WELCOME TO THE RHYTHM & JOY FESTIVAL 2014 ! Meet Rickie Byars Beckwith, legendary New Thought performance and recording artist of inspirational music, Music & Arts Director of the Agape International Spiritual Center and the Artistic Director of the Rhythm & Joy (RAJ) Festival. For years, Rickie dreamt of creating an eco-friendly, transformational music and arts festival that would celebrate the impact of music as a catalyst for change. Her dream came true in the birth of RAJ, an extraordinary convergence of musicians, artists, innovative thinkers and cutting edge technologies for living our best life. The debut RAJ 13 festival last year successfully gathered 1,700 people over a period of three days. This year’s Rhythm and Joy Festival condenses into one day, and is free to the public. Says Rickie BB, “We intend to make friends, have fun, eat healthy delicious food, dance, sing and honor each other in a beautiful world that we build together.” Here, Rickie shares more about the inspiration behind creating the RAJ festival! Where did the term “Rhythm & Joy” come from, and what does it mean? Some years ago Michael and I did a meditation retreat with Ram Dass in Hawaii, and a man came up to me and said, “You know what, your music is a part of my life; I play it every day. And I have the perfect name for it: Rhythm & Joy!” And I was like, “’Rhythm & Joy’…I like it!” But at a deeper level, I knew that his calling my music “Rhythm & Joy” was just another way of saying “music that inspires and brings people together.” So when the idea to create a music festival came to me, of course I wanted it to be a festival of joy, and one that brings all kinds of people together and leaves them feeling good. So what is your intention for the RAJ Festival? Part of my intention for RAJ is to create a music festival that’s not just focused on one kind of music, or just caters to one kind of demographic. This is why we have a wide range of great music— from Latin Jazz to Rock to R&B to Pop to Electronica and others— all performed by accomplished musicians who have messages of inspiration which can be heard and enjoyed by everyone from our kids, to our parents and our grandparents. It’s also my intention for RAJ to bring folks together to have an experience they may not have otherwise had, to meet people they may not otherwise have met and to discover something new or different. And not just with the music, but with the various activities our RAJ Village offers such as the Wellness & Healing Oasis; the Kuumba Children’s Village; Yoga, Fitness and Dance; the Drum Circle; the Sustainable Living Marketplace; and a gourmet vegan and vegetarian food court, all designed to honor our minds, bodies and spirits. And we get to have this party outdoors in the fresh air, with the trees and under the sun! When people leave RAJ, I want them to say, “I had a lot of fun, I made some friends and I tried something I had never tried
before.” Or, “I heard some music I liked that I’ve never heard before.” Or, “I did something I’ve never done before.” I want them to feel that because of RAJ, a shift of some kind occurred in them. The word “transformation” is thrown around a lot, but I would just love for folks to leave the RAJ festival with a good feeling in their heart, and an intention to change something about the way they think about and live their lives. The Rhythm & Joy Festival Is… RAJ is a festival that’s here to build relationships and to bridge communities; to bring different kinds of people together so that we can come to know and feel how we really are more alike than different. What we’re saying is, there is a way that we can live together and get along.
RHYTHM & JOY FESTIVAL 2014…WE MAKE IT HAPPEN! Rickie Byars Beckwith - Executive Producer & Artistic Director Ginger Campbell/SNAP Productions - Producer Anna B. Scott - Website Branding & Social Media Jacquelyn Andrea Brown - RHYTHM Editor Julien Tourdot - RHYTHM Graphic and Layout Design California Green Press - RHYTHM Printer All Hands On Deck: Cathy Means, Lynne Biehl, Brenda Abdul-Aleem, Willard Williams, Kim Fernandez, Sunny Chayes, Arlene Drummond, Lora O’Connor, Jason Mitchell, Jason Kadlec, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Dudley Declaime Perkins, Muriel Shabazz, Nikki Nagel, Tgia Brown, Michele Todd, Sister Moutique Ayodele El, BJ Hollifield, Rayshon Martin, Sunshine Daye, Ivan Janer, Arlene Hylton, Michael Bernard Beckwith, Marianne Lewis, Movement of Agape, Charles Afolabitzsky, Diana Presley, Georgia Bradley.
