KOA Fund presents - Sunrise Gathering 2025: Soundscape

Updated about 4 hours ago

In 'The Sunrise Gathering: A Celebration of Life and Community,' viewers are taken on a heartfelt journey through a unique event in Kalamazoo that honors the memory of Koa. This annual gathering, originating as a tribute to Koa's life, combines music, storytelling, and artistic expression to create a space for grief, beauty, and community. Organized by the KOA Fund, the gathering aims to inspire participants to move differently in the world, fostering collaboration and connection. The video explores the event's origins, its evolution into a meaningful annual fundraiser, and the impactful stories and performances that make it an unforgettable experience.

Chapters

Introduction to the Sunrise Gathering (00:00:27)
The Sunrise Gathering will be held at the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo.

The speaker announces that this year's Sunrise Gathering will take place at the Epic Center located on the mall in downtown Kalamazoo, setting the stage for the event.
Immediate Connection (00:00:39)
The idea of the gathering resonates deeply, focusing on grief and beauty.

A participant reflects on their immediate connection to the idea of the gathering, emphasizing that it encompasses both grief and beauty simultaneously, which is where they want to focus.
The First Sunrise Gathering (00:01:40)
The first gathering was a celebration of Koa, held at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

The speaker recounts the first Sunrise Gathering, held a month after Koa's passing, as a celebration of her life at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. It was purposefully held near the winter solstice to honor both the darkness and the light.
Elements of the Gathering (00:02:24)
The gathering featured storytelling, music, and art, rooted in Koa's gifts.

The gathering was filled with storytelling, poetry, music, artistic engagement, and purposeful food, all deeply rooted in Koa's spirit and the gifts she imparted through her life.
Foundation of the KOA Fund (00:03:06)
A year later, the KOA Fund was founded, building on the principles of the original gathering.

One year after the first gathering, the KOA Fund was established, with the annual fundraiser based on the original Sunrise Gathering, embodying the same principles and experiences that were present shortly after Koa's passing.
Planning the Sunrise Gathering (00:03:57)
Planning begins soon after the previous gathering ends, focusing on the year's theme.

The planning for each year's Sunrise Gathering starts almost immediately after the previous one concludes, with considerations of the theme and focus, such as sound healing, being central to the discussions.
Inspiration from Nature (00:05:00)
Walking at sunrise became a healing practice, inspired by time in Argentina.

The speaker reflects on how walking at sunrise, a practice begun in Argentina after Koa's passing, provided healing. The experience of watching the world come alive at dawn offered hope and a new way to move forward.
The Sound Meditation Idea (00:07:02)
The idea of orchestrating a day's sounds into a meditation with music emerged.

The speaker describes an idea to record a full day's worth of sounds and edit it into an hour-long meditation, incorporating musical responses to the day's natural vibrations, creating a unique experience.
Collaboration with Musicians (00:08:18)
The speaker thinks of musician Mike Savina for the sound project.

Inspired by the sound meditation idea, the speaker immediately thinks of collaborating with musician Mike Savina, believing him to be central to bringing the idea to life through his musical talent.
Jordan Hamilton's Musical Journey (00:14:37)
Jordan Hamilton shares his journey with the cello and musical exploration.

Jordan Hamilton, a cellist from Maryland, talks about his journey with classical and electric cello, his education, and his exploration into different genres to express unique voices and expand the cello's role.
Round Table Discussion (00:17:39)
Participants share hopes and wishes for the gathering.

As the event approaches, participants engage in a round table discussion, sharing their desires for the gathering, such as staying centered, delivering authentic performances, and creating a vehicle for the moment.
KOA Fund's Mission (00:22:02)
The KOA Fund aims to support youth through innovative organizations.

The KOA Fund, as part of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, focuses on supporting organizations that open doors for youth, fostering their growth and helping them find their own paths to success.
Community Collaboration (00:25:02)
The gathering is a collaborative effort involving many organizations.

The success of the Sunrise Gathering is attributed to the collaboration between various organizations, artists, and community members, each contributing to the shared vision of creating a meaningful and impactful event.