Tom Tom Festival 2025: Full Schedule

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9:00am EDT

Conscious City Track

Thursday March 20, 2025 9:00am - 9:15am EDT

Healing the individual; healing the collective -- tomorrow’s Charlottesville starts with each of our journeys.

As our opening track, this conference takes us on an intellectual and an experiential journey through healing. We all experience suffering in our lives – physical ailments, mental stress, emotional pain, societal pressures – and it’s up to us to decide how we handle it. The process of understanding, accepting, forgiving, and ultimately healing ourselves is a lifelong journey. How can you experience wholeness and happiness on an ongoing basis?

We explore a variety of proven ways we can heal ourselves and increase our awareness and happiness -- from meditation and mindfulness to plant medicines (inc. psychedelics) and guided practices such as counseling, yoga, energy healing, hypnosis, and more. Along the way, we will explore ideas about what is meant by “consciousness,” whether any part of your consciousness might survive death, how to bring more awareness to all parts of your life, and how you can meaningfully increase joy and fulfillment in your day-to-day activities and truly flourish.

Note: This conference is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Dr. David Acunzo

Assistant Professor, Division of Perceptual Studies, UVA School of Medicine

David Acunzo PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. After a degree in telecommunications engineering from IMT Atlantique (France), David obtained his PhD in neuroinformatics from the University of Edinburgh... Read More →

Eben Alexander

Principal, All Is Well Unlimited LLC

Academic neurosurgeon Dr. Eben Alexander III, whose career includes decades as a physician and associate professor at Harvard Medical School and revered teaching hospitals, was once staunchly committed to the materialist world view -- the belief that the physical world is all that... Read More →

Bernie Beitman

Moderator, The Coincidence Project

Bernard Beitman, MD is the author or editor of seven psychiatry books, recipient of two national psychiatry awards for his psychotherapy training program, and former chair of psychiatry at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is the Founding Director and President of The Coincidence... Read More →

Patrick Belisle

Advisory Board Member for UVA’s Division of Perceptual Studies | Fundraising Consultant | Wedding Celebrant

Patrick Belisle is a practical mystic; a nonprofit executive, teacher, and world traveler. He studied business and theology with Benedictine monks at his Minnesota college, meditated with Buddhist monks in Thailand, and had a mystical experience at the Osho Commune in India on a one-year... Read More →

Paul Beyer

Executive Director, Tom Tom

My professional interests and passions are around community building; with a specific focus on my hometown of Charlottesville, VA. I love the instigators, entrepreneurs, artists, activists, and healers who are filled with civic purpose and desire to create communities of friendship... Read More →

Doreen Bonnet

Executive Director, Birth Sisters

Doreen Bonnet is Executive Director, Co-Founder, and doula with Birth Sisters of Charlottesville doula collective, an organization dedicated to dismantling root causes of systemic maternal health disparities for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. She has been providing perinatal... Read More →

Holly Chen

Owner, Mindful Taiji

Holly began studying internal Chinese martial arts including Tai Ji (Chi), Qigong, Xing Yi, and Ba Gua about 15 years ago. She is deeply impressed by the sophistication, usefulness, and beauty of internal Chinese martial arts. She finds practicing Tai JI and Qigong very helpful for... Read More →

Christianna Deichmann

Director of Education, Holistic Wellness Therapist, Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health

Christianna Deichmann is a somatic psychotherapist focusing on pre and perinatal psychology, conscious parenting through emotional awareness, and the spiritual science of nurture. She practices massage, Biodynamic CranioSacral Therapy, trauma-informed care, and the Inner Child Journey... Read More →

Patrick Finan

Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia

Patrick H. Finan, Ph.D. is the Harold Carron Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. The Finan Lab focuses broadly on explicating psychological and neurobiological mechanisms of chronic pain. Within that broad domain, Dr. Finan’s team specifically... Read More →

Dr. Melissa Frost

Assistant Professor, UVA

Melissa Frost’s ongoing research focuses on the history of traditional hallucinogenic plant consumption in Mexico during the colonial period. She traces reoccurring themes across pre-Columbian codices, colonial texts, and present-day ethnographic studies to reconstruct consumption... Read More →

