This year of the big 2012, we invite photographers, videographers and lovers of Shambhala to apply to be on our Media Team! We are looking for an exceptional team to capture an exceptional event.

Starting on March 12th 2012, for two weeks only, we will be accepting your portfolios and applications.
Submissions will be judged according to their artistic merit, ability to capture emotive moments, storytelling and professional quality. The SMF Media Team will have an all access media pass (with some restrictions), access to our Media Centre, early entry ticket, meals while on shift and also have your work profiled on our website.
Shambhala will reserve the right to use this material in our festival promotional material. Applicants are expected to use their own professional gear.

I look forward to hearing from all you talented peeps in March!

@heart,
ricardO

*if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me, ricardo@shambhalamusicfestival.com
**please note, this is a volunteer based position.

The Breakspoll Awards voting period ends soon – Monday, February 6th at 6am PST, in fact – so please, spread the word and get your vote in before it’s too late!

11th Annual Breakspoll International Breakbeat Awards

The International Breakbeat Awards started life back in 2001 with an online voting competition amongst a small group of breaks fans and producers. Over the years, the idea and event has grown massive in size – now taking over some of London’s hottest and biggest nightclubs for multi-day events every year, as well as taking the brand on tour across the World, including a 10,000 capacity Festival in Spain. A Breakspoll award is the ultimate accolade in the breaks scene – voted for by thousands globally, a Breakspoll award is the recognition that most people yearn for and work for, and is a celebration of an artists hard work and dedication.

Support Shambhala by voting for:

• Best Large Event – Shambhala
• Best Blog – our friends at ghettofunk.co.uk

(There are also a handful of Shambhala favourites on the ballot, including BC local & Fractal Forest staple, Stickybuds! Vote with your dancing feet! <3 Special thanks to Elite Force who picked our award up for us at the ceremony last year!)

Be sure to check your email after submitting your ballot – you will need to click the link they send you to confirm your entry!

CAST YOUR BREAKSPOLL 2012 BALLOT NOW!

27th Annual International Dance Music Awards

One of the most anticipated annual events on the global music calendar (and the only longstanding awards event dedicated to the dance and electronic music industry), the IDMAs generate over two million votes from music enthusiasts in 206 countries and territories every year to recognize and honor exceptional achievements in 57 award categories. This is the industry highlight at the epicenter of WMC week. Another unique aspect of the IDMAs is the convergence of industry legends and emerging talent alike. As part of its mission statement to serve as a platform for the advancement of the industry, the IDMAs place particular emphasis on innovative artists and industry. As music continues to evolve the IDMAs have emerged as an essential platform for career launching appearances.

Support Shambhala by voting for:

• #41. Best Event – Shambhala
• #48. Best Club Sound System (Manufacturer) – PK Sound
• #52. Best Manufacturer of the Year – PK Sound

Be sure to check your email after submitting your ballot – you will need to click the link they send you to confirm your entry!

CAST YOUR IDMA 2012 BALLOT NOW!

~Thanks for all your love and support, Farmily! The International recognition Shambhala has received in the past few years is such an honour, and we wouldn’t be here without you! Shambhalove! ~

2012 Work Applications – CLICK HERE

We’re happy to announce crew applications are ready as of Monday, January 30th, 2012!!! Hooray!

Want to Help Out?

Thanks!

Shambhala is not just run by fairies and unicorns; it takes lots of people to make it all come together too! Whether you want to give back a little or a lot, please take the time to fill out an application so we can get a better idea as to who you are.

If this will be your first year ever coming to the farm, we suggest applying for a volunteer position. If you do apply for a staff position, please understand that you will be committed to work nearly the entire duration of the festival.

Returning to the Farm?

Hey Farmily!

Are you in for another wicked year!? Please take the time fill out an application this year, and be sure to include all your previous work history. Whether you were a volunteer, staff member, or even management, all crew members will be required to fill one out. These applications will turn into your new worker profiles, so help us to keep all your info accurate and up-to-date.

We welcome all to re-apply, however, only those who have received an invitation back will be guaranteed a position.

Work Details For Volunteers and Staff

We cannot accept workers who:

- Are under the age of 19

- Cannot legally work in Canada*

Non-Canadians who are in the country on a valid Canadian work visa, or have permanent resident status can volunteer. Documentation must be provided in these cases.

