Events Archive - Page 11 of 117 - Rancho La Puerta
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Pickleball Tournament

After participating in workshops in the beginning of the week (classes Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, and open play on Wednesday), teams of two comprised of YOU, our Ranch guests, will compete against each other in this fun two-day event. There will be an advanced beginning and intermediate bracket; all levels are welcome! Guests do not need to attend any of the classes to participate in the tournament.

Matches will be held on Thursday and Friday. A bracket of the teams and their standings will be posted in the Main Lounge. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded. All participants will receive a 25% off coupon to purchase Rancho La Puerta pickleball paddles in the Mercado. Cheering on your fellow Ranch guests is FREE and encouraged.

Sign up at the Main Lounge before Wednesday at 12pm to participate.

Chamber Music Concert with Cheryl Lin Fielding, Martha Aarons and Lev Polyakin

Concert with Cheryl Lin Fielding, Martha Aarons and Lev Polyakin

Cheryl Lin Fielding, Martha Aarons and Lev Polyakin invite you to a concert covering a broad spectrum of music featuring piano, flute and violin. The program will include works by composers of several countries and eras, and the music ranges from charming to extremely virtuosic. Join us in Oaktree, where the acoustics are perfect and the atmosphere is casual!

 

Cheryl Lin Fielding

Praised by the New York Sun for her “Warm, grand and rich” pianism, Cheryl Lin Fielding has performed on some of the finest stages throughout the world, including the Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Weill Recital Hall, Tanglewood Music Center, Music Academy of the West, Aspen Music Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Juilliard Theater, Mark Morris Dance Group, Musco Center for the Arts, and Soka Performing Arts Center. A sought-after collaborator and vocal coach, Fielding has been honored with the Grace B. Jackson Prize in Excellence by the Tanglewood Music Festival, recognized by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, and received the distinguished Gwendolyn Koldofsky Award in Keyboard Collaborative Arts. Cheryl’s musical studies began at the age of three in Taiwan, first on the piano and later on the violin, and continued through dual master’s degrees at the Juilliard School (Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano), and Doctor of Musical Arts in Keyboard Collaborative Arts at the University of Southern California, with extended emphasis in Vocal Performance. Fielding has had the honor of working alongside luminaries such as Matthew Aucoin, Christian Badea, Cori Ellison, John DeMain, Luana Devol, Peter Kazaras, Kelly Kuo, James Levine, Timothy Lindberg, Angela Meade, Carol Neblett, Linda Watson, and Dolora Zajick, and has served as music director, vocal coach, pianist, adjudicator for organizations including Dolora Zajick’s Institute for Young Dramatic Voices, Santa Fe Opera, the Philadelphia Virtuosi, Los Angeles Opera, Opera Pacific, Operafestival di Roma, Opera Santa Barbara, Opera San Jose, OperaWorks, Pacific Vocal Series, Pacific Symphony, Opera Chapman, California State University at Northridge, Azusa Pacific University, the Juilliard School, and the USC Thornton Opera. You can hear her playing on all major streaming platforms on the newly released album with soprano, Tory McKenna: Awakening. Dr. Fielding is passionate about keeping the arts thriving in the communities and has recently help produced several concerts with Parnassus Society at Soka Performing Arts Center. She is currently the Artistic Director of Parnassus Society and Coach at Opera UCLA and Dolora Zajick’s Institute for Young Dramatic Voices.

 

Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years. After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux. Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi. Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her fifth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2025!

 

Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy. Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope. He is also featured in the recent release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.

Chamber Music Concert

Concert with Rita Sloan, Piano, Martha Aarons, Flute, Lev Polyakin, Violin

Rita Sloan, Martha Aarons and Lev Polyakin invite you to a concert covering a broad spectrum of music featuring piano, flute and violin. The program will include works by composers of several countries and eras, and the music ranges from charming to extremely virtuosic. Join us in Oaktree, where the acoustics are perfect and the atmosphere is casual!

Rita Sloan is recognized internationally as soloist, accompanist, chamber musician, and leading teacher of piano and collaborative piano. In 1999 she was appointed a piano faculty member and director of the collaborative piano program of the University of Maryland. At the Aspen Music Festival and School, where she is also a piano faculty member, she founded and heads the collaborative artist program and was one of the recipients of Aspen’s prestigious New Horizons Fellowships. Residencies and master class presentations include London’s Royal College of Music, the Academy of Music in Vilnius (Lithuania), and the Juilliard School. Ms. Sloan regularly performs with orchestra, in recital, and in chamber music throughout the U.S., Europe, and Japan. She has been a returning guest in chamber music venues such as New York’s Bargemusic and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Series. She was also a featured artist at the Twenty-Fifth International William Kappell Piano Competition. Ms. Sloan is one of the founding members of the Aspen Ensemble, featured on NPR’s Performance Today. Recordings include a disc with internationally renowned trumpeter, Chris Gekker.

Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years. After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux. Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi. Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her fifth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2025!

Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy. Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope. He is also featured in the recent release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.

