The three-day arts and culture extravaganza that is the Bass Coast Project returns to the Squamish Valley in July with a recently-released line-up of performers, activities and experiences with nature.
Organized by Sea to Sky Corridor women Andrea Oakden, Liz Thomson and Andrea Graham, Bass Coast Project: The Sequel brings performance artists, musicians, art installations, mud wrestling in a setting of mountains, river, white sandy beach and tons of bass at the Squamish Valley Campground from July 23 to 26.
Returning to the festival for another year is light specialist Chris MacLeay - or as Graham calls him, the master of light boards - whose job it is to build magnificent light displays that pop out at night.
Whistler-based tattoo artist and painter Pepe is producing three-dimensional main stage artwork along with Samera Gibson.
"They're using a lot of different sculptures, everything from skull art to forged steel bugs and fun creatures The d茅cor will be their art," said Graham.
While festival goers enjoy the visual smorgasbord, they'll can also catch an earful of live and electronic music from more than 50 musicians both local and internationally renowned.
This year's festival notables include Montreal's turbo crunker Megasoid, who's infamous for producing high-energy, live electronic bass infused street music.
"We're really excited to have him play here because he hasn't played in Vancouver in a really long time, so we're lucky that he's be here," said Graham.
Graham said she first met New York City's Marty Party at a Burning Man festival and knew he'd be perfect for the stage of Bass Coast Project.
"His music has got a really beautiful blend of melody and song but still has some powerful and crunchy bass undertones so it really appeals to everyone and it's fun and great to dance to."
But the musical line-up isn't just limited to foreign talent - at least 10 corridor musicians will also share their talent, including, Just Sheila, Riddim Fernandez, The Librarian, Evolve, Vinyl Ritchie, Foxy Moron, DJ Lon, Adam Bomb, Surgeon and Mat the Alien.
If diverse tunes don't capture attention, the yoga, photography or capoeira (marital arts dancing) workshops may draw the crowds.
"We want people to participate so we set up all of these areas where people can get involved and have fun," said Graham. "I mean it's also got a great silly vibe to it as well. Everyone relaxes and gets to let loose and have fun."
Graham encourages creative spirits to participate as well by donning costumes, decorating their bikes - a useful mode of transportation on the 72-hectare site - or producing their own art for display on the beach, near the art temple.
"Part of the enjoyment if the festival is getting around and there's no driving at the festival once you're on site. So bring your bicycle, decorate it and have fun."
And festival attendees will likely stumble upon artists and their creative work while travelling the campgrounds, said Graham.
"We have installation artists that will be creating big pieces that will be all over the beach and hiding in the trees so that you're whole experience is surrounded by art.
"By the end of all of our events, people have always made new friends, they've connected with a new community, they've been inspired by meeting all these new artists."
Graham said the beautiful artwork of Kate Power will likely be spotted throughout the campground.
"You'll look over to the side and you'll see like a beautiful little garden with some piece of art in it and that will probably be thanks to Kate Power," Graham said.
"Everything she touches turns to beauty."
Held on a large, privately owned campground at mile 16.5 of Squamish Valley Road, the area is perfect for a festival that's focused on creative expression, underground arts, culture and community.
"It's a really stunning location and our festival is about integrating your experience with art at every corner," said Graham.
"That's sort of the theme to all of our events, we like to bring together different groups of people and create a setting that makes people feel comfortable, mix and get to know each other."
Healthy food, clothes and jewellery will be available for purchase however alcohol will not be. The event is alcohol and glass bottle-free.
Graham anticipates 600 to 700 attendees to trek up to the campground for the weekend, a slight increase from 450 attendees at the 2009 event.
A few other changes concertgoers might notice is closer situated performance areas to ensure a tight knit festival atmosphere and more roving entertainers.
"Don't be surprised if a dance troupe comes up and performs for you on the beach and then wanders on and the next person to walk by is playing an accordion."
The gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday July 23 and the festival wraps up at noon on Monday July 26. Admission costs $130 in advance or $145 at the gates, however there are no day tickets or single night passes.
All festivalgoers must be 19 years of age or older to attend. For additional information visit www.basscoastproject.com.
