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Favorite ThisThe Big Up 2013 Preview

Published: August 7, 2013
By: Ellie Salrin
The Big Up

We’re over the halfway point of festie season, but there are still so many amazing ones left! The Big Up is one of them. Taking place this weekend (Aug 8-10) at its new location Hemlock Hollow Farm near Claverack, New York, the festival is somewhat new being in its fourth year. However, the Big Up has become highly regarded for its production quality, diverse lineups, artistic communities, and overall vibe, all while maintaining its boutique festival feel.




Masters of intrigue Beats Antique are headlining, along with some other very colorful artists including Holy Fuck, Thriftworks, Eskmo, Orchard Lounge, Dopapod, Mun, and many more. Dance the night away but also learn and grow with a variety of workshops, activities, and experiences related to music, art, and attainment.


Tickets

General Admission passes are currently available for $135 (gate price TBA) and include music and camping for all three days of the festival (Thursday-Saturday). Those with three-day passes are allowed to enter the grounds at noon on Thursday. Saturday-only passes are available for $75 (gate price TBA) and include music and camping for Saturday only. Entrance to the festival with these passes is allowed between 10am-noon on Saturday. RV passes are available for $100 (no electricity or water hookups) but are in limited supply.


VIP passes are available for $200 (gate price TBA) on top of the General Admission ticket, but include some killer perks. How about a welcome dinner and party on Thursday night, breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday, and half-price beer? Not to mention closer camping with adjacent parking, hot showers, a VIP lounge, premiere viewing, oh and a complimentary massage?




Experience

Create & Learn

Create pieces like masks, headdresses, and contribute to the collaborative art collage wall. Learn the different cultural uses of mandalas, then make your own as well as help add to the big group mandala on display. Stop by a morning or evening yoga class, where all experience levels are welcome. A relaxation and meditation workshop is available that will make you feel calm, centered, and ready to dance. Spruce up your hooping skills in a flow expansion class, or attend discussions on the connections between electronic, world, and acoustic music. Expand your mind and do something different!

Theme Night

Music festivals are all about expressing yourself. Take the opportunity to get a little wild and dress up for theme nights. Friday night’s theme: A Night at the Zoo. Unleash your inner spirit animal. Saturday night’s theme: Star Wars vs. Star Trek vs. Space Balls. Intergalactic party.

Live Band Karaoke with Mun

The group is currently busy putting together their variety of songs for your to rock out to with them. Mun fuses electronic, dance, psychedelic, jazz, and funk together and will be the backup band for Saturday night’s karaoke festivities.  


Sustainability/Environmental Awareness

The Big Up has some initiatives in place to help reduce the amount of landfill waste and increase recycling and composting. Their Big Up Festival Survivor competition provides the opportunity to win tickets to next year’s Big Up. The challenge? Carpool to the fest with three or more people, win the Cleanest Campsite competition, and help collect cigarette butts and recyclable materials. The festival encourages use of local, fair trade, and organic materials and products. There will be a farmers market filled with local vendors and farmers from within 15 miles of the festival.




The Big Up is quite the little gem of the northeast and has seen artists like Big Gigantic, Emancipator, EOTO, and The Polish Ambassador. The festival had to take a strategic hiatus last year in order to come back stronger this year. With a new venue, diverse lineup, and lots to see and do, this year is shaping up to be superb.


The phrase “Big Up” is typically used to show someone much respect or much love. If you can make it to New York this weekend, get ready to experience a unique festival and give out all the big ups you've got.


Tags: BreaksDowntempoDubstepLivetronicaElectroGlitchHip Hop