Guitar Concerts with Jason Vieaux

Enjoy two concerts with Jason Vieaux, guitar:

Solo Bach Program

Jason Vieaux with Martha Aarons, flute and Lev Polaykin, violin

Jason Vieaux is “among the elite of today’s classical guitarists” (Gramophone), and is described by NPR as “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation”. He is one of only 6 guitarists in history to win the Grammy Award for “Best Solo Instrumental”, winning in 2015 for his album “PLAY”. Jason’s multiple appearances over the last 20 years, for San Francisco Performances, Caramoor Festival, Ravinia Festival, Round Top Festival, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, 92nd St Y, CMS Lincoln Center, Wolf Trap, etc., cemented his reputation as one of the world’s leading guitarists. Jason Vieaux has performed as soloist with over 150 orchestras, including Cleveland, Toronto, Houston, Nashville and St. Louis, working with renowned conductors such as Giancarlo Guererro, Jahja Ling, Gerard Schwarz, and David Robertson. Vieaux’s strong presence on radio and streaming services continues with his acclaimed “Bach Volume 2: Works for Violin”, which was released April 2022 to rave reviews from Gramophone and others. Vieaux recorded Pat Metheny’s “Four Paths of Light” (dedicated to Jason), for Metheny’s 2021 album “Road To The Sun” on BMG Modern. Of his Grammy-winning 2014 solo album Play, The Huffington Post declared that Play is “part of the revitalized interest in the classical guitar.” Vieaux’s regular collaborators include the Escher String Quartet, violinist Anne Akiko Meyers, Bandoneonist Julien Labro, and Grammy-winners Sasha Cooke (Mezzo-soprano), Yolanda Kondonassis (harp), Zuill Bailey (cello) and Timothy McAllister (saxophone). Vieaux co-founded the guitar department at the Curtis Institute of Music in 2011 (with David Starobin), and has taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music for 28 years.

Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years. After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux. Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi. Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her fifth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2025!

Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy. Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope. He is also featured in the recent release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.

Chamber Music Concert

Costa Rican pianist Juan Pablo Andrade enjoys a dynamic presence both on stage and in the academic realm. He has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Costa Rican National Prize of Music— the highest honor bestowed upon a musician by the Costa Rican Ministry of Culture. He has also received top honors at international competitions like the Artlivre International Piano Competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the Carlos Enrique Vargas National Piano Competition in Costa Rica.  With a performance schedule that spans several continents, Andrade has played as a soloist with orchestras such as the South Bend Symphony in Indiana, the Greensboro Symphony in North Carolina, the Powder River Symphony in Wyoming, and the Bolivian National Symphony. He’s also a familiar face with the Costa Rican National Symphony. His recital tours have taken him through the Americas and Europe, with standout performances at the Yehudi Menuhin Forum in Bern, Switzerland, the World Piano Conference in Novi Sad, Serbia, and a recent solo recital tour in South America. His CD “War to Peace” with violinist Betul Soykan, has been warmly received by critics, including a notable review in Fanfare magazine.  In the academic realm, Andrade serves as a Professor of Piano at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. His educational journey spans prestigious institutions, including the University of Costa Rica, Arizona State University, Indiana University-South Bend, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His commitment to music education extends beyond his university role, frequently serving as a guest faculty at international festivals and founding the La Frontera International Piano Conference in Brownsville, Texas.

Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years.  After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux.  Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi.  Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her fourth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2024!

Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy.  Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope.  He is also featured in the release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.

Wild Women of Song

Concert #1:   Great Women of the American Songbook – Swing, Jazz and Motown

Concert #2 – Great Women of The Blues – (Alberta Hunter, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Nina Simone and more!)

And Outdoor Concert at Bazar del Sol

 

Pamela Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, bold, warm voice and easy rapport with musicians thrills audiences of all ages.
“Outstanding vocals…Pamela Rose hits that jazz and soul sweet spot”.  Frank John Hadley, DownBeat 

Rose is also best known for her touring concerts celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz.  Her Wild Women of Song and Blues is a Woman shows resulted in a book and concert series which has toured nationally.

 

Kristen Strom has played alongside many well-known artists, including Manhattan Transfer, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Heath, Pamela Rose, and the touring company of Blues is a Woman. She also performs in a celebrated duo with husband/guitarist Scott Sorkin. In addition to her albums, Intention, Sojourn and Moving Day: The Music of John Shifflett, she has recorded more than 40 CDs with various jazz and pop artists. Her latest album, Moving Day, was listed as one of Best Jazz Albums of 2018 by The Mercury News and has gotten national and international airplay.

 

Scott Sorkin is a Bay Area guitarist, composer, producer, teacher and recording engineer who performs and records in styles ranging from jazz to Brazilian and Latin styles. His solo CD “Laika” was released in 2017. Performance credits include the Count Basie Orchestra, Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Nneenna Freelon, Paula West, Louie Bellson, Vince Giordano, Tammy Hall, Pamela Rose, Kristen Strom, touring shows “Dream Girls” and Disney’s “Newsies”, Symphony Silicon Valley, Great Performances, PBS Television and SFJAZZ. Sorkin has extensive recording credits as well as film scores (including composer credits). Scott co-leads the international jazz group “Crossing Borders”, featuring Kristen Strom, Jennifer Scott, and Rene Worst. He’s been a featured artist at many festivals.

 

Oakland resident Ruth Davies has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to many internationally touring artists. Jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Clark Terry, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison are among her long list of tour and recording credentials. Her impressive discography includes many platinum and Grammy-winning recordings.  Ruth has toured with Pamela Rose for many years, with her Blues is a Woman and Wild Women of Song shows.

