Sharon MacDonnell
Special to The Record
Atmosphere Gathering 2016 is gearing up to be one of the most expansive events put on in the Village of Cumberland to date.
The Aug. 19-21 event at Cumberland Village Park will pull together some of today’s hottest live bands, performance artists, and electronic entertainers, for a three-day festival wonderland, all set against the backdrop of a wild west coast forest.
This year Comox Valley residents have a rare opportunity to take in a ‘Cirque du Soleil’ style show in an authentic Italian big top that is rigged specifically for aerial acrobatics and circus performers.
Fractal Tribe, which hail from Boulder, Colo., will stretch the edges of possibility in aerial movement and theatre with the presentation of its sensual new show Sub Rosa.
Part circus, part live band, Fractal Tribe combines theatrics with dance, fire, acrobatics, aerial arts, and badass sexy music. The performers deliver a breathtaking full visual, auditory and kinesthetic experience.
Sub Rosa offers a seductive and daring narrative about a woman’s coming-of-age that draws on mythological elements from the deep and unknown.
The storyline delves into the many layers of human experience, exploring an emotional journey between dark forces and innocence. As our heroine flirts and fights with lust, loneliness, fear, and divinity, Atmosphere audiences will be swept away by the amazing artistry in this raw and powerful performance. Fractal Tribe’s Sub Rosa plays the Atmosphere big top on Saturday evening, as part of a full day of high quality entertainment.
In addition to creating provocative and inspiring entertainment, Fractal Tribe is also a fledgling intentional community aimed at developing empowering, decentralized, non-competitive initiatives and organizational methodologies. The troupe teaches circus presentation and production arts, and actively participates in sustainable community initiatives.
Members will lead a passionate and creative workshop for festival participants on Sunday afternoon. Their mission is to inspire individuals to realize their own intrinsic value, and actualize their true potential within their individual communities.
Come be inspired!
Weekend passes, as well as single day passes, can be purchased at Bop City Records in Courtenay, or at the Waverley Hotel in Cumberland.
Tickets are also available online at www.atmospheregathering.com, where you can check out the rest of the daily schedule, and other intriguing workshops.
Weekend headliners include Dehli2Dublin, Frazey Ford, The Soul Rebels, Liquid Stranger, and Kinnie Starr.
For those lucky enough to walk to the Atmosphere Gathering from home, this phenomenal weekend is not to be missed. For those coming from out of town, there is camping onsite, but pre-registration is recommended, and spots are selling out quickly. This event is designed to be small and intimate.
Only 1,500 tickets available so get yours today.