Please bring your questions and your calendar in order to reserve your desired shifts.  It would also be beneficial to bring writer paper or a journal in which to take notes.  This is going to be an outstanding month of events, and we’re glad to share the joy with you, our valued volunteers.

If you have any questions ahead of this training, please phone Marty Smith at (479) 305-1017.

March 29, 2010 – Monday

March 30, 2010 – Tuesday

March 31, 2010 – Wednesday

9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Goddess Yoga

Presented by Emma Gabrielle Silverman. This workshop will include 1.5 hours of yoga, 30 minutes of meditation, and an additional 1 hour of lecture/discussion. This session will explore the divine in all of us, via movement and meditation practices. We will also investigate the Goddess in the yogic tradition, specifically in the form of Kali. This is a workshop designed to provide a safe and supported environment for men and women to open to the Goddess power within themselves. Location: Open Floor.

Participant Info: Preregister by emailing egsilverman@gmail.com. Fees: $25. Presenter Info: I have practiced yoga for over ten years. Beginning with a dedicated Lyengar practice, over the years I studied Bikram, Ashtanga, Kundalini and Vinyasa flow. After working at the Karipalu institute for yoga and health, “North America’s Largest Yoga retreat center,” I am now a Karipalu yoga instructor and freelance author at the web sites www.thejoyofyoga.blogspot.com and examiner.com. In the past, I have taught chair yoga, vinyasa yoga, yoga for kids, and yoga for healthcare professionals. My first book, The Joy of Yoga, is slated to be published in 2011. Supplies to bring with you: If you have a yoga mat or towel, please bring it.

Presented by Sheila Richards. Women ages 15 and up. Each woman will create a beautiful wall-hanging using multiple fabrics and patterns – no sewing involved. This is a no-fail art experience for all those who think they are not “creative.” For the artist and non-artist alike. All supplies furnished. Location: Central Brick.  Fee:  $25

Participant Notes: Preregister by emailing sheilarich@nwark.com. Presenter Info: Sheila has been working as a studio artist for the past 35 years, and has taught workshops throughout the US and Canada (Costa Rica, too!). Her works in clay, fabric & acrylics can be seen at www.sheilarichards.com.

Presented by Cedar Kindy. Using three watercolor techniques (bulleye, throwing paint, and direct painting), we will create a forest scene with mystical light. Participant Notes: Preregister by emailing cedarwillowmoon@yahoo.com. Ages nine and up. Location: North Window. Fees: $25 due at workshop. Presenter Info: I have been painting in watercolor for over 30 years.

Presented by David Garcia. What is an Elders’ Circle and what does it do? Who are our elders? Why are they important right now and how are they related to the work of the Goddess at this moment in time? Instead of a lecture, we will sit in circle to pool our wisdom and knowledge to formulate a collective vision of our elders and of the work they might do in an Elders’ Circle. Location: Gallery Room.

Presenter Info: From the 1960s to the mid- 2000s my primary work was as a political and spiritual warrior. About five years ago, Spirit called me to make the transition from warrior to elder. At this moment the Goddess is dealing with me through her aspect as Earth, the mother of us all, calling for a gathering of the tribes as we undergo the next great evolutionary transformation. I am currently working with the Elders’ Circle at Opal Fly’s Feel Good Lounge to help facilitate that transformation.

Presented by Starr Austin & Julie Jeannene. We will explore the messages we have inherited from our families and our culture about physical beauty. Using images to evoke feelings, we will work with and through what comes up through meditation, discussion, journaling, interactive experiences, art, poetry, and reflection. Women only please. Location: Gallery Room.

Participant Notes: Preregister by emailing saustin@nwacc.edu. Fees: None. Any donation made will be given to the Goddess Festival to help support community. Presenter Info: Julie and Starr are healthy, creative women who have struggled with their body images themselves and have come to find self-love and acceptance through personal work and introspection. Supplies to bring with you: Please bring a cushion.

Presented by Sheila Richards. Participants will learn the basics of African drumming. They will be able to play 3-4 part rhythms by the end of the class. Some drums provided. This workshop is $10, pre-registration is required. 12 and older please. Participant Notes: Preregister by emailing sheilarich@nwark.com. Fees: $10. Location: Open Floor.

Presenter Info: I have studied African drumming for the past 35 years and I have been teaching for 15 years. I have performed locally and in the out-of-state venues.