Nicole Hawker

Founder, Soul & Soul Fitness

Nicole Hawker is a highly accomplished fitness professional, recognized for her experience in counseling, social work, and the fitness industry. A native of Charlottesville, Virginia, Nicole is the Founder of Heart and Soul Fitness, a non-profit studio that she established in 2022... Read More →

Hiromi Johnson

Tai Chi Master, Charlottesville Tai Chi Center

Master Hiromi Hangai Johnson is the Founder and Director of Charlottesville T'ai Chi Center, an award-winning nonprofit whose mission includes spreading the health benefits of Taiji (T'ai Chi) and related internal martial arts in the wider community. She is an International Cheng... Read More →

Yolonda Coles Jones

Founder and Facilitator, The RESTORE Project

Yolonda Coles Jones, named by her clients as “The Calm and Thrive Coach” is native to Charlottesville, VA. She is an international conscious relationship expert and empowered living coach. She helps home, community and business leaders learn to reconnect with and powerfully support... Read More →

Jason King

Programs Manager, The Monroe Institute

Jason's roots in the entertainment industry run quite deep. For over two decades, he has had an amazing time traveling the country and the globe delivering unforgettable concerts and events for some of the most recognizable artists in the world. As he got older, he longed for a more... Read More →

Alicia Lenahan

Executive Director, Common Ground Healing Arts

Alicia Lenahan is the Executive Director of Common Ground Healing Arts, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing access to affordable complementary medicine. The organization offers community acupuncture, massage, and postpartum doula care. Classes and workshops are also scheduled... Read More →

Karen Newell

Co-Founder, Sacred Acoustics

Karen Newell is an author and specialist in personal development with a diverse body of work that rests upon the foundation of heart-centered consciousness and spiritually transformative experiences. Her personal growth programs, workshops, guided meditations and teachings enable... Read More →

Alexandra Pallas

Co-Founder and SVP of Programs, Beckley Retreats

Alexandra is a conscious business entrepreneur, holistic wellbeing enthusiast, and transformational experience design pro. She is a Co-Founder and SVP of Programs at Beckley Retreats, where she leads the design and implementation of science-backed psychedelic and holistic wellbeing... Read More →

Kim Penberthy

Professor of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, UVA School of Medicine

Jennifer “Kim” Penberthy, Ph.D., ABPP is the Chester F. Carlson Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where she conducts research, teaches, and provides clinical care. She is a Board Certified licensed clinical psychologist... Read More →

Monica Rao

Transformative (Intuitive) Energy healer & Transformational Spiritual mentor

Monica Rao has been a passionate meditator for more than thirty years, originally trained in Mumbai, India. Throughout her career in academia and in the IT private sector, Rao has been involved in the arts. Her healing work and meditation practice has deeply informed her art, for... Read More →

Becka Richman

Nurse Supervisor, Child Health Partnership

Becka Richman is a Public Health Nurse with a passion for maternal child health equity. Becka recently returned to the Charlottesville community after completing a master's in nursing & public health in Baltimore, MD. Previously, Becka worked as a home visiting nurse in Charlottesville... Read More →

Laura Salvatierra

Team Coordinator, Perinatal OB Case Manager, Sentara Health Care

Michael Sheehy

Director of Research, UVA's Contemplative Sciences Center

Michael R. Sheehy, PhD is a meditation researcher and scholar of Tibetan Buddhism. He is a Research Assistant Professor and Director of Research at the Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia. At UVA, he directs the CIRCL: Contemplative Innovation + Research Collaborative... Read More →

Megan Sprague

Sound Artist, Self

Megan Sprague is a sound maker, dancer, dreamer and sacred time keeper. Deeply drawn to music and movement, sacred sounding and grounding; she holds sanctuary space for communal connection in nature. With love and gratefulness, she shares prayerful, heart centered practices for personal... Read More →

Juliet Trail

Founding Director, Courageous Compassion Connection

Juliet Trail, PhD, is the Executive Director of The Coincidence Project, a global nonprofit dedicated to meaningful coincidence, synchronicity and serendipity. Her area of specialty is the connection between compassion, nature, and coincidences. She is also Founding Director of Courageous... Read More →