 

Daria “Shani” Johnson is a San Francisco based drummer, singer and multi-instrumentalist with a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage. She has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area.  After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Daria toured with her band London Street in the US and Europe, opening for major acts India Airie, Erykah Bada, Brandi Carlisle, and John Legend.  Daria also debuted and starred in the Blues is a Woman show, bringing the audience to their feet night after night.

Wild Women of Song

Concert #1:   Great Women Hitmakers – Swing, Jazz, Blues & R & B

Concert #2:   Great Women Hitmakers – the 60’s and 70’s!

And Sing-Along at Lounge

 

Pamela Rose – Vocals  
Pamela Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, bold, warm voice and easy rapport with musicians thrills audiences of all ages.
“Outstanding vocals…Pamela Rose hits that jazz and soul sweet spot”.  Frank John Hadley, DownBeat 

Rose is also best known for her touring concerts celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz.  Her Wild Women of Song and Blues is a Woman shows resulted in a book and concert series which has toured nationally.

 

John R. Burr – Pianist
John R. Burr is a musician of wide ranging and diverse style. Although firmly rooted in Blues and Jazz, he is heavily influenced by his love of vocal music ranging from the Beatles to the Great American Songbook, to Contemporary Pop Music. He is a sought-after Accompanist and Arranger on the Bay Area music scene, regularly appearing with Jackie Ryan, Kenny Washington,Tony Lindsay, Nicolas Bearde and Kitty Margolis.

 

Ruth Davies – Bass
Oakland resident Ruth Davies has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to many internationally touring artists. Jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Clark Terry, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison are among her long list of tour and recording credentials. Her impressive discography includes many platinum and Grammy-winning recordings.  Ruth has toured with Pamela Rose for many years, with her Blues is a Woman and Wild Women of Song shows.

 

Daria Johnson – Drums/Vocals
Daria “Shani” Johnson is a San Francisco based drummer, singer and multi-instrumentalist with a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage. She has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area.  After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Daria toured with her band London Street in the US and Europe, opening for major acts India Airie, Erykah Bada, Brandi Carlisle, and John Legend.  Daria also debuted and starred in the Blues is a Woman show, bringing the audience to their feet night after night.

Wild Women of Song

Pamela Rose, Kristen Strom, Scott Sorkin, Ruth Davies, & Daria Johnson

 

Pamela Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, bold, warm voice and easy rapport with musicians’ thrills audiences of all ages. “Outstanding vocals…Pamela Rose hits that jazz and soul sweet spot”.  Frank John Hadley, DownBeat Rose is also best known for her touring concerts celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz.  Her Wild Women of Song and Blues is a Woman shows resulted in a book and concert series which has toured nationally.

 

Kristen StromKristen Strom has played alongside many well-known artists, including Manhattan Transfer, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Heath, Pamela Rose, and the touring company of Blues is a Woman. She also performs in a celebrated duo with husband/guitarist Scott Sorkin. In addition to her albums, Intention, Sojourn and Moving Day: The Music of John Shifflett, she has recorded more than 40 CDs with various jazz and pop artists. Her latest album, Moving Day, was listed as one of Best Jazz Albums of 2018 by The Mercury News and has gotten national and international airplay.

 

Scott Sorkin is a Bay Area guitarist, composer, producer, teacher and recording engineer who performs and records in styles ranging from jazz to Brazilian and Latin styles. His solo CD “Laika” was released in 2017. Performance credits include the Count Basie Orchestra, Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Nnenna Freelon, Paula West, Louie Bellson, Vince Giordano, Tammy Hall, Pamela Rose, Kristen Strom, touring shows “Dream Girls” and Disney’s “Newsies”, Symphony Silicon Valley, Great Performances, PBS Television and SFJAZZ. Sorkin has extensive recording credits as well as film scores (including composer credits). Scott co-leads the international jazz group “Crossing Borders”, featuring Kristen Strom, Jennifer Scott, and Rene Worst. He’s been a featured artist at many festivals.

 

Oakland resident Ruth Davies has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to many internationally touring artists. Jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Clark Terry, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison are among her long list of tour and recording credentials. Her impressive discography includes many platinum and Grammy-winning recordings.  Ruth has toured with Pamela Rose for many years, with her Blues is a Woman and Wild Women of Song shows.

 

 

Daria “Shani” Johnson is a San Francisco based drummer, singer and multi-instrumentalist with a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage. She has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area.  After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Daria toured with her band London Street in the US and Europe, opening for major acts India Airie, Erykah Bada, Brandi Carlisle, and John Legend.  Daria also debuted and starred in the Blues is a Woman show, bringing the audience to their feet night after night.

Wild Women of Song

Concert #1:   Great Women Hitmakers – Swing, Jazz, Blues & R & B

Concert #2:   Great Women Hitmakers – the 60’s and 70’s!

And Sing-Along at Lounge

 

Pamela Rose – Vocals  
Pamela Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, bold, warm voice and easy rapport with musicians thrills audiences of all ages.
“Outstanding vocals…Pamela Rose hits that jazz and soul sweet spot”.  Frank John Hadley, DownBeat 

Rose is also best known for her touring concerts celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz.  Her Wild Women of Song and Blues is a Woman shows resulted in a book and concert series which has toured nationally.

 

John R. Burr – Pianist
John R. Burr is a musician of wide ranging and diverse style. Although firmly rooted in Blues and Jazz, he is heavily influenced by his love of vocal music ranging from the Beatles to the Great American Songbook, to Contemporary Pop Music. He is a sought-after Accompanist and Arranger on the Bay Area music scene, regularly appearing with Jackie Ryan, Kenny Washington,Tony Lindsay, Nicolas Bearde and Kitty Margolis.

