An Interview with Storm Richardson, Festival Sayulita Founder

Storm Richardson, one of the founders of Festival Sayulita, has worked hard to bring Sayulita locals and tourists a festival like no other. This 2nd annual festival has something for everyone, regardless of age or interests. On Wednesday, January 14th, Festival Sayulita kicks off five days of films, music, surf, tequila, and much more. Storm sits down with El Sayulero and shares more about Festival Sayulita and why you don’t want to miss out on the fun.

How does it feel to be one of the founders of Festival Sayulita?

It feels pretty good, we have an awesome group of people working together, and it makes everything that much easier.

How much time has gone into planning this year’s festival? What’s it like planning an event of this magnitude?

I think people don’t realize the amount of work that goes into planning an event with so many moving parts, and people coming from all over the hemisphere. I would guess that each of us has been putting in about 30 hours a week on this since September. And in the lead up to this week, it’s probably closer to 50 hours a week.  

What was the biggest inspiration to create a festival like this in Sayulita?

For me, it was just to do something different. I love movies, Israel loves surf, Gabbi loves tequila, everyone loves music, so everyone brings their own inspirations to the Festival.

What are you most excited about in regards to the festival this year?

I would have to say it’s the music this year. Having Dirty Heads and Kongos play in Sayulita is going to be amazing. I don’t think people realize how big these bands are. Dirty Heads have been around for years, and Kongos are literally one of the biggest bands in the world this year. I would be surprised if they didn’t play the Grammys this year. And we’re so fortunate that we get to have the concert at Quinta Trujillo, it’s an amazing place.

The Stumble in the Jungle Fun Run 5K and 10K is new this year. How did it come about?

Sayulita is an active place, and when Gabbi’s not drinking tequila, he’s jogging. Add some other amazing people to putting that together like Kirsten Wardman, Chilly Willy, and Steve Pomeroy among others, and you’ve got a prety cool fun run.

We thought Festival Sayulita was big and awesome last year. Why add the music festival day?

We always wanted to add music, and last year it was just too much to really get behind.  Because our goal is to raise money for a new community center in Sayulita, we realized that a concert was a way to generate revenue towards that goal.  

You also added a one-day Children’s Festival. What activities are in store for the kids?

The kids day is going to be amazing.  We’ve got a special band playing just for the kids.  We have a bunch of kids films, and Mark Shapiro, one of the producers of Boxtrolls (one of the most successful animated films of 2014) to show the kiddos how they did it all.

Is there anything else different from last year?

The only thing that’s similar to last year will be the film venues, with the addition of Plaza Agona, otherwise it’s all bigger and better. The Mexi Logfest longboard competition that Israel Preciado has put together is going to be incredible. We have more spirit vendors coming, and not just tequila. Craft beer, Mezcal and wine!  

Which activities are free of charge?

The surf comp, and all the films except for ones showing at the Ejido are free.  Ticket holders get first dibs on seats.  

What does a general admission ticket cover?

We don’t really have a GA ticket, but the Añejo ticket covers pretty much everything.

What are the benefits of a VIP ticket over a general admission ticket?

VIP’s get an additional pairing dinner and preferred seating, as well as some other perks.

Do you still need volunteers? If so, in what capacity and who should people contact if they’d like to help out?

We would love more volunteers. Please contact Lina by email at linaweissman@gmail.com

Any final thoughts or words?

Please come out and support our festival, it’s a pretty good time. If you have any questions, please have a look at our Festival Sayulita website, it’s got a lot of great information, FAQ’s, the entire schedule, tickets and more.