We can dance if we want to at Shazamfest XII
Shazamfest is shaping up for its 12th edition, and the celebration is guaranteed to be greater than ever, according to co-founder Ziv Przytyk.
This year’s line-up at the famous Barnston West fest will include Men Without Hats, known for the 1980’s hit The Safety Dance. “Almost all the original members will be there too,” said Przytyk.
“There’s going to be so much more than any other year,” he exclaimed, boasting a slew of new activities: tie-dye stations, drum-making kiosks, a string quartet to accompany the ever-present wrestling matches, and maybe even a flute-making stand, among many others.
“There will be many new and wonderful things.”
But not to worry, Przytyk also promises all the old favorites. Burlesque shows, circus fun, beach access and skateboarding competitions are all on the menu at the Shazamfest.
The eco-friendly festival will keep up its green ways as well. Przytyk commented that with close to 2,000 people attending last year’s edition, only 12 garbage bags resulted from the festivities.
The fact that the festival occurs on his own property is an incentive to keep the party clean.
“The family farm has been organic since 1982. You know, I live there. My children play there. It’s our home,” said Przytyk.
“When the Shazamfest first started, me and my brother did the garbage alone and it sucked. So we decided to minimize it, and we ask the stragglers at the end of the weekend to help. You do it once and you become much more conscious,” he laughed. “We try to educate people a little every year about waste.”
Reduction of waste is what they aim for, according to Przytyk. “It’s one thing to recycle, but even recycling takes energy. We don’t use anything that isn’t compostable.” The Shazamfest is a waterbottle free zone, he explained, given that there is free water access at the farms well. The event also uses real dishes; which festival goers are invited to clean after their meals. Plastic cups cost 50 cents a pop, and free beer is offered to those who pick up cigarette butts on-site.
Being green can also save you a buck at the festival, where you get a 20% discount on tickets if you arrive on foot or by bike.
To Przytyk, Shazamfest is all about community and having a good time. He stressed that profit is not a motivation for him.
“If it was profit-driven I would have quit the first year,” he joked, adding that last year’s festival was the first time in 12 years that they made profit.
Shazamfest is volunteer based, and remains relatively cheap, said Przytyk. He explained how the goal is simply to bring as many people together for a good time.
“Shazamfest started after I tried to get into Cirque du Soleil when I was 17. They said no,” he laughed. “So I decided to make my own circus. It’s cheaper to come party with us anyway.”
“You’re really just paying for the shows,” he said. “It’s about the whole experience. It’s also free for citizens of Barnston West, to give back to the community. There’s even a low income plan. People can call me and we can work something out. There’s always a way to come to Shazamfest!”
“Through the years, we’ve created a vibrant international community,” said Przytyk. “We’ve had people from all over North America, from Germany, Israel, the Middle East, Australia. You don’t do things alone in life. It’s no fun if you do.”
Shazamfest will take place from July 14 through 16. Tickets and information are available on www.shazamfest.com.