All photos from Shambhala website
Shambhala just announced an absolute killer lineup for their 24th year. Taking place July 21st-24th, 2023 on Salmo River Ranch in Salmo, British Columbia, Shambhala is not to be missed. Veterans of Shambhala, or Shambs, have nothing but unwavering praise and the utmost respect for this event. With unparalleled production, a pristine river to play in, a plethora of workshops, out of this world art installations and some of the baddest names in electronica, I have never heard one negative comment uttered in the same sentence as “Shambhala.” While I have not personally attended this festival, it has long been the pinnacle of my list and I’m beyond excited to attend my first year this July. Tickets sold out within a few hours of the lineup coming out. For more information click here.
Without further ado, may I present the 2023 lineup:
The Music
I had to read and reread this lineup poster several times because I couldn’t process the sheer amount of talent. Spanning across a wide array of genres, we have crowd favorites John Summit, Excision, GRiZ, Zeds Dead (praying GRiZ and Zeds Dead play together), Liquid Stranger, Mr. Carmack, RL Grime, Tchami, Valentino Kahn and Gigantic NGHTMRE, which is Big Gigantic NGHTMRE. If this doesn’t get your heart racing, there’s more: Ahee, Of The Trees, Moontricks, The Funk Hunters, Hermitude, Wreckno, Hamdi, SoDown and TVBOO. The best part? There will be 100 artists being added. I’ll let that sink in…
There’s something for everyone and more than enough variety for a well rounded weekend of incredible electronica acts. Bounce from a house set and then have a techno moment, catch some filthy wubs and dubs, headbang to dubstep and then find some funktronica to dance the night away. My plan of attack will be dancing to John Summit, raging to Excision, grooving to SoDown and getting funky with GRiZ. What more could one ask for?
The Shambs Sitch
Why Shambhala, you may be wondering? Growing from a small grassroots gathering in 1998 to one of the most iconic festivals in North America, Shambs has garnered a reputation for providing life changing, immersive experiences. Each of the 6 stages has a Stage Director with each stage individually curating their own persona and booking their own artists, which is unique. Every stage is intricately themed and masterfully designed. State of the art production powers every stage with lights, lasers, projections, pyrotechnics, performers, aerial acts and many other surprises.
During the day a river beckons you to cool off in and relax before a night of frivolity. Workshops await you and feature topics such as Hooping it Up, Yoga, Fundamentals of Shamanism, Body Paint Body Positive, Clowning, Flower Crown Class, Light Whipping, Brazilian and Burlesque Dance, Breathwork Circle and Intro to Music Production. Imaginative art installations showcase creativity and craftsmanship and live painters and muralists create incredible works of art in front of you. Shambs takes great pride in maintaining the festival’s principles and mission without interference from corporate sponsor’s pressures or expectations. One important thing to note is the festival is alcohol free, which they say, “makes the festival safer – it creates a better vibe.” No alcohol will be sold on site or allowed on the premises during the event.
Words Fail
I’ve scoured their website and talked to many who have attended Shambs. Their reactions are all the same: they light up and say “it’s the best, hands down.” To try and describe the festival’s essence with words seems inadequate and herculean, so watch this after movie if you are still unsure (cue goosebumps):
The Shambhala Special Ingredient
The lineups are always stellar, but what makes Shambhala extraordinary is the quality of people Shambs attracts. My friends who have attended say one of the highlights of this event are the connections made with fellow festival-goers. I’ve met my best friends at festivals and am looking forward to making even more. Will you be making the trip to beautiful British Columbia this July? I hope to see you there!
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