Rissa Stiefel Tutia

Program Manager, Tom Tom Foundation

Rissa Stiefel Tutia (she/her) is the chef and owner of Blossoming Earth: Eco-Culinary Arts, the Tom Tom Conference Program Manager, and a substitute teacher at Venable Elementary School. She holds a Master’s degree in Somatic Counseling Psychology, with a concentration in Dance/Movement... Read More →

Dr. Marina Weiler

Assistant Professor, Division of Perceptual Studies, UVA School of Medicine

Marina Weiler, PhD, is a neuroscientist specializing in the field of medical sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Neurology at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil.During her doctoral studies, Marina focused on utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging... Read More →

Alex Zorychta

Managing Partner, Not Yet Ventures

Alex Zorychta is Managing Partner of Not Yet Ventures, a VC firm that unearths high potential entrepreneurs in universities and gets them funded by top tier early investors like YC/Techstars. He's coached 15 startups from pre-idea to YC/Techstars funding, and founded his own startup... Read More →

Thursday March 20, 2025 9:00am - 9:15am EDT
The Haven

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

9:30am EDT

Conscious City | Morning Tea & Registration

Thursday March 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT

The Haven

Check in and grab your badge. We'll be serving tea. Come meet and mingle with other attendees before the sessions begin.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Thursday March 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT
The Haven

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

10:00am EDT

Conscious City | Welcome Session

Thursday March 20, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

The Haven

The opening ceremony is a moment to connect with other attendees, and participate in a peace meditation and embodiment experience that prepares you for the conference sessions ahead. Featuring special performances from Darrell Rose and Megan Sprague, and a meditation from Alexandra Pallas

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Paul Beyer

Executive Director, Tom Tom

Alexandra Pallas

Co-Founder and SVP of Programs, Beckley Retreats

Megan Sprague

Sound Artist, Self

Artists

Darrell Rose | West African Master Percussionist

Darrell Rose has been a well-known, and much admired persona in the Charlottesville area for decades. As a performer and teacher of traditional West African Drumming, his popularity, especially among younger people, often gave him the aura of a new-age Pied Piper. During his own... Read More →

Thursday March 20, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
The Haven

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

11:15am EDT

Conscious City | Exploring Interconnection: What Out-of-Body Experiences and Non-Ordinary States of Awareness Tell Us About Our Common Humanity

Thursday March 20, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT

The Haven

Extraordinary human experiences, such as near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and after-death communication, among others, often have enduring and profound effects on those who undergo them. These experiences can lead to significant positive transformations on an individual level, including heightened spirituality, reduced fear of death, and increased prosocial behaviors such as empathy and altruism. In addition, these individual transformations hold the potential to impact society in profound ways as they would require a shift in worldview regarding the nature of our reality, suggesting that we are more interconnected than the current scientific view assumes.

The Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine stands out as one of the rare academic units globally dedicated to the scientific exploration of these extraordinary experiences. In this panel discussion, DOPS researchers will discuss the significance of investigating these exceptional phenomena for individuals and society. They will explore how these experiences can act as catalysts for fostering a future of greater human togetherness and connection.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

************
A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Dr. David Acunzo

Assistant Professor, Division of Perceptual Studies, UVA School of Medicine

Patrick Belisle

Advisory Board Member for UVA’s Division of Perceptual Studies | Fundraising Consultant | Wedding Celebrant

Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova

Research Assistant Professor, Division of Perceptual Studies, UVA School of Medicine

Marieta Pehlivanova, PhD is a Research Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences within the Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Marieta earned her PhD in Experimental and Cognitive Psychology from the University of... Read More →

Dr. Marina Weiler

Assistant Professor, Division of Perceptual Studies, UVA School of Medicine

Thursday March 20, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT
The Haven

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

11:15am EDT

Conscious City | The Myth of the Maternal Instinct

Thursday March 20, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT

Common House North Room

The panel will discuss the journey of pregnancy, birth, and strengthening families. Safety and connection are essential parts of the quality of life. As a need required by all humans since the beginning of mankind, security affects nearly all aspects of human life and is therefore considered an "anthropological constant". Safety and connection are characterized as elementary human needs that require fulfillment.

Those needs play an important role in the mother and child's overall pregnancy and birth experience. Security is revealed in one's own resources and in feelings of comfort, calmness, joy, positive self-awareness, and confidence that everything will go well.