WHAT'S INSIDE! • Welcome to the 2014 Rhythm & Joy Festival .....................3 • Merging Our Dreams to Make a Difference .........................4 • Sacred Healing Gemstones ..............................................5 • Rhythm Culture ................................................................5 • The Music Behind the Movement .....................................6 • The Ones Who Bring the Rhythm ..................................7-12 • RAJ 2014 Artist Line-Up ..................................................13 • RAJ Village Life ...............................................................13 • RAJ Village Vendors ........................................................13 • Sponsors Page .................................................................14 • Memorable moments from RAJ 13..................................18
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MERGING OUR DREAMS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: RAJ ARTISTS FOR TRAUMA The 2014 Rhythm & Joy (RAJ) Festival is excited to partner with Artists For Trauma (AFT), a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of both civilian and military trauma survivors by pairing recovering patients with established artists from various disciplines. Below AFT’s founder, Laura Sharpe, shares her story and vision for using art to help heal those who’ve experienced trauma, and how she came to partner with RAJ. R: Laura, how did you come to create Artists For Trauma? LS: In 2008, I was in a tragic helicopter crash which left me nearly dead, and my entire body and mind completely exploded, disfigured and disabled. In 2011 during my recovery, I co-created and collaborated with six highly-established artist friends of mine to produce an art exhibit titled, RE-MEMBERED - Interpretations of Reconstruction. This project became a lifeline of transcendence for me, and a real tool for rebuilding my capabilities. This experience inspired me to create Artists for Trauma as a modified, sustainable version of my own personal healing through art experiences for other disfigured and disabled trauma survivors. AFT provides, free of charge, empowering creative environments from many art disciplines, including the art supplies, where civilian and military trauma survivors may creatively engage in this long-term process of re-invention and recovery through group art workshops, one-on-one artistic engagement with established artists, and other activities. We refer to our participating trauma survivors as “Student Artists.” R: How did your organization come to partner with the Rhythm & Joy Festival? LS: About four years ago I had these recurring dreams of providing a music concert for individuals in wheelchairs, people with walkers and canes, people with significant limps and physical carriages, and their caregivers. The vague concept was to provide their hearts with a powerful experience of LOVE through music. It was a big dream that reoccurred for some time. But then, like dreams often do, it faded from my immediate conscious recall, although the intention left an indelible imprint on my psyche. Then in early 2012, I was introduced to Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith’s ministry and Rickie Byars Beckwith’s music at the Agape International Spiritual Center. I fell in love with Rickie BB’s music and the message of love it imparted; music which I’ve given as “love swag gifts of inspiration” to the trauma survivors we serve through our AFT programs. So last year when Rickie BB share with the Agape congregation her longtime dream of having a three-day transformative music experience that included a holistic and sustainable marketplace called the Rhythm & Joy Festival, I recognized, embraced and supported her vision! AFT purchased 20 three-day passes to offer to AFT trauma survivors the empowering opportunity to be deeply touched and inspired in their souls with Rickie's music and vision. At RAJ 2013, I personally learned that it takes a “village” to recover from trauma, and creating a “village” of transformation was also Rickie's theme for the RAJ Festival. There were just so many parallels between Rickie’s and my genuine intentions to share love and transcendent experiences to affect positive change in people's lives that it was by Divine decree that the Rhythm & Joy Festival and Artists For Trauma should "Merge Our Dreams to Make a Difference" in 2014. R: Please speak a little about the Roll With It, Flow With It Fashion Show. What is it and how did it become part of the RAJ festival? LS: The Artists for Trauma fashion show, Roll With It, Flow With It, is another long-time dream I've been cultivating and meditating on for the past three years. When I mentioned to Rickie BB that I would like to do this fashion show as part of our collaboration on RAJ 14, she immediately got it, and came up with the name, Roll With It, Flow With It! Part of the main intention of the AFT fashion show is to help reshape public perception of the trauma survivor from a downtrodden, disfigured, disabled victim to a dynamic, attractive, tasteful, stylish, hip, cool, sexy adult individual who has their remaining adult years left available to live a thriving productive life. Furthermore, the AFT fashion show idea presents a positive and motivating challenge to the international fashion scene and designers to "dress" this version of the human condition - individuals in wheelchairs, or individuals with body re-landscaping, limb loss issues, disfiguring burns, scars and skin grafts - with dignity, respect, good taste, flair and functionality. Clothing as functional and fun art that you wear - isn’t that what fashion is? Our AFT Student Artists will model apparel from two adaptive clothing lines, ABL Denim and Cozee On the Go. In addition, Macy's Department Stores has risen to the challenge to dress our AFT Student Artists! This fashion show will be a testament of inspiration to the trauma survivors’ families, friends and communities in which they live. It sends the message: we are all beautiful in our bodily configurations, no matter what!
