As the 2005 World Festival of Sacred Music comes to a close, Los Angeles artists and musicians welcome the public to the shores of the Pacific Ocean to honor nature, mark the end of the Festival, and spread energy and blessings across the sea to the far corners of the world. In honor of Venice's 100th birthday and in cooperation and participation by the Venice Centennial this joyous event will take place on the beach.

Three hundred artists will present sacred traditions from five lineages of world cultures: Brazilian (Swing Brazil with Viver Brasil and Capoeira Batuque), Hawaiian (Kumu Hula Association of Southern California), Italian (led by Alessandra Belloni) and Native American (led by Cindi Alvitre). Each of these artist groups will prepare a ceremonial offering to the sea at various sites on the shore, on the sand, and in the water. These offerings will be carried beyond the breakwaters in a traditional canoe by members from the Ti'at Society beyond. The public is invited to witness and participate in the diverse voices of our city expressed through ritual, music, dance and chant. At times simple in form, and at others virtuosic and complex, the sacred music performances express the highest aspirations for the happiness of all living beings and serve as a guide to reverencing the powerful forces of nature. Returning the beach to its sacred intention-re-creation-the sea becomes a site of spiritual, social and artistic practice and energy-awakening the energy of communion, community, and common ground in a setting of superb natural beauty.

At the conclusion of this evening the public will join the performing groups to form a large community drum circle sponsored by REMO Inc. 200 drums will be provided and all are encouraged to participate. The circle will be facilitated by Mike DeMenno.