Presenters and Workshops
SUE BALASCHAK
Sue Balaschak is the creator of Primal Rhythm and a founding member of Burning Sage. The first time she experienced being in a recording studio was when she was 17 years old, where she played kit drums on a full-length record and dabbled with the engineering process. Her first solo drum CD received rave reviews in national publications and is featured in the Cleveland documentary "Return of the Cuyahoga," which aired on PBS.
Sue has been playing drums professionally since the age of 12 and has taught drumming since she was 17. She has facilitated drum circles and drum workshops within the Pagan community for the past 20 years. She has facilitated healing circles at memory care facilities and has performed journey work. She blends her professional musical career and her spiritual life.
Sue lives in Cleveland with her two canines, one feline, and a tortoise, her totem. If she is not drumming, she can be found hiking in the National Parks, or on the Appalachian Trail, with her backpack and her dogs.
DIVE INTO DRUMMING WORKSHOP
Ride the Wave of energy created by drumming. Expand the connections between yourself, your drum and Mother Earth's energy as we focus on the spirit of the drum, drumming techniques and basic rhythms. This is an introductory class suitable for all levels.
DRUM JOURNEY WORKSHOP
In a drum journey, participants lie or sit comfortably in a quiet, dimly lit room while the facilitator plays a steady beat. The sound of the drum is a powerful heartbeat that guides participants into a meditative, subconscious state. Journeyers have felt shamanic healing energy, seen past life images received inspirational messages or simply experienced deep relaxation. Guided meditations provide direction through the journey to assist participants on their path.
MICHELLE CLARK
Presented by Michelle Clark of Energize Your World, and one of the original members of Primal Rhythm. Michelle has studied energy healing for over 20 years and has added Sound & Frequency training to bring a complete and comprehensive holistic approach to wellbeing. Michelle is currently specializing in senior care where she integrates these principles into her daily caregiving.
CORE ZEST
This workshop will show you how to use your own energy and body to help facilitate healing and relaxation. She will get you moving to start, and end with some bliss filled frequencies. Bring a mat, comfortable clothing and hydration.
JESSI THOMAS
Jessi Thomas is a social worker, an ecstatic dance facilitator, and an ordained priestess. She is the founder of Sacred Phoenix Sisterhood Circle, a women's circle based in Western PA. Besides social work, ecstatic dance, and religious studies, Priestess Jessi has also studied multiple forms of meditation, reiki, and other ancient healing practices. Priestess Jessi teaches workshops throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio on multiple spiritual and metaphysical topics, such as mediumship development and channeled writing. In addition, she holds private sessions with clients seeking spiritual, emotional, and energetic guidance. To connect with Priestess Jessi, and find out more information about her upcoming ceremonies, workshops, and events, check out her social media pages. https://www.facebook.com/share/17Nn2nrTWB/?mibextid=wwXlfr https://www.instagram.com/sacredphoenixsisterhoodcircleigsh=NGtuYmRnbXozYjR2&utm_source=gr
ANCESTORS CEREMONY
Join Priestess Jessi in the sacred circle for a hauntingly beautiful experience called an Ancestors Ceremony. We will use drumming and breathwork to reach a trance state; then we will use guided meditation to journey to the spirit realm, where we will experience back and forth communication with our ancestors and spirit guides. We will then invite the spirits of our ancestors to dance with us around the fire as we did in ancient times, before we send them back to the spirit realm. This is Priestess Jessi's most popular workshop and she is very excited to share it at a drumming retreat.
GINGER ACKLEY
I started out in Texas but I have found myself happily living in Cleveland, Ohio since 2009. From my earliest days, music was such an integral part of life. I started to come of age during the Great Folk Revival and folks like Peter, Paul, and Mary, Simon and Garfunkel, Burl Ives, and Pete Seeger became my teachers. I started writing little bits of song here and there and found that music was a great way to get along with just about everyone!
EnCHANTica
EnCHANTica is a community that exists both online and in real life. It has grown out of a small shop in Lakewood, Ohio to a worldwide group that gathers online each Wednesday at 7pm EST to chant and sing spirit-based songs. Our songs are for healing and celebration of the Earth and the Elements.
Initially, EnCHANTica provided a connection during the early part of COVID restrictions. Folks from all over were able to find a way to interact beyond closed doors and to raise very positive energies for each other and the world through song. The more we sang together, the more new chants and songs were inspired.
EnCHANTica continues to sing and grow, with one album already recorded and enough new music for more! You can connect with the weekly group through https://gingerackley.com/enchantica
CINDY
Cindy has always been intrigued by the Earth and its natural healing properties. As an ordained minister and attuned energy body practitioner, she possesses a deep understanding of energy vibrations and frequencies. Her work focuses on utilizing the resources provided by the Earth to facilitate healing and restore balance. Cindy's approach is practical and grounded, teaching others how to harness elemental forces to maintain a clear and vibrant state of being.
THE ART OF ENERGETIC HEALING AND SPIRITUAL CLEANSING
Do you ever feel "heavy" after a long day or find that certain spaces leave you feeling drained? Just as we maintain physical hygiene, our spiritual and energetic bodies require regular "detox" to function at their highest potential.
In this immersive workshop, you will explore the ancient and modern practices of energetic hygiene —the art of intentionally clearing away stagnant, heavy, or unsettled energy to restore balance and inner peace. Whether you are a sensitive soul, a practitioner in the healing arts, or simply curious about spiritual wellness, this class provides a practical toolkit for purifying your personal aura and the environments you inhabit.
Heartsong
Inspired folk music with flowing harmonies! Heartsong is a soulful and folky group including the magical voice and presence of singer/songwriter Mallory Heartsong, the grounding heartbeat of percussionist Dawn Heartsong, and the inspiring songwriting, harmonies and spirit of Emily Hall.
Playing and performing together for over 10 years, the members of Heartsong have also created a kirtan band, Bhakti Rain, to bring call and response devotional chanting practice to yoga studios and gatherings in our community.
They regularly share their music at festivals, house concerts, wineries, worship services, and community gatherings, giving their own concerts and sharing the stage with various artists.
Erica Keck
Erica has studied tribal fusion and cabaret belly dance, for more than 20 years. She has been part of the pagan community for decades, earning her 3rd degree, and now enjoys solitary practice. Erica discovered that blending dance and magic creates transformative, healing energy.
BEGINNER BELLYDANCE
In this workshop, Erica will teach fundamentals along with some tips for dancing with drums specifically. You will learn to put basic moves together, in a fun, simple choreography.
SUNRISE YOGA
Please join us in starting our day with sunrise salutations. Greet the rising sun with gentle stretches and slow breaths to begin your day in balance and gratitude. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, or towel.