***BEWARE EXTRA LONG REVIEW***

1 week and a few days later, my review of the Stilldream 9 Year
Gathering.

Sorry I haven't written early everyone, I immediately got called into
work, so no days off this year after the big event and have been working
very long hours every day which has left me drained of energy. I still
haven't even unpacked my car if that says anything.

Anyways what can be said about the Stilldream 9 Year?

First off Holy Shit! What an amazing event! Here's a short list of thank
you's, (please forgive me if I forgot to mention ya I'm doing my best to
remember all the details).

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Thanks you's:
Big props go out to Felix, Rizin, Robyn & Dustin, Nick, Jay & Alex,
Heather, Steve Swami for all of their hard work that starts every year
in November and keeps going throughout the year until a week or two
after Stilldream when we get a little bit of vacation. To Ben & Midnite,
Adam Ant & Love Allstars, Alex and Adam with Viral Vibes, Kelly and Tao
from Whole Earth, Jon E. Qwest & Other Promotions, Sosa, Dave & Matt
with Exile Events and Night Droppin out in Utah, thank you guys for all
of your hard work and your time dedicated in helping spread the message
of Stilldream with our Warm Up Events all over California, Nevada and
now Utah (Look out Oregon your next). Enough can't be said about all the
people who put in that extra time and energy into the dream, and help
make it happen.

To our extended family and volunteer staff:
Tennyson & all of Tribe Vibe (fire performers) Caley (Robyn's Cousin),
Crazy Carl, John Moon, Stuart, Mike Creature & Beth, Genny, Andrew and
Julie, Christafari, Mr. Rogers, JT, Elbereth and Brian, Marjorie and
Walter (Glass Blowers), Victoria, Jeff Thompson, Rodney from Funky Baby
and Balifornia, Wally, Paul and Joe from Operation Camp and everyone
else who I might be forgetting with my Swiss cheese memory. Thank you
guys! I can't say it enough but thank you, thank you, thank you!

For the guys who bring the Boom, Boom and those lights that make you go
wow:
Tim Manas & Lite Brite Sound, Matthew with Resonance Sound & Atom ONE
with National Entity. These three crews have become a staple of
Stilldream and our production. These guys really put it out there to
bring everyone the highest quality sound and lighting to remote settings
in and around California. Spread the love, if you have an event coming
up and need some help call on these guys they know how to do it. Long
haul weekends of 3 days plus set up and breakdown can prepare you for
almost anything, they are ready for everything and if you don't know how
to get a hold of them feel free to ask us, we'll be glad to point you in
the right direction.

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Onto my review.

8 months of Planning, promoting, late nights, poor diets, lack of sleep,
tons of driving, meeting people from all over the country come to
fruition in one weekend. That was the Stilldream 9 Year. Lots of people
see Stilldream for one weekend a year but for us in the Collective its
hours upon hours and months upon months of hard work. Then it all comes
to a head and at some point you realize that things are in motion that
are way bigger then yourself. One might call it a leap of faith.

This year’s Stilldream was by far the best event we have ever put
together. So many people and so many projects coming to light.

Travel back in time for a moment:
During the planning of the 4 year Anniversary (now years ago, wow!) we
decided that we were going to push Stilldream towards bigger things then
just a party in the woods. Boy oh boy has it grown since then. Lots of
hard work are finally seeing Stilldream become what we had hoped and
planned for! Its really something to see years of growth finally coming
together to be what you were hoping for and becoming things you hadn't
even dreamed of when you made those first steps.

NOW:

The People:
Now more people than ever are still dreaming about that wonderful
weekend in the woods where everyone can come and be themselves, express
themselves and make new friends from all different parts of the US. That
really has to be the most fulfilling part of doing this event is seeing
how many new friendships are forged at Stilldream.

Stilldream doesn't pull from one region or crowd but has a very diverse
group of individuals from all walks of life. Everything from Burners,
Ravers, Hippies, Urban types to people who are just outdoor enthusiasts
and love a good event, and the thing that unites us all is that love for
music and community in a natural setting where we can share our culture
and expand our consciousness.

This year was nothing but exemplary! Thank you to all who came to this
year’s anniversary. I personally thought that besides a few hiccups that
this year’s vibe was even more amazing and vibrant then any year
previously! I cannot wait to see what next year will be like. I'm
already excited about next June!!!!

The music:
Wow! What else can be said! This year saw the biggest acts to ever grace
Stilldream and diversity was at its core. There was House, Techno,
Trance, Dubstep, Breaks, Jungle, Dub, Reggae, just about everything that
resonates with the outdoors was represented this year.

Though I didn't catch a ton of the music, that which I did was honestly
some of the best music I have ever heard! Uberzone vs. Bassbin Twins
destroyed it Friday night, followed up by Doc who I heard nothing but
amazing reviews from. Due to a miscue between Stilldream and Vibesquads
agent Vibesquad had to switch his slot to Friday night. We apologize for
any inconvenience to anyone. He still rocked it from all accounts but
unfortunately I was unable to catch any of his set due to event duties.

