VOCAL WILDS
The Art of Embodied Improvisation
Vocal Wilds Productions
🌟 Retreats · Workshops · Classes · Jams · Ceremonies · Performances · Guest Artists 🌟
Vocal Wilds Productions are co-created and co-facilitated by core members of the Vocal Wilds Collective—immersive experiences rooted in improvisational singing, embodied voicework, somatic presence, and collaborative artistry.
What we offer is shaped by the synergy of our collective—artists, facilitators, and expressive practitioners devoted to the art of embodied improvisation.
Our offerings are designed to open the voice, embody presence, and cultivate belonging through group singing.
Here you’ll find our current and upcoming events, each crafted to invite deep listening, creative risk-taking, and collective song.
GUEST ARTISTS
MAY 2
6:30-9:30 PM
in Ann Arbor, MI
Patricia shares our love of vocal improvisation. She attended Bobby McFerrin’s Circle Singing workshop for five years at Omega Institute, led a monthly circle singing group during that time, and currently co-leads a skilled vocal improv practice group with our new friend Jodi, who is enrolled in the year long All the Way In training with Irene and me. Patricia has also studied in Rhiannon’s lineage with our ATWI teacher Cara Trezise, and in Europe with Gaël Aubrit and Sofia Ribeiro. She has led many circle singing workshops, and it will be such a treat to receive her gifts in our community. Her practice is rooted in deep listening and the healing power of singing together. Learn more about Patricia here: https://www.juneberrymusic.com/about-patricia.html
MONTHLY JAMS
MAY 23
4-7 PM
Ann Arbor, MI
Organized by Tatianah Thunberg, each month a different facilitator from our vocal improv ensemble, the Songha, guides the jam, inviting us into deep listening, playful risk-taking, embodied expression and collaborative music-making. No performance. No pressure. Just voices meeting in the wild, spontaneous moment. DATES in 2026: Jan 17, Feb 21, Mar 21, Apr 18, May 23, June 26, July 18, Aug TBD, Sep 19, Oct 17, Nov 21 & Dec 19. Reach out for more information: VocalWilds@gmail.com
RETREATS
TESTIMONIALS
JEREMY F.
What a remarkable experience of feeling, community, harmony, fun, ease, adventure, friendship, unity and possibility! Thank you for your generous, caring, capable and affirming guidance. Looking forward to diving in again.
JENNIFER F.
This community has made such a difference in my life. Through song, sharing, and love I have healed in so many ways over the years. The acceptance and love in safe space provides a personal growth opportunity that is not just me - but WE.
M.S.
What a joyful and embodied experience in song! I was able to be in a supportive, loving, allowing circle with others and share my voice through song. To experience this in such a nurturing and playful circle allowed me to tap into those quiet, shy, uncertain parts of me. There was very little room for the inner critic. What a relief!
JUNE 13
3 - 7 PM
held Emerald Temple in Manchester, MI
Join Julie Kouyate, Julie Barron & special guest Mady Kouyate for a deeply immersive sound experience unlike any other — a four-hour, half-day retreat designed to gently unfold you into story, sound, elemental connection, movement, and deep restoration. This retreat is a gently held, mostly silent immersion into vibration, plant allies, somatic release, and sacred rest. Together, we create a space where the outside noise softens and healing sound becomes the primary sensory experience — allowing the nervous system to recalibrate and restore. You are welcome to lie down, meditate, journal, or simply receive. There is no requirement to “have an experience.” This space honors whatever naturally arises. Held in a beautiful temple setting surrounded by nature, this immersive retreat weaves together heart-opening plants, rhythmic release, guided imagery with music (GIM), crystal bowl and multi-instrumental sound bath, and sacred silence. Cost: $250 (sliding scale/scholarship spots available) Registration Required.
FESTIVALS
JULY 10-12
BlissFest in Harbor Springs, MI
Join Julie Kouyate & Tatianah Thunberg at the 44th annual Blissfest Music Festival on July 10–12, 2026, in Harbor Springs, Michigan. They will be co-leading a singing workshop called Heart Songs : Soul Beats at the Healing Arts Tent. Let's join our voices together to attune to the omnipresent life force that nurtures and sustains us all. With community singing, vocal improvisation and body percussion as our muse, we will offer our gift of song to the benefit of all beings. This style of singing is easy to learn, participatory and non-performative. Simple songs & rhythms that honor the wisdom of the heart will be taught through the oral tradition- line by line and beat by beat. All levels are welcome. Registration for the festival required.
JULY 24-26
Divine Pine Gathering in Irish Hills, MI
Join Julie Kouyate & Tatianah Thunberg at the biennial Divine Pine Gathering on July 24-26, 2026, in Irish Hills, Michigan. They will be co-leading a singing workshop called Heart Songs : Soul Beats. Let's join our voices together to attune to the omnipresent life force that nurtures and sustains us all. With community singing, vocal improvisation and body percussion as our muse, we will offer our gift of song to the benefit of all beings. This style of singing is easy to learn, participatory and non-performative. Simple songs & rhythms that honor the wisdom of the heart will be taught through the oral tradition- line by line and beat by beat. All levels are welcome. Registration for the festival required.
WORKSHOPS
SEPTEMBER 26 & DECEMBER 5
10 AM - 4 PM
held at Indigo Grace in Ann Arbor, MI
Tatianah Thunberg and Irene Soléa Antonellis invite you to join their three part workshop series Bringing It Home inspired by their participation in Rhiannon’s All the Way In 2026 year-long vocal improvisation program. Directed by Rhiannon and facilitated by primary teacher Cara Trezise, with guest artists Manel Lignares, Zahara, and Zuza Gonçalves, this international training is deepening their vocal improvisation practice alongside a devoted cohort of twelve artists. The All the Way In cohort gathers for an immersive residential week long training in February, June and October with home practice between sessions. Tatianah and Irene are committed to serving as ambassadors—bringing these musical forms, insights, and embodied discoveries home to their vocal improvisation community in Michigan. This workshop series offers an introduction into practices from Rhiannon’s body of work known as Vocal River. Expect spacious guidance, playful rigor, and practices you can carry into your own work as singers, improvisers, song leaders, and community weavers. All levels welcome. Whether you are an experienced improvisational singer or a curious beginner, you will leave feeling more connected to your voice—and to the natural capacity within you to create, express, and make improvisational vocal music with others. COST FOR EACH WORKSHOP: Green bottle sliding scale - $85 - $145 Two partial work trade positions available Two BIPOC partial scholarships available Registration Required!
PAST EVENTS