Nature has perfected a system, through millions of years, to facilitate childbirth. It's important to recognize how society has changed and western medicine has evolved. Does the current environment impede the process? The panelists will discuss how parenting includes our lived and embodied experience. It's necessary to create an environment that allows more presence and connection. The well-being of a community depends on strong and loving families.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

************
A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Doreen Bonnet

Executive Director, Birth Sisters

Christianna Deichmann

Director of Education, Holistic Wellness Therapist, Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health

Alicia Lenahan

Executive Director, Common Ground Healing Arts

Becka Richman

Nurse Supervisor, Child Health Partnership

Laura Salvatierra

Team Coordinator, Perinatal OB Case Manager, Sentara Health Care

Thursday March 20, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Common House North Room

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

11:15am EDT

Conscious City | Without Apology: The Reclamation of Self-Care

Thursday March 20, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT

Equity Center (UVA)

To reclaim is to retrieve or recover; obtain the return of, get back, take back. An apology is an expression of regret; a wish to undo or shrink back in. In this clarifying and empowering Saturday session with Yolonda Coles Jones, community teacher and founder of The RESTORE Project, participants are received in Love, with soul, expansive breath and grounding.

Settle in by way of Yolonda’s signature, beginner-friendly contemplative practices and then get ready to unpack, reframe and re-imagine the co-opted concept of “self-care” into something that feels more accessible, more possible and more adaptable to you and your everyday life: unapologetic whole-being well-being. (You will absolutely want to be ready to take notes.)

The Equity Center is located at 201 W. Main Street Suite 2A

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

************
A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Yolonda Coles Jones

Founder and Facilitator, The RESTORE Project

Thursday March 20, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Equity Center (UVA)

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

12:30pm EDT

Conscious City | Gateway to Beyond: A Guided Technique for Out-of-Body Exploration

Thursday March 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT

The Haven

Embark on a transformative journey into the depths of your consciousness with this verbally guided technique for out-of-body exploration. Through expertly crafted guidance, participants will be gently led to explore the far reaches of their inner selves, unlocking hidden potentials and expanding their awareness beyond the confines of the physical body. This immersive experience promises to reveal new perspectives and insights, offering a gateway to profound personal growth and spiritual understanding.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

************
A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Jason King

Programs Manager, The Monroe Institute

Thursday March 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
The Haven

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

12:30pm EDT

Conscious City | Harmony Within: Integrating Physical Health and Emotional Wellbeing

Thursday March 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT

Common House South Room

The science on the mind-body connection reveals a powerful link between physical health and emotions. In this session, you will hear about the impact of nutrition on mental health and the importance of stress management techniques in promoting wellness.

Through engaging activities and goal setting, you'll learn how to make lasting, positive changes in your life. When we start to build inner resilience through integrating healthy habits, we can create a strong, supportive community focused on health and happiness.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

************
A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Nicole Hawker

Founder, Soul & Soul Fitness

Thursday March 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Common House South Room

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

12:30pm EDT

Conscious City | Psychedelics & Meditation: Philosophical & Cultural Perspectives

Thursday March 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT

Common House North Room

Throughout human history, seekers have experimented with ways to expand their minds and enhance their wellbeing. Practices of ingesting psychedelic substances or applying meditative techniques have been employed by humans for thousands of years. Most recently, over the past several decades, there is a significant body of research that is describing mystical experiences that emerge from psychedelics and meditation. Such mystical or spiritual experiences are rated by those who have undergone such experiences as among the most significant experiences in their lives. Contemplative traditions from around the world have developed incredibly diverse practices to transform human consciousness and induce flourishing, and in parallel, Indigenous peoples have cultivated sacred settings and practices for ingesting psychedelics.

Given these vast contexts and shared experiences, this panel explores consonance and difference with psychedelics and meditation from historical, philosophical, and cultural perspectives. We discuss how psychedelics and meditation induce mystical experiences, the importance of mindset and community, the potential cultural impact of psychedelic medicines, and how such human transformations make sense in the modern world.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

************
A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Patrick Finan

Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia

Dr. Melissa Frost

Assistant Professor, UVA

Alexandra Pallas

Co-Founder and SVP of Programs, Beckley Retreats

Michael Sheehy

Director of Research, UVA's Contemplative Sciences Center

Thursday March 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Common House North Room

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

1:15pm EDT

Conscious City | Without Apology: The Reclamation of Kinship Care

Thursday March 20, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Equity Center (UVA)

To reclaim is to retrieve or recover; obtain the return of, get back, take back. An apology is an expression of regret; a wish to undo or shrink back in. In this clarifying and revolutionary Saturday session with Yolonda Coles Jones, community teacher and founder of The RESTORE Project, participants are received in Love, with soul, expansive breath and grounding.

