Come together within Highland Park's Bob Baker Marionette Theater for jubilant eruptions of the body, mind, and spirit, as guided by ambient music and New Age legends Laraaji and Arji OceAnanda. Through sound, movement, and puppetry we'll shake off the habitual and embrace the deep power of laughter, with appearances from Los Angeles' most iconic ensemble of marionettes.
A devotee of the late Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, Laraaji Nadananda honors the ability of laughter to foster peacefulness and ease meditation with the practice of Laughter Meditation Playshops, as held in caring collaboration with healer and musician Arji OceAnanda. This playshop is open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. No prior meditation or laughter experience is necessary—just an open heart and a willingness to let go and laugh. This is an intimate gathering with limited space available ~ please rsvp in advance!
Laraaji is a visionary musician, composer, and mystic who has enchanted audiences worldwide with his ethereal and transformative performances. Born Edward Larry Gordon and educated in music theory and composition at Howard University, Laraaji emerged as a pioneering figure in ambient and new age music after a chance encounter with producer Brian Eno in the 70s. With a unique blend of celestial sounds, he has been hailed as a master of the hammered dulcimer and zither. Laraaji's music transcends conventional boundaries, seamlessly merging ambient textures with cosmic vibrations, creating an immersive and deeply introspective sonic journey.
Arji OceAnanda is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and composer, sound healer, and reiki master whose musical artistry spans a wide spectrum of genres, blending elements of world, jazz, and ambient music. Rooted in a deep spiritual connection to sound, Arji's compositions evoke a sense of unity and harmony, taking audiences on a sonic pilgrimage that traverses cultures and landscapes. Arji creates a rich tapestry of sound that invites listeners to explore the boundless realms of their imagination.