Interview// BK Chat With Atmosphere Festival Exec Producer Benny Howells

The very special Atmosphere Gathering is happening again this year August 18-20 in Cumberland, BC. Betty and Kora spoke with Executive Producer and pal, Benny Howells, to check on the team’s stoke levels for this year! Tickets are still available and can be purchased right here

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Hard to pick as always. We have a stellar powerhouse woman lineup as well as the infamous silent disco that has people dancing all night while onlookers smack dab in the middle of town hear nothing…and we may just have a few secret stunts planned this year so keep your wits aboutcha

Your team has put together one hell of a line-up this year! Who are you are some of your personal must see’s thus far?

Honestly, I could go on about everyone, the line-up is stacked with amazing. For the sake of the general attention span I’ll keep to 3.

Certainly Half Moon Run, this year we are privileged to be their ONLY western play this summer as they are in a creative phase right now. For many of the band, this is a homecoming. Their music is so superb and their international recognition has brought them all around the world. They sell out ALL their shows. On a personal level, their music has a real emotional effect, you can bet I will be on the dance floor for their entire set.

CloZee all-star woman powerhouse that we can’t wait to see shake Cumberlands dance floor. Shes going to bring the heat to the BIgTop and I wouldn’t miss it if I was you. With her is dancer Haza, creative dancer, choreographer and teacher from France. Got a feeling these two women are going to really bring things together this year.

Finally, Frivolous,  I had the pleasure of seeing him late one night at Diversity Festival on Texada Island, he had a few very dedicated folks on the dance floor and gave it his all playing this unique brand of 4/4 that was just so infectious.  He will be coming straight off a massive European tour with Atmosphere as the last stop!

Atmosphere means many things on different levels to me. On one hand its a collaboration and accumulation of a life time of work, or a massive art project where each individuals personal experience is the canvas. On the other hand it’s the great challenge of piecing together so many moving parts. Something that takes careful planning all year round and then executed over a few short days. Guess I love to see a plan come together and find calm in the chaos of festival planning.  More then anything else its a larger community’s expression of who we are as a people and what we value. Its a small example of what we can accomplish when working together.

A crazy mix of sangria enjoyed on a warm summers afternoon with a shot of tequila in the evening to get you pumped and ready for when the serious party starts.