9:00 – 11:00 am – Nomad’s dance

Presented by Luna Zahra. This workshop is for Women only. In this workshop we will explore the dance of the Gypsies as they traveled across Europe. Workshop participants will learn an Eastern European Gypsy dance as well as Gypsy Fusion Belly Dance. You will be provided with information on Gypsy culture as well as a handout of the moves you will learn. Location: Open Floor. Participant Notes: Preregister by emailing dancingduckgirl@gmail.com. Mention Nomad’s dance in the subject line. Fees: $10.

Presenter Info: I have been belly dancing for ten years. I took classes and attended workshops whenever they were offered and am a firm believer that one can teach herself anything if she really wants to. I have taught classes in the studio setting and privately. My favorite styles are American Tribal and Gypsy Fusion Belly Dance. I formed a small Troupe called Pele’s Fire when I was 20; though we have since disbanded we get together to dance now and then. My students and I do performances in the Tahlequah area under a loose troupe of independent dancers using the name Pale Moon Bellydance. I currently do regular performances at the Iguana Cafe in downtown Tahlequah. I love heading workshops and have done many of them throughout the years at various festivals and fundraisers. I strive to make my dance workshops fun, memorable, and informative!

Presented by Karen Kimrey. I. Intro and overview of basic concepts: * qi, yin/yang theory, five element theory, body systems per tcm (traditional Chinese medicine); * body wisdom and integration of mind, body, spirit; II. Tonic herbs for women: *blood tonics; *qi tonics; *digestive tonics *endocrine tonics; III. Integrating tonic herbs into daily life: *brief overview of the nutritional needs of women; *using herbs as basis of self care and as supplements; IV. Recipes and Tasting: *basic recipes for simple tonics you can make at home for your own use; * how to find out what you need and where to get it; * taste samples of different tonics. I can open it up for brief Q&A if there is a demand and time allows.

Location: Gallery Room. Participant Info: Preregister by emailing planetaryherbalist@gmail.com. Fees: $3. Presenter Info: Formerly an organic berry farmer and Montessori teacher/school owner, the past several years have been spent working as an herbalist and massage therapist/reflexologist. I’ve studied herbs informally but avidly for over 40 years on my own. My formal training in planetary herbalism (a blending of Ayurveda, native American and Chinese herbal systems) with Michael and Lesley Tierra, Candis Cantin, Miles Coleman, and Susan Kramer has been one of the true, very satisfying joys of my life. For the past several years I have maintained an office in east Fayetteville where I practice planetary herbalism and bodywork.

Presented by Katya Zvezda. This workshop will explore the journey of Middle Eastern dance as it traveled and changed from Egypt to California. Workshop participants will learn a lot about the different forms of belly dance across the middle east and U.S. Women only. Fees: $10. Participant Notes: Preregister by emailing dancingduckgirl@gmail.com. Mention Journey of Belly Dance Workshop in the subject line. Location: Open Floor.

Presenter Info: I began my classical training in Egyptian Cabaret over ten years ago, and since then have learned many other styles of Belly Dance as well as such diverse ethnic styles as Kurdish, Persian, and Bollywood. Currently I am mostly interested in the Fusion styles of Belly Dance. I have taught classes in the studio setting while a student at TU and was part of the Eastern Dance Society. Now that I have graduated I am teaching Belly Dance at Studio One on Cherry Street in Tulsa. I believe Belly Dance is one of the most natural dance forms and a way of artistic expression for the dancer. www.katyazveada.bravehost.com

Presented by Rev. Pamela Reiss-Ramsfield. Explore the Divine Feminine through the use of the Aquarian Rosary, a modern chant, a tool for invoking spiritual grace to support life’s continuing journey. Short and simple as it is, the Rosary is one of the most important spiritual documents containing profound esoteric knowledge and a series of integrated and practical exercises designed to establish a breakthrough between the conscious and the super-conscious, to fill the human aura with spiritual Light, and to harmonize human self with Spiritual Self. Mary, therefore, represents the ideal woman, the perfection of the female principle, and the incarnation of the eternal feminine aspect, a part which we all have within our being. Location: Gallery Room.

Presenter Info: Rev. Pamela Reiss-Ramsfield began attending Sancta Sophia Seminary classes the spring of 2001, and was ordained through Light of Christ Community Church on March 1, 2008. Join Pamela as she shares The Aquarian Rosary written by Rev. Carol Parrish-Harra. You will find it a rewarding spiritual tool to continue your journey with the Divine Feminine.

