Now we all know that little is ever certain when it comes to Victorian weather, but let me just say, “spring is here, bitches!”. Come on. Admit it. The air is noticeably warmer. You have recently found yourself smiling for no reason, occasionally bending over to savour the sweet scent of a flower and contemplate the pleasantries of life. Maybe not. But at the very least your work week has become noticeably less bearable since the sun has began to beam through the windows surrounding your desk, depicting the perfect spring days you can’t enjoy. Never fear, Maya Festival is here (okay so maybe that was a little lame).

In what is fast becoming the quintessential inauguration of seasonal summer festivities, freaks, geeks and a plethora of other perfectly pleasant people gathered at the lustrous retreat that is CERES. For those who remain unaware, CERES (Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies) is a community environment hub, nestled aloft an embankment alongside Merri Creek. Formerly a bluestone quarry and rubbish tip, the venue now hosts numerous environmental initiatives, from farm plots to solar panels to a weekly organic market. On Saturday it was also hosted some particularly enjoyable musical talent.

I arrived around 3PM only to find that I had missed Opiuo, a rising star in the glitch hop scene and for whom big things may yet come (please stay tuned). As regret gets you nowhere I calmed myself and meandered through the market area seeking some musical delight. A troupe of African drummers quickly bounded past, and in every direction there seemed to be good things to eat begging for my attention.

Stepping onto the mainfloor I was greeted by the vocal warming of Deya Dova, a unique blend of hauntingly vocodered live vocals and tribal thrumming bass. The blonde wonderwoman looked exceptionally viking-esque, and the crowd was clearly appreciative of the exultant and rapturous melodies which surrounded them, in time and in tune to the arrival of sunshine on the dancefloor.

Slightly after 4PM the stage arrangement was shifted as was the tempo, when local wunderkind Child took to the helm of mainstage. If you remain unfamiliar with the sound of Child, now is the time to jump on the bandwagon lest you be relegated to the periphery of society. A fusion of classic Detroit techno, progressive, thick and tidy bass-lines, a bit of “what the fuck was that sound” and a dash of cinnamon, Child’s sound is best enjoyed in good company under the warm afternoon sun, brightly colored drink optional. Or you could just systematically lose your shit on the dance floor while the funk takes you over. User decides.

Suitably exhausted by the spectrum of sound ingested thus far, I spent the next two hours wandering the festival, starting random conversations, rolling down hills, trying not to lose my wallet, my glass and my $2 refund. I’m not really sure what of honorable mention occurred, I just know i had a splendiferous time. Somewhere amidst the wanderings I remember U_one, complete with un-namable pink fluffy hat, doing unspeakably tasty things to the sound system on the cafe stage. The man has a way with the crowd.

Back to the main stage for Danish dancefloor destroyer Flowjob – clearly something people had been hanging out for. Favorites included Don’t Believe in Mirrors and We Are Here. It was the ultimate time slot for some chunky progressive perfection. FreQ followed with a cacophony of psychedelic goodness. Too bad I had to bounce out early.

All in all a fantastic day, good friends, good tunes, great weather and an undulating vibe of awesomeness. We wait in anticipation of the next Maya installment, or at least for the initiation of this years Sunday Sessions...the sooner the better.