For the Record: A Vinyl Listening Series is a guided, community-centered listening experience where music becomes a space for reflection, storytelling, and connection. Created as a collaborative effort between the workshop facilitator and Alexis Hunter, owner of Healistry, the gathering invites participants to slow down, listen deeply, and explore the ways music shapes memory, emotion, creativity, and personal meaning.
The evening begins with two songwriter performances. Each musician will share a short original song, followed by a brief conversation about the music, albums, and artists that have influenced their creative process. Rather than a traditional concert format, these performances are designed as an invitation into the deeper role music plays in artistic identity, emotional expression, and lived experience.
After the performances, guests will receive journals and gather in small groups around shared record players. Each group will rotate through selected vinyl listening sessions, using guided journaling prompts and open conversation to reflect on emotional responses, personal associations, lyrical themes, sound, and album artwork. The experience is structured but relaxed, allowing space for both quiet reflection and meaningful dialogue.
A mental health professional, Alexis Hunter, will be present in a supportive, non-directive capacity throughout the listening portion. The therapist and performing musicians will move between groups to engage informally, offer support if needed, and help foster a welcoming environment for reflection and connection. An MC will guide the flow of the evening, explain each transition, and help ensure that participants feel comfortable and oriented throughout the experience.
The workshop will conclude with a brief collective closing, giving participants an opportunity to integrate the shared experience. A charcuterie and grazing table will also be available, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for conversation, community, and creative exchange.
This workshop is ideal for anyone interested in music, storytelling, creative reflection, emotional wellness, and meaningful community connection. No musical background is required, only a willingness to listen, reflect, and share.