Shambhala 2023 Celebrated Its 24th Anniversary & It Was A Magical & Unforgettable Experience!

Shambhala Music Festival is held annually in the beautiful Salmo River Ranch, located in the Kootenay Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. The location offers stunning natural surroundings, including forests and a river, making it a picturesque setting for a music festival. This year it took place on July 21-24, 2023, and was celebrating its 24th year Anniversary of great music and a loving festival culture like no other!

This festival began as a birthday party that eventually turned into one of the most renowned festivals ever and keeps the general vibe of a birthday party throughout. This is a very laid-back festival that seems to function on a corporate scale without being a corporate festival at all. The property is owned by the festival, so all of the structures stay up all year long, creating a larger budget for the festival to thrive and making way less work for their people. This festival is very family oriented and the workers are very much treated as family. You can expect the workers to have the biggest smile on their faces and genuinely want to help give you the best experience!

Stages:

Every stage has its own theme and is run by its own group of people. So every year you can expect similar-sounding music at each stage. Also, the festival picks a stage each year to give a new budget to so they’re constantly upgrading and evolving the stages to give you the best experience you can possibly have at a festival. I’ve never been more in awe by the stage design and the massive amount of production that goes into each stage, this festival is on another level in every aspect.

Pagoda Stage:

Is one of the most iconic and distinctive stages at the Shambhala Music Festival. When you think of Shambhala this is the first stage that typically comes to mind. There is projection mapping as the visuals and is home to some of the most iconic performances at the festival! This year some of the best acts played here like Justin Martin, Whipped Cream, John Summit, and Wreckno!

1. Design and Aesthetics: The Pagoda Stage is renowned for its stunning and intricate design. It is often designed to resemble a traditional Asian pagoda temple, which contributes to its unique and eye-catching appearance. The stage design typically incorporates intricate architectural elements, vibrant colors, and artistic details.
2. Location: The Pagoda Stage is usually located in a strategic position within the festival grounds, allowing for optimal sound quality and a captivating visual experience. It often overlooks a natural feature such as a river or a scenic landscape, adding to its overall ambiance.
3. Music Genre: The Pagoda Stage primarily features electronic dance music (EDM) performances, including a wide range of sub-genres such as techno, house, trance, and bass music. It hosts both established and emerging artists from the EDM scene.
4. Sound and Lighting: The stage is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and immersive lighting displays, which enhance the overall music and visual experience for festival-goers. The combination of advanced sound and lighting technology creates a captivating and immersive atmosphere.
5. Special Performances: The Pagoda Stage often hosts special performances, including live acts, DJ sets, and collaborative performances that are unique to the festival. These performances can be a major highlight for attendees.
6. Interactive Art: Like other areas of the Shambhala Music Festival, the Pagoda Stage typically incorporates interactive art installations and creative decor, adding to the festival’s overall artistic and immersive atmosphere.
7. Cultural Themes: The stage’s design and programming sometimes incorporate cultural and spiritual themes, aligning with the festival’s ethos of unity, community, and creativity.
8. Diverse Lineup: The Pagoda Stage lineup is known for its diversity, featuring artists from around the world and showcasing a wide range of musical styles within the electronic music spectrum.
9. Late-Night Performances: The stage often hosts late-night performances that can extend into the early morning hours, providing festival-goers with a vibrant and energetic nightlife experience.

Amp Stage:

This is the first stage upon arriving from the campgrounds to the festival grounds. There is a circus theme to it and you can expect to see characters dressed up roaming about. The PK speakers make for an amazing listening experience and is home to all the music that the

1. Location: The Amp Stage is the first stage youll see upon enetering the festival!
2. Music Genre: Bass Music
3. Stage Design and Aesthetics: Circus-themed
4. Sound and Lighting: The stage is equipped with a top-notch sound system and immersive lighting displays. These technical elements contribute to the festival’s vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
5. Live Performances: Some of the most well-known artists have played on this stage, but it’s also home for newer DJs to showcase their talents.
6. Interactive Art: There is a mini stage in front of the dj booth where live performers can also play during the music performances. Cannabliss had a stripper pole come out for her set and it was legendary!
7. Late-Night Atmosphere: The stage is known for hosting late-night and sunrise sets, creating an energetic and immersive nightlife experience
8. Diverse Lineup: The lineup typically includes a mix of internationally renowned artists and emerging talents in the electronic music scene. You will always find a new artist you’ve never heard of before that makes for a life-changing experience!