 

Ruth Davies – Bass
Oakland resident Ruth Davies has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to many internationally touring artists. Jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Clark Terry, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison are among her long list of tour and recording credentials. Her impressive discography includes many platinum and Grammy-winning recordings.  Ruth has toured with Pamela Rose for many years, with her Blues is a Woman and Wild Women of Song shows.

 

Daria Johnson – Drums/Vocals
Daria “Shani” Johnson is a San Francisco based drummer, singer and multi-instrumentalist with a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage. She has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area.  After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Daria toured with her band London Street in the US and Europe, opening for major acts India Airie, Erykah Bada, Brandi Carlisle, and John Legend.  Daria also debuted and starred in the Blues is a Woman show, bringing the audience to their feet night after night.

Summer Serande with Elena Durán

Elena DuránElena Durán grew up in Oakland, California and has enjoyed an international career, appearing as soloist with more than 50 orchestras all over the world, playing on a number of occasions for the Queen of England, HM King Charles as well as the President of Mexico. She has recorded a hit single with Paul McCartney and has made two albums with jazz great Stephane Grappelli. At various stages of her career, she has taught at University and Conservatory level including at Stanford University, the London College of Music, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Hartt School of Music. She has given masterclasses and courses all over the world and was the director of the Stratford International Flute Festival for twenty years and the Mexican Flute Festival at UNAM for five years in the nineties. She was named Mexico City’s Ambassador of Culture and Tourism, and with her personal outreach program FLAUTA SIN FRONTERAS, she has taken music to those who can’t attend concerts, especially those in prison and those who live along the US/Mexico Border. Elena is a passionate supporter of the Ranch’s Fundación La Puerta, bringing her programs to the local community.

 

Meditation and Human Flourishing

Meditation is Your Natural State
Overcoming the Overactive Mind
The End of Stress, Distress, & Suffering
Human Flourishing: Enduring Happiness, Serenity, & Freedom

Meditation is not what you think it is. It’s much more. Perhaps you’ve tried meditation, but you just couldn’t do it. Perhaps you couldn’t fit it into a hectic schedule, or you were overcome by a restless monkey-mind. You gave up more than once in frustration or boredom. In the news, media, and from friends you hear about the benefits of this practice, but you never experienced these for yourself. Dr. Elliott Dacher will share his unique perspective as a trained physician and lifelong meditator. He will demonstrate, with clear scientific evidence, personal experience, and precise instructions what wise women and men have long understood – effective meditation has the power to heal the body at gross and subtle levels, awaken your mind, and ignite your spirit. It offers that illusive “more to Life.” This experiential four-session progressive program will provide you with the understandings and skills that will enable you to develop a successful meditation practice, experience its full benefits, and effectively integrate it into your daily life.

 

Elliott S. Dacher, M.D., practiced internal medicine for 20 years before pursuing an extensive education in Eastern psychology and practices amongst the wise healers of Asia. His last book –Aware, Awake, Alive – is the course text. He is a past fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences and a past advisory board member of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. A frequent presenter and seminar leader, his previous books include: Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing (Basic Books, 2006), Whole Healing (Dutton/Plume, 1996), and Intentional Healing (Marlowe, 1996). Currently he teaches and counsels individuals seeking a larger health and life.

 

Amazing Oceans of Life

Amazing Oceans of Life
Explore the beautiful and bizarre creatures that inhabit our seas, from tropical coral reefs to the deep abyss, with a leading expert. Dr. Mark Hixon uses stunning photographs, vivid video clips, and entertaining dialog to bring the undersea world indoors.

Coral Reefs: Rainforests and Canaries of the Seas
Explore the greatest concentration of life on the Earth including the life of corals, the amazing biodiversity of reefs, how coral reefs benefit humans, and how humans are threatening the very existence of reefs.

Abyss: Bizarre Creatures of the Deep Sea
Explore the dark recesses of the oceans, inhabited by creatures that look like characters from science fiction movies. Much of this presentation will be accompanied by video taken from deep sea submersibles.

Mother Ocean and Humanity: A Fragile Bond
The seas have provided people with numerous goods and services over millennia, yet Mother Ocean is now suffering. Dr. Mark Hixon will discuss how the invisibility of what lies below the sea surface and the myth of ocean inexhaustibility have led to environmental challenges that require each of us to become better ocean stewards.

 

Mark Hixon, Ph.D., is an endowed professor of marine biology at the University of Hawai‘i. For the past 40 years, he has studied sea life underwater using SCUBA and small research submarines, exploring kelp forests off California, the deep sea off Oregon, and coral reefs from the Caribbean to the Great Barrier Reef. An internationally recognized expert in coral reef ecology and conservation, Mark serves as an associate editor of multiple scientific journals, and is past chair of both the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee (for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and the Ocean Sciences Advisory Committee (for the National Science Foundation). His on-line TED talks and TV appearances about sea life are both informative and entertaining.

Concerts with Karl Anthony: Music, Color & Light

Color & StarLight
KARL ANTHONY in Concert

As you step into the room, you’ll be immediately welcomed by a dazzling display of vibrant laser visuals and radiant, colorful Starlight. The atmosphere sparkles with anticipation, setting the perfect stage for an unforgettable, mesmerizing evening with singer/songwriter Karl Anthony.

