BLOOM LISTEN: A curation of the talent at Bloom 2017.
Here's the list of Bloom's amazing artists that will be sharing their musical talents at the festival, in all ways: from Daniela Andrade's concert, to Garth Stevenson's mellow Cello accompaniments in class, to MC Yogi and his soulful lyrical yoga classes.
You're in for a treat when you come to this class.
Empowered Body Book Launch
Yoga Night in Edmonton!
Last week a bunch of beautiful friends from the Edmonton Yoga Community and beyond gathered to celebrate the launch of Michele Theoret's new book, 'Empowered Body'. Michele is the creator and primary facilitator of Empowered Yoga and Lifestyle, an organization that "empower[s] students through experience, movement, meditation, and education to become more engaged in their moment-to-moment experiences, transforming the way they show up in their bodies and life" - www.micheletheoretyoga.ca
The event was hosted at the Mosaic Centre in south Edmonton, an amazing net-zero building that is home to some really neat spaces, including Workshop Eatery who supplied the yummy snacks for the evening! With tons of natural light, earth elements and glowing yogis, this night was simply divine.
The Event
Aside from the awesome snacks, space and company, we were all really there for one reason - Michele! She took her time to reconnect and give personal thanks for the support, greeting each and every one of us at the door with a huge smile and hug! The highlight of the whole event was the speech Michele delivered, drawing on her work over the past 20 plus years. Many of the Edmonton yoga teachers in the room were nodding along as she shared anecdotes of her own learnings, reminiscent of trainings past they had shared with Michele.
The Message
Transform the way you show up in your body and life. Connect to your inner compass. make empowered choices. live on purpose. Lasting health and vitality is a result of awareness, alignment and integrity.
As yogis, these are words we can get behind. Michele, we are SO proud of you and cannot wait to dive into 'Empowered Body'. Thank you for showing up in our lives, in your life, and for bringing us all together to celebrate! From our family to yours, namaste.
Purchase your copy of Empowered Body by Michele Theoret here!
Festival Season Kicks Off With A Pre-Stretch!
Once Summer hits, there is no lack of amazing events around our city and beyond! Music festivals are growing beyond just music and there is an integration and overlap into many other offerings. Yoga has become a huge part of the festival community, and every year you can find a few Yogalife Studios instructors heading up workshops and related local events.
Astral Harvest is a celebration of music, art, knowledge, community and the human experience.
We are just under a month away from Astral Harvest Music and Arts Festival, a 4-day gathering in Driftpile, Alberta that boasts international musical acts, yoga and movement workshops, art, seminars and beyond. This family friendly event is in its 9th season, running from June 30 - July 3. The Astral Harvest crew hosts an assortment of pre-festival events throughout the summer; this year you can find a "Pre-Stretch" series added to that line-up!
"Astral Harvest offers so much more than music - yoga is such a big part of the festival and our community. This year we wanted to showcase this in our pre-festival series to give that part of the festival the same exposure."
- Jordan Smoliak, Festival Director and Founder
With over 100 different "Experience" workshops, ranging from Crochet 101 to Psychedelic Light Meditation, Astral Harvest really has something for everyone. Peruse the full line-up of unique offerings here!
Astral Harvest Pre-Stretch #2
The next event in the pre-festival series is coming up this Friday, June 10 with Caitlin Varrin and Jen Maio at Be Hot Yoga Wellness. The evening kicks off at 7pm with practice casually commencing around 7:20. Expect a live DJ, snacks and treats and the chance to win a weekend pass to Astral Harvest!
Astral Harvest Music and Arts Festival 2016 ticket winner!
Find Your Yogalife Instructors at Astral Harvest
Graham Parsons | Laughter Yoga: Re-Igniting Your Joy Circuitry
This workshop is an opportunity to learn how to employ laughter the same way we employ breath in a yoga practice: to enliven, to harmonize, to clarify. Through interactive laughter exercises, we can play off of one another to unearth a plethora of benefits. Laughter sends strong signals of well-being throughout the body & mind, nurturing our respiratory, immune & endocrine systems, to name but a few.
Myrah Penaloza & Robindra Mohar | Align To Your Source: Deep House Nada Yoga
Join Myrah & Robindra for an immersive journey through Kundalini & Sattva Yoga set to the sounds of a Global Journey of Deep House, Tribal and Bedoiun sounds taking you from Alberta to the moon, India and back.
The experience will begin with talks by Myrah & Robindra about aligning your life to the source of your joy. We talk about alignment in the physical practises of yoga for a reason. The body, breath and mind share the same space and when we learn to use the concept of alignment in all areas of our lives we will find ourselves awakening to the life of our dreams much faster than any 5 or 10 year plan you might have.
