Artist collective powerhouse Meow Wolf threw their first music festival last August in the majestic desert mountain town of Taos, New Mexico, which is a haven for old hippies that’s flowing with artistic creativity and surrounded by awe-inspiring natural landscapes. Taos Vortex derives its name from the spiritual energy center here, exemplified by the continuous, low-frequency rumbling phenomenon some people experience known as the Taos Hum. I didn’t personally hear this sound, but I can certainly attest to the magical wonder and harmonious vibrations pulsing throughout this sparsely populated area of about 5,700.
Taos Vortex returns to Kit Carson Park in the center of Taos’ quaint downtown August 16-18, expanding from two to three days with 30+ acts across two stages. Last year featured the eclectic jams of Thievery Corporation, chill waves from Dr. Dog and Washed Out, and a groovy dance tent with DJs The Librarian, Cashmere Cat, Oona Dahl and Matthew Dear. The Flaming Lips headlined the small festival with magnificent, prop-driven spectacle – a perfect fit for Meow Wolf’s exuberant aesthetic, the wacky art installations throughout the park and costumed performers in the crowd.
I made a whole slew of wonderful New Mexico friends at this intimate, relaxed camping fest and am thoroughly excited for a grander, more audacious enterprise this year to wind down the summer. It also presents a prime opportunity to visit Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, 70 miles south of Taos. I did so for the first time following the inaugural event, and if you haven’t been, let me tell you – the immersive, incredibly interactive psychedelic art installation funhouse is the coolest place I’ve ever been, hands down. You can trust Meow Wolf to stage an awesome music experience.
Early bird tickets for Taos Vortex sold out in just a few hours yesterday, but you can grab Tier I weekend passes with camping for $250.67 after fees, or without camping for $216.84 after fees. Single day passes and the full lineup will be released soon!
*Featured image via Kate Russell*