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SACRED HEALING GEMSTONES There is nothing quite like the awe-inspiring sparkle of a brilliant glowing Diamond, the magical broody iridescence of Labadorite, the depth of color and richness of Tibetan Turquoise, the sensual red of Coral or the majestic purple of Amethyst. We all love and are drawn to natural gemstones and there are many reasons why. On the physical level, their beauty is unparalleled. However on the energetic level, their innate high vibrational natural healing resonance is a remarkable gift to humanity. I first became aware of this gift while studying Spirituality and metaphysics in India over two decades ago. Barrels of gemstones lined the streets, brimming over with fiery garnets, fossilized ancient Amber and virtually every other stone you could imagine. They beckoned for me to work with them, and awoke within me an ancient connection that would forever change my life. When I first began working with the stones, each night a different gem would come to me in a dream and teach me about itself. Gold-laced Lapis Lazuli took me to the temples of ancient Egypt and showed me how the temple walls were once covered in it. It was known as the most sacred of sacred stones. Coral showed me how it awakens one’s passion and creativity; how turquoise heals the body and aligns one’s truth of speech; how quartz protects and clears; and how green chalcedony heals one’s heart from past pain and supports one to move into love for self and others again. They taught me for months, ensuring that I understood what each one meant, and how each stone’s healing frequency was unique. They are still teaching me. One of the most magical qualities of gemstones is their ability to sync up with a person’s energy field and to support that person in their next unique step. What one stone will do for me will be completely different for what it does for another person as our journeys are so individual. I can perceive clearly how each gem interacts with the person who is wearing it. I see how it is aligning, healing and supporting them to connect with their highest potential. When choosing gemstones it is important that it is not a mental exercise but rather an intuitive process. Allow yourself to be shown the stone that will support your next step. Do not second-guess what is shown to you. When you research the healing properties of that gemstone you will be amazed that it will always be exactly what you need in the moment.
When selecting gemstones, there is a three-step process that people find helpful: 1) Hold the intention that you wish to find the piece that will support your highest good. 2) Allow yourself to be drawn to that piece, maybe it sparkles a bit more than others, maybe your hand is drawn to it, maybe the color fascinates your…whatever that pull is, allow it to be. 3) When you find your power piece, connect with it and honor it - it is here to help you. Speak to it and ask it to help you as you take your next steps. AINE CARLISLE -Aine Carlisle is the creator of Sacred Power Jewelry (SJP),
whose mission is to support people in aligning with their truth, their natural abundance, creative joy filled nature and manifesting that powerfully into the world. SacredPowerJewelry.com
RHYTHM CULTURE Art informs culture and many times the artist is way ahead of what is perceived as a breaking trend. Both Georgia Anne Muldrow and Dudley Perkins, two amazing artists—any way you slice it—have created images that truly represent the feeling tone of the Rhythm and Joy Festival. The original RAJ13 logo and website art of dynamic West African and star people representations sprang from the colorful pens of Georgia Muldrow. Dudley Perkins, who at 14 years old, would graduate from high school and enter art school to become an illustrator, generously provided the starry RAJ 14 logo as well as the leading art of our Rhythm newszine. That these two would meet along the way and find the art in each other’s eyes, join hearts to raise a family and grow their own music label, Someothaship Connect, and then find the time to provide the memes for the artistic themes and logo for the RAJ Festival is nothing short of remarkable. Here’s a shout-out to Georgia Anne Muldrow and Dudley Perkins : two slammin’ artists !
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THE MUSIC BEHIND THE MOVEMENT: MUSIC AS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE
M
usic leads to movements. Listen to funky rhythms and before you know it your head will bop and your hips will sway. Toes will tap and fingers will snap. But music leads not only to physical movements, but to political, social, and Spiritual ones as well. During the American Civil Rights Movement, music emboldened, encouraged and empowered the protesters who stood up to the forces of segregation in the South. Before any march or demonstration, participants would gather in a church to sing old Negro spirituals or labor union songs that fueled their resolve. Lyrics like, “Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me around,” or “Just like a tree planted by the water, we shall not be moved,” or “We shall overcome,” gave them the determination necessary to face down brutal cops wielding batons, water cannons, vicious police dogs, arrest, incarceration and even possible death. Music played such a key role in those mass meetings that it’s entirely possible that the Civil Rights Movement might not have succeeded without a soundtrack.
The same goes for events in South Africa during the struggle against racial apartheid. From the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when black youth in that township took to the streets to protest unequal and unfair educational practices, to the nationwide demonstrations and marches during the ‘80s and early ‘90s demanding the release of then-political prisoner Nelson Mandela and an end to the apartheid system altogether, music was a vital part of the mix. One of the most iconic images to emerge from that era was of black South African protesters singing and doing the defiant toyi-toyi dance (fists raised in a black power salute, knees kicking up high) when confronting police tanks and bullets. Outside of South Africa, exiled South African singers and musicians such as Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela traveled the globe performing and using their music to inform international audiences about the injustices taking place in their homeland. In the mid 1980s, the Broadway musical Sarafina featuring South African performers and songs that told the story of the Soweto uprising became a hit and toured the country. In the late ‘80s, non-South African singers such as Peter Gabriel and The Special AKA came out with popular anthems against apartheid that helped create a groundswell among college students in Europe and the U.S. to lend their support to the Free South Africa Movement. Between the singing South African protesters who risked their lives inside the country, and the international pressure brought to bear by those who had had their consciences touched by music laying bare the misery of black South African lives under apartheid, Nelson Mandela was released in 1990, apartheid crumbled shortly thereafter and South Africa was transformed into a multiracial democracy that today boasts one of the most progressive constitutions on the planet.