We will explore the astrology of the time/day that this experience begins together, we will practise activating kundalini yoga kriyas, we will DANCE like no one is watching and we will end the class with a grounding & deeply healing Gong Meditation.
We are so excited to connect with our community on the dance floor and on our mats/in the grass, under the sunshine and stars. Find tickets to Astral Harvest Season 9
Mythos: A Springtime Fair
It's time to welcome back the sun and invite in the warmth of spring, together.
Spring has definitely arrived and the community is abuzz with amazing pop-up events and offerings. We are so excited for Mythos: A Springtime Fair, headed up by our own Keia Dreger. This FREE one-day event is taking place next Thursday, April 21 at Alberta Avenue Community League to celebrate the connection with our community through shared intentional space.
Check out the schedule below, including Yogalife instructors Caitlin Varrin and Graham Parsons.
View the Facebook Event for more details and updates!
MYTHOS: A SPRINGTIME FAIR
Music, Art, Local Vendor Village and All Day Workshops! Free All Ages Community Event! Prop Jam OutsidE (Weather Permitting)
SCHEDULE OF OFFERINGS
A Note From Keia: Please bring a yoga mat or something comfortable to sit on for the workshops, especially if you do plan to practice yoga! If you are going to join the drum circle, bring a drum or a rattle! There will be free tea and coffee as well. If you'd like some please make sure you BRING YOUR OWN MUG. We also encourage you to bring a journal so you can record everything you learned! And put on your Thursday best as Amber Cleasby will be taking beautiful photographs during the day as well as you may catch us filming for a compilation video of the day for us all to remember :) Spring themed costumes or tribal warrior attire is always acceptable!
Feat Local Edmonton Music:
Joel Ross: Yoga Set: Hand Pan Drum
Collectivision Collectivision has been getting wyrd. Inspired by the West Coast Bass Music scene, & blackened deathcore… Jeffrey likes to bring an eclectic experience to the dance floor. Being a member of the United Bass Kollective for over two years, performing at Astral Harvest for the past two years, & Zion Noiz last year have inspired Collectivision to hone in on music production. Keep your eyes peeled for his debut album :)
https://soundcloud.com/collectivision
BEFAIRE
Befaire (Brendan Fair) is a DJ/Producer originating from Edmonton ,AB with a real flavour for House & Techno music. Since 2012 the lad's been picking up steam in outré style, playing numerous events, parties & gatherings alike. Showing great promise in his own productions, expect to hear some deep groovy sonances arriving in the near future. His sound gathers influence from the likes of Frits Wentink, Fold, David August, Atjazz to name a few. He is genuinely stoked to share this experience with you & prepare to have your truffles ruffled. https://soundcloud.com/befairemusic
FastWolf
Downtempo delights produced by local talent Benoit! https://soundcloud.com/fastwolf
Looking forward to connecting with everyone in our lovely community next week.
Community Yoga Class For Keiran
Com·mu·ni·ty /kəˈmyo͞onədē/ A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
Community Yoga for a Dancer's Dream
Yogalife community, meet Keiran. Kieran is fourteen years old and loves to dance. He started taking ballet when he was four years old in Vancouver. He danced for several years there and then took a few years off after becoming self-conscious of the fact that he was the only boy in class. He started again three years ago and is now working towards his dream of becoming a professional dancer. Currently, he spends about 20 hours a week training in studios, at home, as well as performing on stage.
Kieran started coming to Yogalife last February and absolutely loves it! He can be found in class in positions that show his flexibility and strength, alongside his mother. Kieran enjoys adding yoga to his dance practice to enhance his breathing, and add calmness to his very busy schedule.
He recently auditioned for the Alberta Ballet’s summer school intensive, which is held in Calgary in July for three weeks.
He was not only accepted, but also awarded a full scholarship for the tuition!
Unfortunately, he still is required to come up with residence fees, which are over $2000. The opportunity to participate in the summer program means the possibility of acceptance into the full-time professional program, which would give him the training he needs for attaining a career in dance.
Join Melissa Perret for a karma class at Yogalife Studios North on March 5 at 3:00pm. Melissa is leading a vinyasa-style flow class with all the proceeds going towards Keiran's dream.
Thank You For 2015
2015: An Incredible Year. Thank you.