Settle in by way of Yolonda’s signature, beginner-friendly contemplative practices and then get ready to unpack, reframe and re-imagine the concept of “family” into something that feels more lateral, whole, mutually empowering and more adaptable to you and your everyday life: wholeness-seeking home culture and kinship circles. (You will absolutely want to be ready to take notes.)

The Equity Center is located at 201 W. Main Street Suite 2A

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

************
A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Yolonda Coles Jones

Founder and Facilitator, The RESTORE Project

Thursday March 20, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Equity Center (UVA)

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

1:30pm EDT

Conscious City | Strangers to Best Friends in 45 Minutes

Thursday March 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

The Haven

This session explores the crucial role of trust and familiarity in building strong communities. Despite the natural tendency for people to gravitate towards those who are similar to them, innovative approaches to creating connections across diverse backgrounds can enhance social cohesion.

With a track record of success at leadership keynotes, creative problem-solving conferences, and even wedding rehearsals, Alex brings people together in ways they may not expect. By fostering inclusivity, the aim is to strengthen the bonds within Charlottesville while building a more connected and vibrant community.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

************
A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Alex Zorychta

Managing Partner, Not Yet Ventures

Thursday March 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
The Haven

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

2:30pm EDT

Conscious City | Science of Psychedelics: What’s Next In Charlottesville

Thursday March 20, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Common House South Room

The past twenty years have shown an exponential growth in scientific research on the effects of psychedelics. This research has begun to change popular stigmas about psychedelics to position these substances as medicines to treat a broad range of disorders and enhance human life. Psychedelic-assisted therapies are applied to ameliorate stress and anxiety, chronic pain, depression, insomnia, addiction, and substance abuse. Brain science is discovering that consistent changes in neural networks activated under the influence of psychedelic substances yield meaningful brain plasticity. Such increased growth and reorganization of brain networks allows for increased learning and healing. Medical and scientific researchers are just beginning to understand the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelic medicines for the mind and brain.

This panel explores the emerging scientific research on psychedelics and the impact of this research on clinical and therapeutic applications. You will gain more knowledge on how psychedelic medicines are being studied as interventions for long-term grief and chronic pain, relevance of psychedelics for the local community, and potential futures of scientific psychedelics research.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

************
A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Patrick Finan

Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia

Kim Penberthy

Professor of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, UVA School of Medicine

Michael Sheehy

Director of Research, UVA's Contemplative Sciences Center

Thursday March 20, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Common House South Room

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

2:30pm EDT

Conscious City | Synchronicity for Spiritual Awakening and Social Change

Thursday March 20, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Common House North Room

Meaningful coincidences provide a lived and felt experience of being deeply intertwined with other people, animals and nature. The spiritual and ethical implication of being interconnected and interdependent with other beings leads us to an awakening, and to a wish for positive actions to improve the quality of life for and with others. In this way, spiritual awakening can inspire and lead the way for us to build a more sustainable and peaceful world.

Imagine synchronicity as the 'new currency' of Charlottesville, uniting us and expanding our spiritual awareness. Envision a Conscious City where synchronicity inspires us to bring about positive change in our community and help us to build a more sustainable and peaceful world.

This panel discussion reveals how synchronicity contributes to expanding consciousness and our experience of the spiritual/numinous dimension of existence, as well as how it can serve as a guide for making positive change, individually and collectively.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

************
A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Eben Alexander

Principal, All Is Well Unlimited LLC

Bernie Beitman

Moderator, The Coincidence Project

Karen Newell

Co-Founder, Sacred Acoustics

Juliet Trail

Founding Director, Courageous Compassion Connection

Thursday March 20, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Common House North Room

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

3:45pm EDT

Conscious City | Improving Mind/Body Health and Increasing Happiness with Tai Chi and Qigong

Thursday March 20, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Common House South Room