Presented by Chris Christoffel and Michelle Pribbernow, members of GenderQueer Book Club. Journey with us to explore the confusing world of sex and gender. Through this journey we hope to come to a better understanding of ourselves and others through compassion, knowledge, and acceptance. We will explore what the women’s movement gains by including transgender women and how feminism is incomplete without working for the rights of all genders. Our workshop will expand on this issue and be as interactive as the number of participants allow. This workshop is led by Chris Christoffel and Michelle Pribbernow, members of GenderQueer Book Club. Presenter Info: GenderQueer Book Club feel they have something to contribute and share about the journey they are taking. Location: Main Stage.

Presented by Darlene. Exploring, expanding and unlocking the voice through melody, harmony and rhythm in a playful way. No experience needed. Location: Gallery Room. Presenter Info: Darlene has been a gypsy since 1990, absorbing music infused with the sound of many cultures. Her vocal range and skills have expanded to encompass just about any kind of keening, chanting or ululation one may be aware of, from operatic soprano to mariachi to Finnish yoiking to throat singing to barnyard animals. Upon realizing that the profession of music left people feeling self-conscious about their own voices and expression, Darlene developed a Workshop intended to help unlock our limitations and allow the voice to express itself once again without the use of words and with a sense of experimentation and playfulness.

Presented by Ona Mira. This workshop is for Women only. Workshop participants will learn how to use the veil in all basic belly dance moves. This workshop will focus on the graceful movements achieved with the use of this, the most enigmatic and theatrical of dance props. You will go home with a further knowledge and comfort with the veil as well as handouts of all the moves you have learned. Location: Open Floor.

Participant Info: Preregister by emailing dancingduckgirl@gmail.com. Mention ‘Grace of a Veil’ in the subject line. Fees: $10. Presenter Info: I have been a belly dancer for about three and a half years. I took classes from Luna and perform with her at the Iguana Cafe in Tahlequah each month. I love Belly Dance for the grace and freedom felt while losing oneself in the dance. I dance primarily Tribal style but love Cabaret and Gypsy Fusion as well. I have recently begun teaching beginning Belly Dance students in the Tahlequah area. I believe Belly Dance is a wonderful way to express yourself and exercise as well. The veil is my favorite dance prop. The way the veil moves through the air as though an extension of the dancer’s arms, to me conveys a grace and beauty beyond other forms of dance.

The show will be a journey of different belly dance styles across the Middle East, Europe and the U.S. including American Tribal Style and Cabaret as well as various fusions including Gypsy Fusion. You will see incredible dances with swords, amazing dances with cane and graceful dances with veils! It will be a delight of spinning skirts and jingling bells for all! This will be a free performance so you can show your appreciation to the dancers by tipping after the show!

Luna Zahra troupe includes:

Luna: (Loonuh) Has been bellydancing for over a decade, she performs and holds workshops regularly, has taught in the studio and privately. Dances primarily Tribal Style and Gypsy Fusion Bellydance. She is teaching the workshop “Nomad’s Dance.”

Katya: (Kotyah) Luna’s cousin, has also been a bellydancer for over a decade, currently teaching at Studio1 in Tulsa, and was part of the Eastern Dance society at TU prior to graduating. Trained in Egyptian Cabaret, and also enjoys many fusion styles. She is teaching the workshop “Journeys of Bellydance – from Egypt to the US.”

Ona: (Oh-nuh) Has been bellydancing for nearly 4 years and performing with Luna at the Iguana Cafe in Tahlequah. She dances primarily Tribal Style and is also interested in Cabaret. She is teaching the workshop “Grace of the Veil.”

Mephare: (Meh-par-ay) Has been bellydancing most of her life and currently teaches through NSU’s continuing education department.

www.lunazahra.viviti.com

Monday, March 20

March 23, 2010 – Tuesday

March 24, 2010 – Wednesday

March 25, 2010 – Thursday

March 26, 2010 – Friday

7:00 pm – Big Bad Gina presents The Divine Femmes – $5 admission

Jori Costello, singer/songbird, guitar groovin, percussion pounding Goddess; Renee Janski of UU choir fame, amazing Amazon arias and lightening speed keys and fiddle, and Melodie Griffis of U of A jazz combo talent with an Angelic Cameroon croon keeping it rockin on the bass and jazzin it up with her ultra fine guitar riffs.

Add a slew of instruments, some kickin original tunes and select scintillating covers, and you have Big Bad Gina! They are ready to rock The Divine Femmes Show with their Goddess Groove and Goddess Friends! They are so pleased to bring with them other Powerful Womyn Rockers – such as Oxygen Edge with her quirky, outrageous tunes and sexy, smooth bass lines, and Jules Taylor, who is in her 2nd year of Divine Femmedom with sizzling shakers, and luscious lyrics…But wait, there’s more…

Come enhance your Journey with the Divine Femmes!