Saturday was the most active day I have ever seen at Stilldream, there
was so many people out and about, playing Frisbee, meditating, resting
in the shade of the Bamboo Pagoda, dancing under our new shade structure
and misting system. Stilldream was alive this year and I think it also
helped with the music break on Saturday Morning leaving people with more
energy. Hypnotech's opening Downtempo set Saturday morning could not
have opened the day any better. I was in awe and it was honestly the
only set that I got to listen to in almost its entirety. Just amazing!
The rest of the day was kept going strong with acts like Atom ONE, Kelly
D., Carlos Alfonzo, Adam Ant, Aleks, Jon E. Qwest and a few more. Thank
you guys you kept the dance floor moving and grooving all day long.

Saturday night as far as production and time slots things went a little
awry. When dealing with so many live acts there’s a lot to be accounted
for... well to keep it short, We are still learning. It’s quite a
process to deal with and every year we get better at it. Thank you for
your patience and we apologize to everyone about the timeslots getting
moved around.

Saturday nights acts were amazing from everything I saw from The Collab
Project, Medicine Drum, Heavyweight Dub Champion and PitchBlack! Jupiter
destroyed the dance floor and expect to see more of these acts gracing
our events. Seriously mind blowing!!!

I personally didn't catch any of Dresdens set but have heard mixed
reviews from he was their favorite to he was a giant pain in the butt.
I'm really bummed I didn't get to meet him or hear any of his set but it
so happened to coincide with the 3 hours of sleep that I got on Sunday
morning.

The music was turned down for a short time Sunday morning unfortunately
during our psytrance block of artists. I have no idea what happened
there but will be looking into it guys. We'll make it up to all of ya
that that happened to. Promise! Thank you for your understanding!

The music kept on strong through Sunday and I was so happy to see so
many people sticking around on Sunday to enjoy it. All the way up till
the closing of the main stage around 4pm people were dancing on the main
green, and enjoying themselves and the wonderful setting. It was an
amazing site and am so happy to see people embracing the extra day of
enjoyment.

The Chilldream:
Once again Swami managed to bring us tons of great and amazing talent
from some of Northern Californias best locals (Muti, Ooze System,
Addictech, Full Melt to name a few) and with great joy some of Southern
California's best as well (Kether, Dat Girl, Heavenly Father)! What can
be said that hasn't already. I didn't catch everyone's sets but caught
bits and pieces and alls I can say is "Fuckin A! Well done people!!"
That was some of the best and most original music I have ever heard.
Thank you to all the came out. Without you and your influence Stilldream
wouldn't be the same.

Remembering a dreamer - Ian Dice aka DJ Dice:
Also on a sad note a long time friend and family member of Stilldream, A
person who along side SeventhSwami helped the Chilldream Stage grow into
what it is today passed away that Saturday morning June 20th, 2009. Ian
Dice aka Dj Dice has helped for the last few years bring the extras that
made the Chilldream space warm, inviting and functional and after a long
battle with Melanoma left our world that Saturday morning. He was ready
to go to Stilldream even under the stress of being sick but alas could
not make it. Thank you Ian for all of your hard work with Stilldream,
Chilldream and your own company Straylight. You will be missed, and will
not be forgotten my friend.

Back to the review -

SUNDAY NIGHT:
Sunday night definitely did not go according to plan or our contract. We
apologize to all of our DJs who were supposed to play on the Chilldream
Stage Sunday night and did not get to. We would also like to apologize
to any of our loyal Stilldreamer’s that were asked to pack up and head
home a day early. It was an unfortunate situation but we did our best to
manage and contain it. Thank you to all that were on staff and
volunteers that stuck it out with us, helped clean up the property and
pack up.

What happened?
The owners of Toney's Mountain Golf broke contract with Stilldream and
forced us to close the event on Sunday afternoon / evening. No need to
go into all the details but if you had any issues with Toney's Mountain
Golf Staff or Owners please let us know (info@stilldream.org). We want
to document all instances and make sure that nothing like that happens
again.

Toney's Mountain Golf is a beautiful venue with tons of awesome
amenities, but because of the actions of the owners, Stilldream will NOT
be returning there. It’s for the best, for the safety of our guests,
staff and patrons. We had two beautiful and wonderful years there. Let’s
remember the good times that we had there and move on to the future!

Production:
This year’s production was bigger and better than any previous year at
Stilldream. Thanks in part to Lite Brite, Resonance and National Entity
but a lot of the extra stuff you saw there was brought to you by
Stilldreamers Crazy Jay and Alex and their families. Tons of hard work
and energy were poured into all of this year’s decorations, actually so
much that we ran out of time putting everything up and some things will
have to wait till next year’s anniversary to be fully unveiled. Also big
ups to Dustin for turning the Mandela from this year’s Stilldream Flier
into a reality and the party center piece. Amazing job people! Just
amazing. I think you managed to blow everyone's minds this year and we
can't thank you enough for all the months of hard work and dedication
you put into this event.

