Bringing Music and Collective Energy to Palomar Mountain
May 30, 2019 - Palomar Mountain, California - If you've never attempted the Nate Harrison Road grade, it is an adventure in itself. High above Northeast San Diego County's Pauma Valley, the road weaves its way up to the historic Native lands and the 67-acre ranch once owned by Nate Harrison, a freed slave and legendary homesteader of the wooded slopes of Palomar Mountain. The area is known as one of the most significant archeological sites in the region. It's worth the drive just on those merits alone.
It was even more enticing this past Memorial Day weekend as Harrison Serenity Ranch was a destination for hundreds to celebrate live music, friendship and building community at the second annual Rock N' Soul Summit Festival, May 24-27.
The event is the brainchild of the Canadian hippie-rock-soul band Daring Greatly, co-created with Vicki Morgan, owner of Harrison Serenity Ranch, in association with La Jolla-based Trilogy Sanctuary, and many dedicated volunteers.
This year's festival took six months of planning, and Daring Greatly's Dail Croome reported, "It was perfectly imperfect. The Festival is evolving each year," Croome stated. Croome was pleased with the outcome, continuing, "This year’s festival had so many contrasts--weather, logistics, people, the Arts, food--all under one common premise, cooperative energy, or...love."
Live music was featured all weekend, with an exceptional line-up of popular California and Canadian bands including Daring Greatly, The Routine, Desert Rythym Project, Cloud People, master guitarist Anthony Cullins (The Fallbrook Kid), the soulful sound of Sherri Ann of Sister Speak Band, the heartfelt beats of Monette Marino Band, and the folksy-rock guitar vibe of the Sarah Rogo Band.
The festival's co-creator Vicki Morgan, owner of Harrison Serenity Ranch, a popular guest ranch and retreat center, described the weekend as "a beautiful, spiritual experience," one that she plans to continue "at least annually."
"We've seen this festival create a bond--a life-long connection--with like-minded individuals. It's a vibe we want to nurture and grow for years to come," Morgan stated.
Participants had the option of weekend or day passes, enabling full access to the lush, spring-fed wooded ranch, and entertainment which included fire dancers, aerial acrobats, drum circles, tea and cacao ceremonies, as well as daily yoga, and meditation. Attendees also had access to spiritual services from Reverend Dr. Guy Williams of the Hilltop Center for Spiritual Living, Fallbrook.
"The overlying intention was to bring everyone closer to feeling 'human' again, and we certainly hit an energetic bullseye," Croome said.
Participants enjoyed camping in their tents, trailers and motorhomes, all sites boasting exceptional views of the California Oaks-dotted property, or the valley vistas below. Accommodations of well-appointed "glamping" tents were offered by Harrison Serenity Ranch for an additional fee.
An inviting mercado of services, wares and refreshments were available, including offerings of massage, reiki, and sound healing, original artwork, organic and vegan food options, sculpture, natural teas, and fresh floral headpieces.
Daring Greatly, of Calgary, Alberta, established themselves in San Diego four years ago, and has created a loyal Southern California following. Neither rain, nor cold, could dampen the enthusiasm of their fans, eager to see their last performance before heading out on their Spring/Summer "Give Myself To The World" tour of the Northwestern U.S, Canada and Mexico. They performed many of their original works, Including their soon-to-be-released single, "Give Myself To The World."
The organizers are planning the next Rock N' Soul Summit Festival at Harrison Serenity Ranch, dates to be announced. If interested in participation, vendor opportunities, or sponsorship, follow Rock N' Soul Summit Festival at rocknsoulsummit.com or #rocknsoulsummitfestival
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Daring Greatly, originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a Classic Rock/Soul band consisting of a father, his two sons, and their two best friends who continue to set the model of how a band can be successful in an independent and healthy music scene. With mesmerizing 5-part harmonies, the group shares a simple message to be free, to be courageous, and to fall in love with as many things as possible. daring-greatly.com and @daringgreatly_
Harrison Serenity Ranch is a 67-acre spiriually-minded guest ranch, and full-service retreat center nestled in the Cleveland National Forest, on Palomar Mountain, approximately 65 miles from San Diego city center. harrisonserenityranch.com
Trilogy Sanctuary, a vibrant wellness center in La Jolla, serves community with indoor and outdoor yoga studio, aerial yoga, rooftop vegan and organic café with catering, spiritual counseling, juice cleanses, cold-pressed juice, BoHo boutique and event venue. Trilogy Sanctuary was created to provide a place that nurtures balance andMinspires people to lead healthy lives in harmony with themselves and with nature.