World Drum comes to EcoFest Encinitas

Are you ready for EcoFest Encinitas? Presented by North County Eco Alliance, it’s a celebration of community and green ways of living, and this year’s 10th annual event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The site is Coastal Roots Farm, a nonprofit community farm and education center on Quail Gardens Drive that is dedicated to making connections with neighbors and the land. On May 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can see an Eco Car show, ride an E-Bike, visit a Tiny House, take a farm tour, and check out over 100 eco-friendly businesses offering hands-on demonstrations. You can also feast on Green Cuisine, sample craft beers (if you’re over 21), let your little ones explore Kids’ Planet, and enjoy inspiring music and dance performances all day long.

According to Lia Strell, a local artist who is selecting and scheduling EcoFest performers, “We’re trying to engineer a shift in consciousness, connecting ancient wisdom and modern solutions and presenting performers who create the kind of energy and warmth that really brings people together.”

Among the performers are Eagle Dancer Steven Garcia, a member of the Tongva tribe that originally populated Catalina Island. Raised by his grandfather to share the traditions of his ancestors, he dances for global peace and earth healing, and will lead a Community Round Dance in the afternoon. Also on the schedule will be Mesoamerican flute music, a “shift rock” band, an 8-year-old singer/songwriter, and a drum circle, with a special appearance — first time in San Diego!—of the World Drum.

The current World Drum Host is Josh Weigel, lead singer with The Barnwell Shift, a local band who performed at last year’s Lothlorien Peace Festival in France, where participants from different countries shared their visions of peace in ceremonies, workshops and music. While there, he met Morten Wolf Storeide, co-founder of the World Drum Project, and arranged to have the drum travel here.

Weigel brought the World Drum onstage April 30, at a benefit concert for San Diego Coastkeeper. “The sound gets deeper and deeper as the drum travels, and it’s so low, we could feel it; it just permeated through us,” he said.

“And I’m really looking forward to bringing it to EcoFest,” he added. “People call us ‘The Shift’ because there’s a change going on now, the move from de-generative to re-generative, from negativity to positive action, and we’re a part of it. Eighty percent of our shows raise money for good causes, but this is our first time at EcoFest. They already have a drum circle, so I’ll play the drum and pass it around; it will be an interactive thing, with everyone putting their intentions and energies into it. I think it will be a really powerful day.”

Of course, besides the drumming, you may pick up some pointers on how to shift your consciousness and help create a healthier, kinder, more livable world.

See you at the Fest!

ECOFEST HIGHLIGHTS (Times subject to change):

10-10:30 am, 3:15-4 p.m.: The Barnwell Shift band

2:15-3:15 p.m.: Eagle Dancer and Community Round Dance

4-5 p.m.: Drum Circle, with World Drum

For the full performance schedule, see https://www.ecofestencinitas.org/#!schedule/f20i4