I have been going to concerts and music festivals since I was a teenager.  It has been a major part of my life since the first time I saw Phish in 1996. I was 17 years old, and it blew my mind that music and energy could be such a religious experience.  Since then I have sacrificed almost everything to surround myself with that as much as possible.  Just when I thought I have experienced everything a live concert or music festival has to offer, I found myself at the Desert Rocks Music Festival in Moab.

The festival consisted of three full days of music and four nights of camping in extreme conditions. Anyone who has ever camped in Moab can tell you that the conditions can change dramatically in a very short time. I consider myself a fairly experienced camper and came prepared with gallons of fluids and dry healthy food. But life is an unpredictable journey, and I had no idea what I was in store for.

The weekend started very dry and hot, and by the second day, there was a flash flood running through the middle of both stages and down through the campsites.  Thankfully, we had good karma on our side, and it didn’t dampen the vibe of the festival.  It actually made for a very exciting three days of music.

                                                                Top Performers of the Festival

Hot Buttered Rum: It was the first time I had the opportunity to see this amazing band, and I was blown away by their ability to capture the energy of the crowd and recycle it through their music.  There was never a dull moment, and they kept the crowd dancing and grooving for their entire set, highlighted by a fan-favorite, “Busted in Utah.”

ALO: After a seven-hour delay due to the flash flood, ALO took the stage about 2:00 a.m.  They got the crowd energized immediately with a loud primal scream that could be heard throughout the landscape. They brought a unique sound and a tight funky groove that put a smile on everyone’s face.

The Mother Hips: I grew up watching this band play at The Bit and Spur, but I have never had the chance to see them anywhere else.  After recently getting back together, they didn’t miss a beat and played a high energy set which included new songs and long spacey jams, leaving the crowd speechless and wanting more. Tim Bluhm is true rock star.

Wisebird:  A local band from Moab who recently moved to Austin to be around a better music scene, came on at 4:20 a.m. and didn’t stop until the sun was beaming down on the confused crowd.  The highlight of their set was a 20-minute piano solo that was in sync with the rising sun, putting everyone in a reflective trance regarding what we had witnessed throughout the entire day. It was a religious experience for anyone who was lucky enough to be a part of it.

Matt Calder Band: I have seen Matt play before by himself.  He can play any instrument that is put in front of him and was the most well-rounded, talented musician at the festival. I have followed Matt’s career for the last eight years, and he just recently formed a band with a drummer and lead guitar.  This is a must-see band if you ever get the chance. His powerful vocals and dark lyrics takes you on a journey through lost love and struggles that we all endure on a daily basis. These intense two sets were a high point of the festival for me.

It would be impossible for me to mention every band that played throughout the entire festival, but each act had a common denominator: They were all in tune with the energy of the crowd and the environment, and they had respect for the magic of live music.  They opened up their minds to be a part of something bigger than us all and let it all flow through improvisation. Nobody knew what was going to happen next, and that is what is so special about the whole live experience.

Desert Rocks Music Festival is an annual event every year over Memorial Day weekend. If you are into celebrating the beauty of Mother Nature and being a part of a friendly musical experience, then you should plan on being there. It could be a life-changing experience for you. Thanks to all of the staff and members of the Kind Security Team who worked countless hours to make this event happen.