The Sydney leg of Earthdance is fast approaching, with the peaceful surrounds of Sydney Park in St Peters to be transformed once again on Sunday September 16th for a massive daylong party. A free party, Earthdance has grown to become one of the most anticipated dance events of the year, and in 2007 it’s going to be bigger than ever before. Proud to be a presenting partner of this year’s festival, inthemix talks with two of the event’s organisers to find out what got them involved in Earthdance, and how they see things shaping up for 2007.
Rafael Gimelstein – Electric Earth Stage
Tell us a bit about your background and how you got involved in Earthdance Sydney?
I joined the Earthdance team in 2000, and helped to open the festival to other musical styles, which has expanded the festival significantly. In 2004 I was offered the role of Festival Director. Not only do I run the festival together with Marco – my partner in crime – I am also responsible for the Electric Earth stage, one of the six music stages that can be found at Earthdance this year.
What does your stage offer punters that they can’t get at any other stage at Earthdance?
At Electric Earth you can find the latest and most cutting edge electro beats which will highlight local talent in many ways. We also put a lot of emphasis on production and visuals – which makes my stage unique. VideoKidz from Poland will do a killer VJ set that they have been working on for a while, which I am dying to see.
Will there be any guest appearances, performances or other fun activities at your stage that we shouldn’t miss?
We have confirmed Infusion – live and direct from Melbourne – Australia’s most successful electronic act! We will also feature Isaac Tucker the man behind global electronic act Spektrum. There’ll be surprise roving performers, amazing visuals, custom mirror decorations, a future sound system, and of course a massive, amazing, peaceful, but full power crowd!
How will your stage celebrate peace?
Well, I reckon peace begins at home, so I will make sure that everyone that comes to my stage is well aware of what Earthdance stands for. Just the fact that we put on the biggest and coolest charity event of the year, I reckon that is pretty peaceful…
Earthdance is…
An amazing global festival for peace that take place simultaneously around the world, put on by today’s hedonistic ‘Generation Y-ers’. We need events like Earthdance, which bring together local arts and music performers, hosts local food and market stalls, and raise money for local Sydney kids in need of support. I think Earthdance is the real Live Aid, or what ever Al Gore goes on about!
What do you do when you are not involved in Earthdance?
I don’t remember, seriously! Marco, my business partner, and I run a successful event production company. I also produce music, throw dance parties, and we both have families who give and take lots of time and love.
Scott Commens – Trance Experience Stage
Tell us a bit about your background and how you got involved in Earthdance Sydney?
I have been touring overseas trance artists and promoting events in Sydney for around 6 years now. Through touring overseas artists such as John 00 Fleming, Infected Mushroom, Skazi and many more, I have established a presence in the Sydney trance scene, and as a result I was honoured to be invited to contribute to the Earthdance Sydney festival.
What does your stage offer punters that they can’t get at any other stage at Earthdance?
The trance stage has a very unique feel and sound. Although many punters have experienced hard trance at other large events, the psy-trance sound has been known to turn heads and is definitely a breath of fresh air for the average trance enthusiast. Punters from the psy-trance scene are used to partying outdoors, and with Earthdance so close to home a high level of excitement is evident through the amazing energy and endless smiles. The trademark dome is the centerpiece of the Trance Experience stage, which plays home to diverse crowd of colourful personalities form all walks of life.
Will there be any guest appearances and performances, or other fun activities at your stage that we shouldn’t miss?
Tribeadelic, Subsonic Music, 3D Vision and Sonic Dragon are all well respected labels worldwide, and with label DJs such as Ozzy, NoMSG, Raptor and Jaimz gracing the decks there is sure to be no shortage of high class tunes to stomp away to at this years Earthdance.
How will your stage celebrate peace?
With psy-trance being one of the original music genres played at Earthdance festivals worldwide, the punters at this stage will embrace the peace message as they have for over a decade. Regular announcements through out the day will further encourage the peace celebrations, so come and join us and help send a message to the rest of the world that together, we can make a difference!
Earthdance is…
Surely the pick of all Sydney dance festivals. Having been voted by 3DWorld readers as Sydney’s best dance festival, this is certainly a day that should feature on your calendar this year!
For more info on Earthdance check out our Festival Page HERE, and remember to mark Sunday September 16th in your diary today.
mattyninethree says...
tribe and sonic dragon, oooohhhh yeah
austrance says...
i can't believe how much more coverage Earthdance is getting now on itm than the last few years. It's gonna be massive.
marcotix says...
guys - if any of you have any pictures of video footage from last year's Earthdance, please get in touch with us on info@earthdance.org.au will be a huge one!!!