Join us at Mondegreen for

Exploring The Strange Design:

A soulful gathering celebrating memories and sparking contemplation.

Saturday, August 17th, 11 AM to 12 PM at POD 6

Jam Band Graveyard is ecstatic to officially bring a smattering of our unique programming to Pod 6 at Mondegreen! A heartfelt thanks to GrooveSafe and PhansforRacialEquity (PHRE) for this incredible opportunity to contribute to their vital work in creating a safer, more inclusive spaces to experience the music that moves us.

Please join us at Pod 6 on Saturday from 11am to noon for Exploring the Strange Design: Cosmic Connection Corner—a supportive and open dialogue about life’s transitions. Led by an End-of-Life Doula and funeral director, this gathering offers a compassionate space to explore and discuss death & dying. One of the special elements we’re bringing is our luminary bags—a simple, meaningful way to light up the night and pay tribute to those we miss. When we engage in creative acts, we are bringing something to life. It is empowering to use our bodies to give form to what was once formless. Before creating the luminary bags, we’ll activate both our senses and imaginations to transform the experience of loss into something meaningful and true.

All weekend at Pod 6, we will have free luminary bags available to decorate & dedicate to anyone in the far beyond. For those who can’t make it in person, we invite you to participate by reaching out to us on Instagram @JamBandGraveyard or by email at events@jambandgraveyard.org

Everyone’s luminary bags will be displayed during Jam Band Graveyard’s Luminary Walk of Reflection, taking place at Pod 6 on Monday from midnight until 2:00 am. And thanks to the talented Neel Singh & Sunny Trippel, this last night will also feature a special jam dedicated to those we have lost.

We’d also like to take a moment to shine a spotlight on those facilitating the programming:

 Valerie Nerini: The founder of Jam Band Graveyard and Our Inevitable Death. Valerie is an End-of-Life Doula, celebrant, and crematory operator with a BA in psychology. Valerie brings deep compassion and care to her work, which also includes supporting and educating the community as a licensed Funeral Director and embalmer intern. Her love for Phish and dedication to this community are at the core of what we do.

 Sandi Baker: With over a decade of experience in deathcare, Sandi has worked in various roles, from funeral assistance to funeral director and crematory manager. She’s committed to her work with the Collective for Radical Death Studies, focusing on decolonizing death care and supporting marginalized communities. A passionate traveler, Sandi’s dedication to connecting with people fuels her work, and she’s excited to contribute to the Jam Band Graveyard community.

 Natalie Gmora-Nyman, MA, LCAT, RDT: As a New York State Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Registered Drama Therapist, Natalie uses movement, imagination, and creative expression to promote healing. Her work with the luminary portion of the program reflects her belief in the power of creativity to transform grief and pain into tangible healing experiences. A life-long Phish fan, Natalie is honored to take part in the community she holds so dear.

We’re SO STUPENDOUSLY excited to be part of Mondegreen and to collaborate with such inspiring organizations and individuals–let’s come together, create, heal, and celebrate the magic of music & community!