2015 has been an amazing year. We've seen our community expand and thrive and we are so excited to see what's around the corner for our south and north families in the new year. Our 2015 line-up was stacked, from workshops including special guests Suzanne Slocum-Gori and Kevin Naidoo, to another amazing teacher training, to a couple great parties and community events (hello, BLOOM!). Yogalife Studios South turned a whopping 5 YEARS OLD and our north studio celebrated 3 years. Time flies when you're having fun!
Again, none of this would have gone off without the energy and commitment of our community. We are truly grateful for every person that comes through the door and onto their mat, or stops and says hello at a local event. The Edmonton yoga community is rich and inspiring: how fortunate we are to have each other. So let's get excited about another awesome year together and many more to come! And hey, if you want to drop by for your first practice of 2016 tomorrow, we're open!
See you next year!
It's (almost!) Time To Bloom
BLOOM 2015. A 2 DAY RETREAT & CELEBRATION OCTOBER 3-4TH WINSPEAR CENTER EDMONTON, ALBERTA
www.itstimetobloom.com
The third annual Bloom is right around the corner and for the YEG yogi community this is like Christmas (plus there really is something for everyone at Bloom)! Yogalife Studios is so thrilled to be on the supporting team for this amazing event again this year and we simply can't wait to experience Bloom 2015's offerings.
The line-up this year is incredible: music, yoga, knowledge, inspiration.
Keynote speaker Marianne Williamson is a pioneer of a worldwide spiritual movement. She has written four #1 New York Times Best Sellers and her teachings have influenced millions around the world to lead happier and more fulfilled lives. In 2014, Marianne ran for US Congress in an attempt to start a bold new conversation in politics. She is the founder of Project Angel Food that serves over 1,000 meals per day for people suffering with AIDS in Los Angeles. Marianne co-founded the Peace Alliance and sits on the board of RESULTS that works to end hunger and poverty throughout the world.
Marianne offers a free weekly talk via live stream on her website!
The concert series showcases some of the world's finest, most inspiring artists. If you were a part of Bloom 2.0 you know how fun this portion of the weekend is. This year Bloom has invited back favourites DJ Drez, Marti Nikko, and Sheela Bringi for musical stylings and workshop offerings.
New to the bill this year is Grammy-nominated musician Jai Uttal. He'll be sharing a concert and workshop: Awakening Bhakti on Saturday and a workshop talk on the Ramayana on Sunday. Jai Uttal is a pioneer in the world music community. His eclectic east meets-west sound has put his music at the forefront of the world fusion movement; his musical roots embrace a rich variety of cultures and traditions that span the globe and the centuries.
From the hillbilly music of the Appalachian Mountains to the passionate strains of Bengali street singers, from the haunting rhythms and melodies of ancient India to contemporary electric rock sounds, Jai’s music distills the essence of diverse musical forms.
Explore the full musical line-up here!
Be sure to say hi at our Yogalife Studios homebase in the marketplace!
Grab your tickets to Bloom 2015 HERE.
Rock Your Bliss!
Are You Ready To Rock Your Bliss Edmonton?
www.rockyourblissmovement.com/
Rock Your Bliss debuts in Edmonton on OCTOBER 3rd at Yogalife Studios South. It is a co-designed program — one part yoga and one part life coaching — where retreaters will discover how to “live a radical life rooted in choice, personal power, and sweat” using yoga, goal-setting, music, and laughter.
“Come in vulnerable,” LaRue says. “Be ready to show your underbelly, sing karaoke, and drink margaritas!” The goal is for retreaters to leave the workshop feeling empowered, sweaty, connected, ambitious, blissful, and maybe a little tipsy. They should come expecting “everything and nothing,” Carr says.
So, what does it mean to “Rock Your Bliss,” and where did such a concept derive? The movement is actually in its infancy. Carr and LaRue met through various work at lululemon athletica. While on a Wanderlust trip in February 2013, Carr, a life coach, and LaRue, a yoga instructor, found themselves sitting on a beach discussing the serendipitous relationship between their two fields. A week later, while back home in Venice Beach, Rock Your Bliss was born, and it’s been on a fast track ever since. In February 2014, Carr and LaRue took 22 yogis to Mexico for an “insanely magical” retreat.
However, while on a mission to help others unleash their potential, these two blisscrafting trailblazers have been on a self-discovery mission of their own, all fueled by their travels, encounters, and experiences. For LaRue, creating Rock Your Bliss has helped her discover her own vulnerability. “Learning to speak your truths so it doesn’t build up is the most important thing [to do] while collaborating with another person,” she says. “You have to hold yourself more accountable. You have to show up even when you don’t feel like it.”