While music has led to some of the most powerful political movements the world has ever seen, it has also led to powerful cultural movements as well; particularly those that involve the revaluing of a collective sense of s elf. The Civil Rights victories of the 1960s had provided equal rights under the law, but there was still psychological liberation left undone. And so James Brown sang/shouted in 1968, “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud!” That manifesto of black pride was soon followed by Aretha Franklin’s declaration, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me,” and The Staple Singers’ admonition to “Respect Yourself.” Those songs, and others, encouraged a new sense of African American pride and self-identity, and galvanized a cultural revolution. During this era, many black Americans stopped chemically straightening their hair and grew out their hair into natural afros. There were demands for Black Studies programs in universities so that African Americans could learn more about their own history and their own literary and artistic traditions. There were new definitions of what was considered beautiful, and lighter skin, emaciated figures and shoulder length tresses were no longer the unchallenged standard of beauty. In this case, music led to a cultural movement toward greater authenticity that eventually came to influence all of American society. Other groups that had previously been marginalized - Latinos, gays, women, senior citizens - began to reexamine their roles and identities and demand the right to self-determination. And in many respects we are a freer and better nation because of it.
Music leads to movements. And movements don’t always have to be political or cultural to be important. Oftentimes, movements need to happen in our individual lives. Transformation has to take place from within. And music can make that kind of movement happen, too. Personally, I wonder how many women who wanted to leave abusive relationships for years finally found the inner courage after listening to Gloria Gaynor’s disco hit “I Will Survive,” or how many men, after toiling away in a job they hated for decades, were emboldened by Johnny Paycheck’s song and finally told their boss to “Take This Job and Shove It.” Though we’ll never have the numbers, without a doubt there were some. And countless are the people who have had their lives forever changed after listening to a sacred song: a gospel hymn, a Hindu or Buddhist chant, a Jewish melody, the Muslim call to prayer, or a yoga mantra, for sacred songs move the soul at its deepest levels. So while you’re here at the RAJ festival today, be prepared—music leads to movements.
JAN ZAHLER ZOOCHIE Jan Zahler Zoochie is a Los Angeles-based journalist, essayist, poet and ghostwriter. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, The Daily News, The Beat, Tryst, Green Tricycle and Lightning Bell Journal. She is also a formally trained spiritual director, receiving her certificate from Loyola Marymount University and the Center for Spiritual Development in Orange, California. She and her husband are co-founders of Travel With Balls, which encourages people to give away soccer balls to children on their travels.
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THE ONES WHO BRING THE RHYTHM OUR LINE-UP OF DYNAMIC MUSICIANS AND PERFORMING ARTISTS EXEMPLIFY THE SPIRIT AND GOAL OF OUR RHYTHM & JOY FESTIVAL. WHETHER THEY PLAY, SING, SPEAK OR SPIN (OR DO A COMBINATION THEREOF), THEY CREATE MUSIC THAT LIBERATES THE MIND, FILLS THE HEART AND RAISES THE SPIRIT!
PANACHE DESAI Panache Desai is a highly-sought after speaker, contemporary spiritual teacher, author and inspirational visionary whose message of love and self-acceptance has drawn thousands of people from around the world to his seminars and workshops. Panache’s musical life started on the rough streets of London where he first found his power and voice through rapping at underground raves. He was a “lyrical miracle” who was seminal in the early days of Jungle, Drum & Bass and House & Garage in England. Now, under the handle “MC I-AM,” Panache lays his visionary lyrics over the beats of his music partner DJ MantraMatrix. And, Panache’s MC roots run deep: coming from an ancient lineage of “rappers” called Brahmins, Panache’s Indian family and other masters taught him the vibrational properties of sound through chanting powerful Sanskrit mantras. This fusion of ancient Brahmin with modern rapper has created a new voice—the voice of MC I-AM—calling for freedom, justice, empowerment and abundance for all. Regarding the ways music informs his life, Panache simply states: “I love music! It's the fabric of my life. It’s the unifying gel that allows you to tap into the Oneness of all life. The intention for music is always to uplift and inspire, and the greater message of unity consciousness permeates everything that I create.” And this love obviously extends to his emceeing and deejaying at the Rhythm & Joy Festival: “I love Rickie and all that she stands for. I'm honored to be able to play a small part in her greater vision.” Read more about Panache’s work and music at www.panachedesai.com.
