By Tim Hauserman ·
Trails & Vistas
Sept. 6-7 | Spooner Lake State Park
$15-$40 | Ages 5+
Kira Catanzaro performs at Donner Summit with Donner Lake in the background ·
Trails and Vistas combines a lovely stroll through the stunning natural scenery of the Sierra, with an ambitious and eclectic program of music, dance, art, storytelling and performance art. It’s been a successful part of the Sierra summer for more than 10 years, giving us the best of what life and the earth has to offer.
Trails and Vistas offers guided hikes on Sept. 6 and 7 at Spooner Lake State Park, near the intersections of Highways 28 and 50 on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe. This year’s theme is “Meadows to Mountains: A Cultural Journey.”
Art melds with the surrounding forest during the art hike.
When you purchase tickets you will be instructed to arrive at a set time to join a small group of 25 hikers on a 3.25-mile, moderately difficult hike. You can join a family hike, an adult’s only hike or a more leisurely paced hike. Along the course of the journey through the pines and near the lake shore, you will frequently stop to witness a short, musical performance, an art project, performance art or a dance presentation. Over the course of the two days, more than 60 different artists will perform and all of the acts are designed to meld with nature to bring about a peaceful and spiritual experience.
Founder and artistic Director Nancy Lopez says the event “offers the experience of being part of a walking art installation in camaraderie with a small group of others.”
“It is designed to give us a chance to slow down, put down our technical devices and be where you are, and enjoy the beauty of nature and art around you,” she says.
The array of artists gives the participants a true cultural journey with music from places as diverse as Japan, Brazil and across every aspect of America, “embracing people from around the world.”
Hikers listen to a poet during one of the stops on the hike.
One highlight this year is the Earthscape work of Andres Amador. Known for his creation of temporary works of art such as rake paintings in the sand as big as a football field, he will do a large Earthscape at Spooner Lake from native materials, that will go back to nature as soon as the event is completed.
While Trails and Vistas is a unique experience for those participating in the hikes, for the artists it is equally enchanting.
Ann Licater, who plays a Native American flute and a World flute, performed last year and says that she is looking forward to the experience again this year.
“It is indescribable to be in a forest playing an instrument and hearing the birds chirping and wind blowing. It is so exciting,” Licater says. “I even had a bee sit on my flute when I was performing, and there was this fun interplay. I chose a different note to avoid the bee.
“I know that people are starving for live performance and to hear one in nature is the best of both worlds.”
Licater has performed in an variety of impressive locations including Carnegie Hall, but she says that Trails and Vistas “is the most unique place I’ve ever performed.”
Trails and Vistas also hosts a World Music Concert on Sept. 6 at Sand Harbor State Park as a fundraiser for the Dreaming Tree field trip, which will bring 350 local third-graders to Sand Harbor to experience a mini Trails and Vista experience. See In The Groove in this issue for details.
Musical performances highlight the art hike.
The scoop
Tickets are $40 for general admission, $15 for children from ages 5 to 12 years to the art hikes. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing, and bring water. Leave your cell phone in the car as it is time to relax and escape from electronic devices. Volunteers also are needed. Contact paula@trailsandvistas.org if you can help.
Tickets for the World Music Concert range from $23 to $65, and art hike attendees receive a $5 discount.
For tickets or for more information on the art hikes, visit trailsandvistas.org. To purchase tickets to the World Music Concert, call (800) 747-4697 or visit trailsandvistas.org or laketahoeshakespeare.com.
Highlights
Violinist Scarlet Rivera
Flutist Ann Licater
Earthscape artist Andres Amador
Aerial dancers
Performance art with Angeligne Benecio
Trumpet by Jeff Oster
San Jose State University symphony orchestra members
Writer and artist Ellery Akers
Angelika Healing Music
SambaDá
