Nature + Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or its English translation: Forest Bathing. This practice combines a slow walk in a natural area with a clearly defined sequence of guided events that provide structure to the experience. Although structured, the practice allows many opportunities for creativity and serendipity offered by both nature and by the individual inspiration of the guide. Our walk will draw on the latest developments in the field of nature connection, and ancient traditions of mindfulness and wellness promotion. The walk takes approximately 2.5 hours and requires no exceptional skill or physical exertion. *NOTE: Participants are required to register by 3:00pm the day before the scheduled session.

As we shift into a new season, it is important to honor one of the four corners of the year. As the seasons change, so should your lifestyle and movement practices. You will learn specific ways to balance the internal organs to boost immunity, health and healing. The 1st hour will be the active or Yang part of class consisting of various meditative techniques such as Medical QiGong, Dao Yin, Yin Yoga, deep breathing, acupressure, self-massage, chanting/toning and visualization. This is done to link and sync us together for the 2nd hour of class so we can receive (Yin) the deep healing vibrations from the Crystal singing bowls. The bowls will harmonize and tune your cells and brighten and expand your auric field.

Join Arielle for a relaxing and rejuvenating evening under the rising Full Moon.

While looking over the beautiful marsh landscape this Gentle/Yin class will take you on a journey through breath, slow movement and some stagnant poses. Holding poses for longer periods of time helps reduce stress and release tension throughout the body. This solemn workshop will promote a deep sense of peace, wellness and relaxation. The final relaxation will include hands on adjustments and an optional application of essential oils. All levels are welcome. Feel free to bring any additional props such as blankets, pillows, and blocks. 

The Artist’s Garden: American Impressionism and the Garden Movement
presented by Anna O. Marley, Chief of Curatorial Affairs of Historical American
Art, at PAFA, and Juror of LBIF’s Plein Air Plus Exhibition
Date Sunday, September 15; 2:00pm
FREE Admission

Inspired by European impressionist paintings of open countryside, private gardens, and urban parks, American artists working in the years between 1887 and 1920 turned their attentions to the new landscapes being created in the fast-changing cities and rapidly emerging suburbs of their own country. 

The Artist’s Garden tells the intertwined stories of American art and the new American garden movement in the years on either side of the turn of the twentieth century. In this lecture Marley will discuss artists alongside the books, journals, and ephemeral artifacts that both shaped and were products of the garden movement. Employing the interdisciplinary perspectives of horticultural and art history, The Artist’s Garden places special emphasis on the mid-Atlantic region as the epicenter of a national garden movement and considers the impact of impressionism not on American painting alone, but on the nation’s culture at large.

Carolyn Enger: Resonating Earth
Date Sunday, September 1; 7:00pm, Doors 6:30pm
Fee $35 per person in advance / $40 day-of

From the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to coal burning plants in the Ruhr Valley of Germany, from the glorious heights of mountain ranges in Alaska to mountains of potassium waste in Eastern Germany, Resonating Earth was created in response to the climate crisis. A stylistically fluid creation with a wide range of ambient music; many of which will be making their local premiere, including J.S. Bach, Marcos Balter, John Cage, Claude Debussy, Philip Glass, Iman Habibi, Pia Møller Johansen, Lee Kesselman, Missy Mazzoli, Meredith Monk, Nico Muhly, Caroline Shaw, Robert Sirota and Scott Wollschleger; alongside stunning imagery of the environment by Peabody Award-winning producer Elliott Forrest (WQXR), visual artist Myles Aronowitz, and internationally-exhibited environmental activist and photographer J Henry Fair, Resonating Earth creates a soundscape focusing on the beauty in our environment and inspires environmental activism in an artistic, musically immersive way. 

