Off Season Gathering: The Inaugural Year
The first Off Season Gathering happened October 20th-23rd. The mini-fest inspired by the desire to return to Electric Forest during the “off season” drew Foresters from far and wide to enjoy the grounds of Double JJ Resort in it’s natural state. There were no massive stages or lights in the trees. There were no giant sculptures watching over the festivities or String Cheese Incident Saturday night show. Just the natural beauty of Michigan in the fall and the company of familiar friends. Headlining the weekend was The Lizards a Phish Tribute Band, Act Casual, and Speak Easy.
“I arrived early Friday afternoon around 2:30 p.m. and checked in with ease,” Smiley Bruv, reflected back on his experience.
He set up his hammock, cracked a cold beer and all of a sudden, a realization came over him.
“I was back home,” Bruv said. “We took time to wander the forest with our new friends and to our delight, found the giving tree intact with items left from other visitors … Although the numbers were small it was much more intimate thus far more desirable.”
Off Season Gathering or “OSG” was even sponsored by Double JJ Resort, reinforcing the mindset that festival attendees are always welcome to visit the grounds. The team worked alongside Porter House Productions and Further Frequency to bring the entertainment as well as Anthony Cosentino for spearheading the movement. Lead vocals and Rhythm guitarist of headlining band Act Casual, Nick Small, had nothing but good things to say about the event.
“It was such a great experience to walk through the grounds without the hustle and bustle of an EF weekend. I really loved the intimacy of Off Season and I really think it has all the makings for an amazing annual gathering.” Small, said. “On a production note, there was wonderful team involvement in both sound and lighting. The stage was perfect on so many levels and the tent covering the stage made everyone feel right at home, cozy and ready to jam.”
Though the event targeted Electric Forest attendees, it was open to all interested in experiencing the community it fosters. Small brought his father, Wayne Small, whom had never experienced the forest but was ready to jump in!
Wayne Small commented on Facebook, “I had a great time at the Off Season Gathering! Staff members and workers were all friendly and helpfull. I really enjoyed the bus shuttle to the forest to just roam around…very cool. Our cabin was perfect and in a great location and Act Casual was great!.”
After attending OSG, Wayne is looking forward to his First Electric Forest in 2018.
OSG is also proud to report that the event experienced zero arrests and zero medical transports. Following the event, attendees repeatedly praised the intimate size of Off Season Gathering on social media.The grounds featured a rustic feel with the added beauty of the shifting seasons and many are hoping for the event to return.
“If I had to summarize my off season experience, I would say it was nothing short of absolute magic. I made lifelong friends that I consider my family and even adopted a wayward skeleton named Chuck. I highly recommend that everyone experience this at least once in their lifetime and I still insist that we do it again in the spring” said, Smiley Bruv.
Follow the Off Season facebook page a follow for updates on next year, or next seasons, Off Season Gathering.
By: Alycia Grace
Photos by: Anthony Cosentino and Brittany Heit