Selection & Placement:

All workers are chosen based on skills, experience, attitude, and the needs of our teams. Preference is given to those who have a good past working relationship with the festival, though we do consider new eligible applicants for almost every position.
Volunteer Deposit:

All applicants are required to pay a $300 deposit upon submission of the application.

Deposits are gathered to ensure that new or limited experience workers will fulfill their minimum required hours for the festival. Shambhala Music Festival does not keep deposits, except in the event that a worker does not fulfill their shift requirements.

Deposits are returned to workers upon verification that they have completed their shifts, and the majority are returned by the end of the festival. If the worker does not pick up their deposit at the festival or additional verification is needed, deposits may be held for up to two weeks after the festival, and will be mailed to the individual.

Workers with 2 or more years experience with us will be refunded their deposit within 60 days of application.

Workers who are not eligible for a position will also be refunded within 60 days of application.

If you are not accepted for the 2012 festival, please do not feel discouraged. There are only so many positions available (approx. 450), and that many more talented folks who want to help out. We hope to see you apply again next time.

As you may or may not know, we added a new service for travelers from afar in 2011 – we now offer an accommodations package for a pre-assembled campsite!

Let us set up a tent for you in the cool, shady forest with ShambhaLodging.

Quiet, pre-assembled campsites await your arrival, complete with tent, mattress, reserved parking spot and more!

Didn’t get your tickets in the online rush? Fear not! Tickets ARE available with the ShambhaLodging package. We’ve allotted up to two (2) tickets per site.
Check out the previous ShambhaLodging blog for details about how we can cater to your needs.

The application for ShambhaLodging will be available on Friday, February 3rd, 2012. Remember, there are only 200 sites available on a first come, first served basis – so book as soon as you can! See you there!

Melissa Shulga, Director of Human Resources – Big Cranium, Nelson BC

“As we pulled up to the store on that chilly Saturday morning, it was easy to identify the hard-cores,

all set up in their lawn chairs and full winter gear. The doors opened, and the place was packed with smiling faces. One of the best parts of the whole day was seeing everyone’s expression as their tickets were being handed to them. It was as if things would go into slow motion as they played and moved the holograph to reveal all its secrets.

Only a handful of people had heard about our raffle in advance and prepared for it, the rest took the time that day to either go back home or to the grocery store… or raid their friends pantries in some cases. We even had at least a handful of people who insisted on donating without entering the raffle, including Paddy and the rest of the crew at Big Cranium! I was stoked with the amount of donations we received – approximately 150lbs worth of food in 8 hours!

All in all I just feel so proud to have played a small a part of this. Thank you so much to everyone else who made it happen!”

Britz Robins, Social Media Director – Big Cranium, Nelson BC + online

“Instead of sitting in the office by myself, I went mobile with my “Social Media Command Centre,” and set myself up at Big Cranium. In fact, that’s my computer sitting on the counter in the photo above.

The store itself was pretty quiet, but there was a steady stream of people coming in all day to purchase tickets.

Online was another story. You guys kept me busy! Between tweets, updates + photos coming in from other locations, and answering your questions on Facebook (not to mention too many cups of yerba mate), it was a busy day!

From the time the first person posted that they had their ticket in hand, to the first ticket picture posted, to the inevitable following video of the hologram, you guys were connected, and it was a pleasure to chat without throughout the day!”

Sara Victor, Ticket and Vendor Administrator — Grassroots, Calgary AB

“It’s December and I’m in Calgary, yet I’m feeling the energy of Shambhala in the air.

As I park my car and turn the corner approaching Grassroots on 10th St, I see the end of a line-up that appears to be a couple blocks long. My pace quickens as I approach the crowd, and I pull out my camera to catch a shot of what seems to be over two hundred people waiting to purchase their Shambhala ticket. Some folks are even dressed in their festival wear – giant hoods and colourful scarves – the excitement is tangible as the legendary wave “Shambhalaaaa!!!!!” passes through us. I couldn’t be more stoked that all these people will be coming back to the Koots in August.

