Sonic Herbalism + Wooden Wand

The unique musical project Sonic Herbalism brings an innovative connection of medicinal plants and music. Its initiator is the musician Václav Havelka, who has been involved in issues of ecology and the environment for a long time and connects musical creation with awareness of the healing power of nature. During a five-day residency at the end of October 2024, leading musicians of the American alternative scene will meet with Havelka in Prague to create original compositions inspired by specific medicinal plants. This creative process will culminate in a concert performance, supplemented by original video projections and discussions with visitors, on November 1, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. in Punctum–Krásovka in Prague.

Václav Havelka repeatedly devotes himself during his long musical career the topic of nature protection. Through the interdisciplinary project Landscapes of the Future, he explored climate change through sound. With the band Please The Trees, he reflects on ecological issues, including through activities such as planting trees at concert venues. With the Divočina Šumava initiative, he participated in the protection of wild nature in the Šumava National Park. Now he is connecting his passion for nature protection with international musicians as part of the Sonic Herbalism project.

The world's leading artists Thor Harris, an American artist, sculptor and musician who has collaborated with, for example, the band Swans and a singer-songwriter, are participating in the project with Havelka by Bill Callahan, and James Toth, iconic singer-songwriter from the avant-garde folk project Wooden Wand. Sonic Herbalism, consisting of Havelka, Harris, Toth and others, plans to release a music album. This recording will be another step towards making awareness of the importance of nature protection an integral part of human culture.