Something that is really plaguing me at the moment is the difficulty I might (make that probably will) face in making future travel arrangements.

• What about my medication?
• Will long distance air travel be a problem?
• Will the heat and humidity in areas affect me?
• What do I do if I relapse whilst away from home?
• How can I get the most out of visiting new places?
• I am afraid of the rush of crowds.
• I can’t even carry my own bag.
• No more backpacking for me.
• I can’t wander, investigate and discover new places on foot.

Travel gives me so much joy and not something I am not wiling to give up.

On a smaller scale, a couple of weekends ago, I attended the Utopia music festival in the Western Cape, South Africa. I was a little nervous and apprehensive on how the experience would make me feel physically and how exhausting I would find trekking the fields and watch the entertainment. With a diagnosis of MS, past experience is nothing to go by. In the past I attended quite a few music festivals in the UK and they are hard work. They tend to be rather tiring and generally require you a couple of days to recover after the experience. With the rain, the mass of people, the national past time of drinking and the “sleeping” in tents, I was not feeling up to this type of social activity. Don’t get me wrong, I had the best time at those festivals, I saw amazing things and am so glad I got to experience them, but I have accepted life is different for me now and these activities are no longer on my agenda.

However, the weekend at Utopia Festival was blissful because, along with my ever loving and supportive partner who held my hand over the uneven fields, we stayed off-site at a B+B ensuring a comfortable afternoon nap and a good nights sleep. We could take warm showers and brought our own food so we didn’t have to survive on the festival food.

At the festival, we sat in the shade, went for small wanders and just generally relaxed and enjoyed the performances. There were plenty of people there who were giving it horns and enjoying the festival fun times, but I was so glad not to be one of them… anymore.

Moderation and necessary measures of management is key in this whole experience. I am generally quite adamant in not taking part in outdoor activities because I have convinced myself that I can no longer do them, the MS has limited my ability to participate. What this weekend really awakened me to was that, with the necessary managements steps, I can still do the things I love, be part of the party and socialise without fear.

There are plenty resources online that offer great advice on how to travel with MS. One of my favourite and most motivating is Active MSers. Over the past couple of years I have allowed my diagnosis to define me, limit me and scare me into not taking chances out of fear. Mostly this fear is how I will feel. Not physically, but emotionally. Not being able to participate frustrates me, angers me, and upsets me. Learning a new set of limitations that are constantly changing is exhausting. But I am learning everyday on how to manage my expectations of myself, moderate my activities and put steps in place that will ensure I can participate.

I also am learning not to push myself, listen very carefully to my body and to be honest with friends and family about how I am feeling to help them understand and allow them to assist me.

I have lived overseas for a number of years and have very dear friends that I miss terribly and cannot contemplate not being able to visit them. Also I am not willing to accept that I cannot explore all the places I have longed to see. I still want to see the Amazon, the Northern lights, historic European cities, the vastness of the Far East and the beauty of the islands. But I must accept that I can no longer swing on my backpack and say “see ya later”.

But in all instances, I must just be brave and remember the good times.

The Utopia Festival at sunset

The line up was like a mixed tape made for a girl you like, but you’re not sure what will impress her. A few bands with radio-friendly hits such as The Plastics and aKing. A few newcomers on the verge of breaking out in the form of Red Huxley and Wolftown. Will she be offended by the frankness of Fokofpolisiekar and Karen Zoid? Best you make your intentions clear by including the alternative electro Moving House: one listen to Andre Gideon Montgomery Pienaar’s bedroom voice and she’ll know!

fokofpolisiekar at Utopia’s Phoenix Stage

Fokof was worth the trip out to Nekkies by themselves. I could even appreciate their new tune ‘Dag Dronk’ simply because it is just such an appropriate song for the event. Van Coke Kartel’s guitarist Jedd Kossew stood in for Hunter Kennedy and, being a much livelier performer than Kennedy, Kossew added an extra dimension to the set.

Desmond and the Tutus… what fun! Even the Plus One – who dramatically turns off the radio every time that they come on – had a blast. This is not a band that you listen to from a distance. You need to be in the crowd, dancing like an uncoordinated white boy.

De Wallen on the GoBos stage Photo: Bos Ice Tea Facebook page

The ‘Go Bos’ stage is an open mic platform for anyone with a voice, a musical talent or just the confidence (delusion?) of an Idols contestant. The stage was at the entrance ensuring that most festival goers would stop by. On arrival we caught half of De Wallen acoustic set. The Kuils River natives had a rather cute drinking game where someone in the crowd picked a card from a deck then everyone drank. I am not sure about the rules but I liked the direction it was going.

