Sunday, June 13 @ 4pm PT / 7pm ET (on Zoom)
(registration is closed as of Sun, June 13, 2021)
Music is a huge part of who I am. It is woven into my present (mood, energy), past (memories, nostalgia) and future (annual traditions, celebrations). If you know me you know I have a playlist for almost every situation/theme. One of my favorite challenges is when someone gives me a word and asks me to create a playlist around that word. I can be having a bad day but if I put on my happy playlist my mood is instantly changed. This is one of the reasons why I love producing these listening sessions. It gives me the chance to share my playlists with others.
As we enter Pride month (June) I am inspired to celebrate with one of my virtual listening sessions! While building this playlist I realized how deeply this music is a part of who I am. I grew up with my mom playing vinyls of Donna Summer's "I Feel Love," Dead or Alive's "Turn Around and Count 2 Ten," Cher's "Believe," Madonna's "Vogue".... the list goes on. When I was a kid we would clear out the kitchen and turn it into a runway where we'd vogue while blasting "Show Me Love" by Robin S. I vividly remember exploring my mom's huge CD collection when I was probably 7 or 8 years old. I would pull the jewel cases out of her CD library to admire the cover art. I'd see images of non-binary, gender non-conforming artists. I'd turn on this music and I'd hear stories that defied the gender binary. My mom surrounded me with accepting imagery through the music she shared with me growing up. At the time I had no clue how important this music would become to me. It's now a part of my heart, my identity, my understanding of myself (thank you, mom!)
I want to use my next listening session to honor and celebrate the pioneers of LGBTQ+ music history who led me to be unabashedly myself, as well as the music that has molded LGBTQ+ culture.
I hope you'll join me to celebrate too... and I encourage you to share with me the music that has empowered you to be yourself.
Sunday, June 13
@ 4pm PT / 7pm ET
(on Zoom)
(registration is closed as of
Sun, June 13, 2021)
Through the songs I have thoughtfully chosen for our session we will be focusing on the celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride and history. I aim to create a space of calm and comfort, to tap into our senses and slow down through listening to music -- together.
Length: ~2 hours (feel free to tune in at any point, there's no pressure and you can stay for as long or as short as you'd like)
Virtual Location: On Zoom (link/dial-in info will be sent a few days before to those who have RSVP'd)
Who is Invited: All are welcome! Feel free to invite your friends/family by passing along the RSVP link.
The format is simple:
Grab a good pair of headphones if you're by yourself, or if you're with someone else sit together and ensure your computer volume is clear and easy to hear (some people like to connect their laptop to their TV/speaker system).
Find a good spot to cozy up, and maybe bring a favorite pillow, blanket or other comforting item.
The playlist for this session also has some great dance tracks... so if you like dancing, pick a space where you can easily get up and dance like no one is watching -- and as long as you turn off your video, no one will be watching! ;)
You can stay for as long or as short as you'd like.
There's no expectation to engage with others or socialize - you can simply close your eyes, turn off your video camera and listen; or you can keep your camera on and join the conversation in the Zoom Chat box. Whatever you feel comfortable with that day!
My intention, as with all my virtual listening sessions, is that you'll walk away feeling calm, centered, comforted, and reminded of the power of your own senses to bring you peace whenever life starts to feel like a whirlwind. And maybe you'll discover a few new songs you'd never heard before!
If you haven't joined one of my virtual listening sessions before, or you'd like a refresher on the format and purpose, please check out my blog post from our last listening session in March 2021: Spring Virtual Listening Session: "Color My World"
Are you interested in hosting your own private virtual listening session? If you have any questions or would be interested in collaborating on your own private listening session, feel free to reach out to me through the 'Contact' tab on my website. I'd love to work with you on your own unique, personalized listening session!