Village stage:

Is one of the main stages and in my opinion, the best stage at the festival. It is set up in a way where you feel like you’re inside a venue because the stage encapsulates you with the structures surrounding the stage. This stage’s visuals are unmatched as well as the sound. Some of my personal favorite acts of the weekend performed here like Sub Focus, Vibe Chemistry, Boogie T, and Sodown!

1. Location: The Village Stage is typically situated in a distinct area within the festival grounds. Like other stages at Shambhala, its location is chosen to provide optimal sound quality and a memorable festival experience.
2. Music Genre: The Village Stage is known for featuring a wide range of electronic music genres, with a focus on bass-heavy music styles. This includes dubstep, drum and bass, glitch hop, and other sub-genres that emphasize heavy beats and deep basslines.
3. Stage Design and Aesthetics: The stage’s design and aesthetics often reflect a unique and immersive theme. It may incorporate elements of nature, fantasy, or other creative concepts, and its decor is typically intricate and visually captivating.
4. Sound and Lighting: The Village Stage is equipped with high-quality sound systems and immersive lighting displays. These technical elements enhance the overall experience and contribute to the stage’s vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
5. Live Performances: In addition to DJ sets, the Village Stage sometimes hosts live electronic music performances, adding a diverse range of musical experiences for festival-goers.
6. Interactive Art: Like other areas of the Shambhala Music Festival, the Village Stage often features interactive art installations, live painting, and other artistic elements that engage the audience and contribute to the festival’s creative ambiance.
7. Late-Night and Sunrise Sets: The stage is known for hosting late-night and sunrise sets, creating an energetic and immersive nightlife experience. These sets often feature some of the festival’s most memorable and intense performances.
8. Diverse Lineup: The Village Stage lineup typically includes a mix of internationally renowned artists and emerging talents in the electronic music scene. This diversity in the lineup ensures a broad range of musical styles and experiences for festival attendees.
9. Community Vibe: The Village Stage area often has a strong sense of community, with festival-goers coming together to celebrate music, art, and creativity. It’s a place where attendees can connect with like-minded individuals.
10. Camping Area: The Village Stage area has nearby camping facilities, allowing festival-goers to stay close to the action and immerse themselves fully in the festival experience.

Grove Stage:

Is one of the well-known stages within the festival grounds and is nestled away near the Village stage. You can expect some live performances like aerial silks and other flow arts during the musical acts. This stage is perfect for sunrise sets and was where Of The Trees played during the sunrise. Another notable sunrise set was Atyya, which was unforgettable and Ivy Lab had a last-minute set there where live performance acts came to play!

1. Location: The Grove Stage is typically situated in a picturesque location within the festival grounds, often surrounded by trees and natural beauty. Its location provides a unique and immersive setting for festival-goers.
2. Music Genre: The Grove Stage is known for featuring a diverse range of electronic music genres, including genres such as deep house, techno, and downtempo. It often hosts artists who specialize in creating ambient and chill-out vibes, making it a go-to stage for those seeking a more relaxed and melodic experience.
3. Stage Design and Aesthetics: Like other stages at Shambhala, the Grove Stage is known for its creative and intricate stage design. It may incorporate natural elements, organic decor, and artistic lighting to enhance the overall ambiance.
4. Sound and Lighting: The stage is equipped with a high-quality sound system and immersive lighting displays. These technical elements ensure that the music is not only heard but also felt, creating an engaging auditory and visual experience.
5. Live Performances: In addition to DJ sets, the Grove Stage may feature live performances by electronic musicians who use various instruments and equipment to create their music on stage.
6. Interactive Art: Art installations and interactive elements are often incorporated into the Grove Stage area, contributing to the festival’s overall creative and immersive atmosphere.
7. Late-Night Atmosphere: The stage is known for hosting late-night and early-morning sets, making it a popular destination for those looking to dance and enjoy music well into the night.
8. Community and Vibes: Just like other areas of the Shambhala Music Festival, the Grove Stage often has a strong sense of community, where festival-goers come together to enjoy music, connect with others, and embrace the festival’s ethos of unity and creativity.
9. Diverse Lineup: The Grove Stage typically features a mix of established and emerging artists who specialize in the genres associated with the stage, providing a wide range of musical experiences for attendees.

