Sedona is known for attracting all walks of life, but a Grammy Award winner, an Olympic gold medalist, a standup comedian and an NFL linebacker all on the same stage? It must mean the return of Sedona World Wisdom Days. Get inspired at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, the Mary D. Fisher Theatre and area resorts Jan. 15-19. What are world wisdom days? Glenn Scarpelli, who founded the event along with Jerry Gilden in 2013, explains.
“This started last year not only as a wonderful journey for others but also my own journey to find my purpose in life,” says Glenn. “Sedona just happens to be the perfect backdrop – a gathering place – for us to find deeper meaning. Sedona World Wisdom Days gives us permission to live our authentic lives without excuses or justification. It’s about self-empowerment.”
The four-day event features film screenings (including the premiere of The Power of the Heart by the filmmakers who brought us The Secret), workshops, yoga, meditations, book signings, vendors, concerts and the main event: speakers who will share their stories and inspiration. Presenters include Olympian Greg Louganis, comedian Kyle Cease, author and filmmaker Barbara Marx Hubbard, corporate advisor David Howitt, Tony Award winner Jeff Marx and NFL athlete Keith Mitchell, among many others (about 20 total, including a handful of local residents). Audiences will also enjoy performances by singer-songwriter Rickie Byars Beckwith and Grammy Award winner India.Arie, who will present a “songversation” on Jan. 18 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. SWWD will be streamed live on the Internet. Glenn says the festival is organized so that attendees can see all presenters and performers without picking and choosing. Ultimately, he says, it’s all about “inner-tainment.” – Erika Ayn Finch
SEDONA CALENDAR: Events, activities, shows, happenings
