The third annual Texas Yoga Conference and Music Festival will be held at the UH Recreation and Wellness Center this weekend.
This year’s theme, “Yoga Rocks Texas,” will encompass more than 60 presentations and 20 different styles of yoga from some of the world’s best instructors.
There will also be live musical performances by internationally and nationally known recording artists David Newman, Dessert Dwellers and Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band.
Celebrated local artist Tyagaraja Welch is also set to perform.
The Texas Yoga Conference was founded in 2009 by a trio of UH alumni consisting of Jennifer Buergermeister, and Roger and Albina Rippy.
“We were just yogis wanting to start an event and now it has doubled in size,” said Buergermeister.
“Our goal of the conference is to raise awareness and education about yoga. It strives to educate others about the many benefits of yoga and lead fitness and health seekers toward a better quality of life.”
Buergermeister expressed enthusiasm when she was asked about returning to the sea of red T-shirts at UH.
“It’s going to be the coolest event in town,” said Buergermeister.
“We are excited to come back to our alma mater. Not only is it right on campus, but there will be so many amazing presentations that you wouldn’t want to miss. This is a big deal for us.”
A performance by the Bhaki House Band followed by the new and innovative sounds of Desert Dwellers is scheduled to take place beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
“Desert Dwellers blend deep bass, earth percussion and culture-crossing instrumentation into sonic incense for mind and body,” said Buergermeister.
There is a correlation between music and yoga and the combination can really elevate the soul.
“Music is everything to me. It builds a feeling and a mood,” said Buergermeister.
“It’s important to incorporate music with yoga. It has a warm-up and a climax.”
The event has invited thousands of participants this year and Buergermeister’s vision for it has always been big.
“I envision this year’s conference as being an event that simply rocks with fun,” said Buergermeister.
“Yoga has something to offer everyone, at all stages of life. Yoga simply makes life more enjoyable — mentally, emotionally and physically. We have a lineup of incredible teachers from all over the nation to bring Houston the most comprehensive and fun yoga conference yet.”
Those who wish to participate in this Texas-sized event should register online to purchase tickets.
Students will receive a discount on day passes to the yoga classes,workshops and the festival’s music concerts.
For more information, call (713) 839-9642 or visit www.texasyogaconference.com.
