Author: megandirksen

With just under 2 months now until Same Same But Different kicks off, we are super excited about all of the unique and interactive activities and workshops being announced!

Aside from all the wonderful music and art acts we are all so stoked to experience, SSBD offers over 50 interactive workshops to “create the moments in between the music – the ones where real connection and transformation happen.” -Brad Sweet (Co-Founder of SSBD) 

Whether that be something that you and your friends already love to do or to go and experience something new and exciting with all of the beautiful SSBD family, there is something for everyone in all walks of life!

At the forefront of the workshop lineup is LSDream’s iconic Lightcode session which we are definitely not going to be missing! This meditative and transcendent experience will be a perfect interlude to recharge the body and mind. LSDream first started this Lightcode project back in late 2020 and is a guided meditation which immerses “participants in a deeply personal exploration of consciousness and sonic alchemy.” -SSBD Festival

Pro tip: Get there early! This is an extremely popular event.

Photos by Jacquelyn Diaz

Some of the other workshops that we are super excited to go check out are Amplified Yoga which will be led by Donovan McGrath, Live Looping with Jeff Jacobs, and Snake Therapy with Winter. We will be sure to also leave time to explore around all the different activities in the Family Garden which offers immersive and creative activities for all ages.

Check out the workshop lineup below!

See you soon at SSBD!

Written by: Ryan Johnson

It’ll be our first year attending the Same Same But Different festival in California, and we’ve heard nothing but good things!

Photo: 2024 Same Same But Different

While we’re stoked that we’ve attended a lot of fun festivals, some definitely stand out more than others. This one has a special feel, more intimate vibe, so much art and plenty of curated workshops, and the location seems unbeatable!

The lineup was the first pull to the festival, with headliners LSZEE (Clozee and LSDream), Zeds Dead and Dr. Fresch. These are all some of our favorites, especially with the new RSIH album dropped earlier this year by ZD. There’s new LSZEE music coming out this week as well, the Enigma mixtape. There’s a ton of undercards we’re stoked for as well, such as WonkyWilla, The Sponges, ParkBreezy, and Habitaat.

Aside from the music, we’re really stoked on all the extra activations. There will be a plethora of activities to choose from for everyone in the group, daily yoga classes, breathwork, movement classes and soundhealing workshops. After some downtime to reconnect and recharge the area will be ready for the parties. Since the festival is on a lake, there’s going to be beachside float parties, an island excursion for day parties, surprise sets, and more.

Photo: 2024 Same Same But Different Beach Side Parties @gucciphoto.jpg

We’re counting down the days until we arrive and can’t wait to keep you updated!

Written By: Ryan Johnson

Heads up PNW folks! If you’re stoked for Cascade Equinox 2024, check out a few of their local initiatives in the PNW surrounding areas to get ready for the festival this fall!

Since this is only the second year of the festival, we’re seeing huge strides in innovation and upgrades to bring back the same crew and attract new fans to the event! We’re personally super excited for the Feast-to-Festival event and think it’s a great way to connect with others in the community and enjoy some local high quality eats. 🙂

Another huge plus of these pre-festival events, is some of them are offering fee-free festival tickets, which can save you and your festival group some $$ ahead of time!

Melty Migration

In a show of unity with its local community, Cascade Equinox is teaming up with the Pacific Northwest’s renowned Summer Meltdown Festival, in an exciting grassroots collaboration known as the ‘Melty Migration.’ It will feature two Meltdown stage takeovers – one for the Thursday night Pre-Funk Party and another on the Harvest stage, showcasing some of Summer Meltdown’s most cherished acts (IG post here).

Feast-to-Festival charity event

Join the festival for its first ‘Feast-to-Festival‘ charity event, featuring a farm-to-table dinner by Feast Restaurant on September 19th from 4:00-9:00 pm. Enjoy a five-course meal with locally-sourced ingredients, expertly paired wines from Division Winery, and bespoke cocktails from Kraft Bar Lounge. Experience live music throughout the evening and explore the festival grounds before they open to the public. All proceeds support the Waldorf School of Bend (IG post here).

‘Summer Jams’ pre-party series

The second annual ‘Summer Jams‘ concert series, in collaboration with 4 Peaks Music Festival, Kraft Bar, and LOGE Camps, returns to Bend, Oregon. This event features live performances by talented local and regional musicians, a variety of local food vendors and artisans, and hand-crafted cocktails, brews, wines, and ciders. Attendees can also secure fee-free tickets for Cascade Equinox at each concert (IG post here).

The North Warehouse takeover

We are thrilled to announce a collaboration with The North Warehouse, the beloved Portland music venue that was unfortunately closed by the fire department late last year. They will be taking over the Tilt Stage on Saturday night, featuring performances from Liquid Stranger, Barclay Crenshaw, The Floozies, Ravenscoon, Late Night Radio, and parkbreezy. Stay tuned for more surprises coming soon. 

The Farewell Festival 2024 proved to be a memorable celebration of music, community, and (mostly) nice weather. From the fantastic lineup to the improved traffic situation, this year’s event was a testament to the festival’s growth and dedication to creating a top-notch experience for festival-goers. Here’s a recap of the highlights from each day.