ERIC BENÈT Four-time Grammy Award-nominated R&B crooner, songwriter and actor Eric Benét has successfully released six albums over the past 18 years. Eric, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, started his musical career singing with a group called Gerard in the late 1980s. In 1992 Eric, along with his sister Lisa and their cousin George Nash Jr., formed a band called Benét and released a self-titled album. Two years after that, Eric broke out onto the music scene as a solo artist in 1996, releasing his debut album, True to Myself. Eric’s acting credits include the movie Glitter in 2001 in which he co-starred with Mariah Carey, and a leading role in the 2011 feature film Trinity Goodheart which premiered at the American Black Film Festival that year. Additionally, Eric had a recurring role on the television program For Your Love between 1998–2002. Visit www.ericbenet.net to see where Eric is performing next.
DJ SHIVA DJ Shiva is a Sussex-born, Florida-bred and now LA-based producer, DJ/turntablist, pianist, international artist and on-air personality; and lover of all the world’s music with a respect for the traditional, but a taste for the futuristic. “Music has always been a driving force in my life ever since I was a child,” says Shiva. “Music informs me of emotions I didn't know how to communicate, but also connected me to a world beyond what is visible to the eye....my inside world.” Being able to DJ and create music has been Shiva’s most powerful tool for meditation and healing. “I love discovering myself through sound. Through my music I've been able to heal myself, and I like to think that healing energy radiates out onto whoever is listening to it as well,” she states. Whether the tones are dark and moody or bright and beautiful, Shiva’s intention is to create a space where one can feel alignment within themselves and their inner being. When asked why it was important for her to perform at the Rhythm & Joy Festival 2014, Shiva stated: “My heart was filled with joy when I got the call from Rickie BB to perform at RAJ fest this year! There is nothing more powerful than a group of like-minded individuals coming together to celebrate life, acknowledge our power and the power that music has in our lives. To be able to vibrationally contribute to this type of festival is truly why I do what I do!” Hear Shiva’s music at soundcloud.com/iamdjshiva.
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CHARLES HOLT Charles Holt is an acclaimed Broadway, television and film actor, voice-over artist, vocalist, author and dynamic inspirational speaker who shares his message of healing, empowerment and freedom with audiences around the world. The Tennessee native’s stage credits include Smokey Joe’s Café, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Lion King. Charles is currently touring in Martin & Music, a groundbreaking theatrical production on the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, the Civil Rights Movement and the musical ties that served as the binding power that propelled the movement forward. As a vocalist, Charles’ debut album, I Am, garnered rave reviews, and was followed by the new classic, Rushing Over Me. Charles says music for him is a “life force.” “It gives me the opportunity to live the life I sing about, as well as the wisdom to understand that in my surrender, the face of God shows itself in, as and through me,” he says. Regarding his music, Charles states that the themes that are currently emerging through him right now are forgiveness, compassion, trust and freedom. “I sing from the intention of being a vessel to uplift the soul and call forth the truth to be made clear and accessible to each and everyone who is listening.” On performing at the festival, Charles says, “RAJ is a global broadcast to awaken us all to live our best and greatest life ever…NOW. I am honored to be a part of the invitation and life initiation of the voice of Spirit through music.” Read more about Charles and his work at www.charlesholtproductions.com.
COSME JOSEPH DEAGUERO (The Afro Blues Tribe of Joseph) As creator and Chief Executive Officer of the Golden Lyre Musicianship Awards, Cosme Joseph Deaguero, master of the vibra harp, conga drums and additional percussion, is an accomplished musician. In 1966, he founded the “Afro-Blues Quintet +1” (which later became The Afro Blues Tribe of Joseph), a Latin Jazz ensemble that released three albums and has performed with numerous national acts. As a solo musician, Cosme has performed and recorded with various acclaimed artists ranging from Rock to R&B. In 1988, Cosme founded The Golden Lyre Musicianship Awards which commends and commemorates musicians who have attained the highest levels of musicianship. Past recipients include Ravi Shankar, Tito Puente, Herbie Hancock, Miriam Makeba, Michael Bernard Beckwith, Rickie Byars Beckwith and many others. Learn more at goldenlyremusicianshipawards.com.
FAITH RIVIERA Hailing from the paradise state of Hawaii, Faith Rivera is an Emmy Award-winning singer and songwriter whose empowering songs have been used for TV shows like Hawaii 5-0 and ER, and by best-selling authors, heart-centered entrepreneurs and progressive organizations like the Association for Global New Thought and Unity Worldwide. Faith says that in the early days as a young songwriter, music was the way she expressed herself especially the challenges, the hurt and the loss. But as she grew, so did her music, and eventually her songs became affirmations of new empowering thoughts, new ways of being. “My music now is about a life of flow, non-resistance, allowing the best life yet and the best me yet to emerge,” she says. For Faith, singing at the Rhythm & Joy Festival is in harmonious alignment with her own personal objectives: “First, I am a die-hard fan and supporter of Rickie BB, our mighty RAJ founder. Secondly, I believe it is music and art that can most effectively, most quickly and most powerfully bring us to joy, love, peace and all those qualities that matter most to us. When all is said and done, joy is our purpose here, and to allow for all the ways, the experiences, and the delicious folks that we can share the most fun ride with. Music and art is the way there and I would not miss the monumental fun, joy, rhythm and music that will be happening at RAJ!” For more info on Faith, visit www.faithrivera.com.
