Have you heard of forest bathing? It’s an immersive, mindful practice of walking in the woods and focusing on just being.
Attending the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts for me was music bathing, taking in, savoring, loving what music has to offer.
David Jacobs-Strain, above, was one of the reasons we went to this year’s festival. Slide guitar, deeply soulful singing, and moving, evocative songs. He helped me realize I was taking a dip in music bathing.
Bob Beach sings, plays harmonica and flute. We heard him first as a duo with David Jacobs-Strain and again in a second performance with Jacobs-Strain and two other terrific performers, Keith Greeninger and Dayan Kai.
Keith Greeninger is an award winning singer/songwriter with a husky voice presenting songs full of soul. He improvised and played masterfully.
Dayan Kai is described as “a true musical force of nature. Born without sight he began playing classical piano at the age of two.” In concert at the festival he moved between guitars, wind instruments, and percussion. And, yeah, the guy can really sing.
The Juan de Fuca Festival offered dozens of performances. We could have spent up to nine hours a day taking in everything from ballet to zydeco. Music bathing at its best.