Karl Anthony’s songs are poetically and passionately inspired by his experiences singing at the bedside of child patients at San Diego’s Rady Children’s Hospital and by his adventures leading international philanthropic service trips around the world, currently focusing on Thailand. In addition to playing the guitar, Karl performs on the hypnotic and soothing Steel Handpan, which he affectionately calls the “Singing Drum.” This unique instrument, originally invented in Switzerland, blends rhythm and harmonics to create a universal sound that balances the heart and calms the busy mind. Prepare for a heartfelt evening filled with original music, color, and starlight—an unforgettable performance you’re sure to enjoy.

Health-Rhythms Drum Circle
Health-Rhythms Drum Circle with Karl Anthony is a fun, invigorating and intellectually stimulating way to enhance your creativity, focus, and overall well-being. Immerse yourself in the world of drumming and experience a dynamic activity that combines the best of music and science, creating a unique and engaging activity that is sure to pique your interest. Through community drumming, you’ll be able to express yourself through rhythm and sound, leading to benefits such as reduced stress, lower blood pressure, enhanced cognitive function, and even a boosted immune system. And the best part? No prior experience is required, as you can dive into this exciting world of drumming regardless of your perceived rhythmic abilities. In addition to the creative benefits, drumming can also improve coordination, leading to better movement and balance. Join us at Health-Rhythm Drumming with Karl Anthony and discover how this engaging activity can enhance your life in countless ways.

Handpan Singing Drum
Harmonic Bliss: A Transformative Musical Experience
Immerse yourself in the sound and serenity of the Handpan “Singing Drum.” Karl Anthony weaves a rich tapestry of heartfelt melodies, enhanced by the enchanting notes of the Steel Handpan. Originating from the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland, this instrument is a true marvel of craftsmanship, producing a harmonious blend of rhythm and resonance that transcends cultural boundaries. Transport yourself into a world where music gently cradles your spirit and soothes your mind. The Handpan’s hypnotic allure envelops you in a cocoon of tranquility, inviting you to relax and reflect. Each note resonates deeply, creating a soundscape that balances your heartbeat and quiets the chaos of daily life, allowing you to find your center. Prepare to be enchanted, uplifted, and transformed by this harmonic bliss. Karl’s music serves as a guiding light, leading you on a journey of self-discovery. The melodic vibrations of the Handpan Singing Drum will echo in your heart, reminding you of the beauty in stillness and the profound healing power of music.

 

Karl Anthony is a singer/songwriter and passionate advocate for the healing power of music. His work transcends traditional entertainment, creating a global language of service, connection, and joy. Karl’s mission is centered around fostering hope, a commitment that has earned him several Gandhi/King Season for Nonviolence Peace Hero awards for his humanitarian efforts and innovative musical approach. In addition to the guitar, Karl is known for his mastery of the hypnotic and soothing Steel Handpan, which he affectionately calls the “Singing Drum.” This unique instrument, originally invented in Switzerland, blends rhythm and harmonics to create a universal sound that balances the heart and calms the mind. Paired with Karl’s heartfelt lyrics, the Handpan invites listeners to experience music as a profound tool for healing and emotional connection.

Karl is also a certified Health-Rhythms Drum Circle facilitator, using rhythm and drumming as a means to bring people together, promote healing, and reduce stress. When not on tour, Karl draws inspiration from his work with child patients at Rady Children’s Hospital, where he is part of the Healing Arts Department. Through his music, Karl creates nurturing environments for healing, offering comfort and solace to patients and their families. Beyond his hospital work, Karl leads international service trips to Thailand, where he and his wife, Noi, live part of the year. These trips reflect his deep commitment to global service, blending his love for music with a mission to make a meaningful impact on communities around the world. With hundreds of songs to his name, Karl’s music stands as an anthem of hope and resilience. He believes in the power of music to inspire personal transformation and create a brighter future for humanity.

To learn more about Karl Anthony and his work, please visit his website at karlanthony.com

Concerts with Karl Anthony: Music, Color & Light

Karl Anthony in ConcertMusic, Color & Light
Experience a mesmerizing evening with singer/songwriter Karl Anthony in concert. As you enter, stunning laser visuals and colorful starlight will fill the room.

Karl Anthony is a word-man with hundreds of poetically and passionately inspired songs. He draws his inspiration from a career of philanthropic international touring in Asia, being on staff as a Healing Arts Artist at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, and being a long-time guest musician at Rancho La Puerta for over thirty years. In addition to playing guitar, he will also perform on the hypnotic and soothing Handpan Singing Drum. This unique instrument was originally invented in Switzerland and blends rhythm and harmonics to create a universal sound sculpture that balances the heart and calms the mind.

But this evening is more than just a performance. Karl’s concert creates a vibration of community and will leave you feeling nurtured and engaged. This is a potent, heart-felt evening of music, color, and light.

Drumming with Karl Anthony
Unleash your beats and inner rhythm at Drumming with Karl Anthony! This epic class is not only a ton of fun, it’s also an awesome way to boost your creativity, focus, and overall health. You’ll experience the amazing world of drumming, where music and science combine to create something truly unique and engaging.

With drumming, you’ll get to express yourself through rhythm and sound, which can reduce stress, lift your mood, enhance cognitive function, and even boost your immune system! And don’t worry if you’ve never drummed before – no prior experience is needed. You can jump right in and soon will be in the groove.

