AYATANA I was a day long experience crossing live music, art, food and animals. It was hosted by the Almost Holden Collective at AB Ranch in Santa Paula, CA. The day was made by the talented performances of all the musical performers - all AHC friends, family and collaborators.
In addition to the music, artists included: Yeun Byun, who used local flora to make custom flower crowns for participants, Harrison Roberts created a psychedelic Southwest installation in the barn, and Chef Jackson Kalb prepared a meal consisting of chilis, vegetables and other produce he planted on the ranch months before the event to pair with his lamb and pig roasted asador on two iron crosses in the Argentine tradition. He fed the crowd the tastiest lamb and pork sliders we'd ever had (sides included freshly made tzatsiki, roasted veggies and Chef's custom hot sauce). Beer was provided by local Ventura micro-brewery, Topa Topa. All animals live on the ranch under the care of Tina Baselice & R.J.. The event was documented by Casa Vera Productions (videos edited by Trevor Boley, Behrad Gramian) and live sound recorded by Austin Ford & E. Zac Greenberg (mixed by E.Z. Greenberg). AYATANA I was produced by B. Gramian; very Special Thanks to Ahmad Gramian & Dr. Haleh Emrani for the support and access they granted us to party and create.
All in all, it was a pure day celebrating the end of the old AHC (mmvii-2kxv) and the beginning of an exciting new phase in the Collective's evolution. We hope to produce at least one larger multimedia event annually that allows deep collaboration between artists of all disciplines to create sixth sense experiences for all participants involved. Keep in touch for the next one and in the meantime, build/support your local DIY community to produce art from/for the soul.