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ROLL WITH IT, FLOW WITH IT FASHION SHOW This dynamic fashion show demonstrates the power of positivity and possibilities after trauma, and highlights unique apparel designed for and modeled by quadriplegic, paraplegic and amputee models. These models teach the world what is possible after trauma, when all appears impossible. Trauma survivors are fun, tasteful, cool, hip, sexy and fashionable too!
NAILAH PORTER Nailah Porter is a North Carolina native, mother, attorney, educator and songwriter. She has toured internationally with her trio featuring songs from her debut CD, ConJazzNess (pronounced “consciousness”) on Universal Music Group/EmArcy Records. As a songwriter, Nailah has collaborated with noted jazz artists Tom Scott and Jeff Lorber, and has recorded/toured with various artists worldwide from jazz to rock to hip hop, including John Cale of the Velvet Underground, Beck and Warren G. Her music has also been featured on the popular FX television show, The Shield. She is currently collaborating with three-time Grammy winner and composer, Billy Childs, on her follow-up CD. Follow Nailah at www.nailahporter.com.
JAMI LULA Detroit native Jami Lula is an award-winning vocalist, musician and teacher striving to perform music that is uplifting, healing, heart opening and inspiring that spreads a powerful message of love and positive intention. For Jami, music has always been a dominant force in his life. “From the time I'd sing myself to sleep as a little boy, to the way songs move through me reflecting my perceptions of the world that I want to see, I am blessed by the fact that music is normally what I hear in my head before anything else,” he says. Jami’s desire and intention whenever he sings and performs are to: a) be of service, b) open hearts, c) heal hearts, minds, and bodies, d) inspire individuals to a greater expression of the life that God would have them reveal, and e) give them an opportunity to be moved on many levels, mentally, physically, Spiritually and emotionally. As for being at RAJ 14, Jami shares: “I was in the Visioning session for RAJ that we did early on, and what moved through me was the idea of bringing military veterans into the picture. While I don't subscribe to war and violence, I honor our war veterans and have compassion for those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I think we need to look at this and be of better service to our veterans as they make their way back into our society, and I believe that RAJ is an opportunity for us to be a healing agent of love and compassion in this process.” Read more about Jami at www.jamilula.com.
LUC AND THE LOVINGTONS Luc & the Lovingtons are a World-Soul-Reggae band based out of the Pacific Northwest. Known for their authentic, powerful message, the Lovingtons’ songs cut to the core. They come with a sincerity that leaves all listeners touched with an undeniable “feel-good-ness.” You can follow the Lovingtons at www.lucandthelovingtons.com.
THE PROMISE BAND The Promise Band says that their mission is to share the Divine awakening, honor our ancestors and give our light to the Universe.
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SISTER JENNA Sister Jenna is a spiritual mentor, dynamic meditation expert, host of the popular America Meditating radio program, director of Brahma Kumaris Washington, D.C. branch and founder of the Meditation Museum in metropolitan Washington, D.C. She is known for moving the core of the soul through her voice of wisdom. Sister Jenna will open the Rhythm & Joy Festival with a silent meditation that will offer brief thoughts on letting go, guiding participants to center the experience of sound into a profoundly powerful state of silence and transformation.
DAVEON OVERTON Singer-songwriter Daveon Overton was born and raised on the South side of Chicago. He began singing at age five and playing the acoustic guitar at age 17. Daveon is an accomplished R&B, Hip Hop and soulful Gospel solo artist, as well as the lead singer of the group, Mind Heart and Soul. Daveon says that music influences him to have a positive impact on people’s lives, and to be different, creative and Spiritually-awake. He also shares that music has sustained him through difficulties, and has changed his life by giving him opportunities to go places he would probably have never gone, and to meet some of the greatest entertainers in the business. As for the vision he holds of his music’s impact on the world, Daveon states that he wants his music to serve the lives of others. Daveon feels that performing at the Rhythm & Joy Festival 2014 is an extension of the love he feels in his heart: “RAJ is very important to me because I have a message of healing for the world to hear, and I just had to be here to share it.” Check out Daveon’s music at daveonovertonmusic.com.