Plus, drumming can improve your coordination, leading to better movement and balance. So, join us for a class that will have you feeling pumped and energized!

 

Karl Anthony is an award-winning singer/songwriter and a proud member of NOAH (National Organization of Arts in Health), dedicated to advocating for the healing power of music in healthcare. For nearly twenty years, he has served as a healing arts professional at the San Diego Rady Children’s Hospital, infusing his work and music with a message of hope for children and families.

Leading drum circles in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at the hospital as a REMO Certified Health Rhythms Facilitator, Anthony promotes the scientifically researched benefits of community drumming as a tool for equalizing and building communities.

Each year, Karl and his wife Noi lead travel service trips to Thailand, where they have a home and reside part of the year. These trips support musical instruments for local schools and orphanages.

Karl has forged his own unique path in the music industry, earning multiple Gandhi/King Season for Non-Violence Peace Hero awards for his innovative art-focused wellness programs, music performances, and humanitarian efforts. Through his music, Karl Anthony opens doors to connect with people and shares his passion for the healing potential of music.

To learn more about Karl Anthony and his work, please visit his website at karlanthony.com

Power Walking

This two-session program will begin by explaining what is racewalking, power walking, and the organizations that govern them. You will also learn the benefits and techniques of race walking, stretching, best ways to train, and how it benefits your health.

A racewalker for thirty-eight years, Alan Poisner has been named number one in the world in his age division. While taking gold medals at three different international races, he also has been named U.S. National Racewalker of the Year in his age division multiple times, setting records at the biannual National Senior Games. He later led the nationally recognized Heartland Racewalkers club as president and chief mentor for twenty years.

Learning to Love Midlife

12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better With Age

 

Chip Conley is on a midlife mission. After disrupting the hospitality industry twice, first as the founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the second-largest operator of boutique hotels in the U.S., and then as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, leading a worldwide revolution in travel, Conley co-founded MEA (Modern Elder Academy) in January 2018 in Baja California, Mexico. Inspired by his experience of intergenerational mentoring as a ‘modern elder’ at Airbnb, where his guidance was instrumental to the company’s extraordinary transformation from fast-growing start-up to the world’s most valuable hospitality brand, MEA is the world’s first ‘midlife wisdom school’ and has a campus opening on a 2,600-acre regenerative horse ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico in early 2024. Dedicated to reframing the concept of aging, MEA supports students to navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. A New York Times bestselling author, Conley’s 7th book “Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age” is about rebranding midlife to help people understand the upside of this often-misunderstood life stage and he was asked to give a 2023 TED talk on the “midlife chrysalis.”

Body Intelligence: Listen to Your Innate Wisdom for Longevity

Explore the transformative power of connecting with your body’s innate wisdom and learn practical techniques to promote longevity and well-being.

Do you know how to truly care for your body for optimal health and longevity? This workshop takes a holistic approach to health and well-being, providing insights into the importance of listening to and honoring the body’s needs. Participants will learn practical techniques to tune into their body’s intelligence and access their inner wisdom to make healthy choices with intention. Through experiential exercises, guided meditations, and interactive discussions, attendees will enhance their body awareness and also explore strategies to optimize well-being overall to support the body’s natural healing and renewal processes.

 

Dr. Cindy Tsai, MD, is an award-winning double board-certified Physician, TEDx Speaker, Bestselling Author, and Chief Wellness Officer. As the Founder of Yes & More, a personal growth and wellness company, she empowers leaders and organizations to thrive and say YES to themselves and more with a compassionate approach incorporating mindfulness and integrative mind-body-spirit practices.

Her extensive training at Ivy League institutions and clinical experiences as both an Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine Physician highlighted the impact of chronic stress on the body and fueled her mission to do more than prescribe medications as a band-aid. Her passions lie in preventative health and holistic well-being with a vision to foster a healthier and happier world.

The Write Stuff: The Basics of Writing and Publishing a Book

Have you ever had an idea for a fiction book but don’t know where to start? From idea to shelf, this program will lead you through the writing and publication journey. Learn how to outline, write, edit, and navigate the traditional publishing industry.

Lecture: Starting Your Novel: Elements of Story + Outline
Methods and tips on story structure, chapter structure plot, character, dialogue, setting, description and how to outline.

Writing Workshop: Writing Prompt

Lecture: Words on Paper: Writing and Revising 101
Methods and tips on how to complete a first draft, edit for strengthening the story, overwriting + underwriting, and create a writing + revising community.

Writing Workshop : Writing Prompt

Lecture: Navigating Publishing: Query Letters + Agents & Editors
Methods and tips on crafting the perfect pitch, landing an agent, and understanding the publishing business.

 

Karina Evans is the author of the middle grade novels, Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins!, Audrey Covington Breaks the Rules, and Millie of the Manor. She studied English at the University of Delaware before starting a career in the entertainment industry. Karina currently works for Disney, and had previously worked for Paramount, Lucasfilm, and Sony. You can visit her online at karinaevans.com.

Instagram: @karinaewrites

Frank Lloyd Wright, My Art, and Me: An Unconventional Approach

Art as a Way of Life: An Unconventional Approach
Pamela Smilow’s presentation is about the unconventional way she has made art her way of life: her evolution as an artist and the circumstances, including growing up in a very unique Frank Lloyd Wright cooperative community, that have shaped her into the person she is today. Her talk will include many colorful slides of her art and the innovative architecture and design she grew up around.