Aesthetics of Plants, Decolonization, Native Plants, and Sustainability
Presented by Donna Sweigert, Chair, Art Department at Rowan University
and Juror of LBIF’s +Member +Student +Faculty Exhibition
Date Saturday, August 24; 5:00pm 
FREE Admission

Donna Mason Sweigart is an Associate Professor of Art, Coordinator of Metals, Jewelry, and Computer Aided Design, and Chair of the Art Department at Rowan University. Trained in traditional craft jewelry practice and later introduced to digital fabrication, her continuing research ranges from 3D modeled functional object installation to large scale body adornment/fashion. She uses both traditional methods of fabrication, computer-aided-design/rapid prototyping, and alternative digital fabrication techniques to accomplish her works. Sweigart’s research ranges from 3D modeled and printed functional object installation to large-scale body adornment and fashion. Alternative digital fabrication techniques address tension of form and space in relation to the body. Frequently, Sweigart collaborates with other artists and professionals to research across art, cultural geography, sustainability, and engineering.

Flower and Flame, Paul Stankard Film and Q+A Session with
Paul Stankard, Artist and Daniel R. Collins, Filmmaker
Date Friday, August 23; Doors 6:30pm, Film 7:00pm, Q + A after film 
Fee $10 per person in advance / $15 day-of

Internationally acclaimed artist and pioneer in the studio glass movement, Paul J. Stankard is considered a living master who translates nature in glass. His work is represented in over 75 museums around the world. Stankard is the recipient of numerous awards and honorary doctorate degrees including The James Renwick Alliance Masters of the Medium award and the Lifetime Achievement award from the Glass Art Society. He is an Artist-in-Residence and Honorary Professor at Salem Community College. 

Paul J. Stankard: Flower & Flame, the latest documentary from award-winning filmmaker Daniel R. Collins, celebrates the life’s work of internationally acclaimed glass artist Paul J. Stankard. Inspired by his rural childhood memories, Paul evolved the centuries-old craft tradition of the glass paperweight into a fine art form, battling dyslexia and defying critics on his way to international fame. For more than 60 years, Paul has honed his skills in Southern NJ, the historic epicenter of American glassmaking. Now in his 80th year, he is still creating some of the best work of his career.

This is an interactive session where you will learn and practice the art of sound for self-care. You will learn specific vocalizations and Mantras from Tibetan and Yogic Science to affect internal organs and to release your personal sound.  After that we will focus on the art of playing quartz crystal bowls and how you can use them to harmonize and tune your cells to brighten and expand your auric field for yourself or for your loved ones or pets. We will finish with a Reiki Crystal Bowl Meditation under the stars to clear, purify and re-tune yourself so you can "play" well with others. If you desire to receive Reiki during the singing bowls, Kirsten will share Reiki energy to all you would like to participate.

Join Arielle for a relaxing and rejuvenating evening under the rising Full Moon.

While looking over the beautiful marsh landscape this Gentle/Yin class will take you on a journey through breath, slow movement and some stagnant poses. Holding poses for longer periods of time helps reduce stress and release tension throughout the body. This solemn workshop will promote a deep sense of peace, wellness and relaxation. The final relaxation will include hands on adjustments and an optional application of essential oils. All levels are welcome. Feel free to bring any additional props such as blankets, pillows, and blocks. 

Come enjoy some summer fun with this lively and soulful practice available to all bodies. Using breath, rhythmic movement, accessible dance moves and yoga poses, we will explore the joy of self-expression and connection by moving to music from many cultures. Open to those brand new to yoga as well as seasoned practitioners.

Attention Families! All families! These nights are for you. Member or not, bring the whole family to the LBIF for a fun night of outdoor and indoor entertainment. Check out our website for specific details on each family night experience. There will be dancing, crafts, music, food, and a glass of wine for the adults! Come and meet our family-- We are so excited to meet yours.

*Pete Seeger once said, “We’ve gotta get America singing, again,” so this summer, LBIF is bringing back one of its favorite traditions: a musical Hootenanny! Bring your instrument, voice and spirit of harmony for an evening of fabulous singalong songs, including anything you’d like to share. Join professional musicians, Beth & Scott Bierko, the Hoot promises to be an event where you’ll be able to shake your shaker, share your love of music and make new friends, too!

Best of all, it’s free! Registration is required.

Join the LBIF as we welcome Carrie Rickey, author of "A Complicated Passion," a biographical novel about the life of female French Filmmaker, Agnes Varda.

