CIRCLE SINGING with Evita Cobo

Starts: 1:00 pm

Ends: February 4, 2012 - 4:00 pm

Location: Spirit Hollow, Shaftsbury, VT

Description: Circle Singing
with Evita Cobo
Workshop: February 4, 2012
1pm – 4pm
Cost: sliding scale of $35-50 per person

In the Aboriginal culture of Australia, when someone is troubled, she or he goes to the medicine man or shaman, rather than a therapist. And, the first thing the shaman will ask is, “When did you stop singing?” They believe that their lives are inextricably connected to others and to Spirit through their voices and singing, and that they can even navigate in unknown territory, from one point to the next, in the belief that their songs will lead them to their final destination. They rely with great trust in what are called Song Lines in their ritual Walkabout.
We, as a culture, have lost this deep connection to our voices and to the riches that it can bring us. We believe that singing is only for those who are “trained” or professional in some way, not that it is really one of the most natural expressions that a person can experience. There is also scientific evidence that singing together strengthens our immune systems and it brings deep joy and a strong sense of community.
Join others in a safe, supportive and fun environment where we will learn simple vocal exercises and games, sing songs and explore ensemble and circle singing. There will be opportunities for solo work for those who are interested in this. There is no experience necessary, just a desire to sing and share in this transformative and healing experience with others.
Evita is a jazz vocalist and psychotherapist, with over 50 years of combined experience in these areas. She performs in the tri-state area, in New York City and Boston, Georgia and recently in Point Reyes, California. She has studied over the past seven years with the rare and gifted Rhiannon who is a colleague of Bobby McFerrin and a founding member of McFerrin’s vocal improvisation group, Voicestra. Evita's CD, Invitation, is available through cdbaby.com. She is a certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor and teaches Body Awareness and Fundamentals of Singing for the performing arts program at The Community College of Vermont. She also teaches private voice lessons, with focus on jazz and improvisation.

Starts: 7:00 pm

Ends: February 10, 2012 - 8:00 pm

Location: Yoga Place, Bennington, VT

Description: KIRTAN with DEVI, February 10, Friday, 7pm at the Yoga Place in Bennington. Kirtan, ecstatic chanting from the Indian Bhakti (devotional) tradition, is participatory, in that everyone sings together from their hearts, regardless of ability. This beautiful sing-along art lifts the spirit, connects the hearts of all present, creates feelings of bliss and well being. We sing the names of the Divine using sacred mantras in Sanskrit and English. The vibration of Sanskrit mantras actually tunes and heals our bodies and opens and expands our energy fields. Chanting is a perfect heart-opening practice, as it cultivates love and devotion and deep peace. Accompanied by harmonium, guitar, bass and drums, we sing kirtan "standards" and original chants and gospel songs. No experience or special skill is needed; just a desire to be in a circle of like-hearted folks. Sing, dance, or simply lie down and close your eyes allowing the waves of song to wash over you.
Kirtan is growing in popularity all over the country, and DEVI is part of the growth of this mystical, inclusive musical form. Kids welcome with supervision. Bring rattles, tambourines, finger cymbals or drums! $10 donation. benningtonyoga.com

Starts: 10:00 am

Ends: February 12, 2012 - 11:00 am

Location: Spirit Hollow, Shaftsbury, VT

Description: SISTER SWEAT, February 12, Sunday. Come join us for this women's only lodge, where you can pray, laugh, cry, sing and drum in a safe circle of sisters.
Bring a bathing suit or wrap, a small offering for the sweat lodge altar, a water bottle, and a vegetarian potluck dish for afterwards. No charge, but donations of wool blankets and moeny toward the purchase of firewood for future lodges are appreciated. Water poured by Maggie Murphy and Tracey Forest. Come at 10am to build the fire and plan to stay the whole day. RSVP is greatly appreciate by the Friday before the lodge (send an email to spirithollow@wildblue.net or call 802-447-3895).

Starts: 9:00 am

Ends: February 18, 2012 - 5:00 pm