Kimball will be filled with the sounds of musical beats, the sights of art creations, and the smells of ethnic food this weekend. The 14th annual Earth Mother Mind Jam comes to town from 1 p.m.-1 a.m. Satur-day, Sept. 13, at Powder Ridge. The event is organized by Lora Heiniemi. “I started the festival because I felt there was a need in the community for artists to showcase their artwork,” Heiniemi said. The event will showcase the works of an array of artists. From dancers and painters to musicians and poets, there is an area for each creator to show his or her talent. Heiniemi said there will be three stages – an inside Yin Stage, an outside Yang Stage, and a third stage, Patanjalis Podium. The Yin Stage will feature new artists and many bands that are just starting out. Orchestra music, a Celtic group, Cuban and Spanish beats, a women’s choir and hip hop music will be on the Yang Stage. Patanjalis Podium will showcase poets, a guitar-cello duo and solo acts. “We have all different ages of performers from little kids to senior citizens,” Heiniemi said. Displaying work from artists of different age groups gears Earth Mother Mind Jam toward the whole family. Heiniemi said she wants participants to enjoy themselves while being exposed to different types of art. She said this inspires her to put together the event each year. “People inspire me year after year to keep [the event] going. Last year, there was a lady who did yoga. While she was at the event, she saw a glass blower. She was inspired to blow glass herself after seeing this. “I hope that people come here and are inspired. Maybe they will see a belly dancer and say ‘I really can belly dance’ or whatever. The important thing is to get people to try new things and grow.” To encourage fun for the whole family while allowing children to develop an interest in the arts, the event hosts a special kids area, that houses a village children can climb through. There will be art projects where children can make God’s eyes, hats, shrinky dinks and sign the festival banner. “I had mothers on my mind when I created this,” Heiniemi said. “I have many friends that are moms and I saw how few things there are that are inexpensive for moms to bring their whole family to.” Because of this, Earth Mother Mind Jam does not charge children 12 and under. The festival also encourages participants to gain a world view. Multi-cultural activities will be held including music and dance from different countries. The event will also have food from Ghana and East India. “Overall, it is a great event for our community to try and sample new things,” Heiniemi said. Unveiling the artist behind the event While Heiniemi uses the festival to promote arts in the central Minnesota area, she too has a wide array of talents, just like many of the artists partaking in the festivities. Heiniemi sings lead vocals and plays guitar in the band Mantra Truck, and free-style dances. She also paints. “I paint for healing,” Heiniemi explained, “I usually work with colors and make shapes. I have painted the northern lights, a self portrait in Hawaii, and friends. Mostly I paint something that makes me feel good.” In addition to feeling good through painting, Heiniemi has studied reflexology and shiatsu for the wellness of the body. She uses a wellness philosophy when inviting others out to the Earth Mother Mind Jam. “I want the participants to let go, to relieve the pressure of the 40-hour work week. To come out here and kick their shoes off and dance in the grass while listening to new types of music. We just want everyone to come out and have fun.” Tickets for Earth Mother Mind Jam are $20 in advance. They can be purchased at Electric Fetus in St. Cloud or by contacting Heiniemi at (320) 253-3043. Tickets can also be purchased at the event for $27. More information on the festival can be found at www.themind jam.com.
