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first screened at the inaugural San Quentin Film Festival (SQFF) in 2024, where it received the award for Best Documentary Short. The evening program will include two additional short films: Processing , a SQFF25 Short Film Finalist, directed by formerly incarcerated filmmaker, artist and musician Antwan Banks Williams and Exonerated , directed by incarcerated filmmaker Ernest “Ben Shua” Woods II . Following the film, attendees are invited to stay for a panel discussion featuring Cori Thomas (SQFF CoFounder), Sam Robinson (San Quentin Public Informa- tion Officer) who approved the first film festival when proposed, Director Antwan Williams and Demora Henderson, the subject of Exonerated , who was released in June and continues the struggle to overturn his wrongful conviction. The conversa- tion will be moderated by the Community Center’s own Alexa Davidson. Prior to the screening, guests are invited to enjoy a reception where the Lagunitas Middle School eighth-grade class will offer refreshments as a fundraiser for their Spring 2027 Civil Rights Field Trip.
Community Crystal Bowl Sound Bath on Saturday, September 19
Join Sophia Luce for a relaxing and restorative Community Crystal Bowl Sound Bath in our courtyard on Saturday. The event will begin with 15 minutes of gentle movement to release tension, awaken the body, and prepare for deep relaxation. Next, participants will enjoy a 45-minute sound bath as the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls promote calm, balance, and renewal. The Sound Bath will close with 10–15 minutes to unwind, connect with others. Whether you’re new to the practice or a returning participant, this experience offers a welcoming space to relax, reset, and leave feeling centered and refreshed.
songs by the Beatles and Frank Sinatra, among others. Their inspiring story of resilience, creativity, and hope beautifully reflects the spirit of Peace Fest. Peace Fest will then welcome Enriching Lives Through Music (ELM) for the first time. The youth music education program provides young people with immersive musical experiences, mentorship, and the resources to pursue their artistic dreams. Their talented young performers promise to bring energy, enthusiasm, and inspira- tion to the afternoon. Closing this year’s festival is featured headliner AgapéSoul , led by bassist, songwrit- er, and producer Darryl Anders . Blending soul, funk, jazz, and R&B, AgapéSoul delivers uplifting performances centered on hope, healing, and connection. Anders has performed with the legendary Tower of Power and toured and recorded with Meters drummer Zigaboo Modeliste, bringing decades of musical experience to the Peace Fest stage. As Anders describes it, “The name AgapéSoul comes from the Greek word Agape— meaning God’s unconditional love—and Soul, the place within us where music comes from. It also reflects the style of music I feel connected to. As an artist, I feel it’s important to speak on issues that are crucial to the healing of our society.” Reflecting on the festival’s future, Wright hopes to see even greater participation from local schools and youth organizations, believing that investing in young peo- ple and helping them discover their own inner resources is among the most impor- tant work a community can do. After twelve years, he says Peace Fest continues to demonstrate the remarkable way the San Geronimo Valley Community Center brings people together, creating “a particular kind of wealth” found only through community. Everyone is welcome at the Community Center for this special weekend celebrat- ing The Power of Peace. Sign up for various events on our website: sgvcc.org. AgapéSoul brings an uplifting blend of soul, funk, jazz, and R&B to Peace Fest on Sunday, September 20.
Bring your yoga mats, pads, blankets for your comfort. There will be chairs for those who prefer to sit.
Sound Bath begins Promptly at 6:00pm, please arrive early to get situated in the Courtyard.
Peace, Art, and Music Festival with Headliner AgapéSoul on Sunday, September, 20 The Sunday afternoon of Peace Fest celebrates creativity, community, and the ways music and art can inspire peace and human connection. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. with a ceremonial blessing by Henry Frank, whose wisdom and presence have become a treasured Peace Fest tradition. Visitors can also experience Henry Frank: A Human Experience in the West Room, while the Valley Room will feature artwork from the William James Association’s Prison Arts Project. Outside, students from Lagunitas School will exhibit peace-inspired artwork cre- ated following Ashanti Branch’s Taking Off the Mask workshop. Through interac- tive activities and thoughtful conversation, students explore identity, empathy, and authentic connection, expressing both their inner and outer selves through art. Also, outside near the Courtyard the Greenstitch Climate Action interns will once again create one of their vibrant community chalk murals, illustrating the connec- tion between climate protection and world peace.
Peace Fest Weekend at a Glance
Friday, September 18 5:30 p.m. – Reception (Lagunitas 8th Grade Civil Rights trip fundraiser) 6:30 p.m. – San Quentin Film Festival screenings: Feature length Healing Through Hula plus two short films, Processing and Exonerated . Following the films – Panel discussion moderated by Alexa Davidson Saturday, September 19 6 p.m. – Community Crystal Bowl Sound Bath with Sophia Luce (The Soundbath will be outside in our Courtyard. Please bring a yoga mat, pad(s), and blanket. Chairs will be available for those who prefer to sit.)
Sunday, September 20 – Art & Music Festival 2 p.m. – Blessing by Henry Frank • Art exhibits & family activities 2:15 p.m. – Orquestra de Reciclados de Cateura 3 p.m. – Enriching Lives Through Music (ELM) 4:30 p.m. – AgapéSoul (Headliner)
Following the blessing, we are excited to present, all the way from Paraquay, Orquestra de Reciclados de Cateura , an internationally acclaimed youth ensemble whose musicians perform on instruments handcrafted from recycled materials recovered from a landfill. The instruments played by the orchestra members mimic violins, violas, cellos, double basses, guitars, flutes, saxophones, trumpets, trom- bones, and percussion instruments, yet they are constructed from refuse. Their rep- ertoire includes classical, folk, Paraguayan, and Latin American music, as well as
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