June's Dance of New Moves

Facilitation fun at OneVoice Circle Singers, Berkeley. CA

Dear people of heart,

In the spirit of my amazing friend Barry Barkan, the Chief Shamanic Officer at the Live Oak Institute and beyond, I begin with a blessing:May each day present you with something that reminds you of your true essence – and when you come upon it, may you feel open to receiving this gift. In your receptivity, may you find the deepest inner peace.We’ve just completed three incredible classes exploring the rich intersection of sounding, collaborative vocal improvisation, and the brave act of bringing our voices more fully into our relationships and the world. I feel a sense of reverence for the courage and honesty everyone has brought to this work. It’s hard to put into words the pride and gratitude I feel witnessing such authentic expression. My deepest hope is that the liberation found in speaking and sounding our truths continues to grow more accessible for all beings.

I’m once again on my yearly Artist Retreat — this time in Geyserville, CA. I landed in a curious little pocket of the world that also happens to be home to an assortment of animals. One of the unexpected highlights: a sing-and-dance session with several cockatoos that was pure, ridiculous delight. The waters of Lake Sonoma and the Russian River were crisp and delicious, and, like clockwork, these retreats surface the places where I get in my own way. Like ritual, it seems to come with the territory.

Yesterday, I found myself ruminating for an answer and I reached for Pauline Oliveros — one of the brilliant luminaries I was lucky enough to study with at Mills College. Her accordion improvisations have a way of shifting my inner weather, and sure enough, a new thread of self-awareness landed. Pauline, still stirring things up with her sound medicine from the other side. It is as I write this that I realize May 30th will be her 93rd birthday!And June? June is juicy for me. I’m excited about two new projects.

June 1st: We return to our 1st Sunday CVI Play Space coming up — a chance to take a little breather from the deeper voice work and simply play! I had a SUPER fun time jamming with Bobby Mac and Motion earlier this month at the SFCMC. Check it out!

June 8th: I’ll be teaching a 4-week online class on the fundamentals of Circle Singing. With deep gratitude for the teachers and facilitators who came before me, I’m thrilled to support Austin Vocal Improv Circle singers as they grow into stronger Circlesongs leaders. We’ve got 12 open spots for anyone, anywhere, who feels the pull. This practice has transformed my life more times than I can count — maybe it will for you too. June 10th: Aside from celebrating Judy Garland's Birthday 😉, I am so happy to teach my first class as part of the Curious Minds series called Memory Cafe at Ruth's Table in SF through the sponsorship of JFCS - an intergeneration class for folks living with cognition changes.

Plus, I’m thrilled to be part of a two upcoming Shabbat gatherings on 5/30 HERE and 6/27 HERE led by powerful female ritual and musical leaders in the Jewish Renewal tradition — More details below! May the Voice Be with You!