Conscious party: Harmonia by the River

SAFE SPACE: Providing a place of respite away from thumping music, bright lights and festival crowds, Harmonia aims to equip individuals with tools for inner calm and self-betterment. Meditation, intentional decision-making and tactful communication skills are among the practices that Harmonia representatives discuss with those who wander into the nonprofit's tent. Photo by Nomakin Photography

WHAT: A festival fundraiser hosted by Harmonia

WHERE: Salvage Station

WHEN: Sunday, April 9, beginning at 2 p.m.

WHY: Though their nonprofit is often misconstrued as a “trip sitting” service for high festival-goers, the co-founders of Harmonia have a greater vision for their organization. “We set up sanctuary and decompression spaces at festivals,” says Maegan Coral, who started Harmonia with Alexia Locklear. “Our overarching mission is empowerment through education, self-awareness and self-care.”

Tucked away from the main action, the duo’s 20-foot tent is designed to help guests wind down. Fabrics accentuate the walls, and carpet and cushions line the floor. Even the interior color scheme conveys an earthy tranquility.

As individuals enter the space, Harmonia representatives start conversations to learn what a better festival experience might entail for each person. For some, relief is as easy as a bottle of water, sunscreen or a tampon. Others experiencing mental or emotional distress — whether from a nonviolent argument, sensory overstimulation or yes, drug use — get a place to regroup with support from festival veterans trained in de-escalation and patron safety. Harmonia’s personnel may also facilitate rejuvenating practices like meditation or smelling essential oils to improve mood — self-help tools that Coral and Locklear hope visitors will take back to their community afterward. For event producers, these peaceful interventions stand to reduce certain burdens on security and medical teams.

Just as Harmonia’s sanctuary setups focus on holistic wellness, so will the organization’s own third annual fundraiser, Harmonia by the River. In addition to indoor and outdoor performances by acts like Third Nature, ElectroChemical, Natural Born Leaders, Sacred Sound and additional electronic producers, the event will feature workshops on topics like foraging, herbs, flow arts and laughing yoga plus a donation-based healing garden with practitioners of massage, acupuncture, acupressure and other modalities. “There will always be two to three healers in the space, but they will alternate every hour or so,” Locklear explains.

For kids, the festival offers a multitude of activities, including crafting, juggling lessons, games, balloons and an interactive music-making workshop on DJ gear. Several mission-driven organizations will be present to showcase their work, as will local artists and crafters. And rounding out the entertainment will be a raffle, art auction, poetry readings and after sunset, a fire performance. “There’s a little something for everybody,” Locklear says.

Admission is by donation. For more information, visit facebook.com/safeinharmonia

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Kat McReynolds
Kat studied entrepreneurship and music business at the University of Miami and earned her MBA at Appalachian State University. Follow me @katmAVL

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.