Headstash

Festival Website: http://www.mayanholidaze.com/

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Upon arrival, it was clear that most people were super relieved to get out of the cold weather and into some sun. Swimming trunks, sandals, sun hats and sundresses would be a recurring theme throughout the weekend. The humidity took hold immediately. I couldn't wait to shed my jeans for shorts. The weather maintained at about 85 degrees over the four days.

Aside from the monsoon-like storm that took place towards the end of Big Gigantic's Friday sunset gig and the torrential downpour of reverse fireworks summoned by a well-oiled Disco Biscuits finale on Sunday, rain was mostly absent. The bit of wetness we encountered was the perfect accent to a sub-tropical vacation.

Sunday as a whole was a bit cooler. During the Brendan Bayliss Acoustic set, the wind was sharp and the pool water was a tad nippy due to the sun resting behind the plethora of clouds which loomed over the Mayan Riviera.

Five Highlights

The Disco Biscuits: "Basis For A Day > Aceetobee." The Biscuits aren’t necessarily the most consistent band on the circuit now with their lack of touring and sporadic shows. But one thing is for certain: when those gears start turning, watch out.

I personally love where they decided to let the jam take off. The slap bass section right after the intro is one of the quintessential reasons why so many of us continue to vibe with Bisco.

Photo Credit: Kyle Buckland

In conclusion, straight Blissco You know that feeling you get when you have full body goose bumps? Yeah, it was like that . . .

Getting Bowie on the beach with Umphrey’s. With both Dominic Lalli (Big Gigantic) and Jen Hartswick (Wyllys and JHa, Van Ghost, Trey Anastasio Band) in attendance, there was sure to be a big brass throwdown.

With none other than the troubadours of A.D.D. rock at the helm, Umphrey’s McGee teamed up with Dom and Jen to deliver a smoking, funkalicious version of David Bowie’s 1983 hit “Let’s Dance.”

This had the crowd in a frenzy. Everyone was strutting around, displaying their best moves and efficiently getting down. Funk just does uncontrollable things to your body. That is for sure.

Sunday night’s Sector 9 set sans laptops. The word on the beach was that STS9 had been planning on dropping an actual old-school Sector 9 set without the laptops and it came to fruition quite pleasantly.

I love this concept for the band. It enables them to actually improvise and explore some unchartered territory. “Breathe In” always takes me to that place. Everyone seemed to be feeling this set. It is also a pleasure to see them drop “Gobnugget,” too.

Biscuits’ Type II intro into “Cyclone.” For about 10 minutes, my homies and I were lost in a Magner odyssey. Confused and jumbled, we weren’t sure if it was just that good, or if it was a composed intro.

Photo Credit: Kyle Buckland

After further examination, it was, in fact, a jam. The Disco Biscuits were locked on. The way Magner manipulates and modulates that Virus synth is impeccable.

Although the set times were short for tDB on Friday, you have to love four-song sets.

Dom sitting in on sax for the end of “Spaga.” Being a nerd at heart and having a firm knowledge and love of classical music, composed pieces like “Spaga” tickle my fancy. The lyrics are awesome, the song is dark and the saxophone gives music a certain warmth it otherwise lacks.

Given the peril The Disco Biscuits have been in and through in the last few years, their jams still speak volumes to me. When they are on, they can take me places other bands are unable to.

From past experiences, horns usually don’t go together too well with their music, but this time was an anomaly. In my opinion, Dom was the MVP of the weekend. Every piece of music he touched, I thoroughly enjoyed. Dude is such a talented musician and is one of the most passionate, real people in the industry.

 

Relocation of the late-night situation. Last year, the late-nights were held in the actual discothèque. Although the production last year was lacking, the experience as a whole was so much better. The windows could open and a breeze could roll through. There were high ceilings and much more room to move about, not to mention a few cabanas to chill out in.

The room they were in was way too small. You couldn’t dance at all without spilling your drink or someone else’s. It smelled like crap and cigars in there, too. The sound was terrible and the production was even more minimal.

My suggestion for next year is to bring more transcendental music. Maybe offer smaller, up-and-coming bands like Papadosio, The Werks, Zoogma, Brothers Past or Nadis Warriors a chance to play.

Also, move it back to the big discothèque. The vibe in there is much more proper.

Professionals. The difference between Mayan Holidaze and other festivals is that 8 out of 10 people are professionals. Businessmen, music industry professionals, college professors, NASA scientists, gangsters of life, purveyors of good vibes, chemists, captains, horticulturalists – you name it, they were there.

Lighting designers galore. Although all three LDs used the exact same rig and set-up, the lights were completely different for each band. It was awesome to see how each artist used his canvas differently.

Photo Credit: Kyle Buckland

Umphrey’s Jefferson Waful has to be the most tasteful technician in the business next to Phish’s Chris Kuroda. Waful’s usage of the palms, umbrellas and lifeguard towers behind the stage proved to be the ultimate eye candy. His disco ball-like gobos can always be found painting the stage. The orange, purple and green combo is otherworldly.

When it comes to The Disco Biscuits, LD Johnny R. Goode seems to be perpetually working the strobes, an inherent part of Bisco. Unfortunately, the lasers didn’t make the trek down.

After seeing STS9’s recent venture in visual stimulation, I was hoping they would bust out the Great Spectacle Cycles theatrics on the Mayan Peninsula. Although they had a lesser set-up, LD Saxton Waller brought out his trademarked ROYGBIV designs. He is constantly running the gamut of the rainbow on his lighting console, which ultimately provides a stunning visual backdrop for the band.

Free beer and friendly locals. Bottomless booze being brought to you doesn’t have a price tag. As long as you tipped properly, the service was on point. We ended up becoming friends and swapping contact info with our waiters Miguel and Alejandro.

One amazing thing about this year is how much more prepared everyone was. Remember: it ain’t no fun if the homies can’t have none.

Everything that Dominic Lalli sat in on was gold. He appeared in sets with all three of the main acts:

Thursday night with STS9 on “Grow.”

Saturday night with The Disco Biscuits on the jam into the end of “Spaga.”

Sunday night with Umphrey’s McGee on David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.”

  

The vibe that engulfs this resort is second to none. The people, the musicians, the beach and the tradition the area is steeped in is all an integral part to the equation that is Mayan Holidaze.

The fact that it isn’t your average show and costs a considerable amount more only thins out the crowd for those adventurous enough to buy the ticket and take the ride.

Photo Credit: Kyle Buckland

Not only does it keep the riff-raff out, it enables you to share the experience with like-minded professionals. It is events like this where I meet the people who will continue to inspire me and make an impact on my life.

Other than a few people who tried to sneak in and one person not being able to handle himself, it was a pretty smooth operation.

I know a few people got engaged, too. What a special, sacred place to experience that. Congrats to all of you! Here’s wishing you well-being and prosperity in the future.

The people who continuously frequent events like Mayan Holidaze are the backbone of this scene that we love. They are the ones purveying the good vibes and getting down with their crews. They are the ones who dress up and become some sort of “character” when it gets real, just to help you peak your experience.

You people are the breath and heartbeat of what we love.

Best Pictures

Photo Credit: Kyle Buckland

Photo Credit: Bronson Kandel

Photo Credit: Kyle Buckland

Photo Credit: Kyle Buckland

 

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Check out our coverage of all your favorite summer festivals in our 2012 Festival Guide.

What did you think of Mayan Holidaze 2012? Highlights, lowlights and surprises. Let us know in the comments below.