Tree of Life Art Workshop (up to 2 hours)
Pam Smilow invites you to join her in the Art Studio for the next three afternoons. The subject of her workshop is The Tree of Life, inspired by nature and the Tree of Life Candelabra Vessels that dot Rancho La Puerta. It is open to all abilities and is especially designed for those who don’t think of themselves as artists. “I believe we all have it in us as long as we bring our inner child and leave our self-judgment and self-consciousness out of the picture.” You will leave with your own two-dimensional version of the Tree of Life using paint, mixed media and collage.

  

pamela smillowPamela Smilow grew up surrounded by art.  Her father was a modern furniture designer, sculptor and painter.  She was raised in a unique cooperative community founded by Frank Lloyd Wright, where all the modern homes were integrated into their natural surroundings.  New York City, with its myriad museums and cultural opportunities, was her backyard.  From a very early age, she knew that she wanted to be an artist. Although primarily self-taught in art, Pam did attend the University of Michigan (B.A., 1978) and spent one year studying ceramics at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Aix-en-Provence, France.  She had her first       one-woman show in Ann Arbor, Michigan when she was twenty-one and has continued to paint and exhibit ever since throughout the world, including exhibitions in Spain, France, Denmark and Japan. Her paintings are full of life, color and child-like primitivism.  No surprise, since she draws on childhood experiences and memories for her vocabulary of symbols.  These icons have remained consistent over the years:  ladders, windows, vessels, flowers, houses, trees, clothing (based on paper doll cutouts).  Her work grows out of abstract expressionism but has a variety of other eclectic influences. Her interest in language brought her to Europe during the 1980’s and 90’s and she spent quite a few years living and painting there.  This added a new Mediterranean and Nordic perspective to her work.   Pamela met her husband, Danish artist Gert Mathiesen, in the late 1980’s and thus began a collaboration that lasted for many years. Smilow shares her time between a studio in the heart of New York City and a little artist cottage on the Atlantic Ocean in mid-coast Maine. She works in a variety of different media including clay, printmaking, collage and painting.  She also writes a popular weekly inspirational blog entitled “Things We Love.” Smilow’s work can be found in many private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.

Latin American Music with Juan Pablo Andrade & Friends

Costa Rican pianist Juan Pablo Andrade is the recipient of numerous awards at several international piano competitions in Costa Rica, The U.S. and Brazil, besides being awarded the National Prize of Music by the Costa Rican Ministry of Culture. He performs extensively across the U.S., Latin America and Europe as a recitalist, collaborator and soloist with orchestras. Andrade has been a soloist with the Costa Rica and the Bolivia National Symphonies, as well as the South Bend and the Greensboro Symphonies among others. Recent performances include Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, in Gillette, Wyoming, and Beethoven’s “Emperor” Piano Concerto in Costa Rica’s National Theater.  His recent CD for Centaur Records (CRC3666) titled War to Peace, a recording with violinist Betul Soykan featuring works composed during WW II, has received worldwide critical acclaim. In addition to his performance activities, Andrade is a professor of piano at UT Rio Grande Valley and at the Semper Music international Summer Festival in the Italian Alps.

Piano Concerts with Juan Pablo Andrade

Costa Rican pianist Juan Pablo Andrade enjoys a dynamic presence both on stage and in the academic realm. He has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Costa Rican National Prize of Music— the highest honor bestowed upon a musician by the Costa Rican Ministry of Culture. He has also received top honors at international competitions like the Artlivre International Piano Competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the Carlos Enrique Vargas National Piano Competition in Costa Rica.  With a performance schedule that spans several continents, Andrade has played as a soloist with orchestras such as the South Bend Symphony in Indiana, the Greensboro Symphony in North Carolina, the Powder River Symphony in Wyoming, and the Bolivian National Symphony. He’s also a familiar face with the Costa Rican National Symphony. His recital tours have taken him through the Americas and Europe, with standout performances at the Yehudi Menuhin Forum in Bern, Switzerland, the World Piano Conference in Novi Sad, Serbia, and a recent solo recital tour in South America. His CD “War to Peace” with violinist Betul Soykan, has been warmly received by critics, including a notable review in Fanfare magazine.  In the academic realm, Andrade serves as a Professor of Piano at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. His educational journey spans prestigious institutions, including the University of Costa Rica, Arizona State University, Indiana University-South Bend, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His commitment to music education extends beyond his university role, frequently serving as a guest faculty at international festivals and founding the La Frontera International Piano Conference in Brownsville, Texas.

Music as a Vehicle to Inner Freedom

Workshop: Songwriting as a tool for Inner Freedom
Guided by Phoebe Hunt

In this workshop, Phoebe will guide participants through a foundational songwriting journey, opening the gateway for creative writing, songwriting, and soul expression. Through a variety of exercises, Hunt will lead the group and then help to workshop a select group participants to turn their writing into song. By being a part of the songwriting experience, all who choose to attend can expect to walk away with a greater confidence in their own ability to write a song. On a deeper level, all participants can expect to have a greater understanding of the process by which a song comes to life as well as the vehicle that songwriting can be toward gaining insight on inner freedom.

