WELLNESS
Winter Jazzfest is proud to announce a major initiative to address an ever-rising struggle in the music industry surrounding issues of mental health, substance misuse, and overall mental wellness.
We are making a commitment to integrate a theme of wellness in programming and messaging throughout the festival, including talks and panel discussions, a benefit show entitled 'Revive Yo Feelings’ to benefit Jazz Foundation of America and MusiCares, and wellness resources provided by Backline, a hub for music industry professionals and their families to quickly and easily access mental health and wellness resources.
See below for Wellness resources and related WJF Talks.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS SUPPORT RESOURCES:
Backline
Backline is a hub for music industry professionals and their families to quickly and easily access mental health and wellness resources. backline.care
SAMHSA’s National Helpline:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
1.800.662.HELP (4357) / TTY 1.800.487.4889
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness:
NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
1.800.950.NAMI (6264) / NAMI.org
National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 1.800.273.8255 / suicidepreventionlifeline.org
The Trevor Project: LGBTQ Suicide Prevention:
The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. 1.866.488.7386 / thetrevorproject.org
JED Foundation: Emotional Health and Suicide Prevention:
The Jed Foundation (JED) empowers teens and young adults with the skills and support to grow into healthy, thriving adults.
1.800.273.TALK (8255) / Jedfoundation.org
Trans Lifeline: Trans Peer Support Hotline:
Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.
1.877.565.8860 / translifeline.org
RAINN:
(Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. 1.800.656.HOPE (4673) / rainn.org
National Eating Disorders Hotline:
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention,
cures and access to quality care. 1.800.931.2237 / nationaleatingdisorders.org
Saturday, January 11, 2020 / 11:00am
Alternative and Non-Traditional Approaches to Wellness in Music
An artists’ life is challenging, particularly while on the road, and traditional medicine doesn’t always address the issues intrinsic to this lifestyle. This discussion will feature Alternative Health practitioners exploring their work, utilizing a variety of non-traditional approaches to support artists in finding health and balance in the development of a sustainable career.
Moderator: LJ Malberg (President, Compassionate Muse), Panelists: Bikbaye Inejnema (Founder, Conscious Youth Global Network), Carey Davidson (Tournesol Wellness), Maureen Dodd (Spiritual Mentor), Kassa Overall (drummer, producer, rapper), Bob Roth (CEO The David Lynch Foundation).
The Assemblage 17 John Street NYC
Saturday, January 11, 2020 / 1:30pm
Laughter is the Best Medicine led by Laraaji
A guided experiential, interactive, uplifting laughter playshop with call & response chanting, therapeutic laughter-crises, extended laughter, and deep relaxation to live music. A seriously playful and positively affirming experience led by Laraaji with Arji OceAnanda. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat or blanket if you like.
The Assemblage - 17 John St, NYC
Saturday, January 11, 2020 / 2:30pm
Navigating Healthy Relationships in the Arts
Maintaining healthy relationships with loved ones is not easy and the music industry makes it particularly challenging with long hours, touring, a social culture that may encourage drug use, and complicated relationships intertwining business and romance. As a result, many in the music industry struggle to maintain healthy relationships with friends, family, and significant others, while often sacrificing self care and mental health. This panel brings together artists and entrepreneurs to share insights based on their own healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Panelists include Mark Guiliana (WJF Artist in Residence), Gretchen Parlato (Grammy-nominated vocalist), Tasha Blank (DJ, Writer, Yogi and Founder of The Get-Down), Francine Steadman (Founder of Bhuddabooth), and Gethin Aldous (filmmaker).
Moxy NYC East Village - 112 E 11th St, NYC
Saturday, January 11, 2020 / 4:00pm
Organizations Caring for Musicians: Resources, Institutions, and Foundations supporting musicians, substance abuse, depression and more
The music industry is a space where addiction, mental health issues, and substance abuse are common. Many of the most celebrated and innovative artists today face illness, sickness and mental health issues yet lack health insurance, full-time salary equivalence, and support resources. This panel brings together organizations that lead initiatives to help artists in need, and provide viable options towards recovery and wellness.
