Future Forest: A Love Letter

I felt my breath catch in my throat as I laid eyes upon you this past weekend. Has it really been two years since we’ve seen each other? My, how you’ve grown. You are unmistakably the festival I fell for years previous, but you feel more mature. More full.

I could hear bursts of laughter and merry making trickling through the trees, carried by sunlight and soundwaves. Pine needless trembled under my feet from the triangulated bass from your stages. Oh, your stages. Weaving between other awestruck souls and glowing fungi as tall as the forest surrounding them I was entranced by the seemingly extraterrestrial planet that is Mushroom Forest. It felt so intimate there, thank you for creating such a warm space, highly conducive for making new friends while lazing on lofted, shady platforms or dancing to acts such as The Librarian, Construct, CrayMac, Aaron Jackson, Nick Hood, Mark Instinct, KittyBass and Kukula.

Wooed further down the path I found myself looking up at the enigmatic Prism Village. A dizzying array of light and geometry towered above the arena below where the crowd jostled, twisted and shook like some great and beautiful multiheaded beast. Artists like Martin Hørger, Buku, Wet Paint, Wuki, The Real Molloy, Pineo & Loeb, Fawna, Kyle and Ghettosocks puppeteered the movements of the hoard with body gripping sounds. Angels Mizz Becks and Dislocait wove through air and silk, captivating all lucky enough to see.

Further down your winding trails, towards your curvaceous river, painted silks rippled above my head, swathed in kaleidoscopic light. A great owl spread its wings, warmly embracing all who entered The Nest. Bodies wavered and wove together, charmed by acts like CloZee, Of The Trees, Dartmouthian, Foggyswoggle, Brightside, Wobble Wallah and Snowday.

Trying to see and count all the unique and beautiful installations within you was as fruitless (but as enjoyable) as counting the stars, or mapping freckles on a lovers skin. Everywhere I turned there was something inspired to behold and enjoy. I thought your outfit was enchanting. Both your stylists Orion Production Design, Zoe Tipney and their teams, with the additions made by the creatures dwelling within you, dressed you perfectly to attend the ball. Or be the ball, rather. Luckily there was an all star team of media documenting the weekend, led by Jody Wagstaff director of Scout Camp Arts and Media.

Shimmering lights and color digitally painted by Spiffy Labs, Wasko, Woodsworthy, PsyPhi, BITS and MKW illuminated every corner of your exquisite being. Ever changing patterns and imagery made our evenings together an ethereal experience.

I don’t know if I’ve met anyone like you before. Im filled with longing, for your sweet caress. Being inside you sent tingles down my spine. Laughter bubbled up from my core and spilt into the already pooling delight from those around me. I was blown away by how accepting you are, encouraging an open arm, open heart, open mind attitude to everyone gathered. Spending time with your other lovers felt so right. We all care for you so much, and those mutual feelings bonded us and built new relationships under your care. It’s been said that distance makes the heart grow fonder, and if that’s the case, next year my heart may burst from the love developed over the cold winter months without your presence.

Your Father, Tim Kukula, must be so proud of you. He has raised such a strong, loving and beautiful festival. The potential within you is ever increasing, and I am so very excited to see what new wonders you develope in the next year.

Until then, my sweet, you will be in my thoughts.

Love, Veronica (your friendly neighborhood No Fun Police.)

PS. Thanks to all of the exceptional staff, volunteers and festival goers, whom without, my love couldn’t have blossomed. Volunteer coordinator – Danielle Oleshko , Production Manager – Everett Stone, Medical Officer – Joe Michaud, Security Officer – Kirk Westfield, Stage Directors – Shawn Wilson, Zach Woodsworth, Nick Hood, Micheal Molloy, Blair Herrel Performing Arts Director – Becky Dempsey Art Installation & Décor, Director – Zoe Tipney, Executive Director – Tim Kukula.

Honorable mention to Bojack Horseman. Your dedication to performance and the craftsmanship displayed in your raft was superb. Keep up the good work.