Last summer, my naturopathic dentist organized a small audience for San Diego-based belly dance duo The Shimmy Sisters. The gathering took place at Thrive Integrated Health, a complex that houses Proactive Wellness, Kindness Yoga and Biodentist, John Augspurger’s biological dentistry practice. The Sisters were booked later that weekend at an Aspen area yoga festival called Wanderlust; they were spending the night in Denver before heading for the hills. I had the dubious honor of introducing the duo’s performance at Thrive that night. The pair was so flattered by my setup that they invited me to introduce them at Wanderlust too. Gig obligations of my own made it difficult to justify what would’ve been little more than a cameo appearance. But my interest in the event was officially piqued.

July 2-5 in Snowmass Village (image: Ali Kaukas)

July 2-5 in Snowmass Village (image: Ali Kaukas)

Wanderlust is the largest producer of yoga lifestyle events in the world. Gatherings in California, Whistler and Quebec will follow this weekend’s Aspen affair. “Wanderlust is an opportunity to choose your own adventure and live it in a beautiful, natural location,” says Wanderlust co-founder Jeff Krasno. “We look forward to bringing people together to celebrate, exchange ideas and experience the good things in life.” Each installment features yoga, music, outdoor activities, speakeasy talks, a conscious product marketplace and local and sustainable food. Aspen headliners include Moby, Bluetech, The High & Mighty Brass Band and Lee Fields and The Expressions. MC Yogi, Eoinn Finn, Elena Brower, Max Strom, Beau Campbell and Gurmukh are among this weekend’s featured teachers.

Wanderlust transpires July 2-5 in Snowmass Village. Stay namaste-tuned to Wanderlust.com/Festivals/Aspen-Snowmass for the lowdown on down dog in the high country.