When
October 24–26, 2025
Friday–Sunday
Lighthouse Handpan Gathering
MUSICAL interactionS, conversationS, active listening, soloING and supportING
Find your way home to music at the Lighthouse Handpan Gathering
The Lighthouse Handpan Gathering is a three-day immersive handpan journey, exploring the instrument and music making in meaningful and inspiring ways. Open mics, group jams, multi-level works, electives, expo hall, handpan concerts, wellness and community connection, all in one place over the course of this incredible weekend.
Enjoy our community spaces, Sound Artist Handpan & Creative Music School NY and Midnight Wellness all located in the beautiful town of Centerport.
Where
Sound Artist Handpan & Creative Music School
and Midnight Wellness
Centerport, NY
Who
Beginners to
Seasoned Players
Bring
Curiosity
(Handpans Available)
Lighthouse Handpan Gathering
Why Lighthouse Handpan Gathering?
The Lighthouse Handpan Gathering is a beacon for authentic musical self-expression. Learn through play, attentive listening, and curiosity—where technique supports imagination and joy matters as much as polish.
- Multi-level tracks for all experience levels
- Diverse electives and workshops
- Open mics, jams, and evening concert
- Wellness and community practices
What’s Included
Everything you need for a meaningful, musical weekend
🥁
Track Workshops
Beginner, Technique & Groove, Creative Improvisation
🎓
All-Level Electives
Voice Journey, Tuning, Composition Lab, and more
🤝
Community Events
Open mic, jams, and creative circles
🛠️
Builder Expo
Meet makers, try instruments, order custom pans
🎶
Evening Concert
Sanctuary performance by faculty & special guests
🧘
Wellness Practices
Yoga, sound bath, and closing circle
Plus: Meet the builders • Make friends • Tea & refreshments • Loaner handpans available
Who It’s For
Come as you are—there’s a place for every player
Beginners
Learn foundations safely, musically, joyfully. No experience needed.
Intermediate
Sharpen technique, expand groove, build confidence.
Experienced
Explore improvisation, composition, performance presence.
Schedule Snapshot
Friday, October 24
6pm – 10pm · Arrive & Open
- 6:00 PM — Arrival & Welcome Tea (Midnight Wellness)
- 7:00 PM — Open Mic & Community Jam (Midnight Wellness)
- 9:30 PM — Announcements & Saturday Preview (Midnight Wellness)
Saturday, October 25
10am – 9pm · Learn & Explore
- 9:30 AM — Arrivals (Sound Artist · Handpan School)
- 11:00 AM — Workshop Block 1 (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) (Sound Artist · Handpan School)
- 12:30 PM — Lunch & Expo Browsing (Sound Artist · Handpan School)
- 1:30 PM — Elective 1: Voice Journey, Handpan Tuning, Composition Lab, or Expo Hall (Sound Artist · Handpan School)
- 2:45 PM — Handpan Stories (hearing from leaders in the community) (Sound Artist · Handpan School)
- 3:45 PM — Elective 2 or Open Jam Space (Sound Artist · Handpan School)
- 4:45 PM — Creative Music Circle (group) (Sound Artist · Handpan School)
- 5:15 PM — Closing Circle (Sound Artist · Handpan School)
- 7:00 PM — Evening Concert (Sound Artist Building Sanctuary)
Sunday, October 26
10am – 4pm · Restore & Reflect
- 10:00 AM — Yoga (Midnight Wellness)
- 11:00 AM — Sound Bath (Midnight Wellness)
- 12:00 PM — Lunch / Open Connection (Midnight Wellness)
- 1:00 PM — Open Jam / Nature Walks (Sound Artist · Handpan School)
- 3:00 PM — Closing Circle & Farewells (Sound Artist · Handpan School)
Lighthouse Handpan Gathering 2025 — SUPPORTER Weekend Passes & Day Tickets
$219.00
/
3 days of workshops, community, and concerts • Oct 24–26 • Long Island, NY
Join handpan players, builders, and facilitators for a welcoming, all-levels gathering on Long Island. Choose your learning track, explore all-levels electives, experience a builder showcase, and enjoy an evening concert—plus restorative sound bath, yoga, and community jams.
Overview:
Friday (Ground & Share): arrival & welcome, then an Open Mic and Community Jam to kick things off.
Saturday (Learn & Explore): track workshops (Beginner, Technique & Groove, Creative Improvisation), lunch + builder expo, all-levels electives (Voice Journey, Handpan Tuning, Composition Lab, Expo Hall), Handpan Stories, Elective 2 or Open Jam, Creative Music Circle, and an evening concert in the church sanctuary.