Living Room Stage:

is known for its unique and laid-back atmosphere. You can also find many live performances being hosted here! Many flow artists and fire acts to look forward to! This stage is directly next to the river so you can float on by while still catching the set! Some artists that performed here this year were renowned hip-hop artists Hieroglyphics, Fleetmac Wood, and MonkeyDragon! We watched a huge fire arts performance on this stage and ended up missing other sets because it was so cool we couldn’t leave.

1. Location: The Living Room Stage is usually located in a serene and scenic spot within the festival grounds. It often features comfortable seating arrangements, hammocks, and cozy nooks, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
2. Music Genre: This stage typically focuses on more downtempo and chill-out music genres, providing festival-goers with a break from the high-energy electronic music found at other stages. It often features genres such as ambient, chillstep, and other melodic and soothing styles.
3. Stage Design and Aesthetics: The stage’s design is characterized by its cozy and home-like feel. It may incorporate elements of a living room, complete with comfortable furniture, soft lighting, and decor that makes attendees feel like they’re in a cozy lounge space.
4. Sound and Lighting: While the sound system at the Living Room Stage is of high quality, it is usually configured to suit the more relaxed and intimate vibe of the stage. Lighting is often soft and warm, contributing to the comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
5. Live Performances: In addition to DJ sets, the Living Room Stage often hosts live performances by artists who specialize in creating soothing and melodic music. These performances are designed to encourage relaxation and contemplation.
6. Interactive Art and Workshops: The stage area may feature interactive art installations and workshops that promote wellness, creativity, and community engagement. Attendees can participate in various activities and connect with others in a relaxed setting.
7. Community and Vibes: The Living Room Stage is known for fostering a sense of community and togetherness. Festival-goers often gather here to unwind, socialize, and share in the tranquil ambiance.
8. Late-Night and Sunrise Sets: While the stage primarily hosts mellower music, it may also offer late-night and sunrise sets, allowing attendees to enjoy the music and atmosphere into the early hours of the morning.
9. Wellness and Relaxation: This stage can serve as a space for festival-goers to take a break from dancing and enjoy a more tranquil experience. It’s a place where attendees can relax, meditate, or simply recharge for more music and activities.

Fractal Forest:

One of the iconic stages at the Shambhala Music Festival, an annual electronic music festival held in British Columbia, Canada. The Fractal Forest stage is renowned for its unique design, lively atmosphere, and a diverse lineup of artists. There is no professional photography inside the fractal forest in order to keep it authentic and a surprise for festivalgoers!

1. Stage Design and Aesthetics: The Fractal Forest stage is known for its visually stunning and immersive design. It often incorporates elements of nature, fractal geometry, and vibrant lighting effects, creating a captivating and surreal environment for festival-goers.
2. Location: The Fractal Forest is typically situated in a strategic location within the festival grounds, providing an optimal view and sound experience for attendees. It often overlooks a scenic natural setting, enhancing the overall ambiance.
3. Music Genre: The stage primarily features a wide range of electronic music genres, including funk, glitch-hop, breakbeat, and other bass-heavy styles. It is known for hosting artists who specialize in creating high-energy, danceable music.
4. Sound and Lighting: The stage is equipped with a top-notch sound system and immersive lighting displays. These technical elements contribute to the festival’s vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
5. Live Performances: In addition to DJ sets, the Fractal Forest often hosts live performances, adding a layer of creativity and unpredictability to the stage’s lineup. These performances can include live bands, electronic musicians, and more.
6. Interactive Art: Like other areas of the Shambhala Music Festival, the Fractal Forest area often features interactive art installations, live painting, and other creative elements that engage the audience and contribute to the festival’s overall artistic atmosphere.
7. Late-Night Experience: The stage is known for its late-night and early-morning sets, creating an energetic and immersive nightlife experience. These sets often feature some of the festival’s most memorable and intense performances.
8. Community Vibes: The Fractal Forest area has a strong sense of community, where festival-goers come together to celebrate music, art, and creativity. It’s a place where attendees can connect with like-minded individuals and experience the festival’s unique spirit.
9. Diverse Lineup: The Fractal Forest lineup is diverse and eclectic, featuring established and emerging artists from various corners of the electronic music world. This diversity ensures that festival attendees can enjoy a wide range of musical styles and performances.
10. Camping Area: There may be camping facilities near the Fractal Forest stage, allowing festival-goers to stay in close proximity to the music and festivities.

