Arts, Dining & Entertainment

Ziontific retains its intimate family vibe while growing exponentially in fifth year

By Sheryl Ann Photography

A young festival-goer gets her face painted dalmatian-style as part of the 2014 Kid Zone at Ziontific

June 19-22 — STOCKBRIDGE — The first official weekend of summer can’t come soon enough for most in the Northeast, especially for those who have found home in the Ziontific Family. With amenities for all ages, Ziontific’s Summer Solstice Music Festival has an awareness-inspired, energizing, family retreat ambiance. On June 19-22, smiling, happy faces will gather from near and far to welcome summer with open arms in the middle of the Green Mountains for three days and three nights of family, music, camping and nature.

Ziontific has been hard at work scouring the world to provide attendees with the most energetic, inspirational, educational and uplifting musical experience to kick off their summer. Each of the bands on the line-up has a positive message to spread. With their unique musical focus in the regional festival scene being on reggae and conscious hip-hop, Ziontific has the reputation of booking acts that won’t be seen on most other festival schedules. From regional up-and-comers to international acts, this year’s line-up is bound to keep everyone movin’ and groovin’ all three days and nights.

New additions to the band line-up this year include: Rootz Underground (Jamaica); TreeHouse! (S.C.); Sun-Dried Vibes (S.C.); Signal Fire (N.C.); Lucid (N.Y.); Kings & Comrades (Pa.); Reef’d (Pa.); William Thompson Funk Experiment (Mass.); The Equalites (Mass.); Kroma Kode (Mass.); Fulah (Fla./Mass.); ReBelle (Mass.); and Heirloom Seeds (Vt.).

Previous acts that have become part of the family and are back by popular demand are: The Movement; The Alchemystics; Roots of Creation; Sophistafunk; Bujak Live; Political Animals; Danny Pease & The Regulators; I Anbassa; The Juicy Grapes; Joey Batts & Them; The Feel Goods; Lynguistic Civilians; The Romano Project; Rebel Alliance; Rhythmic Circus; Cheatcode; Harsh Armadillo; Rhythm Inc; DJ Benny Black; The Yeti; DJ Live! featuring special guest; I-ganic Soundsystem; and Icculus.

Bujak Live will once again be producing Ziontific’s Silent Disco for the fourth year in a row. Each night after the Main Stage ends, night owls can boogie their way on over to the silent disco deck, slap on a pair of headphones and dance the night away without bothering the early risers and children. Plenty of headphones will be available.

In addition to the main stage acts and silent disco performances, Ziontific is bringing back their Elemental Philosophy 101 lessons throughout the weekend. Learn about the core elements of hip-hop from some of the best in the region. Emceeing, DJing, beatboxing, break dancing, graffiti art, knowledge, culture and understanding plus performances by: Honeycomb; DJ Benny Black; Blue Collar; DJ NEB; Ryan Augustus; Breaks by Poptart and Moses, and more.

Other amenities include river tubing on the Tweed River; the Wellness Village with The Conduit, including yoga, meditation, Thai massage, and more; the kidZone featuring mask making, crafts, games, river rock painting, hula hoop lessons / sesigning and face painting. ; Cosmic Karma Fire with everything in flames in some way, shape or form, including: BMX fire stunts, acrobatics, a gyrodoop, belly dancing, palm torches, fire fans, levitation wands, fire eating and more.

In partnering with several non-profits including Mother Nature’s Army, Strangers Helping Strangers and The Root Center, attendees learn how to protect our planet as well as their own body. This year, Ziontific and Strangers Helping Strangers have set a goal to double the amount of donations the food drive collected last year. The largest donations of non-perishables, baby and hygiene products will receive prizes to help attain the goal of 220 pounds.

Whether you prefer a slightly private wooded campsite or a field spot in the middle of the action, you will feel right at home with your newfound Ziontific Family.

Ziontific plans to put a cap on tickets to retain the intimate family atmosphere. Kids 11 and under will still be free. A limited number of VIP upgrade tickets will be available.

Visit www.Ziontificproductions.com for current ticket rates and VIP upgrades. Join the Ziontific Community on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Ziontificproductions), Instagram (@Ziontific), Twitter (@Ziontific) or Google (+Zion Tific) to stay up-to-date on the latest Summer Solstice Music Festival
information.

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