Song Village Fire

It’s time to gather close and tend the fire. As draws near, we stoke the embers and build the field — strengthening our collective voice and remembering that we are the village wherever we gather in song.

Katie Sontag and I will be sharing the fire, joined by beloved Song Village leaders who will share songs throughout the evening. Around the hearth, voices weave together — building courage, connection, and the steady warmth that sustains our village in challenging times.

When we sing together, our nervous systems soften. Breath deepens. Stress hormones decrease. Oxytocin and endorphins rise. Singing is a therapeutic practice that helps emotion move and integrate in ways that thinking or talking alone cannot do.

We’ll share simple chants, rounds, and layer songs taught in the moment, call-and-echo style. Accessible. Community-based. Connection, not perfection. Bring your voice and your heart exactly as they are. Singing is our birthright.

DONATION - Please give generously as ALL donations go to supporting the song leaders. Sliding scale $40-$20. No one turned away due to lack of funds - contact me if this is a hardship.

ACCOUNTABILITY - I will be tithing to the Amah Mutsun Land Trust. Aptos Beloved Community will generously be matching our donation.

What is Song Village? Find us here.

Song Village Leaders:

Amanda West is a song catcher/writer, ritualist, community leader, mother and ever-evolving human. In a lifetime devoted to music and healing, she has brought song to the thresholds of birth and death, life rituals, spiritual centers, community gatherings, album recordings, festivals and performances throughout the West Coast and parts of Europe. She understands our world to be full of both collapse and possibility, and is passionate about cultivating resilience and hope during this time of collective re-birthing on planet earth. www.amandawest.com

Tim Hartnett is the founder of Song Village, the Executive/Clinical Director of Shine a Light Counseling Center, and creates powerful music medicine with his band Just Love.

Michael Glusman has been playing drums for over 40 years. He has studied with several African master drummers and he has been playing for African dance classes in Santa Cruz for decades. He has a featured percussionist on several albums and has drummed for song circles for years. Michael brings the rhythm, joy, and magic to any gathering of song and dance.

Katie Sontag (she/they) writes and teaches nourishing songs that celebrate self love and reminds us that we are not alone. In this circle, we will create a safe space to grieve, celebrate, feel and be authentically together. We sing to remember our connection. Through rounds, part songs, harmonies and unison, we will revive our belonging and leave with a sense of true self worth. At Katie’s song circles, you will laugh, cry, make new friends, and feel better than when you came. Her music has been described as "a big hug." Katie’s songs have traveled all over the country. She is also a singer/songwriter, a seasoned performer and a music educator.

Sarah MacEwan (she/her), aka The Singing Therapist, is on a mission to heal and be healed through creative self-expression. As a psychotherapist, singer, storyteller and grief-tender, Sarah brings her open heart and emotional expertise to every circle she leads, knowing that singing is a therapeutic experience like no other. Sing with her at her Singing Heals Song Circles, or join her for the healing at healingishappening.

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