…from attendees
“It felt magical- otherworldly and floaty. I felt like I was swimming through a sound landscape” – Teresa
“I felt calm, senses awake and like life should always be like this” – anonymous
“I truly appreciated time walking, listening, breathing and seeing. The beautifully powerful music filled me in a joyful, quiet way.” – Claire
“It was very contemplative, interesting. I found my mind wandering in a productive way. My favorite part was the slowly changing music, that would fade into the background, then become noticeable again, though different.” – anonymous
“I had calm, watery eyes but not crying eyes. My favorite part was hearing music from all directions; stopping and closing my eyes. I was surprised by how “good” I felt deep inside; how grateful.” – Kathleen
“I felt calm and open, favorite part was the sounds coming from many directions (also loved having the dancers in the spaces)” – Becky
“I felt peaceful and curious; I liked how the remote speakers provided different sound layers as I walked back and forth” – Anonymous
“It was magical. I didn’t know where the sound was coming from. I liked that there were created forest structural elements. It felt like a visceral experience. Really like I was enveloped within a different world. When you moved through the Sound Garden the sound changed- you would have different aural experiences. Even if you were sitting in one place, people would bring the sounds near or away from you and it was layered.“ – Beth
“Serene, delighted. My favorite parts were the dancers interacting with trees, the environment, with the subtle live musicians who added just the right amount of texture to the recorded and real life city park sounds.” – Anonymous
“Mesmerized by the variety of music and the joy of the dancing….so relaxing. My favorite part was the freedom and relaxed pace and the unfolding of care, appreciation of the trees, the beautiful bench. Even now it is difficult to describe but I would certainly recommend it to others.” – Judy
“I felt calm, soft, inspired, touched, moved, entertained, curious, open. It was like experiencing reality after a couple of days doing sitting meditation. A surprise. A slowing down, savoring, even noticing the traffic, bicyclists differently. Hard to pick a favorite part – Gazing at the tree branches & buds while listening to the music. Noticing how the roving musicians and the music from the boxes were never in dissonance (were they all in the same key? How did they do that?!). Standing next to chimes that were still and just as I began to move away a very slight and gentle breeze moved the dingy thing around the chimes and made a sweet, subtle sound. the poems. The visual delight of the dancers in their spring green and spring energy movement. I didn’t know what to expect. I was surprised that after the first 2 moments of quietly being with the sounds, the green buds, the fresh air, I quickly descended into another zone of being settled and present.“ – Elizabeth
“This is an innovative way of using space! I am more peaceful now. Thank you for the vibes!” – Dex
“I felt present and safe and cozy and at peace. Favorite part was reading all of the poems and taking solo space. I was surprised by how I sunk into it.” – Jenni…
“An amazing experience. Peaceful, free, connecting with nature and other people.” – Chris
“It was amazing to be in the rain and to walk around the changing soundscape. the saxophonist/flutist in the north seemed most dialed in to the music. I loved what he contributed. I also loved Dosh on the cymbals. But the overall effect of sound in space with leaves and traffic and rain was transcendent. Thrilled to be in a space where listening is prized.” – Nathan
“I felt Relaxed and enchanted by the combination of the garden and the weather. Favorite part was the interaction of the breeze, the falling leaves and the light with the music and the sounds emanating from the felt pods, the birdhouse etc.” – Ewart
“I felt peace and curiosity and joy and winter chills. I found the invitation to slow down SO important, and I felt invited to be a bit silly too. I laid on a bench and looked at the sky upside down. I dove into the experience, knowing that I was an active participant. Thank you for that guidance. And I loved also encountering poetry on the trees. Magical!” – Anonymous
“I felt really calm and relaxed. It was almost like a guided meditation experience. I really enjoyed the opportunity to slow down, and just notice my surroundings. I was surprised at how much visual and written art there was in addition to the soundscapes.” – AJ
“what a beautiful way to unplug from daily life” – anonymous
What is it like inside a Sound Garden?
Background: What is a “Sound Garden”?
…from partners
Assisted Living / Memory Care Facilities
“I must admit, even though I saw videos and understood the concept (I am an artist by training myself), I couldn’t envision the gloriously calming effect the Sound Garden created. First, our “garden” is actually a tiled area on our third floor with a busy street only a block away. We have trees and planters full of flowers and vegetation in it. I had concerns about being able to hear these gentle, natural sounds with cars, emergency vehicles and motorcycles that are in the background, particularly since many of our residents have mild to severe hearing impairment. James composed and designed a musical piece with sounds played loud enough to almost cancel out those “city sounds”. Yet it was not loud, but soothing. Such a delightful conundrum.”
– Candiece Milford, Managing Director of Marketing, Rhoda Goldman Plaza
“The Sound Garden was the star of the event…People spent far more time at the Sound Garden than they did at the other activities. The Sound Garden was very effective in engaging the community as it invited people to linger and experience a park that they otherwise might not spend much time in. As larger plans for this park move forward now, many more people will have experienced the park thanks to the Sound Garden.”
– Dan Dressler, US Forest Service
“The sound garden was wonderful; I would have loved to spend the entire afternoon there. I am beginning to understand how transformative sound in communities can be, fostering improvisation and community, rooted in place… In thinking about my own experience in the sound garden, I suspect I lack the vocabulary to describe my experience, since the experience connects/reconnects with undefined aspects of Life.”
– Katheryn Allen-Katz, Rhoda Goldman Plaza
Press
MinnPost Feature: Sound Gardens for Wellness (May 2026)
St Croix Valley Magazine Interview (March 2025)
Interview on WCCO-TV (Sept 2024)
“Honestly, I would like for the whole world to be like this every day!” – Mostly Minnesota
INTERVIEW on KSTP-TV – Fall Sound Garden (Oct 2022)
LOLA SOUND GARDEN WFJW-TV feature & interview (June 2023)