Wanderlust Proves Yoga and Indie Rock Are Not Exclusive

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Previously the term “wanderlust” evoked one image in our mind: mushrooms. And, Bjork’s amazing 3-D music video for the track “Wanderlust” directed by Encyclopedia Pictura… which absolutely involved mushrooms. But now it’s our favorite new music festival, too. According to its website, Wanderlust is a new kind of fest that marries yoga and rock n’ roll. Situated in Lake Tahoe in a lush part of Northern California, there were tons of opportunities for eating fruit, shopping for hippie accessories, and going on a hike or two in spite of the surprisingly sweltering weather.

We came from San Francisco and at first, were a little apprehensive… a music festival at a ski resort? Why does that sound remotely like Sundance? But it worked.

Especially when fans had the opportunity to ride a gondola to the Gold Coast Stage with Andrew Bird. True story. Musicians included but were not limited to: Broken Social Scene, Jenny Lewis, Common, Gillian Welch, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Girl Talk, and Spoon. (It was even more exciting when they banned together. A Gillian Welch/Jenny Lewis duet was truly inspiring.)

We remember reading an article somewhere about the festival lineup being too “indie rock.” Good musicians are good musicians. For those who appreciate both stretching bodies and grooving — this festival was tops.

The New York Times used one word to describe the few days: “polarized.” And it’s true, for the most part, you were there for yoga or you were there for the music. Kaki King said it strongly, “I’m not going to do the hippie dance… I’m going to put shoes on and I’m not going to drink any mold” (a reference to kombucha, a fermented tea). And, she continued, “I’m not going to do any yoga.” Yikes.

But regardless of what you came for, anyone could appreciate the sight of hundreds of people speckled on colored mats moving together as one. It’s certainly an image we won’t soon forget. We recommend going next year — word is that it will expand. Support yoga, support music, support being. That’s what it’s all about. And, apologies to Ms. King (you are our guitar hero), it’s silly to think that you need to be a “hippie” to understand that.