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16:00 26.05.2024
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From May 16-19, 2024, the cozy and warm family Handpan Gathering – Pantasia was held in the picturesque town of Big Bear Lake, CA, USA. The gathering organizer, Stevan Morris, once again opened his doors to lovers of this amazing instrument. So, let’s go over everything in order.

Schedule and Structure

The event started at lunchtime on Thursday and ended around the same time on Sunday, providing a full three days of activities. The daily schedule looked something like this:

  • 9:00 – Breakfast
  • 10:00-11:00 – Yoga
  • 11:00-13:00 – Workshops
  • 13:00 – Lunch
  • 14:00-18:00 – Workshops
  • 18:00 – Dinner
  • 19:00-22:00 – Concert
  • 22:00 – Sound ordinancy
 

There was something for everyone to enjoy!

Workshops

Workshops at the event were conducted by amazing artists and professionals, such as Rosie Bergonzi, Amy Naylor, Clint Willcox, Jonathan Sadler, Sarah Paz Hyde, Richard Hillson (Ricky), Justin Ezor, and Kenny Galbraith. These workshops were included in the event fee, and the material provided was invaluable. Yoga classes were also available to help participants relax and get ready for musical activities, promoting health and calmness.

Access to Instruments

The gathering featured a dedicated room where manufacturers and participants could leave handpans for communal use. All instruments were labeled, and attendees could borrow, play, test, and jam with them. There were common etiquette rules for using other people’s instruments, but the main point was that any participant could try different scales and instruments from various makers. This year, handpans from Hamsa (Website) were displayed, and participants brought instruments from Oasis, Axiom, Arcana, Makai, Sunpan, and others. There was also a tongue drum manufacturer, Infinity Drum from Canada (Website).

Jams

Jam sessions at Pantasia were a true celebration of improvisation. Participants gathered in different corners to play and create music together. These sessions often became a source of inspiration and helped form new friendships. Each jam was a unique musical experience that couldn’t be replicated. Personally, I love the jams!

Concerts

Each evening of the gathering concluded with concerts featuring both well-known performers and emerging musicians. The concerts were held in the spacious dining hall, which also served as our main hall and workshop space. The evening lighting created a special atmosphere of coziness and mystery. Performances often included not only handpan but also other instruments, making the program even more diverse and interesting.

If you missed this event, you definitely need to listen to and follow these musicians!

       Rosie Bergonzi + Amy Naylor = PortaBanda

Unforgettable vocals and professional instrument skills! Very inspiring and deep!

  

     Clint Willcox + Jonathan Sadler = More Than Physics

 

Their performance gets more masterful every year! I am always in awe of their creativity. Keep it up!

 

       Richard Hillson (Ricky)

 

Professional, spectacular, melodic, and masterful! Words can’t describe it! Thank you!

 

       Sarah Paz Hyde

 

As always, her voice accompanied by handpan deeply touches the soul and gives strength! If you feel it in your soul, this is for you!

 

     Kenny Galbraith

 

He became a real discovery not only for me! Last year he performed only with a handpan, but this time his creative approach with a looper exceeded all expectations! I hope he continues in this direction!

 

       Justin Ezor

Very melodic, meditative, and soulful! Pleasant music, lightness, and calmness!

   

   Cam Steen

   Working with electronics and various instruments, alternating classical handpan with club music – it was very dynamic!

 

     Judith Lerner

Everyone was struck by the depth of the text, there wasn’t a single person without tears in the hall. Thank you for such heartfelt experiences.

 

Location

Pantasia was held in the small town of Big Bear Lake, located in the San Bernardino Mountains at an elevation of approximately 2,058 meters (6,751 feet) above sea level. The town is known for its beautiful lake, clean air, and unforgettable starry sky, which provide a sense of purification and lightness. The nearest airports are LAX, Burbank, and Ontario. To get to the location, you had to either rent a car or find a shared ride, which was very easy to arrange in the Pantasia community Facebook group. The local nature creates ideal conditions for immersing in music and relaxing in the fresh air.

In your free time, you could go hiking on the trails, kayak or paddleboard, or just sit on the porch and enjoy nature. Big Bear Lake offers many activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Accommodation Options

The first available accommodation option was bunk bed-style cabins, as the gathering was held at a summer camp. You could also rent two to four-person cabins on-site or use Airbnb services to enjoy comfort and privacy.

Food

Three meals a day were included in the gathering fee. It was delicious and varied buffet-style cuisine. The offerings included a variety of dishes, allowing participants to choose from traditional American cuisine, vegetarian, and vegan options. There are also restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of Big Bear Lake where you could try local delicacies.

 

Conclusion

Pantasia Handpan Gatherings is a cozy family event for those who want to get to know the handpan better, spend time among friends, and relax in nature. Personally, I attended this event in 2018, and I think the atmosphere hasn’t changed! Thank you, Stevan, and your team!

 

Follow the news and don’t miss the gathering next year!

Yours truly,
Elena from Namana Bags®