Amazing Sets:

Whipped Cream: whose real name is Caroline Cecil, is a Canadian electronic music producer and DJ known for her dynamic and genre-blending style. Her music is characterized by heavy basslines, intricate sound design, and a dark, atmospheric vibe. Her tracks often have a cinematic quality, creating an immersive experience for listeners. At her 8 p.m. set at the Pagoda stage, she ran through the crowd passing out roses to her fans before she ran onto the decks to start a very high-energy set with seamless transitions. Caroline is a fantastic artist with a very unique sound who had the stage completely packed! you would never want to miss one of her sets, especially at the Pagoda stage!

Skream: Oliver Dene Jones, better known by his stage name Skream, is a prominent British electronic music producer and DJ. He has played a pivotal role in the development of various electronic music genres, particularly dubstep. He is really known to be a pioneer in the scene and is a very well-respected artist. He played two sets throughout the weekend. One set was only house music, but on Sunday night he played the amp stage starting around 4 a.m. and didn’t stop playing until around 10 a.m. This was a very iconic moment for festivalgoers and legend has it he’s still there playing at the amp stage!

Slynk: Is known for his eclectic and groove-heavy music style, which incorporates elements of funk, disco, glitch hop, and other electronic music genres. His tracks often feature funky basslines, soulful melodies, and a playful, upbeat vibe. He played at the Fractal Forest and had the entire crowd jumping on their feet for the entire duration of the set. Bring your dancing shoes anytime you see Slynk because the way he can control the crowd is astonishing. This was one of the most memorable sets of the weekend because it was purely great music and so much fun to dance to.

Jon Casey: An electronic music producer and DJ known for his work in the bass music and experimental electronic music scenes. He’s a newer artist but has songs with notable artists like Troyboi and is really making head waves in the scene. He played at the Amp stage and wow was it packed! The entire festival was there and is stage energy was amazing. It was almost as if he was doubling as an MC for his own set. Highly recommend seeing Jon Casey!

Subfocus: Nick Douwma, a British electronic music producer and DJ known for his contributions to various electronic music genres, including drum and bass, dubstep, and electronic pop. He played at the Village and it was shoulder to shoulder in there! The crowd was losing it, in the best way! One of the best times I’ve personally ever had dancing at a festival. He is a very talented artist who can make anyone a fan of Drum and Bass. His style is unlike any I’ve heard before and he kept his fans captivated the entire time, no one wanted him to end!

Of The Trees: Tyler Coombs, an American electronic music producer and DJ known for his distinctive style that blends various electronic music genres, including bass music, glitch-hop, and experimental soundscapes. He has two sets this weekend, one at the Grove for a sunrise set and the other at the Pagoda for a nighttime set. The sunrise set was calming and melodic and his nighttime set was very high energy. The whole crowd was banging their heads and getting excited to hear iconic songs being played like Spanish Moss and Windhorse! This being his second year playing here, you can hopefully expect to see him on a lineup again in the upcoming years!

River:

1. Location: The Shambhala Music Festival takes place on the Salmo River Ranch, situated in the Kootenay Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. The festival grounds encompass various natural elements, with the Salmo River being a central and prominent feature.
2. Scenic Beauty: The Salmo River is known for its stunning natural beauty. Festival-goers can enjoy the serene and picturesque surroundings, including clear waters, forested banks, and mountainous terrain. The river provides a peaceful backdrop to the festival’s stages and activities.
3. Swimming and Relaxation: The river offers a refreshing escape from the festival’s music and crowds. Many attendees take the opportunity to swim, relax on the riverbanks, and enjoy the natural environment during breaks from the music.
4. Natural Amenities: The Salmo River also serves practical purposes during the festival. It provides a source of clean water for various needs, including drinking water and showers for festival attendees.
5. Environmental Considerations: Shambhala Music Festival places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and conservation. Efforts are made to minimize the festival’s impact on the river and its ecosystem, including waste reduction and recycling initiatives.
6. Safety Measures: Festival organizers typically implement safety measures to ensure the well-being of festival-goers near the river. These measures may include lifeguards and designated swimming areas to promote a safe and enjoyable experience.
7. Camping: Some festival-goers choose to camp along the riverbanks, adding to the immersive experience of being close to nature. These camping areas may vary in terms of amenities, from basic campsites to more luxurious options.
8. Riverside Activities: The presence of the river often leads to impromptu gatherings, drum circles, and other spontaneous activities. It’s a place where attendees can come together and create their own unique festival moments.

