Words by Brian Cameron - Photos by Ian Azariah
I, like so many people on the west coast am a North American migrant. I was born back east but proudly call British Columbia my home. I heard a theory a while back and I feel as though it rings true in many aspects of life. Before North America was colonized there was a small group of europeans who decided to do something extremely bold and risky. They were willing to leave everything they’d ever known and loved. On the premise of making a better life in a far away place they’d never been. Once they had made it to N.A and established safe colonies the masses started flooding over. The theory is that all of us who were born in the east and now call the west home are descendants of those initial risk taking europeans. We’ve just done it in a modern world.
I started looking at other aspects of life to see where this theory can be found, specifically music festivals. Who are the people that are drawn to those distant, hard to get to fests? We’ve all heard of the comforts of big name parties like Coachella where you spend your nights sleeping in mansions until your limo is ready to take you to the grounds. Luckily for us right in the depths of our backyard one such festival exists, Tall Tree Music Festival in Port Renfrew, B.C. I called up one of my best friends who just so happens to be one of the most talented photographers I’ve ever met. His name is Ian Azariah and was also born in Ontario. We set out down a logging road for Browns Mountain. The thought wasn’t to see what but who we could find roaming the grounds.
We set up a backdrop and found the most interesting looking creatures meandering past our camp. It was cordially named Mahalo Cove, situated next to Betty & Kora’s Legendary Jaguar Lounge so needless to say it was a constant stream of beautiful people. As Ian took snaps I asked these wonderful humans their stories. There was a shockingly high number of migrants like ourselves but also a strong showing of west coast born partiers. There was an underlying message when I asked the same question to each person “why Tall Tree and why a festival so far off the grid?” Regardless of the way they all worded it the answer was the same. They were all there for the positive vibe, openness and most of all the like-minded people. Thats when I realized these frontier festivals are more than just the incredible music, they’re about having the chance to be yourself without judgement. From the large shirtless man redefining what “having a time” means while he danced around with a deer antler praying to whatever music gods he deemed fit. That is his frontier and the only thing warranted by the people of Tall Tree was unrelenting support.
In this day and age we’re slotted into careers such as bankers, social & government workers so sometimes it lacks the adventure that our ancestors once had. No wonder we want to go out into the far corners of this world because at the end of the road is the only place you’ll find those bold risk taking Frontier Partiers.
Above is a glimpse into the wonderful people you’ll meet on the frontier, for a broader view get in your car and drive to the end of the road. You won’t find any strangers….just friends you haven’t met yet.
