Updates regarding COVID-19 and Sweetgrass
February 16, 2021
Dear Friend of Sweetgrass,
Sweetgrass was birthed into reality through vision, determination and connection. While this event is centered around the Native American flute and music-making opportunities, at its core it is so much more. It is best represented by the voice and energy you bring to weave with the voice of the land.
On top of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Eastern Iowa was devastated by a derecho on August 10. Winds in excess of 100 mph tore through our lands, homes and businesses leaving a monumental scar on the face of Mother Earth. Our host venue, Prairiewoods, was deeply wounded by this storm as well, losing over 1,100 trees on the 70 acres.
We are reminded by our friends who practice meditation that there is significant power in pausing––being still and patient. Sweetgrass is heeding that advice and taking this time to pause and be observant.
Under the current circumstances we're facing in our global and local community we do not feel we are able to provide a unique and expressive opportunity for true connection in our 2021 program year.
Join us as we pause, breathe, and listen for the Voice of the Land to once again speak us into the unfolding future.
With love from Iowa,
Sweetgrass
Dear Friend of Sweetgrass,
Sweetgrass was birthed into reality through vision, determination and connection. While this event is centered around the Native American flute and music-making opportunities, at its core it is so much more. It is best represented by the voice and energy you bring to weave with the voice of the land.
On top of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Eastern Iowa was devastated by a derecho on August 10. Winds in excess of 100 mph tore through our lands, homes and businesses leaving a monumental scar on the face of Mother Earth. Our host venue, Prairiewoods, was deeply wounded by this storm as well, losing over 1,100 trees on the 70 acres.
We are reminded by our friends who practice meditation that there is significant power in pausing––being still and patient. Sweetgrass is heeding that advice and taking this time to pause and be observant.
Under the current circumstances we're facing in our global and local community we do not feel we are able to provide a unique and expressive opportunity for true connection in our 2021 program year.
Join us as we pause, breathe, and listen for the Voice of the Land to once again speak us into the unfolding future.
With love from Iowa,
Sweetgrass
June 2, 2020
Greetings Friend of Sweetgrass,
We have been involved in conversations with key people and parties involved with Sweetgrass. The common thread of our conversations has been that of risk vs. responsibility. We all feel the looming uncertainties, which make it very difficult to coordinate such an event as Sweetgrass this year. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of in-person activities for Sweetgrass 2020.
This includes all in-person Flute School activities, Festival vendors, workshops and performances.
In efforts to be good stewards of what we have built over the years, we believe this decision is the most logical and responsible move concerning Sweetgrass and your safety. Each year, Sweetgrass draws people from nearly half the country to encounter peace and transformation through natural sounds, heightened awareness of nature, while experiencing connectivity through the many cultural workshops and expansive music-making opportunities. Many of these activities put participants in close proximity to one another, making social distancing a difficult task.
The Sweetgrass team is working with our instructors and performers to offer some sort of online/virtual offering––both educational and entertaining. Though it's sad to not gather in person and co-create a meaningful experience, moving into a digital space under these new circumstances gives us more opportunity to connect with a broader audience as people are craving inclusion in a community in which Sweetgrass fosters.
Below you will find information regarding key areas of Sweetgrass that may impact you, as well as contact information for specific areas.
Thank you for being patient, understanding and supportive of Sweetgrass. We will miss you more than you realize!
With respect and gratitude,
Sweetgrass Core Team
Greetings Friend of Sweetgrass,
We have been involved in conversations with key people and parties involved with Sweetgrass. The common thread of our conversations has been that of risk vs. responsibility. We all feel the looming uncertainties, which make it very difficult to coordinate such an event as Sweetgrass this year. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of in-person activities for Sweetgrass 2020.
This includes all in-person Flute School activities, Festival vendors, workshops and performances.
In efforts to be good stewards of what we have built over the years, we believe this decision is the most logical and responsible move concerning Sweetgrass and your safety. Each year, Sweetgrass draws people from nearly half the country to encounter peace and transformation through natural sounds, heightened awareness of nature, while experiencing connectivity through the many cultural workshops and expansive music-making opportunities. Many of these activities put participants in close proximity to one another, making social distancing a difficult task.
The Sweetgrass team is working with our instructors and performers to offer some sort of online/virtual offering––both educational and entertaining. Though it's sad to not gather in person and co-create a meaningful experience, moving into a digital space under these new circumstances gives us more opportunity to connect with a broader audience as people are craving inclusion in a community in which Sweetgrass fosters.
Below you will find information regarding key areas of Sweetgrass that may impact you, as well as contact information for specific areas.
- FLUTE SCHOOL:
- In light of these circumstances, we are refunding 100% of Flute School admissions that have been paid already this year. Deb will be working on issuing these refunds. Please allow us up to two weeks to get this process done. If you have specific questions regarding your enrollment and refund, you can email Deb at: [email protected]
- PRAIRIEWOODS RESERVATIONS:
- If you have made overnight reservations at Prairiewoods for any time during the Sweetgrass festivities, please call or email Nancy Schrimper at: 319-395-6700 or [email protected]
- GENERAL QUESTIONS:
- If you have general questions about Sweetgrass, please email Jonny Lipford at [email protected]
Thank you for being patient, understanding and supportive of Sweetgrass. We will miss you more than you realize!
With respect and gratitude,
Sweetgrass Core Team
April 27, 2020
Greetings Friend of Sweetgrass,
We realize that we are in uncertain times which brings more questions than resolves. At this point, we are simply on pause. A decision will be made on whether or not to hold Sweetgrass activities this year by the middle of June. By that time, we should have a better idea of what we’re dealing with and how to appropriately respond.
It’s our responsibility to make an informed and educated decision and one that is also in alignment with Prairiewoods as they navigate new policies and safety measures. We are praying that can still gather in September. If you are making travel arrangements, please book with travel insurance just to be safe.
We are working behind the scenes on our “what if” plan and putting some new measures in place. As we have more information, we will let you know.
For now, join us in prayer and flute songs that we will be able to gather again at Sweetgrass in September.
With respect and gratitude,
Sweetgrass Core Team
Greetings Friend of Sweetgrass,
We realize that we are in uncertain times which brings more questions than resolves. At this point, we are simply on pause. A decision will be made on whether or not to hold Sweetgrass activities this year by the middle of June. By that time, we should have a better idea of what we’re dealing with and how to appropriately respond.
It’s our responsibility to make an informed and educated decision and one that is also in alignment with Prairiewoods as they navigate new policies and safety measures. We are praying that can still gather in September. If you are making travel arrangements, please book with travel insurance just to be safe.
We are working behind the scenes on our “what if” plan and putting some new measures in place. As we have more information, we will let you know.
For now, join us in prayer and flute songs that we will be able to gather again at Sweetgrass in September.
With respect and gratitude,
Sweetgrass Core Team