For Carr, Rock Your Bliss has been about developing trust. “The art of collaboration is like being in a relationship,” Carr says. “It’s all about unraveling your ego and admitting that you can’t do everything yourself. We created this business in such a rapid way, so it was a huge leap of faith to learn how to open my mind and body to trusting Mary Beth. We leaned on each other, and it all just happened beautifully.”
Read more here: http://whirlmagazine.com/ready-rock-bliss-pittsburgh/
Rock Your Bliss || Yogalife Studios South || Friday, October 3, 7-9pm register here!
It's Time To BLOOM 2.014!
Yogis gather at BLOOM 2013, held at the AGA. This year they've got a new venue and even more to BLOOM you!
THE BLOOM 2.014 EXPERIENCE: Yoga, Beats, Bliss
Yoga Music Meditation & Inspirational Speakers
Bloom is BACK! This years' festivities are a collection of events all central to conscious expansion... yoga, beats and bliss to get you blooming! The line-up is stellar and includes two of our own Yogalifers, Sarah Zandbeek and Myrah Penaloza. There's a lot going on leading up to big day on October 5th - check out the line-up below to schedule your BLOOM!
Together We Bloom: Flower Crown Workshops, Oct. 2 & 3
Together We Bloom is an opportunity to build your own floral crown or headpiece to accessorize, and express your style for this event.
Rock your newest flowered-creation to It’s Time to Bloom! The only other accessory required is a smile and an open-heart. And then literally, Together We Bloom!
ANTHROPOLOGIE @ WEST ED
Thursday: 5-7pm
Friday: 7-9pm
Open to ALL ticket holders, register your spot here!
BLOOM Opening Gala, Oct. 3, Muttart Conservatory
Come celebrate the BLOOM festival weekend with our opening ceremony led by native elder Sequoia Truebloom, followed by talks and meditations and pranayama with Rameen Peyrow, Myrah Penaloza, Jacki Carr, Robindra Mohar and Taylor Eyewalker. Once you have had a chance to go through the 4 pyramids to experience a series of musicians, meditations and breathing in the tropical forest, you will arrive in the center foyer where we have converted it into a space to celebrate and dance with music by the one and only Dj Drez.
Appetizers, drinks and desert by Inner Glow Nutrition
Please purchase a separate ticket for this event or include it in your weekend pass! Ticket info here!
Saturday BLOOM Sessions, Oct. 4
Be sure to check out the whole line-up here to plan out your weekend. There are yoga and workshop passes that get you into different events, so pre-plan your path to ensure you're all set to BLOOM!
Highlights from Saturday's line-up include 'Jumping Timelines' with Taylor Eyewalker (kundalini yoga) and 'Maha Sadhana' with Reno Muenz and special musical guest Sheela Bringi - a deep immersion of purification practices, asana, and a deep guided meditative relaxation practice with live harp, bamboo flute and sacred Indian singing.
BLOOM 2.014: Sunday, Oct. 5
Sunday is the main event! The day is packed with speakers, classes, music and more. Again, plan out your sessions to get the most of your experience and save some energy for the live concert that wraps up the weekend featuring DJ Drez and MC YOGI. MC YOGI’s music is inspired from India’s great epic myths, poems, and sacred texts such as the Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita. He’s inspired by the life of Mahatma Ghandi and his message of peace. Perfect. We couldn't be more excited to experience BLOOM 2.014. See you there!
Catching up with the Yogalife Crew: SUP Yoga and BBQ Carnival
This past Sunday, the Yogalife crew got together for a little fun in the sun to wrap up this amazing summer we've had in YEG. We started off the afternoon with SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Yoga on Lake Summerside with Waterman5. We learned a little about the background of SUP, practiced on land, and then it was off on our boards to play! The sun peeked out from behind the clouds, warming our backs and the water. We posed and flowed and found out you can do quite a lot on a SUP board—so long as you're not afraid to fall... we even discovered that some of our yogis just may have been surfers in their past lives as they took to the water like fish!
(If you want to give SUP Yoga a try, Waterman5 runs classes at Lake Summerside with Yogalife Instructor Kasandra Bracken and Karma Instructor Chris Shewchuk. This season ends soon—call 780-497-7558 or email programs-ssra@shaw.ca for more info!)
After drying off, our Studio Director Lindsey Park hosted us for a BBQ and mini-Carnival. We uncovered some of our yogis' more competitive sides with games like Plinko, the Potty Toss, and Ladder Ball.
With pay-a-play action, we raised $357.50 for the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation.
Nice work, Yogalife crew!
All bets were off when it came time to eat, as we shared burgers (veggie too, of course!), and tasty contributions from our creative crew.