Hanging out in Grassroots that day was as magical as being at the gate on opening day. The sheer exhilaration experienced by every person just to get their ticket infused me with love and even more passion for what I do. About a third of people waiting in line had already purchased their ticket online and went to support their friends – waiting in line for five hours just to support their friends – truly the spirit of Shambhalove. There were parents, Shambhala veterans and virgins – everyone talking about how much Shambhala inspires them to be filled with love, and that having this little “get together” reminded them why they are waiting in line to get their tickets.

The energy in the store was contagious! The store owners Jenn and James were bubbling with happiness – and Jenn thankfully didn’t go into labour until a few days later – congratulations on your new baby girl!! David Lee of Electrofur brought in his glowing fuzziness, and Chris Stubbs, Rock Pit all-star, was taking food donations and giving out raffle tickets. Together we collected 235 lbs of food for the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank – thank you so much to every one of you!

By mid-afternoon we had numbered up to three hundred people – and the line didn’t start to die down until the snow came. By 5 pm things had calmed – though we were still reeling from the intense experience. I was so touched by the lovelies I met in line, so enforced in my belief that Shambhala truly is a creation of love that is fed and maintained by those who attend the festival. Now, sitting in my office watching the snow fall on the mountains, I package tickets for online sales with a smile in my heart, thinking about the excitement every person feels when they receive their golden ticket. From my heart to yours, I love you all.”

ricardO Hubbs, Cultural Development Dir. – Grassroots, Calgary AB

“Calgary, I love you. The Shambhala energy you so beautifully expressed in the line-up was infectious. Thank-you for making my job worth gold, you are all treasure!”

Caitlin Gladdish, Talent Assistant – Shell Shock, Edmonton AB

“My experience at Shell Shock on the first day of Shambhala ticket sales was extremely fun and also very inspiring. Seeing all the dedicated Shambhalites lined up in -20 weather – some even camped out from the night before – with deep hopes of getting their frozen mittens on the much desired 2012 tickets.

Watching all their frigid rosy cheeks come into the store out of the bitter cold and leaving with big smiles, warm on the inside and out – with the excitement building inside them for their favorite festival.

Many people brought lots of food items to support the food bank here in Edmonton. At the food bank they were very pleased and thankful to receive 180lbs of donations from the festival goers – especially since it’s held in a different province. The thoughtfulness and caring of all you guys that make the festival what it is touches everyone…

I would also like to give many thanks to all the crew at Shell Shock, who made the day even brighter with their awesome uplifting spirits – everyone left happy and satisfied.”

Christine Hunter, Talent Manager – Beatstreet, Vancouver BC

Lowpass TV Presents: Shambhalove!!

“The day started off nice and early at 7:30AM when Holly Thompson (1 of 4 of my amazing kick ass show time assistants, and one of my closest homegirls) awoke on my old roommate’s couches Jake ‘Dubconscious’ Langmuir in East Van. Quick trip to a coffee shop where a triple shot espresso was on the order and a quick drive to downtown and we were there.

Upon walking up to Beatstreet Records, where our release was, we were curious if Vancouver people would be waiting in-line and sure enough upon our arrival at 9:30AM we were greeted by 200+ ppl wrapped around Homer Street off Hastings. We were wearing our purple showtime lanyards, so people figured out quick as we approached that we worked with Shambhala. As we got closer the excitement built up with the people in line and the cheering commenced. We quickly went inside to prep with Avi and Hubbz Beatstreet employees for opening in 1/2hr.

We commenced the ticket release at 10:00AM sharp with enthusiastic Shambha-veterans, virgins, parents and cousins entering the store to start buying their golden tickets. Our first lucky ticket purchaser was Julia Stuckenberg who started to stand in line at 12:00AM! Throughout the short day we had all walks of life come into the store, telling us their stories and experiences.

One of our favorite quotes from the day was from a Jarod Dixon here in the plaid shirt, “I can already taste the dust”. This will be Jarods 9th Shambhala!

By noon we we’re already about 60% sold-out. Shortly after 12:00PM our DJ’s arrived to lay down some music down for us on the 1’s & 2’s: Bevvy Swift (Scratchy of Glitchy & Scratchy who performed on the Pagoda Stage 2011), Application aka Darby who works with the Pagoda Stage at show time and is also a local from Kaslo and DJ Dubconscious who graced the Living Room Stage in 2011.

6:00PM and we we’re officially sold out!! What a day we had chatting with everyone and seeing all the happy faces. I’d like to thank Beatstreet Records Avi & Hubbz and especially the DJ’s and Holly Thompson for coming out and supporting our community we call Shambhala!

