The Joshua Tree Retreat Center—also known as the Institute for Mentalphysics—hosted its first two rock concerts earlier this year, eliciting criticism from some who considered them too loud and inappropriate. But there’s a larger social purpose, the center says, and so the events will continue. Reporter David Haldane has the story…
It’s not just about the money.
Instead, says Victoria Jennings, executive director of the nonprofit Joshua Tree Retreat Center, it’s a new kind of outreach. That’s why the 400-acre facility will continue hosting at least two rock concerts each year.
“What we wanted to do was tap into a younger audience.”
Last month’s Desert Daze, a three-day rock fest, drew criticism from some who considered it inappropriate for a religious-oriented venue offering classes in meditation, self-awareness and yoga. But some of the youngsters attending the concert also attended those classes. And so, despite previous statements to the contrary, the center now plans to keep the music flowing.
“These music events are the only form of community that these kids have. There’s no spiritual balance in their lives. Our purpose is to grow an audience that we can serve.”
Stay tuned for another adventure in rock spirituality next June.
JOSHUA TREE RETREAT CENTER PLANS AT LEAST TWO ROCK CONCERTS A YEAR
