Henderson Smith, Instructor
Thursdays in May and June, 5pm, Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art whose physical practice offers general health benefits, stress management, increased energy, and improved physical mobility.  The physical and meditative aspects of Tai Chi, which uses slow, repetitive movements, are recognized as relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind.

Led by instructor Henderson Smith, Tai Chi classes are held from 5 to 6pm on the Chapel grounds near the reflecting pool and Barnett Newman’s sculpture Broken Obelisk.  The classes are suitable for beginners as well as the experienced Tai Chi practitioner. Loose fitting, comfortable clothes are appropriate attire for the classes.  In case of inclement weather, classes will be held inside the Rothko Chapel. Henderson Smith is the founder of Living Well Therapies and is a certified instructor in Tai Chi.

Councilman Joel Burns and Robert Leleux
Thursday, June 20, 7pm, Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

Despite profound changes in society regarding support for LGBT civil rights, most states uphold legal discrimination against their own citizens. What effects does such systematic discrimination and ingrained homophobia have on the way LGBT people are treated, especially youth? How does one heal after being bullied for her or his sexual identity, and what can the community do to promote healing and prevent future harm? Councilman Joel Burns and author Robert Leleux will have a timely and substantive conversation on these topics, particularly in light of the two landmark marriage rights cases pending with the Supreme Court.

Fort Worth Councilman Joel Burns rocketed to internet fame after a YouTube video of him detailing his years of bullying went viral as part of the "It Gets Better Project."  Robert Leleux is a freelance writer and editor, and the author of two books including The Living End and The Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy. Leleux is also the features editor of Lonny Magazine and a writer for the Texas Observer.

Friday, June 21, Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

In observation of the Summer Solstice, the Rothko Chapel will be open from sunrise to sunset (approximately 6:20am-8:25pm). In addition, the following programs will be available at no charge:

Sang Chod (Tibetan Smoke Offering)
6:22 Sunrise

Sang Chod, or Smoke Offering, is a ritual traditionally done in the early morning for special occasions such as the Tibetan New Year (LoSar). Participants are invited to cleanse themselves of negativities and offer good intentions as the smoke rises. Free breakfast provided by Panera Bread.

Taiko Drumming
8:25 Sunset

Kaminari Taiko of Houston, a Japanese drumming ensemble, will perform on the Rothko Chapel plaza to mark the end of the longest day of the year. "Taiko" is a Japanese word for drum. The art of taiko carries deep significance in Japanese culture. Samurai warriors used taiko on the battlefield to signal commands and frighten their enemies. Townspeople warned of danger by beating on taiko, and priests used taiko at religious ceremonies to communicate with the gods. Temples and shrines throughout Japan display taiko as a symbol of purification and to dispel evil spirits.

Kaminari Taiko was founded in 1996 by Jay Mochizuki along with a number of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. The members diligently trained under world acclaimed Taiko Masters such as: Daihachi Oguchi, Seiichi Tanaka, Kenny Endo and Takemasa Ishikura to learn the fundamental skills, philosophy and spirit of this centuries old Japanese tradition. Free beer provided by Saint Arnold Brewing Company and other goodies provided by HEB, plus Texas Blizzard Shave Ice will be on site!

Wahida
Thursday, June 27, 7pm, Suggested donation $10
To RSVP. please click HERE.

Co-founders Tom Larson and Andrew Ward form the core of the musical group Wahida (meaning unity in Arabic and Urdu), performing a unique mix of gospel, New Orleans second line, and Mardi Gras Indian music counterposed with music from Sufi and North Indian traditions. Their performances not only energize and entertain, but strive to create and sustain a higher level of respect, interest, and peacefully shared purposes between cultures through the use of musical and lyrical fusions. Drummer and percussionist Tom Larson lives in Nashville and performs nationally in jazz, blues, zydeco, and rock groups, among other genres. Andrew Ward lives in New Orleans and is a singer and International Development Ph.D. student with a litany of talents. Free beer provided by Saint Arnold Brewing Company and other goodies provided by HEB, plus Texas Blizzard Shave Ice will be on site!