Aerik Arkadian

It’s time for another installment of the SMF spotlight series! Today we’re going to focus on some of the musical entertainment, Ginger Doss.

So far, we’ve come about halfway in this series, but we’ve still got plenty more ground to cover. Check out the list below to see some of the other talented presenters that I’m excited to tell you about, such as:

• Ivo Dominguez, Jr.
• Iya Funlayo E. Wood, PhD
• Ellen Evert Hopman
• Yeshe Matthews
• Sandra Tabatha Cicero & Chic Cicero
• Ginger Doss & Lynda Millard

And of course, I also had a chat with the wonderful women who organize the festival! If you haven’t already gotten your ticket(s) for SMF 2024, they’re on sale now. Look, if there is one thing that you accomplish today (other than reading this article, of course), then let that thing be buying your ticket. It’s worth it. I swear. Just go check the schedule.

Alright… returning the focus to Ginger now… let me introduce them…

Ginger Doss & Lynda Millard

Experience an uplifting set of music that will open your heart, realign your connection to the divine and leave your spirit recharged! The music of award winning singer-songwriter Ginger Doss (They/Them) transforms a life long spiritual quest into songs that range from funky tribal drumming to inspiring spiritual anthems. Joining them will be their long time musical cohort Lynda Millard whose breathtaking songs, amazing vocals, dazzling flute and bass thrill music lovers of all types. Together they have a harmonic grace and command of their instruments that can only come from years of playing and singing together. Drum, dance and journey on sparkling waves of musical bliss as they weave their melodic magic with rocking grooves and spine tingling harmonies that have earned them international acclaim.

I can’t wait to hear some of these tunes! Hopefully there’s a link to listen to some of their music below. I mean, that would make sense, right? But you’ll have to read to find out.

I asked Ginger some questions. I received answers. And now… without further ado…

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Q&A

What’s the quick story of who you are, what tradition(s) you’re a part of, and how you got started on your spiritual path?

I learned to play piano at 6 years old and studied classical piano until 16 when I went to high school for performing Arts. There i studied jazz and received and instrumental music degree. I started writing music almost as soon as I could play a note.

I was always drawn to the spiritual path even as a child raised in the episcopal church, my heart led the way a lot. I would light candles in my room at midnight on special holidays and read playing cards for my friends based on things I made up. I loved God and we would talk up on the roof or in the forest. When the Christian path stopped making sense to me I started exploring other things never loosing faith in the divine. Now I know that god or spirit is in all the ways.we find it. All the paths and traditions that have been made are there so all of us no matter who we are can find our way home to the divine. I guess this makes me Universalist.

Since my spiritual pursuits are central to my life and longing they made their way into my music in a seamless & passionate way.

Can you give me a teaser of what to expect for your show at Summer Magick this year?

Lynda and I have been playing music for many years together and in many different band projects throughout the pagan, spiritual and rock communities.  We have a very special musical chemistry. We will be playing a mix of old favorites and new original music. 

If someone is listening to your music for the first time, what songs should they start with?

Come Down is a good one of mine that encapsulates my divine longing and earthly affinity to the old ways. Lots of drumming and tribal community. Here is a link: https://gingerdoss.com/track/365820/come-down

What’s your most memorable experience at a festival?

I would say the most memorable thing happened to me at Stone’s Rising at Four Quarters farm many years ago. We were bringing in huge stones to make a stone circle in the old way; rolling them on logs. There were holes dug for the stones and we placed them inside and positioned them to be raised at another time.  We were chanting and singing the stones awake. Something inside me was waking up as well. It was one of the most powerful moments I have ever had in festival or any space. I was vibrating with the presence of the ancestors. 

Who has been highly influential in your own spiritual growth?

I have had so many teachers and teaching moments through my life it would be hard to say which was the most influential. I just know that within me is a powerful, innate connection to the divine. It has been the driving force for me to reach out and long to learn more. The hardest life challenges are the main catalysts for the greatest work I have ever done.  And the Buddhist path has been the most instrumental in my recent spiritual growth. 

Aside from your concert, what workshop are you most looking forward to attending at Summer Magic

I have to say my own just because I love guiding workshops and interacting with folks! I have greatly benefited from the Buddhist meditation masters that I have studied. I am sharing what I learned in a meditation workshop called modern meditation techniques for the hectic lifestyle. These were life changing techniques for me because I’m always pretty busy like so many of us. It was hard for me to make time to meditate. This taught me that I don’t have to make time but there are always opportunities even throughout a busy day. 

What’s the best place for people to find out more about you?

Best place would be my website gingerdoss.com. There you can listen to my entire library of music, read my bio, see my calendar and be connected to all the other social media and streaming sites. 

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

So thrilled to be coming to Summer Magic Fest!!! I have many dear ones in the Florida community and I hope to see as many of them as possible! 

Bonus Question: What’s your favorite way to combine music with spirituality?

My tagline is “Where music and Spirit Meet.” It has been a lifelong pursuit of mine. My favorite way to do this besides writing and producing the music is to perform for a group of spiritual people like myself in a festival environment where hearts and minds are open.  The energy we raise lifts the vibration of the planet and benefits all people. 

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More about Summer Magick Fest 2024

Summer Magick Festival is an earth-based spirituality convention with workshops, celebration, and community in a comfortable hotel setting. Headliners, rituals, and musical entertainment have been chosen to encourage tolerance between the many different earth-based faiths and foster planetary stewardship. It’s a family-friendly event with programming for young ones as well as close proximity to all the wonders of the Orlando theme parks. Join us for a new kind of Florida festival!

Does being in a big group of like-minded people with open hearts sound appealing? What about raising energy to lift the vibration of the planet for the benefit of all people? Definitely sounds like Summer Magick Fest to me. If you want to hear more about that, make sure you make it to Ginger and Lynda’s concert this year. And if you want to learn more about what it’s like to attend, you can read all about my experience at last year’s festival in my Summer Magick 2023 Recap.

Come join us once and you’ll want to come back every year.

I’ve never been more proud of you. You’ve made it to the end of this post. Down here at the bottom, this fine print is almost like the final clue in a scavenger hunt. You win the prize! Aside from my congratulations, this paragraph really serves no purpose. I have nothing to disclose here. I just enjoy writing fine print. Oh, and not that anyone is counting, but this is officially my 100th post. Isn’t that magickal?