Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/784242
EG Conference Brings Brilliant Minds to Carmel B Y M I C H A E L C H AT F I E L D W hat's not to like about a weekend conference that brings together some of the world's most brilliant, creative and innovative minds? That's exactly what the EG Conference brings to Sunset Center April 13- 15, 2017. The slate of presenters—"rising stars to living treasures"—isn't revealed until shortly before the event, but past guests give an idea of the level and diversity: oceanographer Sylvia Earle, writer (and Merry Prankster) Steward Brand, singer Linda Ronstadt and balloonist Bertrand Piccard. Matt Groening, creator of "The Simpsons," is a big fan. "I've attended every one," he says. "It's a particularly inspiring conference because it's relatively small and full of people passionate about their creative endeavors. And the people in the audience are as entertaining and inspiring as those on stage." Groening's friend, scientist and avant-garde musician Henry Kaiser, likes the fact that while on a high plain intellectually, EG is egalitarian. "One of the coolest things is that it's com- pletely democratic. There's no special 'gold room' for the "one percenters." Both men have been presenters as well as attendees. "An EG weekend is like your favorite part of school with your favorite teacher," Groening adds. "If you miss that, you'll love this confer- ence." Visit www.egconf.com for tickets. SHORTCUTS EVENT Composer, arranger, record producer, instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and more, Van Dyke Parks was a past presenter at the EG Conference at the Sunset Center. 60 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 Photo: Asa Mathat for Vox Media