Big thanks to everyone for bringing in the food donations – we collected about 150 lbs of food for the local Vancouver food bank! Huge congrats to Zoe Collins, raffle winner, who is pictured on the right w/ the black jacket, joined with her sister Christie and the Avi from Beatstreet in the background holding it down!

Until next year, Steener”

JGirl Footwerk, Fractal Forest Store Manager – Hemp City, Kelowna BC (Dec 30th)

“That was a lot of fun! Woohoo!! Everyone in line were SUPERSTARS! There were a few dedicated people who planned for the wait and brought home made sandwiches. Good thing Kelowna’s weather is mild during the winter. The thermometer checked in at a sunny and balmy +11. Grizz Lee played tunes as folks got their sunnies out and grooved out until the ticket sale began. Congratulations to our two ticket winners Mike Arnally & Manuel Kopp. They were the first two in line! Everyone else had smiles from ear to ear as they got the gold coloured tickets into their hands. People in Kelowna are now extra stoked for the countdown to Shambhala.”

Official Stats:

Congratulations to the happy ticket winners of the food drive draws!

Nelson – Theron Geeraert

Salmo- Kourtenay Olson

Calgary- Roxanne Avray

Edmonton- Andrew Brown

Vancouver- Zoe Collins

Thank you to everyone for the amazing amount of food donations! Together we collected 765 lbs for your local food banks!!

Nelson Food Cupboard- 150 lbs

Salmo Food Bank- 50 lbs

Calgary Interfaith Food Bank- 235 lbs

Edmonton Food Bank- 180 lbs

Vancouver Greater Food Bank- 150 lbs

Holy Fudge, Ticket Sales Are Crazy!

Wow, Shambhalovlies – in a record shattering 17 days, online ticket sales for the 15th annual Shambhala Music Festival, August 8th-13th 2012, have sold out. This is completely unprecedented.

We are so grateful to have an amazing crowd like you. THANK YOU! We are honoured to create an annual home for this incredible community. You truly are our inspiration. It’s mind-blowing to have come to a place, at year 15, where our attendees trust our programming to the point that we will see our first complete sell out well before our lineup is released. We were expecting them to go faster than last year, but nothing like this.

Together, We Make A More Beautiful World. You inspire us. <3

Event tickets selling out well in advance is a trend we’ve observed gaining momentum, especially where electronic music is concerned. Many electronic-focused events are experiencing quick sell-outs, at a rate that has accelerated considerably over the past couple years. Over the past year especially, electronic music has been gaining popularity in North America, and we’re seeing that reflected in ticket sales in a big way.

If there are other events on your 2012 ‘to do’ list – plan in advance, and make sure you’re able to pick those tickets up as soon as you can, preferably the day they go on sale. The culture of acquiring event tickets is quickly shifting – and there is no room for indesicion. Plan ahead, or miss out. That’s pretty much where we’re at. I know I’ll be picking up my Burning Man tickets as soon as I can (although, their ticketing system is in the midst of a major change to a lottery system. Still waiting for more info on that one).

This is uncharted territory for us (and many other events), so we thank you for your patience and understanding as we learn to navigate the new challenges we are facing. It’s more important now than ever that we shine our beacons of Shambhalove, and pass that on to the Shambhala Virgins who will be joining us for their first time this year.

Orders Already Placed

If you’re waiting for a ticket you’ve already ordered, it will still be a little while. We’re still processing orders and have not begun shipping. Due to volume, we’re expecting that orders placed in the first 24 hours of sales will be shipped before the holidays. The rest can be expected in the New Year.

Tickets on Sale in Stores Dec 3^rd, 2011!

If you missed out on online sales and still need a ticket, fear not! Tickets will be available in stores on Saturday, December 3rd. Tickets are $280 + HST & store fee (note: if you are buying tickets in Alberta, they are not exempt of HST. The ticket is being used in BC, so our tax rate applies).

Tickets will be available at the following locations:

BC

AB

Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis and are limited to 3 tickets per customer. Shambhala 2012 is 19+, and ID will be required to purchase tickets.

A Shambhala representative will be available at all retail locations on the first day of sales.

