Leave A Message - Electronic Press Kit
Leave A Message (LAM) is a music-mediation initiative that aims to build community connections through group meditation, conversation, and the documentation of audio "messages" left by participants.
Each offering is founded in a sound based meditation featuring voice, trumpet, flute, percussion, field recordings, and drone based instruments designed to support in meditation. Before the music starts we find it important to address common meditation misconceptions with the intention of cultivating a context of self-care and inward exploration. Following the meditation there will be built in time for individual reflection, group sharing, message recording, tea, and community connection.
As far as the “messages” go, participants are encouraged to record a message at our recording station before they head out. The message should be a thought, idea, and/or words of wisdom intended to be shared with a future attendee. Each message will serve as a golden thread woven into the tapestry of our growing community and may be incorporated into future experiences and/or Leave A Message albums!
No previous experience, beliefs, or training are required to participate and benefit from this complete offering.
Be well, Jay + Sam
Live Performance Video Samples
Where are we coming from?
The idea for Leave A Message began when Jay Taylor and Sam Thousand began meeting up improvise together both musically and conceptually. These sessions were eye opening for both Jay and Sam because of their unique paths that had led them into the collaboration. At that time Jay was 5 years into his second career as a sound meditation facilitator and educator having led thousands of meditations with singing bowls and gongs. Sam was far deeper into his career having taken a more traditional path into the world of music starting trumpet at age 7 and expanding from there into multiple instruments/voice and ultimately expanding into the world of entertainment as a band leader, composer, and curator. Together they had over 15 years of experience in building programing and community, and in offering live music experiences in an array of settings. Through their individual and shared strengths and their unique perspectives on both the wellness and entertainment spaces the concept for Leave A Message was born.
The first Leave A Message experience took place in March 2023. Since that time LAM has been offered many times around the city allowing the offering to be honed and fully fleshed out. LAM most notably partnered with the Logan Center for the Arts to offer two separate 3-part series. Sessions have also been held at 21C Museum + Hotel, The Robey, Altar Community, Lincoln Park Zoo, Pagoda Red, and Little Black Pearl. Additionally, Sam and Jay have contributed music (without the message component) in accompaniment to wellness programming at Navy Pier and Millennium Park.
Click the following links to learn more about Sam Thousand and Jay Taylor.
Albums
Participant Messages
Hi-Res Photos
Radio Appearances
Don’t take our word for it… Here is what attendees had to share!
CURRENT VIBRATIONS • COPYRIGHT 2025 • JAY TAYLOR