October Shelby Bottoms Sound Bath ft. Upright Bass & Harp

Join us for a rejuvenating Sound Bath Experience at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, nestled in the heart of East Nashville's lush greenway. As the day winds down, immerse yourself in an evening of restorative sound led by John Paul, a certified professional sound healing practitioner.

This October Sound Bath features Karen Ballew and her harp. Karen Ballew is a songwriter and Celtic harpist whose music is rooted in sacred song, Celtic tradition, and the healing power of sound. Raised in Abilene, Texas and trained in choral, medieval, and Renaissance music at Furman University, she later found a musical home in the Dallas Irish music community—directing a youth chorus at the North Texas School of Irish Music, studying at the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, singing with global worship artists, and recording with Irish vocal ensemble Anúna. After moving to Nashville, she founded The Deer’s Cry collective (named for an Old Irish prayer), creating immersive, soul-centered music that invites listeners into comfort, wonder, and restoration through voice, harp, and shared resonance—work praised for weaving “love, and healing” throughout every track.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Shelby Bottoms, you'll be invited to release stress, quiet the mind, and reconnect with your inner calm. The gentle chorus of birds, rustling leaves, and evening breezes naturally weaves together with the singing bowls, creating a meditation that feels both deeply rooted and effortlessly expansive.

Whether you're new to sound healing or a seasoned practitioner of mindfulness, this event offers a chance to slow down, return to simplicity, and experience the profound healing that can arise from sustained sound and intentional presence. No experience is required—only a willingness to rest, reset, and restore.

What to Bring:

• Yoga mat or blanket - the floor is very hard at the nature center.
• Pillow or eye covering (optional)
• Water bottle
• Comfortable clothing

When should I arrive? The sound bath begins at 4pm, but please consider arriving 10-20 minutes early will give you time to get settled and prepared.

Accessibility Notice: The Nature Center is Wheelchair Accessible. We currently offer the option to sit in chairs or lie on floor mats. We hope to introduce more accessible options like zero-gravity chairs in the future.

Train Sounds & Noise: We’ve found that the occasional train and natural sounds from the surroundings add to the unique experience. The open windows also invite in the sounds of children playing, conversations, and birds singing.