Jon Stojan
Mental health and artistic expression are liberating and vital elements of life, and WisdoMania Fest invites all to enjoy two days dedicated to nurturing self-care, creativity, and entertainment. The free wellness gathering in Los Angeles, California, crafts a revitalizing atmosphere where individuals of all ages and backgrounds are warmly welcomed and celebrated within a supportive environment.
WisdoMania Fest kicks off with a bang on May 17th. The Day One festivities focus on wellness and art at Griffith Park. At 5:00 pm, the festivities begin with The Liber8Xperience, featuring flow yoga, a sound bath, and ecstatic dance. To dive into this rejuvenating experience, all attendees need is their own yoga mat and blanket. The activities allow for profound connection with others as you explore movement and sound, allowing stress to melt away and be replaced with powerful inner peace. Following The Liber8Xperience, at 7:30 pm, attendees will enjoy an acoustic performance by Chloe Star amid the serene surroundings of Griffith Park’s Crystal Springs Picnic Area.
Day Two of WisdoMania Fest emphasizes mental entertainment. Occurring May 19th at Catch One, the event takes off at 5:00 pm, with a compelling opportunity to unleash your creativity with Songwriting for Wellness. Led by experienced facilitators, the workshop offers a unique outlet to express yourself through music. Collaborate with fellow attendees to write a song that captures your emotions and experiences. Your song creations are recorded and released to take it an exciting step further.
At 7:00 pm, attendees can join a mental health panel discussion featuring experts and advocates who will share insights and strategies for promoting well-being and resilience. Following the panel discussion, at 7:45 pm, WisdoMania Fest lightens the mood and fosters connection through laughter with comedy from queer comics Mav Viola and Bri Giger. Finally, at 8:00 pm, groove to live music by queer artists and allies, including X. ARI, Diarra Sylla, Noah Davis, and DJ Naté.
WisdoMania Fest is a collaborative effort between WisdoMania Foundation and Tangible Movement, two mental health nonprofits founded by LGBTQ+ individuals who have overcome personal struggles. X. ARI, founder of WisdoMania Foundation, shares the journey from crisis to thriving through self-care, creativity, therapy, and advocacy. Torri Shack, CEO/Founder of Tangible Movement, brings resilience training and lived experience presentations to destigmatize mental health and LGBTQ+ issues.
X. ARI and Torri Shack have faced formidable challenges in their lives, from psychosis and hospitalization to racism, homophobia, and mental illness. Through therapy, medication, self-care, and advocacy, they have overcome these obstacles and are committed to supporting others on their journeys. WisdoMania Fest aims to become the Coachella of Wellness, empowering attendees through creativity and coping tools. The festival offers one-of-a-kind experiences with refreshing inclusivity and a sense of community that affirms the belief that no one is alone.
Marching boldly into the future, WisdoMania Fest seeks to expand its impact and reach, creating memorable and impactful experiences for all. X. ARI envisions a full-length album featuring songs created at the festival’s workshops, while Torri Shack plans to elevate Tangible Movement’s advocacy efforts on a global scale. Through innovative strategies and collaborations, they aim to reduce stigma and foster inclusive support networks for individuals from all walks of life. WisdoMania Fest is a step in the right direction towards that movement. The event embodies healing, creativity, and community and transforms pain into power, creating a vibrant, safe space for all.