Festival Tips Strictly For Shambhala:

1. Getting to the festival is a trek so be beyond prepared, We even got a flat tire right outside the venue! Thankfully a nice Canadian couple was able to help! The festival is really in the middle of nowhere so service on the way there is patchy and has little traffic or towns nearby. So make sure to bring tools and emergency kits for car repairs etc.
2. The line getting into the festival is historically long, so bring extra gas for your car because some people waited 13-plus hours to get into the festival.
3. Bring cash with you because it will expedite you getting into the festival, The reason the line takes so long is because you have to buy early arrival passes. Being that the festival is in the middle of nowhere, sometimes their machines wouldn’t be able to connect to wifi so therefore they couldn’t take debit payments which held up the line a lot.
4. There is a no-alcohol policy, so any alcohol found during the security process will be confiscated.
5. I would recommend trying to camp in Starlight camping because you can have your car next to your campsite there and is very close to the stages, the best bang for your buck!
6. It’s typically very hot in the daytime and very chilly at night so be prepared for both climates!
7. The river! It is such a pivotal part of the festival experience and people hang out in the river all day! Make sure to bring floaties as well as rope and a sandbag so you can anchor yourself and your squad from floating down the entire river! Also, bring some waterproof gear if you want to keep your belongings with you.
8. Bring earplugs! The sound is on point and extremely loud. Being that the whole festival is sponsored by PK Sound, you can expect to hear some of the best-sounding music of your life!
9. here are secret sets played on secret stages with very cool decorations, follow the lampshades!
10. There is a place for women to go to be pampered in the red tent! Make sure you go check it out, it’s like an experience like none other.

Live Performances:

Shambhala Music Festival is renowned for its unique and immersive live performances, which add an extra layer of magic to the festival experience. Here’s an overview of the live-flow performances that often take place at Shambhala:

1. Flow Arts: Flow arts are a prominent feature at Shambhala. These encompass a variety of disciplines like poi spinning, staff spinning, hula hooping, and juggling. Skilled flow artists can often be found throughout the festival grounds, enchanting attendees with their mesmerizing, rhythmic movements and dazzling LED-lit props. The combination of music and flow arts creates a captivating visual spectacle.
2. Fire Performances: Fire spinning and fire dancing are particularly popular at Shambhala. Trained fire performers use flaming poi, staffs, and other props to create breathtaking displays of light and heat. These performances often take place in designated fire pits or fire performance areas, ensuring safety while delivering a thrilling experience for festival-goers.
3. Aerial Arts: Some festivals, including Shambhala, feature aerial artists who perform breathtaking acrobatics suspended from silk or trapeze. These aerial displays often occur on stages or in designated aerial performance areas. The combination of music and graceful aerial routines creates a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience.
4. Live Art Installations: Shambhala often hosts live art installations where artists create and paint in real-time during the festival. These installations can be found throughout the event, allowing attendees to witness the creative process as it unfolds. The fusion of music and visual art adds an extra layer of creativity and immersion to the festival atmosphere.
5. Interactive Art Installations: Beyond live art, Shambhala showcases a variety of interactive art installations. These can range from large-scale sculptures to immersive multimedia experiences. Attendees are encouraged to engage with the art, creating a dynamic and participatory festival environment.
6. Circus Performances: Some festivals, including Shambhala, feature circus performances, such as aerial silks, contortionists, and stilt walkers. These circus acts often roam the festival grounds, surprising and entertaining attendees with their extraordinary skills and costumes.
7. Performance Artists: In addition to scheduled performances, you’ll encounter various spontaneous performers throughout the festival, including dancers, characters in elaborate costumes, and entertainers who interact with the crowd, creating a whimsical and interactive ambiance.

Shambhala’s commitment to blending music with visual and performance arts results in a truly immersive and transformative experience for festival-goers. These live-flow performances are an integral part of what makes the Shambhala Music Festival unique and unforgettable, offering a multi-sensory journey that extends beyond the music stages.

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