Rickey will be screening a short film about Varda and discussing her book about the filmmakers extraordinary work as a pioneer in her field. Copies of "A Complicated Passion" will be for sale and signed by Rickey herself.

This is a FREE event, registration required.

Presented by Pamela Lowell, Author, Environmentalist, and Therapist
Date Wednesday, August 14; 4:00pm
Fee $12 per person
This one-hour presentation is aimed at a general audience of birders/nature enthusiasts/artists (or appreciators of art) young, or older environmentalists and/or therapists. Have you ever wanted to hold a live Osprey in your hands? What if you had to cross a mucky salt marsh in your bare feet to do it? Pamela has developed an engaging video and PowerPoint slide presentation of her work while weekly volunteering with Mass Audubon and the Southcoast Osprey Nest Monitoring Project on the Westport River at Allen’s Pond. 

Event Cancelled

Come enjoy some summer fun with this lively and soulful practice available to all bodies. Using breath, rhythmic movement, accessible dance moves and yoga poses, we will explore the joy of self-expression and connection by moving to music from many cultures. Open to those brand new to yoga as well as seasoned practitioners.

The Cornelia Street band is a six piece, classic rock and blues band featuring two keyboard players, a flute player and a saxophone player. Hailing from Harvey Cedars and Greenwich Village, NYC, the band was originally formed in 2010. Its focus has always been on music that makes you want to dance!

This breadth of instrumentation offers the audience a broad range of artists which includes Tom Petty, Dire Straits, The Beatles, Lucinda Williams, Blondie, B-52’s, The Pretenders, Springsteen, Dylan, Neil Young, David Bowie, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Crosby Stills and Nash, The Band, The Supremes, Warren Zevon, Lou Reed, The Rolling Stones, Talking Heads, Grateful Dead, Four Tops, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, The Cars, Johnny Cash, The Kinks, Fountains of Wayne, Steve Miller, Rod Stewart, Joan Jett, and many more. Come dance, and bring friends!

Weather permitting, the band will perform outside so don’t forget your chairs! 

Modernist poetry and yoga may seem at first glance like very different disciplines; look closer and you’ll see they have much in common. Both are most productive when approached by warming up—be it physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually—and finding flow and rhythm is key to each experience. Come explore this intersection of body, mind and spirit as we  practice gentle yoga illuminated through the poetry of Marianne Moore, T.S. Eliot, E.E. Cummings and Langston Hughes. The exploration and experimentation of a modernist poem or yoga practice helps guide you to a deeper understanding of the self and the world, and how each are intimately intertwined. To get there, poetry and yoga both require mindful reflection and attention to the precise alignment of words/bodies. Each 90-minute session is suitable for all levels--no prior yoga or poetry experience is required!

58th Annual Seashore House Tour
Sponsored by Woodhaven Lumber and Millwork
Date Wednesday, August 7; 10:30am - 4:30pm
Fee $50 per person in advance / $55 day-of

Over the course of one day, visit six exquisite homes that capture the essence of LBI and its renowned architects, builders, and interior designers. This beloved LBIF tradition is one for the memory books. Make it a day and come with family and friends! 

Photo credit: Jeannette Michelson

This is an interactive session where you will learn and practice the art of sound for self-care. You will learn specific vocalizations and Mantras from Tibetan and Yogic Science to affect internal organs and to release your personal sound.  After that we will focus on the art of playing quartz crystal bowls and how you can use them to harmonize and tune your cells to brighten and expand your auric field for yourself or for your loved ones or pets. We will finish with a Reiki Crystal Bowl Meditation under the stars to clear, purify and re-tune yourself so you can "play" well with others. If you desire to receive Reiki during the singing bowls, Kirsten will share Reiki energy to all you would like to participate.