Based on the volume of sales we’ve experienced so far, we are expecting a SAME DAY SELL-OUT at the ticket outlets in major cities, so if you want a ticket from a retailer, make sure you or a friend can be there on December 3rd.

If you find yourself without at ticket after the store sales have sold out, check outStubb’s advice blog that we posted last week, and always be careful when purchasing tickets from 3rd parties. Since we have not shipped any tickets yet, and expect we won’t get all orders out until sometime in January, we highly recommend waiting a couple months before purchasing from websites like kijiji and craigslist to protect yourself from fraudulent sales.

TICKET GIVEAWAY at Store Locations!

Want a chance to win a ticket to Shambhala 2012, and do a little bit of local good for the holidays? There will be a food hamper at each ticket store location on December 3rd. Bring non-perishable food items to be entered into a draw for a Shambhala 2012 ticket. Food donations will be given to a local food bank in each city for the December holiday season.

While browsing our page this morning, I came across a post that I’d like to share. The post is by Chris Stubbs, a long-time Shambhala pre-show volunteer with the Rock Pit crew, and an avid festival goer. He works hard throughout the year…and plays really hard in the summer. Just the way it should be.  In light of yesterday’s online sell-out, he’s got some advice for those of you who still need tickets.

Friends and Farmily,

Shambhala’s 7500 online tickets sold out last nite after a mere 17 days of being onsale.
This is unprecedented and far far beyond anyone’s expectations.

I know many of you missed the boat and are feeling disapponted and desperate right now. This is understandable.

There are another 2000 tickets that will be distributed in small batches to stores throughout BC and AB in the coming weeks. These will sell out in minutes, but there is still hope for those of you dedicated enough to make it to the front of those line ups when they happen.

But for the rest of you, and that’s who this message is directed to, you may be willing at this panicked moment to do or pay whatever the cost just to secure a ticket. But I implore you DO NOT SUPPORT SCALPERS.

Some people will be selling tickets for $500 and up. This behavior is NOT acceptable and should not be supported. If no one buys tickets at outrageous prices, then these fucks who are attempting to turn more of a profit than the organizers who dedicate their entire year to make this event happen, will be forced to drop their prices.

My advice is to hold out. Just wait. Many of the tickets, I feel were bought in haste and as show time draws nearer, some people will discover they can not attend after all, and those tickets will become available for purchase.

I noticed also this year that many face value tickets emerged closer to the show after a period of panic and extreme scalping took place when the show sold out in May.

Most of the people that attend our beautiful gathering in the woods realize that selling tickets to turn a massive profit goes against the very essence of what Shambhala is and what it stands for. The group of people that want to do that is quite small and if they are shunned and ridiculed for their deplorable behavior, then perhaps we can decrease that number.

I know we will never, in a capitalist society, be rid of scalpers, but at least we can make sure that they only make $50 or $100 profit rather than the cost of another ticket or more (!!).

One more thing, if you do buy a secondhand ticket, DO NOT do so though the mail, ensure you don’t get scammed by meeting them in person and examining the ticket before purchasing.

I wish you all luck and send my love your way in hopes you get what you want.
If I could buy 100 tickets and give them out for free I would.

Much Love.
See you on the dance floor!!

-Christopher Stubbs

Tickets for the 15^th Annual Shambhala Music Festival, August 8^th-13^th 2012, went on sale on Friday, October 21^st with an unprecedented number of ticket sales.

The 7pm release was delayed by half an hour when the site crashed due to the high volume of people visiting the site. The Shambhala tech team replaced the website with a simple ticket ordering webpage which allowed customers to place orders by 7:30 pm.

Similar to the 2011 ticket release, the 1000 ‘extra early bird’ tickets sold out in just a couple of minutes, but what happened next surprised even Shambhala organizers.

“We expected an increase in sales, but nothing like this!” said Ticket Administrator, Sara Victor. “Last year, in the first 24 hours, we’d sold 1500 tickets. We were guessing we’d do somewhere around 2200 this year. As it turns out, we sold 4200 tickets in the first 24 hours of 2012 ticket sales!”  This puts the festival’s ticket sales on par with where they were in January of last year.

The trend of tickets selling out well in advance was evident in festivals celebrating electronic music during the 2011 festival season and 2012 is already set to be another record setting year for electronic music festivals.