Day One: A Stellar Start

The festival kicked off under perfect weather conditions, making it easy for attendees to soak in the sun and enjoy the music. One of the biggest improvements from last year was the traffic as well as easy navigation and attentive security. Gone were the long waits and frustrating lines; this year’s logistics were smooth and efficient.

The vibes on day one were electric. Security was on point, not just in terms of safety but also in their customer service—handing out free water to those eagerly waiting for their favorite acts. This thoughtful gesture kept everyone refreshed and ready for their favorite artists.

The festival featured a diverse range of vendors, offering everything from unique art pieces and stylish merch to delicious food and refreshing drinks. Billy Strings, the headliner for the day, delivered a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. His virtuosity on the guitar and engaging stage presence had the crowd completely mesmerized. They ended up playing a little past their set times and had to be cut short, but that didn’t change how great the performance was.

A special shoutout goes to Colter Wall, whose set was a standout of day one. His performance was a highlight and showcased why he’s such a beloved artist in the country and folk scene, and was known with how big of a crowd showed up for him.

Day Two: Music Amidst the Smoke

Day two brought a different kind of magic. Shakey Graves took the stage with his signature blend of blues, rock, and folk, delivering an unforgettable show that had everyone dancing and singing along. His performance set the tone for what was to come later in the day.

Although the smoke from the wildfires in surrounding areas created a hazy atmosphere, it lent an ethereal quality to the sunset that accompanied LeAnn Rimes’ set. The stunning view of the sun dipping below the horizon added an extra layer of beauty to an already stellar performance. As the headliner, Caamp closed out the evening with an impressive set that was a fitting culmination of the day’s events. This was one of their first shows back after a break in 2023.

Day Three: Beat the Heat

By day three, the temperatures were soaring. However, the festival organizers were well-prepared, with misters and fans scattered throughout the grounds and plenty of shaded areas to cool off, and security was continuing to distribute water and ensuring that everyone stayed hydrated in the heat.

The standout performances of the day came from The Red Clay Strays and Sumbuck. Despite the weather, both bands drew a sizable crowd and delivered electrifying sets that had the audience fully engaged. Their energy and talent were undeniable, making their performances one of the day’s highlights. Kacey Musgraves was the headliner, and the crowd was stoked for performance.

Overall Impressions

The Farewell Festival 2024 was a massive success. The improvements made since the festival’s inception were clear and appreciated. It was evident that the organizers are committed to providing an outstanding experience.

The vibes throughout the festival were on point, and the dedication of both the artists and the festival staff contributed to an unforgettable weekend. As we reflect on this year’s event, we can’t help but look forward to what next year will bring. Central Oregon has become a vibrant backdrop for this festival, and we’re excited to see which incredible artists will grace the stage in 2025.

Until next year, Farewell Festival!

Are you ready to immerse yourselves in a melodic oasis nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Central Oregon? Grab your festival gear and get ready to groove, because Cascade Equinox just dropped their 2024 lineup! This is the second year of the festival, and it’s only getting bigger and better. Although the first year will be hard to beat, with amazing acts like Pretty Lights and Goose, you can tell that they are putting even more work and time investing into the festival and over all experiences for years to come.

We’re so stoked on the variety of music this year. Prepare to be enchanted by the ethereal sounds of CloZee, with her mesmerizing melodies and cosmic vibes, CloZee will lead you on a sonic pilgrimage through the beauty of Central Oregon.

And then, of course, we have the magic of Liquid Stranger! With his bass-heavy beats and otherworldly sounds, Liquid Stranger will take us on a journey through the depths of our imagination, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur and the music becomes our guide.

Another fun addition to the lineup, joining us are the sonic pioneers, Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9) with their genre-defying soundscapes and mesmerizing performances.

Cascade Equinox isn’t just about the music – there are endless opportunities to create connections with like minded friends and creating memories that will last a lifetime. From late-night jam sessions to a variety of workshops with the Cascade Mountain range as our back drop, there’s an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. They also are having all new experiences this year like a roller skating rink, a cold plunge and sauna, and even more food and drink options within the festival grounds.

There is so much variety at this festival that truly anyone can find someone on the lineup they are excited for- so grab your tribe and let’s dance beneath the stars in this magical space of music and community.

Last weekend (July 21-23, 2023) we hung out at Fairwell Festival at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond, Oregon. They brought out a ton of amazing headliners like the Turnpike Troubadours, Zach Bryan, and Willie Nelson, as well as a ton of other acts like Sheryl Crow, Trampled by Turtles, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Mt. Joy, and more.

The fairgrounds, while it is mid-summer and pretty hot, was a perfect location for the festival. There were areas with shade, plenty of room to dance, and the three stages were close enough to catch the next set you’d like to see. There was also a Ferris Wheel overlooking the main stage for those interested in a different viewing experience to see their favorite sets.

There were plenty of food and drink options, including a festival favorite, Island Noodles. If you wanted to cool down, all the drinks were ice cold and there was also Dip N Dots Ice Cream. For those who love shopping locally for unique items, there was also a craft vendor line up including Bend Permanent Jewelry, Raw Crystals Collective, and Culture – Cross.

We had so much fun with Pepper and Stick Figure at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend, Oregon on Tuesday, July 18th! The show was sold out, with beautiful weather and amazing music. Check out our gallery below!