The Karl Latham Trio

Date Sunday, August 4; 7:00pm, Doors 6:30pm
Fee $30 per person in advance / $35 day-of

Karl Latham has performed and recorded with Grammy Award winning artists, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members and many acclaimed artists including The Shirelles, Johnny Winter; Bernie Worrell, Mark Egan Unit1, John Lee Quartet with Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Cyrus Chestnut, Jon Faddis, The Fantasy Band with Dave Valentine, Noel Pointer, Dave Samuels, The Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, The Dizzy Gillespie Afro-Latin Experience with Paquito D’Rivera, Andy Snitzer, Ali Ryerson, and Rachel Z.  Karl has subbed on the Broadway productions of “Bring It On,” “Hamilton,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,”and “Ain’t Too Proud.”

From 1984 thru 1993, John Lee was Dizzy Gillespie’s bassist, performing and recording in the trumpet master’s various bands including the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet, Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, and Dizzy’s Grammy Award winning United Nation Orchestra. John has also worked in the bands of Gary Bartz, Larry Coryell, Jon Faddis, Aretha Franklin, Roberta Gambarini, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath, Gregory Hines, Miriam Makeba, James Moody, Claudio Roditi, Sonny Rollins, and McCoy Tyner. John is also a Grammy Award winning record producer and audio engineer. He has produced over 100 recordings.

Alex Collins is a New York City based pianist, composer, arranger and vibraphonist. Alex made his debut at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival with the Brandon Wright Quartet in 2010. Alex is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music (M.M. Jazz Composition) and earned his undergraduate degree from the Eastman School of Music (B.M. Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media (Piano)).Alex has performed in the bands of Ronnie Burrage, Michelle Coltrane, Big Funk, Gerry Gibbs, Karl Latham, John Lee, Lonnie Plaxico, Lenny White, and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars.

Interior Design Panel Discussion
Moderated by Samuel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Architects
Date Sunday, August 4; 10:00am
FREE Admission
This special event brings together two top international Interior Designers, Marguerite Rodgers and Michael Shannon. They are both founders and principals of award winning firms based in Philadelphia and working around the globe. They will be presenting their sensational seaside work, from Maine to the Caribbean. This lively panel discussion will be moderated by local architect, Samuel Gordon.The creative work by these two top designers will inspire all to take their homes to the next level.

Modernist poetry and yoga may seem at first glance like very different disciplines; look closer and you’ll see they have much in common. Both are most productive when approached by warming up—be it physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually—and finding flow and rhythm is key to each experience. Come explore this intersection of body, mind and spirit as we  practice gentle yoga illuminated through the poetry of Marianne Moore, T.S. Eliot, E.E. Cummings and Langston Hughes. The exploration and experimentation of a modernist poem or yoga practice helps guide you to a deeper understanding of the self and the world, and how each are intimately intertwined. To get there, poetry and yoga both require mindful reflection and attention to the precise alignment of words/bodies. Each 90-minute session is suitable for all levels--no prior yoga or poetry experience is required!

Get ready to move out of your seats when Jazz, R&B, and Gospel Vocalist Sherry Wilson Butler brings the LBIF The Sounds of Motown. She will take you on a journey with Philadelphia’s finest jazz musicians led by bandleader Arron Graves. You’ll know the tunes but with a fresh twist with improvisational solos for the diehard jazzers, arranged by Aaron Graves.

About the Performers:
Sherry Wilson Butler is one of the jazz, and R&B networks “most exciting vocal talents.” Deeply rooted in the “Philly Sound,” she has performed with a long list of musical greats. Stand up, sit down, clap your hands, and experience this passionate, & spirit-filled woman interpreting upbeat contemporary jazz, R&B, pop, and gospel. Butler haunts audiences with influences of Betty Carter, Diane Reeves, Phyllis Hyman, Nina Simone, and Sarah Vaughn.

Aaron Graves attended Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia. While there he received a National Endowment of the Arts grant and studied with Jazz masters Kenny Barron, Barry Harris and Stanley Cowell. Graves has performed and/or recorded with Stanley Turrentine, Oscar Brown, Jr., Dakota Staton, Houston Person, Marlena Shaw, Cassandra Wilson, Antonio Hart, Greg Osby, Grady Tate, Kenny Burrell, Frank Foster, Grover Washington, Jr., Vanessa Rubin, The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, Maceo Parker, the Boys Choir of Harlem, Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds,  and many others. Graves’ television credits include the award-winning documentary
Eyes on the Prize (with Sweet Honey and the Rock) and The Lou Rawls Show. Aaron eloquently states that music is “the universal language we desire to communicate as part of the human family.”