 

Phoebe Hunt and Dominick Leslie bring charm and virtuosity to the stage as their original music touches on the roots of American music winding from jazz to country, from swing to bluegrass and even touching on world music with eastern influences with ease and grace. Independently the two have traveled with a number of bands, touring through the States as well as internationally.

Best known for her TEDx talks around the healing power of music and as front woman of her band, Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers, Hunt is a top-shelf fiddler and songwriter who spends her time between performances holding space for others to grow through the power of music. Drawing from 30 years spent studying the violin/fiddle, Hunt’s latest release interweaves her classical upbringing with Appalachian Old Time, Texas Swing, and a maturity of songwriting that creates an unfiltered, raw expression dripping with palpable vulnerability.
“Hunt certainly doesn’t neglect her roots, but she doesn’t wallow in the dirt of her influences, either.” – Rolling Stone|

Colorado native Dominick Leslie has been around live music all his life, having attended his first bluegrass festival when he was just five months old. Best known as a touring member of GRAMMY award winning bluegrass band, Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway, Dominick Leslie has been involved with many outstanding projects over the years including The Deadly Gentlemen, The Grant Gordy Quartet, Missy Raines and the New Hip, The Bee Eaters, Noam Pikelny & Friends, Hawktail, Sam Reider and the Human Hands, Phoebe Hunt and the Gatherers and several other spontaneous groups.

YOUTUBE LINKS
Telephone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGJDxPGENQ
Just For Tonight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCa8fQJvqbQ

TEDx TALKS:
Sing Your Pain Away, Songs Written w/ War Veterans
Plant Seeds Of Music

www.dominickleslie.com
www.phoebehuntmusic.com

All About Sleep

Sleep: Secrets and Strategies
Sleep is a key factor in our cognitive, emotional, and physical wellbeing.  Demystify the science of sleep, why we need it, and what happens if we don’t get it. Learn the essentials of sleep disorders, how to recognize them, and what to do if you might have one.

Chasing Sleep: A Do-it-Yourself Guide to Overcoming Insomnia
Trouble sleeping can interfere with life, both night and day, and is almost always treatable – without medication. Learn how to decode sleep struggles identify your own opportunities for better sleep. Build your own do-it-yourself toolkit for insomnia and begin to craft your own approach to effective sleep.

Sleep and Performance: Strategize Your Sleep to Maximize Physical and Mental Potential
We’ll delve into the science behind the power of sleep and strategize ways to survive and thrive when sleep is hard to come by.  Each participant will leave with a plan for optimizing sleep for their own resilience and performance.

Lifestyle for Life
Evidence-based lifestyle changes can prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Learn the key elements of the pillars of lifestyle medicine, including plant-based dietary pattern, exercise, restorative sleep, stress management, and positive social relationships. Decode food labels, food industry jargon, and dietary guidelines, build an exercise plan to meet your own goals, explore joy and meaning through positive psychology.

Sarah ZallekSarah Zallek, MD is a sleep neurologist who has been practicing sleep medicine with a mindfulness approach – and teaching sleep with relevance and humor to a wide range of audiences – for more than two decades. She is a professor of neurology at University of Illinois College of Medicine, is board certified in Neurology, Sleep Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. She is Medical Director of OSF HealthCare Sleep and Vice President, Chief Medical Officer of OSF Saint Joseph Medical Center. She has developed and led conferences that integrate mindfulness, art, and science to foster individual wellness and reduce burnout. In addition, she has led the development of a compassion-based communication course that connects individuals to work together toward shared goals. Dr. Zallek is a frequent keynote speaker and industry consultant on communication and leadership.

Walking As A Way Of Life

This program explores walking for fitness, recreation, inspiration and transportation, how walking can boost your brain power and creativity, how to incorporate walking into your life and what it takes to make your neighborhood a more interesting and engaging place to walk.

Walking for Fun and Fitness
Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay fit and active, lead a healthy lifestyle, and avoid obesity. Do you really need 10,000 steps per day?  We’ll answer that while exploring how to get more bang for your walking buck and how to incorporate walking into your daily routine.

Creating Walkable Places
What does it take to make your neighborhood a more interesting place to walk?  Learn how design can motivate you to walk more often, what you need to know about transportation planning to advocate for creating walkable places where you live, and the details that matter to make it easier and more fun for you to get out and walk.

Walking to Boost Your Brain Power
Throughout the ages, poets, philosophers and pilgrims have found inspiration in walking. From Aristotle and Beethoven to Muir and Thoreau, great minds have one thing in common:  walking.  We’ll take a stroll through walking history to learn why your best thoughts and creative ideas come while walking and how you can tap into the power of daily walks to clear your mind, boost your brainpower and energize your creative juices.

Walking Workshop:  Walk Your Way to Fitness
Learn some basic techniques for fitness and recreational walking to help you bring health and energy to your life!  This workshop will cover walking technique, including stride, posture, shoes, and stretches for warm up and cool down with on-the-track instruction and evaluation.

Lynn Weigand, Ph.D., has “walked her talk”  for recreation, transportation and fitness for most of her life and brings a unique perspective to the topic with experience as both an urban design and transportation planner, and as a fitness coach. As an urban planner, she has managed transportation planning projects focusing on pedestrian and bicycle access and was the founding director of the Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation at Portland State University.  She holds a PhD in Urban Studies with a focus on designing healthy communities.  Lynn also is a Certified Personal Trainer and the owner of Portland, Oregon-based Encore Fitness, focusing on fitness walking and health coaching.