Sunday (Restore & Reflect): yoga + sound bath at Midnight Wellness, lunch/organic connections, open jams & nature walks, and a closing circle at Sound Artist.
Artists • Teachers • Builders
Prana Rising
Artistic Director / Educator / Performer / Founder of Sound Artist
New York handpan artist, percussionist, and founder of Sound Artist Handpan & Creative Music School, Prana believes that all people are born with the gift of expressing themselves through music. An Eastman School of Music graduate with a decade of performing, teaching, and recording experience. Prana is a co-founder of Handpan NYC and facilitator of 25-plus “intro to handpan” workshops throughout the tri-state area.
Onstage they blend orchestral percussion, nuanced electronics, and handpan into transportive soundscapes. Offstage they cultivate community through virtual / in-person offerings of ensemble, private mentorship, and teacher training, as well as instrument sales and rentals. Prana has a series of forthcoming handpan eCourse and original music releases.
Rafael D’Arco
Handpan Builder • Expo Artist • Guest Instructor
Rafael, originally from São Paulo, Brazil, transitioned from pursuing engineering to studying music at the University of São Paulo in 2006. His musical journey began with piano lessons at fourteen, and he later explored percussion instruments while in college. In 2009, Rafael’s fascination with the handpan led him to embark on a quest to build his own instrument after struggling to find one for purchase.
After receiving his first handpan in 2014, Rafael immersed himself in perfecting his craft, leading to the establishment of Tacta Handpans. His background in engineering, combined with his experience as a professional musician, provided invaluable insights for the creation and refinement of Tacta’s instruments. Today, Rafael remains dedicated to advancing his knowledge of music, instrument-making, tuning, and handpan craftsmanship, with a focus on further developing Tacta Handpans and expanding the handpan culture in Brazil.
Ricky Hillson
Composer, Multi Instrumentalist, Luthier, Educator, Rav/Handpan Performer
Ricky is a professional multi-instrumentalist, teacher and artisan, performing on guitar, Handpan, Rav and a variety of World Instruments. Elevating these instruments beyond just drums, his creative songwriting style engages listeners mind, body and soul.
After teaching handpan and Rav all over the Us and online, his core musical belief is that we are all inherently musicians and awakening our individual abilities is often a life changing experience.
Builder Expo
Meet handpan makers in person, try different instruments, learn about tunings and craftsmanship, and even order your own custom pan.
- Try before you buy
- Meet the makers
- Custom orders available
🎶 Evening Concert
Experience a magical evening performance in a beautiful sanctuary,
featuring faculty artists and special guests.
Concert ticket included with weekend pass
Venue & Getting Here
Two Beautiful Locations in Centerport, NY
Sound Artist · Handpan & Creative Music School
Workshops, jams, and community gatherings
97 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, NY 11721
View on map →Midnight Wellness
Yoga and sound bath sessions
96 Washington Dr, Centerport, NY 11721
View on map →Travel Tips
- LIRR to Huntington + rideshare
- JFK/LGA airports (1–1.5 hrs)
- Parking available nearby
- Harbor town with nature walks & cafés
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this gathering for?
This gathering welcomes beginners to advanced players, educators/facilitators, and handpan enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you've never touched a handpan or you're a seasoned performer, you'll find your place in our community.
Do I need my own handpan?
No! Loaner handpans are available for all participants. Just bring your curiosity and willingness to learn. Note: There are limited instruments available at the expo.
What should I bring?
- Handpan if you have one (or use one of ours)
- Water bottle
- Notebook for taking notes
- Comfy clothes and yoga mat for Sunday wellness sessions
Can I come for just one day?
Yes! We offer Saturday Day Passes and Sunday Restore Passes if you can't make the full weekend.
How do I get there and where do I park?
Parking: Free local parking is available near each venue.
Rideshare: Drop-off details will be provided in your confirmation email.
LIRR: Accessible from Northport, Greenlawn, or Huntington stations. Departures from Penn Station, Grand Central Station, or Atlantic Terminal.
Are the venues accessible?
Yes! Both venues have ground-level/ramp access and quiet rest areas. Please contact us with any special accessibility needs so we can provide appropriate accommodations.
What's your refund and transfer policy?
Refunds are available until October 14, 2025. Name transfers are allowed until October 19, 2025. We want you to feel comfortable committing to your musical journey.
What about photos and videos?
You can opt-in or opt-out at check-in. Opt-out stickers are available, and we have clearly marked media zones. Your comfort and consent are our priority.
How can I contact you?
Email: info@thesoundartist.com
Phone/Text: 631-365-4184