Moderator: Amer Jandali (CEO/Founder of Future Meets Present), Nicole Blonder (Founder of Equilibrium). Panelists: Jennifer Leff (Senior Director at MusiCares), Alisa Hafkin (Director of Social Services at Jazz Foundation of America), Michael Rexford (Founder, LightHopeLife), Hilary Gleason (Backline, Founder) and Gene Bowen (Road Recovery).
Moxy NYC East Village - 112 E 11th St, NYC
Sunday, January 12, 2020 / 2:30pm
Is Jazz Good For Your Health?
Moderated by DJ and music journalist John Murph, this discussion explores ways in which jazz musicians embrace wellness, mental, spiritual, and physical health. In addition to addressing strategies for a healthy lifestyle including exercise, diet, and proper sleep all while on the grind (or even more challengingly, on the road), the panelists will discuss ways of combating anxiety and depression, and maintaining wellness.
Moderator: John Murph; Panelists: Theo Bleckmann (vocalist, composer), Tobias Meinhart (saxophonist, composer), Allison Miller (drummer, composer, Professor, Boyer College of Music, Temple University), and Jacques Schwarz-Bart (saxophonist; Professor, Berklee College of Music).
The Moxy Hotel East Village - 112 E 11th St, NYC
Sunday, January 12, 2020 / 4:00pm
Artists Sharing Stories of Recovery From Substance Abuse, Addiction,
& Depression/Mental Health
The world has lost some of the greatest musicians of our time to issues arising from substance abuse, depression, mental health, addiction, and related complications. In an effort to both acknowledge those lost and to provide support for those currently facing these issues, these panelists share stories of their battles, struggles (some for the first time), and recovery around these most important and relevant issues.
Jennifer Leff (Director at Grammy MusiCares) moderates a conversation with Meghan Stabile (Founder, Revive Music) and Ralph Peterson (drummer, composer, educator).
Bowers & Wilkins Sounds Lounge at Winter Jazzfest
The Moxy Hotel East Village - 112 E 11th St, NYC
Sunday, January 12, 2020 / 6:00pm
Healing Power of Music
Presented by Bowers & Wilkins
The healing properties of music have long been touted. As wave forms and frequencies permeate even more areas of the brain than language, research has now shown that music is a potent treatment for health issues. Music impacts one’s physical and emotional well-being, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, pain, mood, creativity and so much more. Music also brings people together in a physical space, creating community that supports mental well-being. We gather musicians and those involved with music as a healing tool to discuss the healing power of music.
Panelists: Laraaji (musician, healer), Helen Sung (musician, composer, neuroscience), Theo Croker (trumpet player, composer), J. Hoard (musician, vocalist), more TBA.
Moxy NYC East Village - 112 E 11th St, NYC
Monday, January 13, 2020 / 4:00pm
Turbulent Times for International Musicians
Bowers & Wilkins Sound Lounge at Winter Jazzfest
In these turbulent times, fluctuations in the law and the overwhelming growth of music streaming has impacted jazz musicians; from the international artists with whom you collaborate to the revenue received from recorded music. At this panel, we will discuss developments in U.S. visa laws, copyright laws and the digital music streaming ecosystem worldwide.
Panelists Ali Sachedina (VP, General Counsel & Business Affairs at JioSaavn), David Amar (CoveyLaw), Ben Allison (jazz musician and rights advocate).
Moxy NYC East Village - 112 E 11th St, NY
Monday, January 13, 2020 / 7:00pm
The State of Wellness in NYC's Nightlife
According to a report by the Mayor’s office, NYC claims one of the world’s largest and most influential music ecosystems. More concert tickets are sold in NYC than anywhere else in the world. With live music playing such a large role in NYC’s economic and artistic ecosystem, caring for musicians is vital. Join the leaders of some of New York City’s most iconic institutions and festivals, alongside members of its governing body, to discuss health and the live music industry in NYC.
Moderator: Neal Ludevig (CEO/Founder of Moon31). Panelists: Ariel Palitz (Senior Executive Director, NYC Office of Nightlife, Mayors Office of Media and Entertainment), Elizabeth Hamby (Director, Department of Mental Health and Hygiene, Take Care New York), Erika Elliott (Artistic Director, Summerstage), Justin Ahiyon (Owner, House of Yes).