Songs of Sustenance: Chants, Spirituals, Songs of Joy and Healing

Week of March 1, 2025

Together, with our facilitators, Arnaé Batson and Maggie Wheeler, we will embark on a vocal journey to investigate the vibrational power of song, including songs that have been sung through the ages–during times of struggle, resistance and triumph. From chants and spirituals to songs of protest and original music, we will sing open the doors to a deeper level of listening to one another and to the unseen.  As facilitators and collaborators, Arnaé Batson, Maggie Wheeler create a dynamic vocal journey for all to share.

In this workshop, we will gather together in the ancient practice of singing as a community. When we join our voices in a shared communal experience, healing is possible, courage is accessible and connections are deepened.

Arnaé Batson is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and culture carrier. Arnaé uses music to create spiritual pathways for health and wholeness.  Her passion is building community and uplifting people through songs that share hope and raise awareness for progressive social change.

Arnaé’s singing is deeply rooted in the spiritual and historical experiences of Black American culture, exploring genres from jazz, blues and gospel to R&B and beyond.  She has earned the distinction as one of the foremost interpreters and song leaders of the music of the Underground Railroad, the Modern Civil Rights movement and Black American Sacred Music.

Arnaé has traveled the globe extensively as a songleader, composer, arranger, session singer and workshop clinician.  Currently, her activism is expressed through her creation of music for the Art & Theomusicology Working Group of the California Poor People’s Campaign.  She also contributes original songs to the We Cry Justice Cultural Arts Project with the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice.  Further, she brings new life to iconic songs of the Civil Rights Movement through her touring partnership with the Living Legacy Pilgrimage.

Arnaé firmly believes that leading people in song can reawaken joy, build true connections and provide the musical salve necessary for the healing of personal and social wounds for all who are willing.  She feels most fulfilled when engaged in endeavors that carry life affirming music forward – passing on to others that which was passed on to her.