Next weekend, October 16th, I’ll be taking a blanket, a warm woolen sweater and a picnic basket to The Sanctuary at Shepardfields in East Haddam Connecticut. My plan is to spend twelve hours unplugged (sorta), writing in the sunshine, and listening to the 14 bands which are scheduled for the Sanctuary’s Local Music Tribal Summit. I can not wait. The day should prove a wonderful mix of music and friends.

The Sanctuary is located on 40 acres of land preserve. It “offers a sacred space for personal transformation, evolution of community and the restoration of the environment.” The Local Music Tribal Summit is a special fund-raising event, in partnership with Dirt Floor Studios, Chester, CT, in support of The Sanctuary’s Community Greenhouse Project. All proceeds will benefit the Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) organization. The Community Greenhouse Project will create a space at the Sanctuary to serve as a laboratory for sustainable living.

The day promises to present a diverse set of acts spanning original folk and rock, classical rock and blues, bluegrass, fiddle music, Zydeco, Latin Jazz and R&B. Performances start at 11am and continue through the day and evening until 11pm. The lineup includes Sandra & Eric Lichter, Alien Folk Music, Forrest Harlow, Some Guise, Ernest Song, Cantico, The Wafting Tones, Amalgamated Muck, Exit 6, Say What?, Back Swamp Fiddle Band, Liquid Grove Quaret, Joe’s Garage and Backwoods Zydeco.

I first learned about the sanctuary from Jen Taylor, of Om-Fly. Jen flies through the air. She is a certified flying & CircusYoga instructor and I knew I was going to like her when I learned we had both been to Kripalu and that she was familiar with and embraced the program there. Along with musician and philosopher Justin Good, these two are the Sanctuary’s gatekeepers.

In addition to regular events, classes and workshops in yoga, circus arts, meditation, and environmental education, the retreat features a yurt, drumming circle, labyrinth, community garden, apiary, and a composting toilet eco-temple. You can view the facilities here and here. And while you’re visiting the Sanctuary website be sure to check out this video, A Day At The Sanctuary. It will make you feel good, I swear it will.

Admission for the Local Music Tribal Summit is a mere $20 for the day and can be purchased in advance by calling the Sanctuary at 860-319-1134 or at their website. Rain date is set for Saturday October 23rd. I hope to see you there.

The Sanctuary at Shepardfields
Local Music Tribal Summit
October 16th (rain date October 23rd)
11am – 11pm
59 Bogel Road,
East Haddam, CT
860.319.1134
www.oursanctuary.org

Please share this with a friend or leave a comment below.