A big thanks to Lindsey (and family!) for hosting, to Sara for organizing, to Dean for taking photos, and to our team for being all-around awesome and up for anything. Big love to you, crew <3
Festival City: Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
Festival City: Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
FRINGE: not part of the mainstream; unconventional, peripheral, or extreme (aka something you want to check out!!!)
This year marks the 33rd Edmonton International Fringe Festival, an 11-day event anchored in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona district. The Fringe showcases a variety of independent theatre performances from more than 1,200 local, national and international artists. Purchase a program guide from these retailers to plan out your Fringe experience. Many shows sell out, so buy your tickets in advance!
Along with the Festival’s diverse theatre offerings, the festival features an abundance of outdoor fun. The offerings are comprised of theatre performances, indoor and outdoor shows, street performers and buskers, vendors and beer gardens. Check out the full line-up of festival events here!
A street performer entertaining Edmontonians gathered in Old Strathcona.
Bring your little ones to Kidsfringe, a fun and FREE area for ‘little fringers’ ages 0 – 12 and their caregivers found on the North end of the Fringe site. Experience plays, music, storytelling and more on the KidStage, hear a story at the Book Nook or get creative at the Craft Corner!
Let us know your Fringe highlights! Know someone performing? Favourite venue? We'd love to hear from you! Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!
Happy Fringing!
Brandon's Final Words
Brandon's final classes were today, Saturday, August 16, 2014. He felt compelled to write one last thank-you to the Yogalife community.
Gratitude.
I am thankful that Yogalife was the very first studio that I was able to teach at. It’s actually the only studio I have taught at so far. I am thankful that a chance was taken on me, even though I was very early in my teaching career. I am thankful for you, all of the students, who have generously allowed me to guide you, share with you, and grow with you. Even share a quote or two. I am thankful for all of the knowledge I have gained over the past two years.
I am thankful for all of your support.
For attending my classes so diligently. For following me to the North Studio when I would teach there. For coming to my Warriors of Change and Art of Massage Workshops. For joining my wife and I in Nicaragua.
I am thankful for your trust.
Thank you for trusting me enough to feel as though I had something to offer you. My hope is that I have helped even one of you in your journey through yoga and life. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be even a small part in all of it.
I poured my heart and soul into this studio and everything I was involved in, and I promise to continue to do that for the yoga community.
If you want to connect with me, or find out where I end up and what I am up to, please follow me on Facebook at Brandon Jacobs Yoga.
“Letting go and moving on means to come to the realization that some people and some places are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.”
Highest Regards,
Brandon
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Hundreds of festival-goers grace the Gallagher Park hillside, creating this iconic view that is EFMF. Image used from festivalseekers.com
Festival City: Edmonton Folk Music Festival
The Edmonton Folk Music Festival (EFMF or Folk Fest for the veterans) is a four-day outdoor music event held the second weekend of August annually since 1980. Though named a "folk music" festival, EFMF boasts a ton of different acts and genres. You can find Celtic, bluegrass, blues, gospel, roots, and worldbeat acts performing on the multiple stages, through the day and into the evening. Staged in Gallagher Park in the Cloverdale community, Folk Fest is truly one of the largest highlights of the Edmonton festival collection.
The 2014 line-up is looking stellar. Acts include Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite, Blue Rodeo, and Michael Franti & Spearhead. Find the full performer roster here!
The festival gates open at 4:30 PM on Thursday & Friday and 9:30 AM Saturday & Sunday. During the daytime hours of the festival, there are six active stages hosting workshops and concerts with one stage devoted solely to children's entertainment. Face painting, street performers and roving acts are just some of the treats you'll find in between the stages. This festival is so kid-friendly they have put free entry in place for festival-goers 11 and under. There are dozens of food vendors, ranging from carnival fare to vegetarian and world cuisine. The green onion cakes and elephant ears are two EMFM classics! A large tent houses craftspeople and there is a CD tent where the performers' albums can be purchased.
"Like most festivals, the experience needs to be lived to understand why this festival continues to be one of the premier music events in Canada. The Folk Fest manages to create an atmosphere that goes beyond the music, into an experience in itself. The entire production—from the setting, of the stages, to the volunteer staff that keep it going, and even the festival goers themselves—generates a feeling we look forward to experiencing again and again." - festivalseekers.com
Are you going to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival this year? Send us your pictures and stories for a festival recap! info@yogalifestudios.ca
Servus Heritage Festival
Festival City: Servus Heritage Festival
This year marks the 39th Servus Heritage Festival, known around YEG simply as "Heritage Days" or "the most amazing place to grab dinner". Featuring 60 pavilions and representing over 85 cultures, this festival is brimming with things to do and see. The action runs from August 2nd to 4th in beautiful Hawrelak Park. Enjoy cultural food (so much delicious food!!!), performances, crafts, clothing, artwork and more in Edmonton's largest park space.