9:30 am – 1:00 pm – Holistic Healing

Presented by Lilian Bern. I will give a lecture and discussion comparing and contrasting the current Medical Model, which is very male and mechanistic, to a holistic approach, which includes all of the aspects of the person or being: spirit, emotions, mind, body and relationships. I will show the documentary The Living Matrix, in which international scientists and health practitioners show how we are all connected energetically, and how true “miraculous” healings can occur. Age 14 and up please. Location: Gallery Room. Fees: $15.

Presenter Info: I am a Feminist, a Spiritual person, a Holistic Psychotherapist with a private practice in NWAR since 1993. I have a MA in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies. Used to teach both at Napa Community College in CA. Have given many talks and workshops on Communication, Parenting, Loss, Dreams and Healing.

Presented by Martin Jardon & Christi Daniels. The first hour will be a presentation on how our time bank works and how you can join. From 2-3 we will have an interactive workshop exploring the core values of Assets, Reciprocity, Redefining Work, Respect and Community that make time banking work. Location: Main Stage.

Presenter Info: Time Banking is an interesting way of bringing people together to tap underused resources to serve unmet needs. It is a pay-it-forward system of exchanging help. When you spend an hour doing something for another time bank member you earn a time dollar that goes into your time bank account. You can then spend that time dollar to have someone do something for you. Fayetteville Community Exchange is a time bank founded in September 2009.

Presented by Cedar Kindy. Learn simple techniques to quickly get a flower drawn onto canvas and then paint it. Good exercise to overcome creative blocks. Age 9 and up. Location: North Window. Participant Notes: Preregister by emailing cedarwillowmoon@yahoo.com. Fees: $35 ($30 if you bring your own supplies). Presenter Info: I have been painting for over thirty years – this particular exercise helped me overcome my “creative block.”

Presented by Sheila Richards. As a group we will create a full-sized body wall hanging using multiple fabrics. This workshop costs $5, preregistration is required. Women only and age 12 and up please. Location: Central Brick.

Participant Notes: Preregister by emailing sheilarich@nwark.com. Presenter Info: Sheila has been working as a studio artist for the past 35 years, and has taught workshops throughout the US and Canada (Costa Rica, too!). Her works in clay, fabric and acrylics can be seen at www.sheilarichards.com.

Hosted by Mendy Knott. Admission fee $5. Concessions go to Festival expenses.

Slamming is competitive poetry involving judges, rules, and prizes. Learn more at Wikipedia under poetry slam if you’re a “virgin.” For this slam, you must dress in drag to compete. You determine what drag is, but costume/make-up should be involved. Erotic poetry is requested.

There’ll be a short open mic before the slam. All sign up at 6:30. All readers must dress in drag – expressing the male and female in all of us in a visually and metaphorically erotic way.

Mendy Knott is a poet/writer who lives in Fayetteville. She hosts HOWL, a monthly open mic celebrating women’s voices, and has written songs, essays, stories and an award-winning screenplay. Mendy leads creativity/writing workshops, like “Quickies,” devised to help new slammers on March 20.

9:00 – 11:00 am – Tribal Belly Dance Basics

Presented by Datura. This two hour workshop taught by Datura of TerraNova Tribal, will focus on the basics of American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dance. American Tribal Style is an improvisational style of belly dance where the dancers understand a common dance language which consists of cues, transitions and basic steps. In this introductory workshop, students will learn tribal movements, formations and improvisational dance language. By the end of the class, dancers will be able to communicate their intentions to their sisters in dance, forming tight routines that look pre-choreographed. This workshop is a fabulous workout as well as a profound form of self expression.

Location: Open Floor. Participant Notes: Preregister by emailing terranovatribal@att.net. Fees: $25. Presenter Info: Datura has been teaching Tribal Fusion and (ATS) belly dance since 2004 and founded TerraNova Tribal in 2009.

Presented by Mendy Knott. This workshop is recommended if you want to slam in the Drag and Flag Poetry Slam on Sunday. We’ll be going over the rules, as well as writing poetry and practicing performance. However, it will be fun for everyone (performing or not) and highly entertaining. Don’t be shy; there’s no P.I.! Location: Gallery Room. Ages 18 and up. Fees: $3.

Presenter Info: Mendy Knott is a local poet, writer and editor. She is author of the award-winning screenplay, “Men Only.” Mendy is the host of HOWL, an open mic celebration of women’s voices held at Nightbird Bookstore every month. She will be hosting the Drag and Flag Poetry Slam. Supplies to bring with you: Attendees should bring pen and paper.

