By the organisers’ own volition, Astral Harvest is a celebration of music, art, knowledge, community and the human experience. The organisers go to great lengths to ensure that all of these aspects are equally featured throughout the four days of Astral in Driftpile, Alberta. This particular festival finds its niche in nurturing  all the parts that support the dance community, not just the music itself.  Education, creation, exploration, movement, and the love of all of these things are heavily encouraged and supported during Astral Harvest.

This year, photographer Jeff Cruz takes us on a personal journey of his time spent at Astral Harvest 2016. From DJs, to educators, to circus performers, to epic rainbows, Jeff brought all the beauty of Astral Harvest into focus. This one is dedicated to those of us that missed this year, or maybe even have never laid eyes on this majestic place.

Kali Yuga and Tanner Cherry of The Genesa Project, one of the opening sets at the Interstellevator.

Whapio Diane Bartlett hosts a workshop on Brain Waves & Altered States at Angelica’s Basket. Astral Harvest is able to balance nighttime and daytime activities to create a complete experience.

A flow dancer illuminates the night with elaborate patterns, entertaining the crowd.

The morning gives way to yoga workshops where festival goers are able to relax the mind, body and spirit for a new day.

At the Market Stage award winning singer-songwriter Joal Kamps performs his own style of ‘Rocky Mountain Folk-Pop’ alongside band member and wife, Lauren Kamps.

Hula dancers have become an integral part of electronic music festivals.

L.A. based DJ and producer Evan Shafran a.k.a. Everyman performing at the main stage. His set, a tribute to the late DJ/producer Pumpkin was filled with emotions.

Angelica’s Basket was host to many intimate performances. Jen and Francesco Maio are Nada Deva, DJ/producer duos who energized the crowd with their sexy melodic bass.

Spectators at the Market Stage enjoy a late evening show.

Taking breaks from the music means going back to camp to put your feet up. This year the hottest trend in lounging was the Baggy Mc Bags.

Astral Harvest attracts artists of all kinds, Zaynab writes customized poems on her vintage typewriter.

Astral Harvest is one of the few family oriented electronic music festivals in western Canada. Kids have as many activities available to them as their parents.

Tianna J. rocking an afternoon set on the main stage.

Proper harm reduction is an important part of Astral Harvest. A harm reduction team is available on-site.

Stephanie Dique and the rest of the Aerial Hearts Odyssey troupe perform in front of an eager to party Saturday night crowd.

The festival’s visuals were supplemented by nature. Astral Harvest was on a particularly rainy weekend creating some spectacular rainbows.

The Saturday night fire show is a yearly tradition at Astral Harvest. This year, the TransFlowmation dancers each contributed their unique talents to perform in front of a packed audience.

Nick White of the Prototypes on the main stage Saturday night. The Prototypes performed their signature, dancefloor-destroying drum and bass.

The party goes on at Astral Harvest while the sun starts to rise and light the sky behind the main stage.

A late night shisha session at the Kali Den Hookah Lounge and Café before going to bed.

Wheelhouse Productions presented an all-new stage at the festival this year. The Manor’s theme was the roaring twenties meets, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure meets, Dr. Seuss.

Astral Harvest attracts people of all walks of life. From toddlers to elders, one thing is the same; Astral Harvest leaves you with a smile that lasts till the next Harvest.

Follow all of Jeff Cruz’s work at jeffcruz.ca and www.facebook.com/jcruzfotodotcom