Festival Hours:
Noon to 9 pm Saturday, August 2nd 10 am to 9 pm Sunday, August 3rd 10 am to 7 pm Monday August 4th
The Heritage Festival is an amazing place to connect and chat with people about their cultural roots and their present-day communities in Canada. Look for pavilions showcasing cultural displays with photos, paraphernalia, and stories about their culture or ethnic background in Edmonton. Check out the full pavilion listing here.
Admission is FREE but don't forget your donation for the Edmonton Food Bank!
What are your favourite YEG summer festivals? What have you been up to?
Connect with us on Facebook and share your summer stories.
*photos in the article used from www.heritage-festival.com
Unify Festival
WHEN IS IT?
Sunday July 27th • 10am till late
WHAT IS IT?
A co-creation of local yoga studios and conscious people: yoga, lectures, acroyoga, breath work, kirtan, music, dance and conscious celebration.
WHO IS IT?
Meghan Currie, David Wolfe, the Luminaries, Kaminanda plus lots of local favourites.
Full Line Up —————— Jana (Derges) Roemer Sonic Sattva – Andrew Misle & DJ Robindrafari Meghan Currie Rameen Peyrow Acroyoga with Kelsey and Dawn Integrative Breathwork with Noorish Breathwork Team and music by Blair Francis Sparrow Grace and Friends David Wolfe – yoga and talk Luminaries – conscious hip hop Kaminanda
Noorish loves good food, yoga, conscious living and community.
This July they’re bringing together leading Author and Superfood Expert David Wolfe, renowned Yoga Instructor Meghan Currie, musical guests The Luminaries and Kaminanda, along with a myriad of our local favourites to throw a 1-day festival of yoga and conscious celebration in Edmonton at the Oasis Conference Centre.
Sunday July 27th, 10am till 1am At the Oasis Centre – 10930 177 St., Edmonton AB (see map)
Ticket Options
Full Festival Pass (includes yoga, David Wolfe Talk, and evening music) – $111 advance, $140 door Yoga Day Pass – $60 advance only David Wolfe Talk - $60 advance only Evening Music Only (Kaminanda + Luminaries) – $35 advance only
Visit the official site: http://noorish.ca/unifyfest
YEG Festival City: 30th International Street Performer's Festival
It’s finally the heart of summer—the heat is on and YEG Festival City is out in full force. Downtown, all the signs are obvious—mini donut and lemonade stands marking the sidewalks, live music carrying through the streets, and foot traffic enough to rival that of cars. Oliver Square is no exception with the International Street Performer’s Festival celebrating its 30th year of lightening up our city’s core. Featuring returning favourites and brand-new performers, this year’s Street Performer’s Festival runs the gamut from dancers and musicians, to comedic characters and magicians, all here to make you smile, laugh, or just be plain ol’ amazed.
This year, over 40 professional performers take to the Square from July 4-13th, with special acts for the kids (like Kids’ World, featuring Cap’n Arr, so your little ones can learn how to act like pirates), and big kids (like Late Night Madness, featuring outrageous cabaret characters). Or perhaps you’d like to take to the stage yourself? Try out the Be Your Own Busker workshops, and learn to juggle, stilt walk, or break dance!
Be sure to check out the big tent—where performer Phileas Flash is hard at play throughout the week creating a balloon sculpture to celebrate the festival’s 30th year. And if nothing else puts a smile on your face, feel good about all the fun, as this festival’s got its karma straight—StreetFest presents Comedy Cares, an award-winning outreach that serves up laughter as medicine to hospitals and care facilities in the Edmonton area.
For more information, a full list of performers, and schedules, check out www.edmontonstreetfest.com. And be sure to let us know your favourite shows!
All photos courtesy of the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival. Used with permission.
Astral Harvest: Yogis in the Field
Four Yogalifers, Five Workshops, A Million Smiles!
This year marks the 7th annual gathering of beautiful souls for Astral Harvest: Mythic Roots // Binary Skies, July 3-6th in Driftpile, Alberta. A homegrown festival with the roots of the crew hailing from Edmonton, this is a quick-growing shaker with something for everyone. With daytime workshops as a central focus for Astral, it's no surprise that four of our own will be sharing their skills with the festival-goers. Graham Parsons, Jessica Saulnier, Jennie Musani and Caitlin Varrin are rolling in with five different offerings over the weekend. They couldn't be more excited to be a part of this magic.
