Shorefest 2023
For Shore!
Returning home
It felt like much longer than four years since the last time we all gathered for a celebration of life, nature’s wonder, music, and creativity. Many of those years were rife with stress, uncertainty, and difficult circumstances that none of us were prepared to face. This is why it was such a blessing to have finally come together once more for what seemed like an even more vibrant gathering of minds.
My late arrival was unintended, but the sun had just started setting. The smell of the lake was familiar to me. Feelings of coming home or being with family arose in me the moment I walked around to the back side of the house. The wind blew through my overgrown hair as the sound of music caressed my ears. The sight of tents strewn about the backyard where festival goers would lay their heads once the evening concluded made this feel akin to a large-scale festival but brought with it a more genuine feeling of community and closeness than you can ever achieve at a larger scale event — although, for me, there really was no end to this evening as I spent all night having some of the most insightful conversations well past sunrise.
The moment my eyes set their gaze on the
merch stand, I giggled to myself as I witnessed the manifestations of someone so close to me. I realized he had become one with our tight-knit group of compassionate and well-meaning individuals. It warmed my heart, and it made me feel as though I had contributed something to this magical experience that I was invited to four years ago by introducing him to these wonderful people.
An experience to remember
Now, this isn’t your typical festival. This quaint house on a lake in Minnesota has become home to one of the most unique weekend experiences imaginable. It goes without saying that being invited is something special in its own right. The people who are so carefully selected to attend are what really makes it a moment to remember. The seemingly endless existential discussions, the openness and vulnerability displayed by free-thinking individuals, and the love and acceptance of all colors and flavors really show the beautiful things humans are capable of. It brings out the best in people. It fosters creativity. It fosters love.
As you walk down the path from the rear entrance of the house, you come upon the multi-tiered shoreline where there is a small stage set up on the shore. This is where DJs and musicians play during the day until the sound ordinance goes into effect.
This year, they really upped their game with the light show. A new set of lasers brought by Ankarnist — one of the DJs and a close friend of mine — was being shot out over the water creating a one-of-a-kind visual experience. I hadn’t seen anything quite like it. I gave hugs and greeted the beautiful souls, some I had met from the last Shorefest in 2019 and some that were unfamiliar to me. I enjoyed moving my body to the sounds of the house-set Karn was throwing down. It was good to hear him play, as I’m fairly certain the last time I did was the last time I attended Shorefest.
At first glance, the seclusion might lead you to think this would be a low-key event. However, Shorefest was anything but. It was a melting pot of diverse talent and experiences. Not only were attendees treated to fantastic music, but there were also multiple vendors to explore. One standout was a local hot sauce maker, B-Rad’s Hot Sauce, who inadvertently provided one of the most memorable moments of the festival.
An adventurous attendee took on the challenge of tasting one of the hotter sauces, leading to an intense bout of hiccups. The scene was comical, and for a split second, there was a shared anticipation of him perhaps revisiting the sauce in reverse. However, to everyone's amusement and relief, he managed to keep his composure, making for a hilariously unforgettable moment.
What made Shorefest especially remarkable was the collective effort of everyone involved. It wasn’t just about the music or the food. It was about community.
Every participant, whether an artist or an attendee, contributed to the event's unique aura. A heartfelt shoutout goes to Ankarnist, who not only delivered a spellbinding performance but also generously provided most of the performance equipment. The spectacle of his lasers dancing off the shimmering waters was nothing short of magical.
The Basement
The lineup was studded with talent. From the electrifying sets by Chestaboy and PLUR GRR to the soulful renditions by Sad Planet (complemented by the Interstellars' keyboardist) and Shady Nasty. Every performance was a treat for the senses.
I made my way to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat. Walking through the kitchen filled with scents of the most delicious vegan food my tastebuds were fortunate enough to taste, I was delighted to hear the familiar poetic and comical words of those I had hoped to hear. The goal was to make our way down to the basement now that the outside music had come to an end. I recalled being in awe when I stepped down those steps the first time I attended. The amount of effort put into the ambiance is incredible. It was for shore just as awesome as the first time.
Well after sunset, when local regulations demanded peace, the party transitioned from the serene Shoreside Stage to the mystical Rainforest Stage. This indoor space was a visual masterpiece. Bathed in black lights, adorned with vibrant tapestries, and draped with trees and rainforest-themed decorations, it transported attendees to another world. PLUR GRR’s performance in this setting deserves special mention. The DJ's raw energy was palpable. His non-stop dancing, combined with the cascading waves of his long hair, added a dynamic layer to his captivating set.
The festival wasn't just about the night, though. As dawn approached, a subset of attendees, wrapped in the warmth of the music and camaraderie, were serenaded into the new day by Sad Planet and The Interstellar's keyboardist.
The morning after
Goodbyes are never easy. Thankfully, it wasn’t goodbye, but more of a “see you next time.”
Packing up shop and breaking down tents can sometimes come with a certain disappointment that everything is coming to an end. But the moments shared — such as eating breakfast, reminiscing about the night before, laughing about the hours-long political discussions, reciting the funniest jokes, and the love-filled thankyou’s and goodbyes — really dispel any sense of sadness knowing that every good thing comes to an end.
I’ll never forget the memories we created there. The smiling faces brought life to the evening. Laughter and hollars of contentment filled the halls and rooms of the home as musicians put on their best. Food that will make you enjoy something you historically never liked. A sense of community, home, love, and acceptance that fills you with joy and motivation. A unique, invite-only experience that leaves you fulfilled.
Shorefest was a reminder that size and scale don't always dictate the quality of an experience. Sometimes, the most unforgettable moments are found in intimate gatherings where everyone plays a part in creating magic. It was a testament to the fact that love trumps all, and it’s still very much alive and flourishing.
So without further ado, thank you to the hosts and everyone who made this an unforgettable experience.
