An Afternoon of Music, Wellness, and FUN. Workshops in Charlottesville, VA

Are you suffering from isolation? Struggling to stave off anxiety or regulate your nervous system? Or just looking for some FUN? Join us Sunday, November 9th to reconnect and rejuvenate with an evening of music and wellness.

There are two workshops offered as part of this experience: one where you listen to the beautiful sounds of gongs and chimes, and another where you enjoy the benefits of hands-on, playful music-making.

Sunday, November 9th

1:30-3:00 PM - Put More PLAY in Your Day
3:30-5:00 PM - Gong Concert and Sound Journey

(We begin at 1:30 but please arrive by 1:15 to leave time to check in and settle.)

Each workshop is $25 or you can enjoy the whole afternoon for $40. Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended.

Ages 18+.

To register or ask questions, email

We are The Growing Space, based near Harrisonburg, Virginia. To join our email list, click here.

These workshops are held at:

Laughing Dragon Kung Fu
3006 Berkmar Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22901

Laughing Dragon Kung Fu is conveniently located off Route 29, midway between downtown Charlottesville and the Forest Lakes and Hollymead area. Our 6000+ square foot facility is in the Berkmar Park Plaza and has ample off-street parking. Parking in rear is also an option.

Session 1 - Put More PLAY in Your Day

Are you ready to connect with yourself and others through creative play?

Using hand percussion, games, and a bit of voice and movement, participants will learn how to de-stress and create a space for wellness using rhythm as a foundation. Instruments are provided, or feel free to bring your own.

No experience or special skills are needed. All skill levels are welcome and beginners are especially encouraged to attend. Everything is optional and the emphasis is on enjoyment rather than perfection.

If you joined us for rhythm and fun a year ago, this is a different program!

About the Facilitator

Mike Deaton practices music as a tool to help reduce stress and anxiety in his own life. For over 25 years, he has presented on this topic. Mike has brought participants together at conferences and workshops, at trauma awareness and resilience trainings at Eastern Mennonite University, and all over the country. He has used these techniques with incarcerated adults and juveniles, survivors of hurricane Katrina, on the campus of VA Tech after the mass shooting there, and weekly with Saint Francis University students in Music and Wellness classes designed for non-musicians.

Session 2 - Gong Concert and Sound Journey

Could you use some intentional rest and relaxation? Would you like to experience the transportive sounds of large gongs and chimes?

For this performance, I’ll be sharing some of the tools that have helped me stabilize and regulate. Join me as I seek musical delight for all through a group sound journey.

What do you do at a sound journey?

Make time to create a space for listening, resonance, and rest. Come together in a different kind of listening experience where time and the chattering mind can step aside. Rejuvenate with the sounds of large gongs, bowls, exquisite chimes, and more.

Seats are available but many listeners enjoy the aesthetic sensory experience of lying down with eyes closed. The invitation is to bring a mat, blankets, pillow, eye mask, wear extra-comfy clothes, etc.

Multi-instrumentalist and interdisciplinary facilitator Mike Deaton shares expansive soundscapes of intentional vibrations that draw from traditional and personal practices of connection, positive transformation, rest, meditation, and self-healing.

There are opportunities to build community and create intention, as well as an optional opportunity to share and check out after the music. Give yourself a bit of extra time after the session if possible.

The program begins at 3:30 but please arrive by 3:15 to leave time to check in and settle.

More about Your Host

Mike Deaton has dedicated his life to helping others create their own transformations. He has taught all ages, facilitated countless drum circles, and empowered thousands of humans through sound, art, and movement. Mike has been blessed to create music for retreats, galas, West African Dance classes, weddings, yoga and meditation classes, Ecstatic Dance experiences, and other intentional settings. His credits include large music festivals like Bonnaroo, LOCKN’, and The Great Blue Heron Festival. He once had the honor of performing for Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

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