Off Season Gathering
Off Season Gathering is exactly what you've been waiting for. And it's this weekend.
Sneaking up this weekend is Off Season Gathering. The gathering is taking place at Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, Michigan. That’s right, Double JJ Resort, home of Madison House Presents’ and Insomniac Event’s Electric Forest. It’s hard to say the gathering is not associated with Electric Forest. On a legalistic and organizational level, it’s not. On an inspirational and emotional level, it is.
Off Season Gathering was inspired when Electric Forest Year-Round member, Shaunicy Dillard, posted on the page asking if the forest accepted visitors outside of the annual event. Electric Forest Year-Round is Electric Forest’s largest un-associated Facebook fan page with 39,090 members. The group serves as an outlet for Forester’s to swap music, ideal line-ups, inspire each other, and ask questions. When page admin, Anthony Cosentino, saw the post he jumped into action. The following day he called up Double JJ Resort to see what it would take to make this forest family reunion a reality.
“It’s only been three months since our ‘comment of inspiration.’ Meaning, we’ve only had three months to plan. Working with Double JJ has been a blessing! Having a proper team in place is beyond important and every single employee at the ranch has stepped up to the challenge. They’ve far exceeded my expectations, transforming this from a simple gathering to MUCH MORE!” Said, Cosentino.
The line-up for Off Season Gathering includes The Lizards (a Phish tribute band), Act Casual, Speak Easy Chirp, Flexa Decibel, Tell Yo Mama, Biomassive, Quantum Fleek, Pajamas, Cosmic Knot, F-Snacks, Stylee, Malay, and opportunities to participate in open mic. Due to contract with Electric Forest, there can not be electronic music on the line-up. Wristbands include access to venue, free hayrides back-and-forth to the forest, complimentary shuttle to-and-from anywhere on the resort, adult lawn games, and discounts on water park tickets.
This event has no intention of mimicking Electric Forest, rather they are furthering the community inspired by it. Off Season Gathering recognizes that it is the company kept that make you feel at home. There are still spots left for the gathering. Be sure to check out the Off Season Gathering Facebook page or DoubleJJ.com for more details, it is required to reserve your spot before you arrive.
“I am extremely homesick! Off Season is going to be the release I need until Electric Forest 2018.” Shared, Cosentino. “I like to think of it as preserving our community. I am beyond grateful and honored to have founded this beautiful event. But, it’s not just myself and Double JJ that is putting this production together: it’s the community’s dedication and support that has made all of this possible. It’s stunning to think how one simple comment can have such a massive ripple effect within a community”
Shaunicy Dillard will not be attending the Off Season Gathering due to distance. But, be sure to find Anthony this weekend as he wants to thank the people that are making this happen: you. He commonly goes by Waldo, good luck!
Check out the trailer HERE.
By: Alycia Grace
