Festive Festivals of Idyllwild!

I was graciously invited by the travel site GotSaga.com to list five favorite highlights of the town where I live; Idyllwild.  But anyone who knows me at ALL knows I have a problem with minimalism and restrictions 😀  So, the fifth item I listed was actually a conglomeration of Cultural Festivals/Indulgences.  I would like to expound on those here, on my happy little blog.

Depending on a) the season and b) the preference of my visitor or any traveler to Idyllwild, there are many fabulous options to indulge your need for a culture fix.

1) The Idyllwild Independent Festival of Cinema. Last year I had the pleasure of viewing some terrific Indie films and documentaries at the first annual film festival.  Right here in my own backyard. Gawwllly! For those who are interested, it’s taking place NOW! You can still catch some films screening today (Friday January 14th) and tomorrow.  And I plan on attending and viewing as many of the offerings as possible.  I’m thrilled that one of the films, ‘From Grace’, was actually set in Idyllwild and filmed at the local Strawberry Creek Inn / @StrawberryCreek on Twitter.  Evidently during the filming, Rodney, the head chef, was inspired to compile his beloved recipes into a comprehensive cookbook, “Memorable Mornings”, set for release this weekend! Stay tuned for the festival next year…

2) The Idyllwild Jazz Festival is hugely popular, attracting a fabulous array of artists and artistic vendors as well. For 2011, it will take place the weekend of August 27-28^th

3) Whereas the Idyllwild Arts Academy – @IdyllwildArts on Twitter – is world renowned for honing prodigies and young talent (celebrated cellist YoYo Ma studied here), few realize that they hold concerts, plays, art showings, and dance performances for the enjoyment of friends, family and the community at large. I’m large! Follow their Twitter stream for event announcements.

Belly Dance Performance

4) Belly Dance. I kid you not. Our local, lovely, Rachael Gollub has brilliantly coordinated two very successful belly dance festivals in town.  A three-day belly-licious festival of workshops, performances, artful vendors, henna and more, Tribal Rendezvous brings a new meaning to “exotic dance”. We all hope hope hope she graces us once again with some of the best talent in this dance form, converging on our “hill”.  I wrote about last fall’s riveting performances here, including some video of some of belly dance’s brightest stars.  You can still steal glimpses of local belly dancing once a month at the Medici-esque Cafe Aroma.

Local Idyllwild Garage, by Rachel Welch, NFS / my private collection 🙂

5) This town inspires the creative.  Almost everyone I know here is an uber talent in art, literature, music, acting, food, dance, jewelry…I gotta get outta here to assuage my inferiority complex!  Nah. I think I’m staying.  I cannot begin to list the numerous places to view art and sculpture and even wearable art in Idyllwild, but the local Art Alliance can, and does!  Also, one of my favorite local bistros, Cafe Aroma, is a showcase for local artists and artisans (and belly dancers). In fact, tomorrow night I will support my artist friend Elena Rego at her opening there on Saturday night Jan. 15th, and enjoy some fine foodlies. I love this town!

So…those are just some of the cultural highlights I would recommend or take a friend to enjoy.  And  we’re in a town of no more than 4,000 permanent residents. Try not to envy me overly much 😉