The Concha Dome:
A dream come to reality is all I can say. Heather has been working on
this all year along with our 2nd Saturday Art Shows. She has gone the
extra mile on every turn to make sure that Stilldream is more than just
a party, she has finally given a home for all the Stilldream Art,
Meditation, Energy Workshops, Yoga and now even Guest Speakers. This
year I saw the Domes always bustling with people it was truly a dream
come to reality and we can't thank Heather and all of the Concha Dome
guides and volunteers for all of their hard work to bring that little
bit of something extra for all Stilldreamers to enjoy. THANKYOU! Also
big thanks to Christafari and Crazy Carl for the Domes. Providing The
Concha Dome and the Stilldream Art Gallery a place for people to gather,
share and expand their knowledge.

Also a huge thanks to Marjorie and Walter who were doing the Glass
Blowing demonstrations this year. They went well and above the call of
duty to help make sure Stilldream ran as smoothly as possible. You guys
are family now!

Operation Camp:
Big thanks to Wally, Punk Rock Paul and Joe for restoring the Burning
Man legend back into working order and finding a new home for it at
Stilldream. It was so amazing to see everyone playing it all night long.
Operation Camp lives on now at Stilldream. thank you guys you did a
great job and peoples laughs, screams of joy while being shocked were
proof of it! Can't wait til next year!


About the Fire:
All right here's a little rumor control for everyone.

Facts: Yes there was a fire on a nearby property. Luckily it was
reported in time and was put out by a bunch of people from Toney's
Mountain Golf and some Stilldreamer Volunteers and staff. This fire was
no joke. I later went down to the site where it happened. The location
of the fire was between 1/2 a mile and a mile down a trail leading off
the property. There was 1500 sq feet of burnt and the fire nearly
reached the tree canopies.

It is unclear who started this fire, whether it was by accident or
planned, or even if it was a person, the previous night there was tons
of Dry Lightning lighting up the skies all around the property, maybe it
was some residual of that. We have no idea and most likely never will.

The Owner who had finished putting out the fire with luck of having a
water truck on site was convinced that it was one the Stilldream
Attendee's and wanted nothing more than an apology from the person who
started the fire. Citing that if no one stepped forward he would shut
down the event. Once everyone was informed it was quite an amazing site.
Immediately we were approached by over 20 people who each said that they
had started it and were willing to step up and face the music. Whether
any of the individuals actually did start it or not I personally doubt
it but have no way of proving one way or another.

The person who apologized to the owner took full blame and honestly it
was one of the most honorable things I have ever seen go down in my
life. I was brought to tears by the sheer guts that he had.

For those spreading rumors, we at Stilldream not once ever encouraged
anyone to take the rap for this unfortunate event, this was a pure act
of faith by one individual who I now hold in my deepest regards. They
have earned my trust fully.

Regardless if the fire was started by an individual or an act of nature
this is a great lesson to be learned that if you smoke, cigarettes or
weed or whatever, it’s VERY important to know where you are ashing and
to be constantly aware of your surroundings. Once again a bad situation
brought the best out of people and we saw some real team work come
together to manage and put that fire out.

Please be aware and respect the fire rules when you attend events or
even just camp in the forest. NUFF SAID!

Wrapping it up:
Stilldream every year brings forth unique challenges that you can only
due your best to prepare for. Every year is a bit different and has its
own new set of challenges but with that being said I think we saw our
most succesful and positive Stilldream to date even with a few of the
hiccups. This year brought people from far and wide. We even had people
in attendance from as far as New York and as far north as Alaska.

Every year we aim to bring you the best music, production and vibe.
Stilldream is a forum to express yourself and every year we see more and
more people getting hands on involved. Its truly becoming an asset to
the community for expression. We are always looking for more good people
who would love to help out and bring something extra to the event. If
you would like to get involved shoot us an email (info@stilldream.org).
We fully believe in if there's a will there's a way. We want to see your
dreams come to reality.

This years Stilldream was a huge success in many different avenues, Its
truly amazing to see how people band together in times of need to help
each other out and keep the dream alive. Every year we continue to grow,
expand and spread the message that no matter what is happening within
our lives, that we have a place to join together and become a giant
family.

We look forward now to the future. The 10 year Anniversary is on the
Horizon. We are on the hunt for a new venue with a few locations already
in mind. If you have leads we can always use a helping hand. Let us
know!

More from Stilldream:
Expect more from Stilldream. Look for us every 2nd Saturday in Midtown
Sacramento for our 2nd Saturday Art Shows and our next event is coming
up quick. Check it out: BLVD w/ MC Souleye comes to Sacramento Friday
July 24th @ Beatnik Studios! We are super excited about the show and
look forward to seeing everyone there!

Well after writing a short novel here I say thank you one last time for
believing in the dream and trusting us with your visions. We love you
all!

Let the 10 year Anniversary plans begin!


Oh yea PS if you have any pics from Stilldream this year Please shoot us
links to your photos we would love to have them hosted on our site for
all to enjoy.

Send us an email to info@stilldream.org with a link to your photos.

THANKS!