Written By: Augusta Rose
MAYfest is a delight for anyone invested in the acronym it’s based on – Music, Art, and Yoga. From May 26th – 28th, a group of impassioned people and lovers of these three elements will evolve into a community with the shared experience of physical vitality, creative growth, and emotional connection. MAYfest is family-friendly and customizable to each attendant’s desired schedule, with the option to spend a day or the entire weekend immersed in music by internationally acclaimed musicians, taking yoga classes, and engaging in a medley of art programs. These three offerings are interwoven into the theme of wellness that radiates throughout the festival, influencing MAYfesters on an individual and communal level. It’s year two of this homegrown Hudson Valley yoga festival, and it’s not one to be missed!
Held at Surprise Lake Camp in Cold Spring, NY, MAYfest is an invitation to deepen one’s yoga practice by giving festival goers the opportunity to participate in a diverse array of classes with intriguing names such as “Yoga Nidra to The Highest Self,” “Explorers of Infinity,” and “SkyBaby Restorative Rhythms.” The latter integrates therapeutic style yoga with sound healing from an assortment of fascinating instruments such as the kamale ngoni, a string instrument from West Africa. One popular type of yoga offered is SUP (Stand Up Paddle-board) Yoga, known as a challenging workout requiring core engagement and balance. Students of SUP Yoga will find a number of class levels to choose from in order to begin or strengthen their practice. In addition to providing a wide range of yoga classes, the festival features other types of activities including hooping, hiking, dancing, kid’s programs, lectures, theater, and more. The festival is BYOM (bring your own mat.)
The music lineup is a mélange of impressive acts comprising of over fifteen captivating artists. Headlining is the esteemed ensemble Rusted Root, widely recognized for its blend of acoustic, rock, and world style, with undertones of Latin American, African, and Native American influences. They are best known for their 1995 hit “On My Way” which was featured in movies “Matilda” and “Ice Age,” but their legend really lives in the memorable performances that always leave their intergenerational audiences dancing the night away. Also performing is acoustic septet Upstate Rubdown, based in the Hudson Valley region. The band has played in over twenty states and numerous festivals, which has resulted in praise from Otis Mountain Get Down that acknowledges them as “nothing short of a homegrown hurricane of sound.” Also performing are Ozomatli, Dustin Thomas, The Garcia Project, and AVIDYA, among other accomplished musicians and DJs.
Unlike basic camping, which is typically the norm for festivals, MAYfest provides several lodging options ranging from traditional camping (with the added benefit of free showers!) to renting a cabin, to off-site hotels and bed-and-breakfast inns. In addition to several comfortable housing options, vendors will be revitalizing MAYfesters with a variety of organic food choices. The Wellness Village accommodates for a multitude of holistic healing services including (but not limited to) Reiki, tarot reading, acupuncture, lifestyle coaching, essential oil therapy, sound healing, and Thai yoga bodywork. Local, hand crafted goods will also be available for sale.
Gates open on Friday May 26th at 1:00 PM, rain or shine! All sales are non-refundable, and kids under 5 get in for free! Tickets can be found at www.mayfestny.com.