Tai Chi and Qigong are both ancient practices known for their profound impact on mind/body health. In the first part of this session, discover the essence of Tai Chi and Qigong, their differences, and how regular practice can enhance your overall well-being. Engage in a Q&A session to delve deeper into these practices. In the second part, the speaker will provide detailed explanations of the techniques. Immerse yourself in a real-time demonstration and teaching of various Qigong forms.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

************
A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Holly Chen

Owner, Mindful Taiji

Thursday March 20, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Common House South Room

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

3:45pm EDT

Conscious City | Journey to Wholeness: Channeling, Healing, and Collective Transformation

Thursday March 20, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Common House North Room

Near Death Experiences offer a glimpse into realities that are elusive to most people. Monica shares her own Near Death Experience, including her journey that led to complete healing from a life-threatening illness and her remarkable ability to connect with Source Energies. Monica now channels intuitive healing energies, offering insights and healing in the emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual realms for her clients.

Be part of a group channeling session where Monica will provide a direct experience for audience members. This is a unique opportunity to explore healing and connect with spiritual guidance in a meaningful way.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Monica Rao

Transformative (Intuitive) Energy healer & Transformational Spiritual mentor

Thursday March 20, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Common House North Room

Conference: Conscious City

Cost Ticketed

9:00pm EDT

DANCE SERIES | CARNIVALE

Thursday March 20, 2025 9:00pm - Friday March 21, 2025 1:00am EDT

Common House North Room

DANCE SERIES | CARNIVALE

Carnivale - A Latin, Salsa, Bachata, Brazilian Dance Party

The theme of the 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is TOGETHER - and it's all bringing many different communities together to build a brighter tomorrow.

We think dancing is a pretty big part of that!

Let’s take the Block Party energy onto the dance floor for a night of Latin soul that brings all the dance communities of Charlottesville together.

Bright colors and Latin moves.

Come dressed in your CARNIVALE best because it’s time for an all-out celebration.

Salsa, Bachata, Zouk, and Kizomba, Brazilian, Samba, and Funk.

Come with a partner or dance solo!

Come join us for an unforgettable night of Latin dance at the Tom Tom festival! As we continue our hosting of the Latin dance stage on Saturday for the Carnival Party! We're are excited to bring you some amazing performances that will leave you inspired and falling in love with Latin dance.

Full Schedule Here:
Carnivale features dance performances by the talented UVA Salsa Club as well as a queer stage on our rooftop brought to you by Out & About Cville.

2nd Floor
9pm - 1am Foreign Playerz with UVA Salsa, Kara Leona, and more!

Rooftop
9pm - 11pm Neon Grace
11pm - 1am Marcela Biondo

Ages 21+

Note: This is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets.

Artists

Foreign Playerz

N/A, N/A

Foreign Playerz is a dynamic and vibrant organization that specializes in creating social dance events for Latin dances such as bachata, salsa, zouk, Cumbia, merengue, and many other types of Latin dance. Founded by passionate dancers, Foreign Playerz aims to promote the love and... Read More →

Kara Leona

Kara Leona singing her new single 'On My Own' along with other Latin favorites!

Marcela Biondo

DJ, Marcela Biondo

DJ Marcela Biondo is a Brazilian from São Paulo who is excited to bring energy and a great vibes with Brazilian Funk, reggaeton and a lot of more during the Carnivale dance party!

Neon Grace

NeonGrace is the dynamic duo of Alex Wilson and his dog Grace, bringing infectious beats and good vibes to Charlottesville. With a style that blends eclectic tunes and pop favorites, NeonGrace creates unforgettable dance parties that welcome everyone to the dance floor. From the first... Read More →

Collaborator

OUT and ABOUT

Out and About hosts 3-5 socials every month for the LGBTQ+ community of Charlottesville and beyond! We aim to build meaningful, lasting relationships throughout the queer community, identify safe spaces in the area, and support local businesses who support us.

UVA Salsa Club

The University Salsa Club is one of the largest university Latin dance organizations in America, with members passionate about learning, teaching, and performing styles such as salsa, bachata, cha cha, merengue and more! The club teaches lessons for club members and external organizations... Read More →

Age Limit 21+
Cost Ticketed

Tom Tom Festival 2025

From $2.00