Great Rhythm Revival Retreat
Directed by Jim Donovan, Founding Member Rusted Root

By Kate Bartlett

     The annual Great Rhythm Revival four-day immersive wellness and music retreat will take place this weekend Thursday, July 30- Sunday, August 2 at The Heron Farm & Event Center in Sherman, NY. Founded and directed by Jim Donovan, founding member of Rusted Root, the event includes over 29 hours of elective interactive workshops, group and private lessons, wellness sessions, drumming, restorative yoga, and live evening fire circles. Guests are welcome to select which programs to attend, but always find a wel-coming, restorative atmosphere.

      As a musician and founding member of Rusted Root, Jim noticed he always felt better after he played. “I started realizing first-hand the therapeutic benefit of creating music and decided to research it further,” explains Jim. “I looked into how music effects the body and can contribute to wellness and made the decision that the therapeutic side of music is just as important, if not more important, than performance.”

   Throughout the 4 days, workshops provide over 29 hours of diverse interactive classes including drumming, yoga, sound healing, movement, visual arts and writing workshops. Each course is carefully crafted for maximum enjoyment and engagement, designed for all ability levels. Guests can customize their journey, attending as many or as few workshops as they wish.

This year, the event brings new workshops leaders as well as new experiences, including Qigong, a slow, meditative and physical workshop that combines breathwork and body poses. The festival will also feature new art modalities including painting and mandala drawing as well at writing classes, poetry and reflective journaling. Psychologist Michael Mervosh founder of The Hero’s Journey Foundation, will be hosting multiple workshops throughout the event focusing on inner healing and spiritual wellness.

   The event attracts guests from around the country, some returning year after year. “Some guests are just looking to have fun and try something new,” explains Jim. “Others are on a more dedicated self-improvement path. We welcome anyone and everyone.” The energy of the weekend is invigorating with like-minded guests, creating an accepting and stimulating atmosphere.

    Jim will be hosting various workshops throughout the festival, including group drumming, Tibetan Sound Healing and his band, Sun King Warriors will play on Saturday Night for retreat guests. Healing people is the heart of the program. “We aim to help get people out of anxiety and feel like them-selves again. We use music and different wellness practices to do that,” explains Jim. All workshops are for all ability levels and are beginner friendly.

    Meal plan options are available with a focus on locally sourced and sustainable foods. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food. On-site camping is available, as well as nearby Air B&B accommodations. Attendance is capped at 300 to keep the event more intimate and personal.

     Jim looks forward to returning to The Heron Farm and Event Center and the town of Sher-man every year. “The town and the property are truly a hidden gem. The property is just in-credibly healing. Julie and her team do a fantastic job maintaining the grounds to keep it as pristine as possible, creating the ultimate immersion in nature. To be immersed in the great outdoors on this property is the perfect way to connect with nature and our bodies.”

    Jim is passionate about the therapeutic powers of music, and its ability to alleviate stress and improve our wellbeing. He also offers various courses in the region and online, as well as a free newsletter. For more information, and to sign up visit jimdonovantrainings.com and theheron.org and follow on social media for updates.