DANI SHAY Dani Shay is a singer-songwriter, actor and activist who is most well-known for her television spots on America’s Got Talent and The Glee Project 2. Her YouTube videos have also been a great source of recognition, garnering over 20 million views worldwide. Through her music, Dani tells stories of self-exploration, of asking questions and of aligning with the greatest inspiration of all—love. “Music has been my therapy and my best friend at times; it's a perfect container to pour myself into,” she says. “When I'm playing, writing or singing, there is nothing between me and the present moment; I am alive, awake and present. That's why I love it so much: it's a form of meditation for me. Then what's really cool is that later, people find comfort and enjoyment in my songs, the same way I have found enjoyment in my favorite artists' music. It's a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving.” Combining elements of Pop, Folk and Rap, Dani’s vision for her music is that it will inspire people to form more helpful beliefs and to make the changes necessary for growth to occur. Dani feels that it is important for her to be at the Rhythm & Joy Festival this year because “Rickie's vision of bringing people together for a day of heart-based music that will refresh and rejuvenate our souls is perfectly aligned with who I am. I look forward to playing and listening to the other acts as well!” Connect with Dani on Twitter @danishay.
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FREDDIE RAVEL Dubbed the “Keynote Maestro” by the city of Los Angeles, Freddie Ravel is a Grammy Award-winning and renowned musician, speaker and founder of Human Harmonics which uses music to empower education, organizations and enhance the human condition. Freddie’s ability to use music to foster the personal and professional growth of others stems from his innate connection to music. “Just like how breathing, seeing, tasting, etc. is fundamental to my existence, so is music. I ‘hear’ it consciously and subconsciously throughout my life,” he says. Freddie is about to release his latest music project, If Music Could Speak, a title which originates from a poem he wrote a few years ago that opens like this: Music's the great invitation for mankind to transcend spoken word, to enhance how we think, and put into sync, so we hear what is mostly not heard. “That is the intention of not only my music, but how I feel in general about music that is generated from the heart,” says Freddie. Freddie cites “family” as being among the reasons why he’s excited to perform at the Rhythm & Joy Festival, given his close relationship with Rickie and Michael Beckwith. “I have been a staunch supporter of their work,” he says, “and this festival is a global extension of the example they set—an example that I as well do my best to carry forth.” Read about Freddie and his Human Harmonics work at www.freddieravel.com.
KEV CHOICE Pianist. Emcee. Producer. Bandleader. Sideman. Music historian. Oakland-based Kev Choice wears many musical hats as an international artist who has worked with many of the top acts in R&B and Hip-Hop. “Music has given me an outlet to express myself, my ideals, my thoughts, and views on the world,” says Kev. “Music has also made it possible for me to connect, entertain, motivate, and inspire people from all over the world. It’s truly a blessing.” Kev shares that his music is currently about perception, responsibility and love. He explains: “Life is what you think and perceive it to be, so thinking positive can bring about better outcomes in your day-to-day life; being responsible to our community, our Earth and our people is what makes the world a better place; and learning how to love in a healthy relationship—which I’m currently trying to learn—are the themes and messages that are emerging in my music now.” Kev also says that it's important for him to perform at Rhythm & Joy because “of the powerful message of the festival and its organizer, Rickie Byars Beckwith, who is a tremendous inspiration and influence on my music and spiritual growth. Also, to be among so many incredible performers, activities and a powerful community is a privilege and an honor. We look forward to rocking the house and bringing great energy and a good time!” Check out www.kevchoicemusic.com for more info on Kev and his music.
ALI STROKER New York-based actress and singer Ali Stroker has been performing professionally since age 11. Most recently, she was a finalist on season two of the Oxygen network’s The Glee Project, and then played Artie's love interest on the fifth season of the FOX TV show GLEE. Ali, who has used a wheelchair since the age of two after being paralyzed from the chest down in a car accident, strives to inspire other people with disabilities who want to pursue a career in performance to follow their dreams. “Music has changed my life because it has provided an outlet for me and my entire life,” she says. “I have used music to help me heal, and it has guided me through my challenges. It has also helped me find my passion and my calling in life.” Ali’s vision for her musical performances is to transcend people's perceptions of what being "disabled" is. “Music doesn't hold anyone back. It allows me to shine and I hope to inspire and reflect the freedom that musical performance has brought to my life.” Having just moved to California, Ali is looking forward to performing at the Rhythm & Joy Festival because “I am ready to meet like-minded people and share my gifts! I believe that what I do as a performer is important for as many people to see because it will help free them from their own ideas of limitations, and realize that they can be opportunities to shine.” Read more about Ali at www.alistroker.com.
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OLD SCHOOL RHYTHMS BAND (AKA THE AGAPE HOUSE BAND) Seven wonderfully accomplished musicians from Los Angeles and beyond comprise our band for the evening. We are pleased to have the following players: Mitch Forman and Ming Freeman on piano and keyboard; David Neal on guitar; Rob McDonald on bass; Cal Bennet on saxophone; Curtis Byrd on drums; and Idris Hester on percussion.
AGAPE INTERNATIONAL CHOIR When people gather to celebrate the Joy of life, the Agape Choir is there. Inspiring the spirit of freedom and unity with All, the Choir energizes and transforms audiences with electrifying performances that remind us: when we are motivated by love and act from it, we can achieve anything. Under the direction of Rickie Byars Beckwith and Assistant Director Marianne Lewis, the Agape Choir continues to provide inspiration, music medicine and supreme joy for all kinds of people in places all over the world.
