently called “One of the most unique…amidst a sea of music festivals to choose from this season” by the Huffington Post, it’s hard to believe this event is only in its sophomore year.
We Are Unifier Festival from Unifier Festival on Vimeo.
One look at the talent roster explains the phenomenon. With a range of categories from “Ceremony” to “Wordsmiths and Storytellers”, “Children’s Activities”, “Live Music”, “Dance”, and even “Kirtan”, Unifier has something entrancing for pretty much anyone. Their “Wisdom Keepers” offer multifaceted archaic knowledge from all corners of the globe, adding to three pages of workshop offerings that include talks on permaculture, flow workshops, and costume making. They also offer a curated selection of food vendors (chosen for their focus on sustainable practices and wellness), artisans and craftspeople, shaded woodland camping (or cabins for those who choose to upgrade), and a lake where guests can canoe to a private island.
The audio/visual lineup is equally as stacked. Live painting by Martin Bridge and Veronika Rose, alter creation by Nature Dreamweavers, and a variety of other visual mediums and installations exhibit Unifier’s open arms acceptance of the expressive arts. Every contributor is unique in their style and process, and the same is true for their musical lineup. Joining Nahko & Medicine for the People on the Unifier Live Music roster are Papadosio, Karsh Kale, Wildlight, The Luminaries, Ayla Nereo, and Peia. Their “Sacred Bass” roster is full of heavy hitting transformational artists. Joining the Polish Ambassador are Desert Dwellers, The Human Experience, Zebbler Encanti Experience, Srikalogy, Living Light, Elder Flux, and many more (See Full Lineup Below). With a lineup designed to encourage ecstatic dance and transformational release, you’re sure to find something that matches the tempo your dancing feet have been yearning for.
Music Festivals have become such popular events over the past decade, you could attend one every weekend (and some indeed do just that). When choosing your own adventure this summer, Unifier is not one to miss, whether you attend one festival or one hundred. With it’s focus on creating an intentional environment for the benefit of humanity, the unbeatable location and price, and phenomenal lineup, it truly is a festival for the modern renaissance. Check out the links below for more info!
Purchase a Unifier Full Weekend Pass or Day Pass here:
http://unifierfestival.com/music-festival-tickets/
Unifier Website
Unifier on Facebook
Unifier on Instagram
Unifier on Twitter
Unifier on Soundcloud
Unifier on Vimeo