Clearly the organisers of Utopia have been to other festivals, with clipboard in hand. Some elements of other festivals, such as shade and lifeguards for the river, had not only been included but significantly improved upon.

The Oasis (electro) stage

The only thing I missed was… other people. According to the sandwich lady, the organisers expected around 1500. With my grade 7 maths my guesstimate is that the turnout was closer to 700. We had that awkward movie moment when the music stopped and we were still having a screaming conversation. Think Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You’s club scene.

The Phoenix (main) stage at Utopia

However this also translated in no queues – anywhere! In fact I have never seen a barman so happy to see me. Although considering the amount of barmen (and bars) the queue situation would have been under control even with three times the amount of people.

The Phoenix stage’s eagle trying out Denzel Washington’s Flight moves

Ideal world? Not far off. It will be interesting to see where they will take the Utopia festival next year. A solid foundation has been set.

Photos by @glanskind

      This post originally appeared on WhatsoninCapeTown.com

Another shout out to the runner ups: Caitlin DeWeese and Reagan Evans. We love your photos, too! Can’t wait to see what you’ll shoot at UTOPiAfest 2012.

Born in Austin, Texas, known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Texas Music Water is dedicated to supporting Texas musicians. For every case of water sold, they donate a portion of the proceeds to organizations and music programs in public schools.

GIVING BACK TO MUSICIANS

Most professional musicians in Texas are self-employed and too many have little to no access to affordable basic health care. Additionally, more and more public schools are losing funding for music programs. Texas Music Water believes in encouraging and supporting musicians throughout their careers. Here are some of the organizations they have been able to help give back to:

HAAM – The mission of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is to provide access to affordable health care for Austin’s low income, uninsured musicians, focusing on prevention and wellness. For more information visit http://www.myhaam.org.

SIMS Foundation – The SIMS Foundation’s mission is to provide access to and financial support for mental health and addiction recovery services for musicians and their families. For more information visit http://www.simsfoundation.org.

Anthropos Arts – Anthropos Arts is an Austin-based nonprofit organization working primarily in the East Austin community to bring top professional musicians into Title I, low-income schools to offer free music lessons, workshops, master classes, and performance opportunities to economically disadvantaged youth. For more information visit anthroposarts.wordpress.com.

GIVING BACK TO SCHOOLS

In addition to the financial support that Texas Music Water gives to area non-profits, Texas Music Water puts instruments in the hands of young musicians in low-income area public schools. Now that’s music to our ears!

That’s right – we’ve got live music on Thursday along with a smaller audience and all of the outdoor activities that one can possibly enjoy in the beautiful Texas Hill Country setting. Heaven? Nope – just UTOPiAfest. Order your Thursday pre-party upgrades today!

UTOPiAfest, in association with Real Ale Brewing Company and Waterloo Records, is pleased to announce our first official pre-party! Join us at The White Horse (500 Comal) on Friday, June 15th from 7-9pm for a free performance from 2012 artist Flying Balalaika Brothers. There will be dancing, music, great food available from Bomb Tacos, and Fireman’s #4 specials — there is no more perfect way to start your weekend than with a bit of gypsy punk from Russia’s finest.

In other great news, on Friday we’ll be making our second lineup announcement right here on the website and everyone can enter to win a VIP package for 4 with deluxe cabin accommodations. Stay tuned for more details!

Get your tickets here (all fees and taxes included in our special $99 price for two day passes) and be sure to check out our VIP upgrade (best camping location and all meals and non-alcoholic beverages provided) or our special $25 Thursday pre-festival pass (so you can come and hang out and enjoy the beauty that is Four Sisters Ranch in all of its primitive glory).

What you see is the price you pay.  NO service fees, taxes, or convenience charges will be added to the published ticket price.

What everyone needs to know about UTOPiAfest

- Free Camping

- Free Parking

- BYOB

- Capped at 1800 Tix

- Family Friendly

- 20+ bands on 2 stages with no overlap

- Between Garner St. Park and Lost Maples

Click here to buy tickets

http://ocp.ticketbud.com/utopiafest2012

Partial Lineup announcement video. More bands, including headliners, to be announced June 15!

We have been busy putting together an epic line-up for you, and are excited to be announcing it on May 28!