RICKIE BYARS BECKWITH Rickie is a singer-songwriter whose transcendent music is changing the world. Rickie is the Music and Arts Director of The Agape International Spiritual Center where she directs the powerful Agape International Choir. For the past twenty-five years she has used her music as a platform to shift the hearts of all she encounters through concerts, women’s retreats, workshops and appearances with her husband, teacher and songwriting partner, Michael Bernard Beckwith. With an infectious sense of humor, Rickie creates dynamic and innovative projects rooted in love, joy and music as a transformative experience. Read more about Rickie at www.rickiebb.com.
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RAJ 14 ARTISTS LINE-UP 10:45AM – THE PROMISE BAND / 11:15AM – AFRO TRIBES OF JOSEPH / 11:45AM – DJ SHIVA (DJ DANCE BREAK 1) / 12:00PM – CHARLES HOLT / 12:15PM – FAITH RIVERA / 12:30PM – DJ SHIVA (DJ DANCE BREAK 2) / 12:45PM – NAILAH PORTER / 1:25PM – DAVEON OVERTON & JAMI LULA / 1:55PM – DJ SHIVA (DJ DANCE BREAK 3) / 2:15PM – KEV CHOICE / 2:45PM – DRUM CIRCLE / 3:05PM – LUC & THE LOVINGTONS / 3:30PM – RAJ ALL STARS PARADE / 3:50PM – OLD SCHOOL JAM W/ THE OLD SCHOOL RHYTHMS / 4:20PM – PANACHE DESAI AKA MC I-AM (DJ DANCE BREAK 4) / 4:45PM – ROLL WITH IT, FLOW WITH IT FASHION SHOW / 5:00PM – SISTER JENNA / 5:10PM – FREDDIE RAVEL / 5:45PM – DANI SHAY / 6:00PM – ALI STROKER / 6:15PM – PANACHE DESAI AKA MC I-AM (DJ DANCE BREAK 5) / 6:35PM – ERIC BENÈT / 6:50PM – AGAPE INTERNATIONAL CHOIR / 7:25PM – RICKIE BYARS BECKWITH
RAJ VILLAGE LIFE
RAJ VILLAGE VENDORS
Wellness & Healing Oasis Village offers of myriad of bodywork and healing modalities such as massage, reiki and others. A complete list of services and schedule are available at the Wellness & Healing tent.
Aine Carlyle / Aldad Chiropractic / Cozee-on-the Go / Networker on Wheels / Deloris Pride Designs Divine Blessings Yoga / Joy for Life / Laura M. Gems Marketing Solutions LLC / Moody Accessories Quantum Balance Crystals / Veronica Lane Media Paul Huessenstamm / BJ Taylor / Astarius
The Kuumba Children's Village will take place from 11am-6pm. Our village will be filled with games, face painting, arts, music and FUN. The schedule of activities is available at the Children’s Village tent. The Naam Yoga Village offers classes that are open and free for all. No prior yoga experience needed. Chairs are also available. Please bring a yoga mat and/or cushion to sit on, water to drink and be prepared to have fun! Classes are 45 minutes. Classes run between 11am-6pm. The class schedule is available in the Yoga tent.
RAJ VILLAGE FOOD COURT A Gourmet Quickie / Fun Time Kettle Corn Goodbelly/Zevia / GT/Synergy / Healthforce, Inc. Ishan’s Falafel / Kevita / Peace Cafè / Shabazz Suri’s Kitchen / Taco Island / Vegan With Joy, LLC Whole Foods / RawFresno.com
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Vacation with a
PURPOSE.
JAN. 16 – 19, 2015 – MLK HOLIDAY WEEKEND – SEDONA, AZ A 4-day event with over 20 main stage presenters featuring a LIVE SongVersation performance with 4X Grammy Award Winner India.Arie
INDIA. ARIE
GREG LOUGANIS
RICKIE BYARS BECKWITH
Also scheduled to appear... Barbara Marx Hubbard, Kyle Cease, Arielle Ford, Claire Zammit, Keith Mitchell, Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Bryce Cryer, Gary Malkin, Charlie Lustman, Dr. Sue Morter, Dr. James Rouse, Mary Elizabeth McDonough, Jeff Marx, Chris Grosso, James Twyman, David Howitt and more!
Tickets available now at
SEDONAWORLDWISDOM.COM
RAJ SHOUT-OUTS: Celebrating life, RAJ and my Yogioso, Stephen Amsden... My friend, my brother, my husband. I love you, your Bu. Love You Choir! Â Let's Rock! Rebecca Arvizu - First Soprano Diva
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www.NetworkerOnWheels.com
English
(818) 937-4237
Spanish
(818) 937-4050
LOOKING BACK : MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM RAJ 13