Festivus: Camp Bisco 9

posted in: Features

In writing last week’s post, Top 5 Trends of 2010 Festivals, it occurred to me that there is, in fact, a festival that tends to shun festival norms and take on a completely different outlook than any other festival. As we’ve discussed before, festivals are now promoting progressive ideals regarding society and environment, “going green” or featuring slews of grassroots campaigners for a plethora of causes in an effort to appeal to a broader audience.

Today, the Camp Bisco festival kicks off its 9th year in Mariaville, New York. The psychedelic spawn of  The Disco Biscuits, the festival has grown to feature over 50 bands on 4 stages. And while Camp Bisco has in the past featured a smattering of extra-musical activities aiming attention at assorted social issues, the primary focus of the trance-heavy fest seems to be first and foremost the pursuit of immediate self-satisfaction. No helpful recycling representatives, green-themed concession stands or over enthusiastic speakers preaching the long term goals of our idealistic youth. (Though, let it be known that “This year we’re making a commitment, along with our attendees, to keep our festival grounds beautiful through recycling and waste reduction programs.”)

Camp Bisco places severe emphasis on living in the moment and just having a damn good time, something that seems like it should be the forefront of a festival’s goals. After all, there’s not much you can control in the outside world when you’re camping next to your car for 3 days”cell-less, WiFi-less and shower-less. Focusing on the greater good is important, but Bisco highlights the importance of “here and now,” and recognizes that despite the economic or environmental climate, we have to continue to live our lives to the fullest by embracing the present.

Camp Bisco starts today (July 15th) and goes on through Saturday (July 17th). The festival will feature three shows by founding fathers, The Disco Biscuits, as well as performances from LCD Soundsystem, Pretty Lights, Thievery Corporation, The New Deal, Big Gigantic, Wu Massacre (Method Man, Ghostface Killah & Raekwon), Ween, Girl Talk and Break Science with special guests Talib Kweli and David Murphy (STS9), among others. For more info check out their site.