The Birth of O+ ChicagO+

Well, it all began with my 2014 vision board. I make one every year to help me manifest my dreams and goals. Sitting, pen in hand, I wrote, “I want to collaborate with artists and the community to create a project larger than myself.”

It was one month later that I came across “Building Community Through Art, Music, and Wellness,” a TEDTalk presented by O+ co-founder Joe Concra. How perfect, I thought. I was immediately interested. Joe spoke about O+ Festival and its mission of bringing artists, musicians, and health and wellness providers together to help provoke positive change within his community of Kingston, N.Y. He spoke of a Playbook, a how-to manual to bring O+ to your town. It wasn’t until hearing this, that it all became clear to me.

I Immediately emailed and Joe responded. It was a month later that Joe and I had our first phone conversation. Ironically, this day happened to be the same day I found out I was pregnant. Speaking with Joe, I began to doubt whether or not I would be able to commit. A couple bubble baths later, I decided I had nothing to lose. I received the Playbook in June and reached out to my artist friends in July. Josh, Jody and Cheryl jumped on board and O+ Chicago was conceived.

As a life grew inside of me, so did the idea of this festival.  As it continues to grow, I nourish it and excitedly await the birth of O+ Chicago, September 3-5, 2015.