In the meantime, the Early Bird sale has been extended, so get your tickets while you can at the best price available!

PS- It’s not too early to submit for volunteer and media/photog/videographer positions, or food and art vending spaces!

Early Bird Sale ends May 1 for UTOPiAfest 2012!

If you haven’t heard, UTOPiAfest is teaming up with Grooveland Presents for FARxFARout next weekend!
We hope you’ll join us for some great tunes, free beer, good times and the chance to pick up a little UTOPiAfest swag or tickets!

We are still accepting applications for food and cool stuff vendors, as well as visual or performing artists! Write utopiafest@gmail.com if interested!

The second annual Utopia Festival lands at W2 with film screenings, workshops, a free International Women’s Day community fair, and epic evening performances. The festival showcases women in the Vancouver community ‘making our future through technology

April Smith: Photo exhibit

March 5-30, Woodward’s Atrium, Vancouver

Social media maven April Smith presents some of her favourite digital images of women in our DTES neighbourhood.
April Smith works with AHA Media, a social media project, which has a massive archive of digital stories by and for inner-city residents. The exhibition is supported in part by DTES Neighbourhood Small Arts Grants.

See more of Utopia Festival here

We’ve now moved to Early Bird pricing, with tickets still at a discount. We are now offering a buy-5-get-one deal, so get your group together!

We’re thrilled to announce that the date of
UTOPiAfest 2012 is September 28-30!
(There will be no music on Sunday)

Also….

UTOPiAfest 2012 Pre-Sale is on! Book by Monday, February 20 to get  discounted tickets AND a “Buy-3 (or more) Tickets-Get-1-FREE” special valid for any ticket type. This will be the best deal offered all year!
(Important: Do NOT include the free ticket in your order.
We will email it after purchase)

UTOPiAfest WILL SELL OUT – CAPACITY LIMITED TO 1,800

Also, for those who want to scope out the perfect campsite and spend a bit more time out in Utopia, we’ve added
a new pass including Thursday Camping!
(Thursday night is completely primitive – no facilities or entertainment)

UTOPiAfest is BYOB! Camping and parking are included in the weekend passes. RVs, buses, and camper vehicles will need a $39 RV Area Pass.
(One pass per vehicle. There are no hook-ups available)

]]> http://sheisjaneblaze.wordpress.com/2011/05/12/5404567520/ Wed, 11 May 2011 23:45:00 +0000 DJ SHE http://sheisjaneblaze.wordpress.com/2011/05/12/5404567520/

DJ She competed as the only female DJ at the Red Bull 3Style 2010. (Image: courtesy DJ She and Red Bull 3Style)

Now residing in Vancouver, this East Coast native is a heavy hitter on the DJ scene. Her credentials read like a laundry list of formal accomplishments. The former manager of Canada’s number-one record store, Beatstreet Records, is the current host and creative director of Vancouver-based Grounded TV; the promoter and founder of Jane Blaze Productions; and Canada’s first and only female DJ to compete in the worldwide Red Bull 3Style competition.

The Utopia Festival: Women in Digital Culture will “stage an intervention” for the male-dominated DJ and electronic music scene this Saturday, March 5 with performances by the likes of DJ She (pictured).

In the darkness, quick bursts of coloured light flash over a writhing crowd. It’s more disorienting than laser tag, but the motlIn the darkness, quick bursts of coloured light flash over a writhing crowd. It’s more disorienting than laser tag, but the motley assortment of strangers-no-more keep bumping bits with a practiced chaos, paying little attention to what’s going on as long as the music moves them. It might be silly, but rhythm really is a dancer, and lo and behold, it’s a woman behind the turntables, pulling the puppet strings, spinning these club kids into a melting-hot frenzy.

When DJ Betti Forde (aka Maren Hancock) started spinning in Vancouver in 1998, women in the DJ and electronic music scene were an anomaly in a testosterone sea. Thirteen years later, precious little has changed, hence the need for Utopia Festival: Women in Digital Culture. It’s a unique day-long conference that promises to unfold like a stylized mullet — business up front, party in the back, with an assortment of practical discussions, skill-building workshops (DJ 101), a keynote address from Canada’s electronic music icon, Peaches, followed by a wild late-night party showcasing some of the best women music makers in the business.

Peaches, Betti Forde, and Vancouver’s own DJ She (aka Tara Reeves) spoke with WE about making it as DIY artists, breaking down barriers, and why a festival like Utopia is more relevant than ever.

Published 

See the rest of the article here.