Graham shares:
"My favourite part of astral is sharing chai with a best friend you weren't acquainted with till that afternoon, as you leave the chill dome at 3am and both smile at the part of the sky that never really got dark, & know that you still have several more days of warm friends, mindful yoga, inspiring art & immersive bass. Welcome to Now"
Join Graham Friday, July 4th // 10am // Sacred Vibration Vinyasa AND 4pm // Laughter Yoga
Jennie shares:
"To me, Astral Harvest means freedom. I'm most excited to just be. <3"
Join Jennie Sunday, July 6th // 12pm // Yin Harmony
www.astralharvest.com gives you all the background info a festival-er could need, and here's a snippet from their blog to illuminate the vibe of this gathering:
Astral Harvest Music is not your ordinary music festival - it is a feast for your senses!
We bring in international and local DJs and acoustic acts, powered by the ever-impressive PK Sound. Our 4 unique stages and incredible lineup brings world wide recognition. But Astral Harvest goes beyond the music scene with an emphasis on daytime activities. Astral Harvard conferences are sure to inspire new thoughts and ideas. Learn a new skill or practice at a workshop, cool yourself in the river at the beach or take in one of the many live art shows or interactive performances throughout the weekend. Our atmosphere is part of the magic - a playground and children's activities will keep your Little Harvesters engaged and entertained!
Nestled in the beautiful boreal wilderness of Northern Alberta, admission includes 3 nights and 4 days of camping, free water and firewood, and access to hot, coin-operated showers. Take a stroll through our funky and renowned marketplace and support local artists, merchants and bountiful food vendors.
Come celebrate music, art, knowledge, community and the human experience - Home is where the Harvest is.
A little more from our other two yogis in the field:
Jessica shares:
"Astral Harvest to me is yet another opportunity to experience oneness with all, while providing the freedom to express individuality through music, dance, movement, fashion, art, and performance. If one word could describe the spirit and beauty of the festival grounds, the amazing stages, the friendships made, the love and light shared between fellow humans, the informative workshops, yummy yoga, epic dance sessions, and hilarious camping adventures, well my friends, that word would be MAGIC." Join Jessica on Friday, July 4th // 1pm // Gaia Flow
Caitlin shares:
"Astral Harvest is community: home, heart and harmony. It's reunions and connections, so many smiles and jokes, family. My favourite people, land, music, art and movement. Harvesters are truly and deservedly spoiled :)" Join Caitlin on Thursday, July 3rd // 1:30 // Simple Pleasures~Hatha Flow"
Big thanks to Luke GS Art & Photography for the beautiful photos!
Big Love For Prairie Yogi
photos by Jenn Crebas Photography
Ahhh, sunshine, music, friends, and yoga. What more could you want out of life?! Last week, the elusive Edmonton sun beamed out its welcoming warmth and rays— a wonderful way to greet Prairie Yogi as they stopped over in our city. After reading and loving the online magazine and community they’ve created, we finally had the pleasure of meeting Rachelle and Monique (a.k.a. Prairie Yogi) in-person at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park.
Together, we saluted the beaming sun as Noah Krol of Peg City Yoga guided us through an open-air karma practice, the river and pyramids our drishti. Post-savasana popsicles from our friends at Lululemon made the whole afternoon feel a treat as we sat in the grass to chat.
And as if the daytime yoga wasn’t enough bliss, we stepped into Latitude 53—an art gallery repurposed as practice space—for the official PY YEG Launch Party, the tone set with soft incense and some sweet, funky musical stylings from Robhindra Muse-ic. Our heart-opening practice was guided with the warm hands of Edmonton’s own, with gracious adjustments from Myrah Penaloza and Teresa Byer, as Andrew Misle led us through a strong back body sequence.
We loved practicing alongside familiar faces, and some we haven’t seen before—it was incredible to share space and so much good-hearted energy with all kinds of YEG yogis! Edmonton’s yogis are truly rockin’ their practices—and this whole day of yoga immersion with the community served as such a sweet reminder of all the good vibes floating across our city, within and without our studio walls.
We hope you felt the love too, Prairie Yogi—please come back and hang anytime!
Prairie Yogi toured Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta to promote their upcoming Prairie Love festival which takes place in Winnipeg this September. Check it out!
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Wheat Kings and Prairie Things
“Big skies, big hearts”—that’s how Rachelle and Monique, known together for their work with Prairie Yogi, describe our wide community of practitioners and the great expanse of land—of grain and grit—upon which we move. Prairie Yogi is an online magazine devoted to building connections across the prairies, uniting yogis from Edmonton all the way to Winnipeg.
