By: Jonathan Gross

Music festivals that enjoy longevity all approach the crossroads, at some point. For Lucidity Festival, which has long staked its claim on its late spring weekend, and returns to Live Oak Campground in Santa Barbara, CA from April 8-10, that time is now. Longstanding events across the country have had to accept (begrudgingly, in many cases) the increased impact and importance of electronic music in culture, but Lucidity has always been on the bleeding edge of west coast bass culture, and has always provided a showcase for experimental and off-the-beaten-path live acts.

So when Lucidity finds itself at a Crossroads, which happens to be this year's theme, not only does it double down on wild bass from the region, it also pulls in acts who can keep one foot in the mainstream and one in the transformational world. Keller Williams has been a staple of midwest jam festivals, and with his oftentimes light-hearted acoustic numbers, and apperances with The String Cheese Incident and various tribute acts to the Grateful Dead, he's carved out a fine niche for himself in the festival world.

Having toured the world with Zedd, one of the biggest names in EDM on the planet, Martin Vogt has played some of the mainest main stages in the world, but his Haywyre project style maintains enough street cred with fans of glitch-hop through sheer dazzling amazingness. The prodigious piano talent has thrust jazz upon the masses via his unbelievable live performances, remixes, and originals, and there's no doubt that Lucidity fans will be blown away when he hits the stage.

Kalya Scintilla & Eve Olution have been developing a stage show for years, now, attempting to bring the story first crafted in the album Open Ancient Eyes to life through a theatrical marvel that involves a number of actors performing parts woven together from the fabric of inumerable legends, myths, and long-forgotten rituals. The story they bring to life will be backed by a lush soundtrack encompassing sounds and styles from around the world and across time.

Our headliners are joined by artists from across the electronic music spectrum, from the mushroom jazz of Mark Farina (who will perform two sets), to the down and dirty deep house of Dirtybird elite J.Phlip, to the subsonic musings of legendary producer Bluetech. The bill also includes Mr. Bill, EPROM, Psymbionic, Origin, Marya Stark, HÄANA, and a special live set from Kaminanda, among others.

Fans also place themselves at a Crossroads, by choosing to improve or adjust their own lives. The option to take one of five intense training courses before the festival is available on-site, and amazing food and workshops fill the days during the festival to cleanse both mind and body before the booty-shakin' commences at night.

We do urge fans to hop on festival passes quickly, because Lucidity has this habit of selling out. More information, and a closer look at this special event can be found at lucidityfestival.com.