We unexpectedly lost a beacon of hope and light in our global community when our dear friend, Michael Stillwater, passed on February 15th at age 72, in the loving presence of his wife, Doris Laesser Stillwater.
Michael Stillwater—beloved songwriter, chant creator, filmmaker, and spiritual teacher—devoted his life to bringing people together through the healing power of the human voice. For more than fifty years, his sacred chant gatherings known as ChantWave invited thousands into experiences of unity, compassion, and shared humanity. His music, including the widely sung chant “I Am One with the Heart of the Mother,” has quietly spread through spiritual communities across the world.
We are raising funds to help cover the costs for a Tribute to Michael and Chant Wave as well as helping financially support Doris and Michael’s family during this sudden transition.
To honor his extraordinary life and legacy, friends and collaborators are organizing a tribute and rememberance of Michael and ChantWave gathering on April 25 in Mill Valley, California—the community where Michael lived for many years and where he helped cultivate the early ChantWave gatherings that inspired so many. We will stream this event by Zoom globally to all that wish to attend at no charge.
Marin is also where Michael and Doris, together with longtime collaborator Gary Malkin, co-created the beloved work Graceful Passages, which grew from Michael’s invitation to explore how music and wisdom might support people through life’s most profound moments of loss, love, and transition.
During the gathering, Gary Malkin will lead ChantWave in Michael’s honor, continuing the sacred singing tradition Michael devoted his life to sharing.
Your donation will support this special Tribute to Michael Stillwater, including bringing musicians that were connected with Michael from around the country, to celebrate an incredible person that meant so much to so many. These funds will also help ease the financial strain for Doris and family. Thank you for keeping his family in your prayers and for honoring his memory through your generosity. (Please note that there is an option to add a voluntary fee for GoFundMe services.)
If Michael’s music, films or spirit ever touched your life, we invite you to help support this gathering of our global community—both in person and online—to honor Michael and sing his songs to commemorate a life devoted to unity, creativity, and love.