Shambhala organizers expect to be sold out before the New Year.   “Our fan base trusts us,” said Corrine Zawaduk, Production Manager for SMF.  “It is several months before we even announce our talent line up and already tickets are selling faster than ever.   We offer a world class festival and the word is out,” she said with a smile.

2400 tickets of just over 5000 will be taken offline this week for allocation at ticket stores and for ShambhaLodging packages.  Tickets will be available in stores before Christmas.

To order tickets online (while they last), visit www.shambhalamusicfestival.com

BIG LOVE to the SMF Media team for an exceptional collection of exceptional times!!

And to You, our big beautiful Farmily and friends, enjoy…

http://www.shambhalamusicfestival.com/photo-gallery/

ATTN: Tickets sold in the first weeks of sale may take up to 8-10 weeks to be delivered. We appreciate your patience, we will not forget about you!

#1 – All online orders must be placed through a PayPal account. You can link up your checking account or credit card to your account, or you can deposit funds straight into it. Any of these options, including setting up an account, may not happen instantly, so be prepared!

#2 – Check and recheck that your mailing address, email address and phone number are correct. These are our main ways of getting in touch with you!!

**Please note: While we can help you out with ticket issues, we cannot answer all PayPal related questions – so if you are having issues with your account, you will need to call PayPal. We apologize for the inconvenience.**

#3 – ALL international orders are kept at will call – no exceptions. Your shipping fee is considered a handling fee to cover the administrative cost of this service. “Will Call” is a secure way to make sure that your ticket is kept safe while you journey to Shambhala! Please reference the Ticket FAQ for more information on this process and what you need in order to pick up your ticket.

#4 – Ticket limits: 2 per purchase for the first tier, and 3 per purchase the next two tiers. Age limit: 19+. You can purchase a ticket if you’ll be 19 by the time of the event.

#5 – All orders are subject to $11 shipping/handling, and 12% HST. (Harmonized Sales Tax) – this tax is applied to all goods and services in British Columbia. Because the ticket is consumed in BC, HST applies to all tickets sold.

#6 – Orders are shipped through registered mail – which means they need to be signed for an individual who lives at the address on the order. If you are waiting for your order – or if you are expecting a roommate or parent to sign for it – make sure they know!!! Any refused orders are automatically sent back to us and you will have to pay the reshipment fee to get it back out to you! If you do not receive your order in hand at your house, it will be kept at your local post office for 10-15 days.

#7 – All tracking numbers are entered onto PayPal, and you should receive an email notification when that occurs. Check for this number in your account if you do not receive the email! It is with your tracking number that you can keep an eye on your order – and this is especially important if you haven’t received the parcel pick up notice! Just input the tracking number on the Canada Post website to be kept updated!

#8 – While we can do our best to give you the tracking information for your order, sometimes the parcel pick up notices from the post office get lost or misplaced. So please keep an eye on your PayPal account for the tracking number – and follow it!!!

#9 – Registered mail is held by your local post office for 10-15 days only, at which point it will be sent back to our office. If you need your order reshipped you will have to pay the $11+HST S/H fee.

#10 – If you are not able to pick up your order, email sales@shambhalamusicfestival.com as soon as your order is placed and ask for your tickets to be kept at will call. This option is open to ANYONE who asks. If your order has not been shipped, there is no extra charge. If your order has already been shipped, or shipped and returned to us, you will have to pay the $11+HST S/H fee to register for will call.

**Shambhala does not reimburse or replace lost or stolen tickets. If you fear losing it, email sales@SMF as soon as you place your order and ask for it to be kept at will call!!**

Other Q&A’s:

#1 – We are not yet too sure when our retail locations will receive their tickets. Historically some of the locations have received minimal amounts of the early bird tier (the 2^nd tier) – but we can’t guess how quickly tickets will sell this year online. All we can say is, don’t bet on getting a cheaper ticket in store!

#2 – Once again, there will not be tickets available at the door, and we can’t even begin to guess when tickets will sell out online… this is a very exciting time, we’re writing Shambhala history here!

Please check out the Ticket FAQ on the website for any unanswered questions… or email Sara, Ticket Administrator at sales@shambhalamusicfestival.com. Your patience in awaiting a response via phone or email is appreciated, as sales take off and fly away!!!

Here we go…. SHAMBHALA 2012!!!