SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (MAY 14, 2026) — MusiCares®, the leading charity supporting the health and well-being of the music community, will host its third annual Mindful May, presented in collaboration with Sweetwater , in New Orleans on May 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation. Held during Mental Health Awareness Month, the free event will offer a restorative experience designed to support the mental, emotional and physical health of those working in music.
Bringing Mindful May to New Orleans carries special significance. As the birthplace of jazz and home to generations of deeply rooted music culture, the city’s music community reflects both extraordinary creativity and enduring resilience. In the years following Hurricane Katrina, music professionals across New Orleans faced immense loss and displacement, yet remained central to the city’s cultural and emotional recovery. Today, from artists to engineers to live event crews, this community continues to shape music globally while navigating the same pressures and instability that exist across the industry.
Following the strong response to previous events in concert with Sweetwater in Los Angeles and Nashville, MusiCares continues to expand Mindful May as part of its ongoing commitment to providing accessible, holistic care for the music community where they live and work.
In such a fast-paced and demanding industry, Mindful May offers music professionals space to slow down, reconnect and explore supportive practices that can be carried into everyday life. The event will feature immersive wellness activations including a group sound bath, yoga and meditation sessions, massage therapy, holistic chiropractic services, mental health resources, custom ear mold fittings, guided tea ceremonies, and light refreshments.
A central moment of the day will be the panel discussion, “The Calm After The Storm: Community Healing Through Music and Resilience,” moderated by MusiCares’ Candress Suber. The conversation will bring together six-time Grammy® winner PJ Morton, the Recording Academy®’s Reid Wick and therapist August Boyd to explore the role of music in healing, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters. With deep ties to New Orleans, the panel will reflect on the lasting impact of Hurricane Katrina and the ways the local music community has supported recovery, connection and collective resilience.
Throughout the event, attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with MusiCares staff and learn more about the organization’s year-round services. From preventive care to recovery support and disaster relief, MusiCares continues to provide a trusted safety net for music people in times of need. Through efforts like Mindful May and its continued partnership with Sweetwater, MusiCares is working to expand access to care and reduce barriers that too often prevent those working in music from seeking support.
To RSVP, please visit musicares.org/mindfulmay2026.
This event would not be possible without Sweetwater and support from StageWater.
