Headstash

Headstash On The Road: Wanderlust Day 3

Staff writer Sarah Silvas chronicles her daily adventures at Wanderlust Colorado - a festival that combines yoga classes, world-class music, workshops, guest speakers, food, drink and more into a one-of-a-kind learning experience. For more information on Wanderlust, check out the event's official website.

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

Day two didn’t quite end before day three started with Gramatik exiting the Main Stage after 2:00 a.m. and an 8:00 a.m. hike on the horizon. Sleep was much needed.

Hopping on a ski lift and hiking over to the Solitude Area, the early morning view was breathtaking and rejuvenating. Staying on the theme of maneuvering through nature .it was time to listen to Aron Ralston's emotional lecture, 127 Hours: Turning Boulders Into Blessings. The Hollywood movie “127 Hours” was inspired by Ralston's story of freeing himself from entrapment in the bottom of a remote canyon in southern Utah by amputating his lower right arm then hiking hours to a rescue team.

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

Ralston spoke about what inspired him to continue doing what he loves – mountain climbing – and how this undying spirit transfers over into all areas of his life. Tears and sniffles were heard through the entire tent yet everyone left feeling empowered and energized to take on their own boulders in life and turn them into blessings.

In between yoga classes, I checked out the Rue Boheme stage set in the center of Copper Mountain Village. Performing solo with a variety of instruments including a flute and guitar, Todd Boston's music serenaded the few afternoon onlookers. The pouring rain didn't help in gathering an audience for Boston's outside set, although his evening performance on the Main Stage with Shakti Sunfire hula hooping brought many more onlookers. Boston's worldly folk fusion sound was perfect for the Wanderlust crowd, keeping everyone in tune with the connection of music and movement.

I stuck around a little longer at the Rue Boheme stage for Colorado favorite, Jamie Janover. Being fresh off Sonic Bloom, there is no such thing as too much electro-acoustic fusion music. Utilizing the ancient percussion stringed instrument called the hammered dulcimer and a "mini-kit" (a miniature amplified drum kit), Janover's “reflective of the nature of modern times.” As always, it was a pleasure watching him perform and I'm looking forward to his second set on day four.

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

Heading inside to the Luna Space for some movement and stretching, it was time for Suzanne Sterling and Kerri Kelly's, Fierce Courage, Divine Play yoga workshop. These instructors come from the non-profit organization, Off The Mat, Into the World, where they teach the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and to ignite grassroots social change.

This course was very different than most of the others throughout the weekend, as it evoked the attendee's inner child. Kelly led the group through the first half with fire inspiring asanas such as chair pose and a full warrior series. Verbally guiding the class through introspection, Kelly was able to help connect the participants’ minds and bodies.

After a solid flow, Sterling took over and evoked a playfulness in everyone not seen in other workshops. Through uninhibited dancing, singing and meditation, she perfectly rounded out the day, drawing out every last bit of energy. Leaving the class with a heightened sense of community and fulfillment, Fierce Courage, Divine Play, was one of the absolute best experiences of the entire weekend.

On my walk back to rest, I stopped to check out Stephane Wrembel on the Rue Boheme stage. The full band features a guitar, upright bass, washboard, drums and other percussion sounds coming together to create a gypsy-inspired, cafe-like atmosphere. Many upbeat, energetic and vigorous songs set the mood for the wine tasting going on in the village at the same time. Listening to Wrembel was the perfect way to relax from an exhausting day and prepare for the night of music to come.

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

After a quick dinner and a little nap, I followed the masses to the Main Stage for Ziggy Marley. Hands down drawing the biggest crowd of the weekend, there were yogi faces and those that just stopped in for the night. Coming on around 10:30 p.m., Marley melted the crowds’ hearts with his sensuous guitar strums and sultry voice.

Opening with, "Let Jah Will Be Done," and "Brothers and Sisters," everyone was getting into the island-feel groove by swaying their hips and bobbing their heads. A crowd favorite was definitely, “Rainbow in the Sky," as onlookers belted out the lyrics with ear-to-ear smiles. Truly a celebration of community and awareness, Marley was the perfect headliner for the last full night of music. 

As the night came to an end, sore muscles and worn out feet were more than apparent. Having difficulty just climbing into bed was a testament to the hard work and accomplishment that this weekend at Wanderlust brought. With only one more day to go, it was hard to believe that it all flew by so fast. As day four promised to be a bit "easier," with a couple lectures and music performances, it was bittersweet to know the end was near. 

 

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

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Stay tuned for more updates from Copper Mountain, Colorado.