by Carly Schorman
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FORM Arcosanti is the music festival on my bucket list. Not Coachella, not Bonnaroo, not Firefly or EDC. That is because FORM doesn’t just draw popular musicians to their annual event, but rather they seek visionaries who push to expand the boundaries of popular music.
This year’s event, which takes place next weekend, promises to hold to that tradition. From Chance the Rapper, Skrillex, and Charli XCX to Beach House, Fleet Foxes, and Courtney Barnett, FORM’s 2018 lineup is one WOW moment after another. And, Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra will be representing #AZmusic this time ’round.
But, of course, FORM Arcosanti is about more than music, even if music is central at this three-day festival. There are also workshops, artists, food trucks, and (last but certainly not least) the spectacular setting.
The music festival takes place at Arcosanti; Paolo Soleri’s arcological marvel located in the desert about an hour north of Phoenix. The “Urban Laboratory” receives more than forty thousand visitors a year and offers an architectural wonder against the stunning backdrop of Sonoran vistas. Our editors wandered up there a few weeks back (thanks AirBnB) for an overnight visit to explore the landscape before the crowds gathered.
Art thrives in the Arcosanti community and you can see signs of it everywhere you look. I definitely suggest a little exploration while you’re visiting and you won’t be disappointed at the discoveries you’ll make. There’s even a swimming pool.
More information about this year’s performances and workshops can be found at experienceform.com (along with tickets). If you’re making the drive from the Valley of the Sun, make sure you stop in Rock Springs for some coffee and pie. Yes, they have a real coffee shop there now (stop by and say hey to James at Java-Lina).
And, just in case you needed more of a reason to head to FORM Arcosanti this coming weekend, here’s the trailer for this year’s event…
