DARK WINGS - A Song Circle For Grief

What are “grief songs”? Just like it sounds. They are songs that touch grief, often repetitive and even meditative, allowing you to sink into the song and not worry too much about remembering words. Here are some examples, to help ease your worries. You will find these songs for free on YouTube, Instagram or Bandcamp. • Hold On by Heidi Wilson • Apprentice by Alexandra Blakely • Lean Into The World by Laurence Cole Singing these songs together will help you connect with others, move emotions through your body, and feel less alone in your grief. No Pressure To Sing While singing is encouraged and songs are intended to be accessible for all voices, it’s also okay to simply listen and let your body experience the sensations that come with community singing. Grief songs can move a lot of emotion through the body, even if you choose not to sing. Parking and Accessibility St. Thomas Church has ample free parking behind the church. Parking is included in your ticket. Enter by either the side door marked “Rector’s Office” or through the front. Everyone is welcome regardless of religious affiliation. Prepare to be moved by the beautiful sound of voices ringing off the arched domes of this historic building. This venue is wheelchair accessible. Ramp access via the front entrace, and bathrooms are accessible by elevator. Photography and Social Sharing To ensure everyone in the circle feels as safe as possible to explore both their voices and their grief, we ask that no pictures or video be taken during this event. What the song circle is not: This is not a therapy session or a talking circle. No one will be asked to share personal experiences. Singing is a way to approach grief with a lighter touch, without putting it into words or sharing details of the griefs we are holding. How Pricing Works This song circle is funded by slide scale ticket price. The suggested price is $25 per session. We don’t want money to be a barrier to singing. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Singing is for everyone. About Your Facilitator Tarzan Kay is a community song leader, daughter of Pashana and sister of Quentin, as well as a lifelong singer who was gifted a voice that was meant to be shared (just like yours). She is also an apprentice of grief and all that it has to teach us. Your questions are welcome at [email protected]. Here are a few you might be wondering. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Can anyone participate? Yes. All are welcome in this circle, whether you have zero musical experience, or a lifetime of degrees and certificates. Tarzan hopes to create a space where many types of humans can belong, including a mix of age and ability, race, gender, or political affiliation. Community singing has the power to be a bridge between all types of humans. Do I need to learn music in advance? No preparation is needed. Just show up and allow yourself to be led. Is this therapy? No, this is not a therapy session or a talking circle. Singing is an accessible way to process grief in a way that is beyond words. What if I’m late? To preserve a space of trust and intimacy in the circle, we cannot accept arrivals more than 10 minutes after the start time. Thank you for your understanding. Can I bring one of my children? Possibly. Please attend a session yourself first, and see if it's something your child you participate in. Speak to me after the session about your child's participation. What’s the cancellation policy? You may request a refund up to 24 hours before the event, minus any fees charged by Eventbrite. If you’ve RSVP’d but can’t come, let us know so we can offer your spot to someone else.