Often it may feel that we’re isolated here, far north and far away from an engaged, curious community of yogis—that’s why Rachelle and Monique wanted to create an open, online forum for prairie practitioners to share their experiences, their studios, and their love for the wide expanses we call home. The idea is that we can foster a family, we can cultivate a kind of Canadian kula—and feel connected, whether linked with words on their website, or when we travel between places.
This month, Prairie Yogi is traveling from their home base of Winnipeg to officially launch their project westward—and they’ll be stopping by Edmonton next week, on June 11th. We feel so honoured that they’ve hand-picked two of our very own instructors to lead through their launch—Yogalifer and Studio Director Lindsey Park will be guiding an outdoor practice during the day at Louise McKinney Park. And in the evening, our own Myrah Penaloza, alongside Andrew Misle and Teresa Byer, will be helping teach a 75-minute class at Latitude 53—an event that involves not just yoga, but also wine, food trucks, and beats by guest DJ Robindra. (You had us at yoga!)
We chatted with Prairie Yogi to get to know these lovely ladies a little better before their big YEG debut. Here’s what they had to say.
1) Tell us about Prairie Yogi—who are you, and what do you do?
R: Prairie Yogi was created first as a print Magazine to educate + inspire yogis across the Prairies, and it has evolved into such a beautiful community over the last 2.5 years. We believe story-telling, community, and experiences and these beliefs are expressed through our digital media property prairieyogi.com and our signature style of events. I am the founder of Prairie Yogi, the editor of the website, and the one who spearheads our events and marketing strategies.
M: Prairie Yogi began as a print magazine two and a half years ago. Now it's grown into something much larger and something very special. It's an inclusive community of passionate yogis (of all levels!). We host inspiring yoga events, workshops and this September we'll be hosting Prairie Love - the prairie's first yoga and wellness festival. I created the Prairie Yogi website and have my hands in all things creative: design, photography, video- creativity makes me bust with joy!
2) What do you love about the prairies?
R: I love the four seasons, life in the extremes and its effect on our people. We're friendly and can handle pretty much anything mother nature throws our way. I'm a gypsy at heart, I never thought I'd end up here. It took me years of travel across four continents and living on a tropical island to realize just how special the prairies are and be ready to call Winnipeg the place I choose to spend life.
M: My favourite thing about the prairies is the people. The prairies will always mean home, family and community to me. Regardless of the weather (we really do endure the extremes!) prairie people always seem to embrace the temperatures with resilience and make the most of the beautiful seasons we have.
3) Have you visited Edmonton before? If so, what stands out—do you have any Edmonton stories? What did you love?
R: My first love was from Edmonton. I spent some time in the summer there with him wildly (and naively) in love, the way you can only be when you're young. My memories of the city are fond and so special. The one that sicks out in my mind is seeing the Northern Lights for the first time during a backyard sleep out. I also am a big kid and love the water park at West Edmonton Mall :)
M: The last time I was in Edmonton I think I must have been 7 years old. So as you can imagine - West Ed water park better watch out! But in all seriousness, people often say that Edmonton is Winnipeg's sister city and I'm really looking forward to experiencing the city and community. I've noticed how vibrant the yoga community is in Edmonton and I really am looking forward to connecting and making new friendships.
4) What can we expect from your events during the #YEG launch on June 11th?
R: Community, fun, and inspiration all around. We like to laugh and play and we encourage participants to bring an element of fun and lightness into their practice and community. We always have a few surprises and goodies up our sleeves as well for participants. We're had such amazing feedback from our events in Winnipeg, and we cannot wait to spread the love out West!
M: Fun, smiles, treats, and a great sense of community. My favourite thing about Prairie Yogi events is the way people really feel the love, open arms and open hearts.
5) What makes someone a prairie yogi?
R: I think it means different things to everyone. We always ask that question to our prairie yogis of the month and the answers always vary. For me it means being resilient, celebrating where you’re from, and being connected. Connection allows you to let life flow, good and bad, like it does in the big skies of vast horizon of the prairies.
M: I think being a Prairie Yogi means that a) you embrace some aspect of yoga in your life and b) you've found a home in the prairies - whether you were born here, live here, or live elsewhere.
We’d love for you to join us on June 11th as we give Prairie Yogi an open-armed, open-hearted, warm warm welcome to our city. We know we’ll be there! Daytime event is free and drop-in, tickets for the evening event are available here.
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