Eterno

This video from 2011 Fuente Eterno connected me to Pumpkin aka Nicholas Alvarado.

I heard him play a remix of “No Rain” at Fuente Eterno 2011 in Baja Mexico and it broke me open. I then used the track in this video to try to capture some of the magic of the Fuente experience. 
As the original video hits went up, everyone was looking for Pumpkin’s track and he quickly reached his Soundcloud account download max. I never told him thank you for his set in the canyon, so I was stoked to be able to pay for his Soundcloud upgrade. When he found out I bought it for him, he was SO appreciative.
And he was intensively appreciative EVERY time I saw him thereafter. 
As he started to become a name and rock bigger & bigger crowds, he would still always make a point to acknowledge me and reiterate his thanks. Every time. 
He always had a demeanor of intense gratitude when I saw him.

And that is really the definition of winning. 
Doing what you love, and feeling blessed that you get to do it.

Nick’s art had beautiful impact on many, many people.
His was the soundtrack to countless treasured moments.

I feel blessed that I was able to play a tiny role in his journey — and that he played a role in mine.

Oddly, this video became corrupted years ago and has been unavailable. But with the end of Fuente Eterno and the loss of Nick, it seems like a perfect time to remember both.

And to remember what I learned deepest from him: To practice intense gratitude for our lives, our art and our community.

P.S. Yes, I did have sex on the top of that bus while it was cruising through the desert.

VIDEO FEATURES: The Journey, Guadalupe Canyon, Waterfall, UniFier, Pool Party, & Ceremony

MUSIC: (bold artists were at the Event)

“I’m Going Home” — Solovox
“Clouds” — Love In The Circus
“Cotton Eyed Joe” — Red Nex
“No Rain” — Pumpkin Remix
“Opening Ceremony Chant”
Renfey, Jeremy Weinglass & David Bergeaud

Final Slideshow — Mario Covic Photography
Additional filming by B.licious & Dmitry.
Shuttle Bus — Baja Trek
Thank you Blue, Turo, Cade, Daphne, Yehonatan, Stevie, Roots, Steve, WeeVil, Drew, & everyone who helped make the canyon magic.