International Day of Peace Art and Music Festival

The Sunday afternoon of Peace Fest celebrates creativity, community, and the ways music and art can inspire peace and human connection. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. with a ceremonial blessing by Henry Frank, whose wisdom and presence have become a treasured Peace Fest tradition. Visitors can also experience Henry Frank: A Human Experience in the West Room, while the Valley Room will feature artwork from the William James Association's Prison Arts Project. Outside, students from Lagunitas School will exhibit peace-inspired artwork created following Ashanti Branch's Taking Off the Mask workshop. Through interactive activities and thoughtful conversation, students explore identity, empathy, and authentic connection, expressing both their inner and outer selves through art. Also, outside near the Courtyard the GreenStitch Climate Action interns will once again create one of their vibrant community chalk murals, illustrating the connection between climate protection and world peace. Following the blessing, we are excited to present all the way from Paraquay, Orquestra de Reciclados de Cateura, an internationally acclaimed youth ensemble from Paraguay whose musicians perform on instruments handcrafted from recycled materials recovered from a landfill. The instruments played by the orchestra members mimic violins, violas, cellos, double basses, guitars, flutes, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and percussion instruments, yet they are constructed from refuse. Their repertoire includes classical, folk, Paraguayan, and Latin American music, as well as songs by the Beatles and Frank Sinatra, among others. Their inspiring story of resilience, creativity, and hope beautifully reflects the spirit of Peace Fest. Peace Fest will then welcome Enriching Lives Through Music (ELM) for the first time. The youth music education program provides young people with immersive musical experiences, mentorship, and the resources to pursue their artistic dreams. Their talented young performers promise to bring energy, enthusiasm, and inspiration to the afternoon. Closing this year's festival is featured headliner AgapéSoul, led by bassist, songwriter, and producer Darryl Anders. Blending soul, funk, jazz, and R&B, AgapéSoul delivers uplifting performances centered on hope, healing, and connection. Anders has performed with the legendary Tower of Power and toured and recorded with Meters drummer Zigaboo Modeliste, bringing decades of musical experience to the Peace Fest stage. As Anders describes it, "The name AgapéSoul comes from the Greek word Agape—meaning God's unconditional love—and Soul, the place within us where music comes from. It also reflects the style of music I feel connected to. As an artist, I feel it's important to speak on issues that are crucial to the healing of our society."