Presented by Carole Avila. At last year’s Goddess Festival, I gave a workshop detailing the long term effects of sexual abuse. This workshop will focus on overcoming these effects. Women will become more empowered by eliminating negative behavior based on childhood trauma. Location: Gallery Room.

Participant Notes: Preregistration appreciated by emailing Iread4u@aim.com. Older teens and up. Presenter Info: An intuitive life coach for over 30 years and a sexual abuse survivor, Carole uses her own experiences to demonstrate the devastating effects of abuse (described in her book, At the Hand of Ignorance) and how to release destructive behavior and move forward in life.

Presented by Firehawk. We will be looking at the basics of laying of stones as well as the colors and types of stones. Then we will look at the environment needs for healing. We will look at a few references as well. Location: North Window.

Presenter Info: Working in healthcare my whole life has made me want to do more for people than I have. This brings me to my looking to healing with stones. I love rocks; they have a strong presence in my life. I try to keep myself surrounded by gemstones as much as I can. Supplies to bring with you: None, if you have a crystal you would like to bring, rock on. Dress very comfy.

Presented by GenderQueer Book Club. Seeing gender as simply women or men keeps us locked into our ignorance of the fluidity of our roles, identities, preferences, and sense of self. Join GenderQueer Book Club in a discussion of Kate Bornstein’s book Gender Outlaw. A copy of the book can be obtained locally at Nightbird Books. Location: Main Stage. Presenter Info: GenderQueer Book Club feels they have something to contribute and share about the journey they are taking. Supplies to bring with you: Kate Bornstein’s book Gender Outlaw; a copy of the book can be obtained locally at Nightbird Books.

Presented by Karen Stein. The listeners will be guided into meditation by me playing the didgeridoo. The combination of vibrational sound and circular breathing creates a harmonic resonance connecting us to our primordial essence. Location: Main Stage.

Presenter Info: Born a natural athlete in Springfield, Missouri with a strong connection to nature, I began my earth life. My educational path led me to Joplin, Missouri where I earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, then to Knoxville, Tennessee for my master’s degree in ornamental horticulture. My spiritual path began in Atlanta, Georgia to reclaim myself. I was first inspired by Jon Kabit-Zen through his book, “Where ever you go, there you are!” I discovered and implemented powerful energy medicine such as laughter, hands on healing and the primordial force of the didgeridoo. My unique experience of regularly swimming with wild dolphins in Key West, Florida and living on the beautiful island of Maui has imbibed me with ALOHA spirit.

Let us dance and sing as we emerge from the cold and dark of winter. Come out of hibernation and rejoice in community. Celebrate the turning of the season, another step in time as the journey continues.

Ritual Planner: Cynthia Huelsmann is a student of nature, practicing ritual in a Sacred Grove of Cedars in the woods of Arkansas. She has studied and created ritual with Z. Budapest, Starhawk and Ruth Barrett over the past 25 years. She believes the sacred is all around us and strives to live in the magic of that knowing.

It’s no surprise that this extraordinary concert falls on Spring Equinox – these are the perfect rhythms to lead you singing into Spring! Please help us welcome three Local bands, with diverse and wonderful styles!

Set 1: Candy Lee Long brings with her soaring, powerful vocals and smart lyrics!
Set 2: Kahula Gypsy Band with their eccentric, ethnic interpretation of world beats!
Set 3: Darlene with her funky, fabulous flair and purpose driven music!

Not a night to be missed!

Candy Lee is a “golden voiced” singer/songwriter who combines her love for folk, jazz, indie, and conscious music to create her own original style. She is currently performing with her band, the Sweets, which consists of Jennifer Graham on bass and back up vocals, Emily Jenkins on back up vocals, Dan Dean on percussion, and Warren Dietzel on mandolin. The band helps to create moving, almost whimsical music, which sets the mood for a mix of sultry and playful three part vocal harmonies. www.myspace.com/candyleemusic

Kahula Gypsy Band – Established in 2006, the Kahula Gypsy Band performs a unique, cross – cultural blend of unforgettable melodies and rhythms. Many of the band’s original compositions incorporate elements of Eastern European folk music, Spanish Flamenco, and Arabic song. The ensemble released their self-titled debut album, “Kahula”, in 2006, and have since been featured in a wide variety of shows and television broadcasts.

Knowing that the circle of life carries the ryhthms of many cultures, Darlene embraces them and makes them her own. Like a gypsy who shang hais the notes of music they encounter and then twists them into another dialect, Darlene delivers an outstanding performance guaranteed to shake your soul.