Darren and Kirsten will guide you to therapeutically massage your body and create a routine that can be done at home. You will learn where you hold your stress and receive simple, easy and effective hands-on techniques to release pain, stress, tension, tightness, soreness, restricted range of motion, negative emotions and trauma. You will practice techniques to love your body by using your hands to accept, embrace, support and heal yourself.

Darren will incorporate The Original Yin Yoga, movements and meditations based on the 5 elements of Chinese Medicine. Each element has a unique state of energy or Qi used in the postures to help cultivate and feel. Our intention in this class is to relax the muscles and myofascial of the body and mind as we hold poses and freely feel the flow of life energy  for our peace and awakening. Once relaxed and opened you will sit or lay down for a Crystal Bowl Meditation under the stars to clear, purify and re-tune yourself.. If you desire to receive Reiki during the singing bowls, Kirsten will share Reiki energy to all who would like to participate. 

Modernist poetry and yoga may seem at first glance like very different disciplines; look closer and you’ll see they have much in common. Both are most productive when approached by warming up—be it physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually—and finding flow and rhythm is key to each experience. Come explore this intersection of body, mind and spirit as we  practice gentle yoga illuminated through the poetry of Marianne Moore, T.S. Eliot, E.E. Cummings and Langston Hughes. The exploration and experimentation of a modernist poem or yoga practice helps guide you to a deeper understanding of the self and the world, and how each are intimately intertwined. To get there, poetry and yoga both require mindful reflection and attention to the precise alignment of words/bodies. Each 90-minute session is suitable for all levels--no prior yoga or poetry experience is required!

Join Arielle for a relaxing and rejuvenating evening under the rising Full Moon.

While looking over the beautiful marsh landscape this Gentle/Yin class will take you on a journey through breath, slow movement and some stagnant poses. Holding poses for longer periods of time helps reduce stress and release tension throughout the body. This solemn workshop will promote a deep sense of peace, wellness and relaxation. The final relaxation will include hands on adjustments and an optional application of essential oils. All levels are welcome. Feel free to bring any additional props such as blankets, pillows, and blocks. 

Global Women
Presented by Ruba Katrib, Curator and Director of Cultural Affairs at MoMA PS1
and Juror of LBIF’s 35 Under 35 Exhibition
Date Sunday, July 21; 5:00pm 
FREE Admission

This spring and summer at MoMA PS1, features a season of solo exhibitions on view that bring together a group of women artists from different generations and backgrounds. For this talk, Katrib will discuss the museum’s program and current presentations including the work of Pacita Abad, Yto Barrada, Melissa Cody, and Regina José Galindo.

Make Me Famous Documentary

What begins as an investigation into Brezinski’s legacy and mysterious disappearance becomes a sharp, witty portrait of NYC’s 1980s downtown art scene. 

The LBIF is thrilled to present our second Family Night of the summer season. This night will be an “Open Mic Night”, hosted by comedian and LBIF staff member, Jaycee Brill. This night offers seasoned and emerging acts the chance to shine.

From poetry slams, the debut of a new song or comedy routine, to seeing a staple of LBI rock out to an old favorite, this night is promised to be filled with exceptional talent that will be sure to please. 

 If you're feeling the itch to perform, register in advance below or sign up at the door beginning at 5:00. Kid performers welcome and encouraged.

Microphones are provided as well as an on-site baby grand piano. All other instruments/props should be brought.

For the little ones ages 6 and under, there will be a fun room to get their wiggles out. 

The microphone opens at 5:15pm. So come early, grab a bite from the Lunch Wagon Food Truck and a cupcake from Anna’s Bananas, participate and enjoy the show!

Admission is free! Registration is recommended.