Catskill Chill 2015: A Final Farewell to Camp Minglewood [Preview]

As the cool air of mid-September enters my lungs, I think back on the past few months. I sit in the bedroom of my upstate New York home and lose myself in the memories of yesterday and daydreams of tomorrow. The thoughts of certain people and places flood my mind in the form of a powerful catharsis, one that is often needed as summer comes to a close. Certain thoughts continuously re-emerge in the back of my mind and bottom of my heart; the imagery of a specific time and place energizes my tired soul. This time and place is Catskill Chill. For those who truly know how special this music festival is, there isn't much that needs to be said. As the days roll by and the final festival of the summer gets closer, the elevated excitement becomes more and more empowering. I can sense the inspiration, love, and creativity of Catskill Chill with every late summer breeze. Summer may be fading fast but not until we all return to Camp Minglewood for one last celebration of life.

That's the only thing that's different about this year, it is in fact, the last celebration that Catskill Chill and the ChillFam will have at Camp Minglewood. One thing is for sure, everyone involved will do their best to make it the best Catskill Chill to date. From September 18th to 20th, music lovers from far and wide will make the voyage to Hancock, New York. A promising lineup at an illustrious venue with a heartfelt staff will make this year's Catskill Chill the best small festival of the summer. The summer camp vibe is the most signature aspect of The Chill, cabins rented by festival-goers are scattered throughout the grounds. Camp Minglewood's crystal clear lake and bluebird skies provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation. The daytime brings joyful winds that dance across the lake and through the pines, keeping patrons cool while the sun shines. Once the sun goes down so does the temperature. Take advantage of the perfect weather of late September, make sure you're prepared to bundle up so you can groove until sunrise!

Every year the lineup is more than solid. It's no secret that Catskill Chill is curated by music lovers for music lovers. This year boasts the likes of Moe., Lotus, Electron, Zappa Plays Zappa, Lettuce, The Motet, and many others. I shouldn't stop at the headliners because every last act on the lineup is talented and original. Every musician that I've spoken with about Catskill Chill loves it. The entire weekend will be chock-full of elaborate collaborations that will resonate with everyone in attendance. I have complete confidence in the men and women of Catskill Chill. They know exactly what they're doing and they're really good at doing it. The only job you have is to prepare yourself for one of the best weekends of your life. We will witness some of the best music ever played on the sacred ground of Camp Minglewood. There is not a single doubt in my mind. To have any doubts about Catskill Chill is a complete waste of time. Every year it gets better and better without getting commercialized and becoming stale. Every Chill has a unique vibe that varies from the ones before, it's refreshing and symbolic.

Two years ago I was a lost soul, there was a major void in my life that was slowly killing my mind, body, and spirit. I'll never forget arriving at The Chill for the first time. There was something in the air, something that I hadn't felt at other festivals. That weekend was the initial step that changed my life forever. I returned home and went through a purge of emotions, it was something that needed to happen. Last year reaffirmed what I already knew. The Chill helped me take the next step in my journey toward a new life. I have a deep respect for Catskill Chill, one that is sincere and straight from the heart. If you know me, you know this. It's not something that can be fabricated or replicated, you need to experience it for yourself. My words can help you imagine The Chill but they won't cater it's energy to your computer screen. Take a step into an altered reality of consciousness. Don't plan on checking Facebook or Instagram, your phone won't have any service, it's great.  I've said it numerous times before, every single music lover should attend Catskill Chill. This is your last chance to spend a weekend at Camp Minglewood with the ChillFam. Don't make the mistake of sitting this one out. If you're on the fence, you need to pack your bags and hop on the bus. The poetic synchronicity of this year's Catskill Chill will be impossible to recreate. A lot of things have changed since my first Catskill Chill but a lot has stayed the same. I still have the same wonder in my eyes and butterflies in my stomach. This weekend my heart will be pure with positivity and my spirit will soar with the stars. Lets grow closer to old friends as we form relationships with new ones. It's time to go, Camp Minglewood awaits us all. Respect your surroundings this weekend and always remember - All Love All The Time.

The 2015 Catskill Chill Music Festival will be at Camp Minglewood in Hancock, NY September 18-20. You're Invited! Website: www.catskillchill.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/CatskillChill Tickets: www.catskillchill.com/buy-tickets Special thanks to Jay Sansone for bringing this to life and to all who shared in the narration of what it means to experience the Catskill Chill.

From the cabins to the dance floors,

I'll see you all at Catskill Chill!

The Ten Acts You Need To See At Catskill Chill

10. American Babies

9. Stratosphere All-Stars

8. Dopakuaz Plays Studio 54

7. Lettuce

6. ChillFam All-Stars Herbie Hancock Tribute

5. MOE.

4. Zappa Plays Zappa

3. Particle & Fam

2. Lotus

1. Electron

Honorable Mentions: The Werks, FiKus, Nth Power, Horizon Wireless and Wiley Griffin.