Hey Fungi Fans,

Over the last four years it has been a pleasure to be a part of a community in Maine that finds meaning in “All Things Fungi, Plant Based Healing, and Evolving Consciousness”.

From our first gathering at the Portland Expo Center in 2022, to our most recent get together at the lovely Saint Joseph’s College in Standish, I have continued to feel inspired by the conversations and people that have crossed my path. I hope that our work at the Maine Fungi Fest has helped pushed these important conversations forward.

But if you know me, I think you will understand why I am going to step away from the Maine Fungi Fest, and hand the reigns over to a new person or organizing group to continue this important work. First and foremost, I’m not an institution kind of guy and when you stay in charge of something for too long, that’s what you become.

Beyond that, is the simple fact that my own life has several other threads needing my time and commitment. From homeschooling my nine-year-old daughter, to my original musical “An Evening at Dave’s Sauna” which is headed to the 500 seat Steven’s Square Theater in Portland in 2026, which I hope you can all check out! And of course, making music with my band Ragtime Rebellion, because life without music, would feel empty.

Above all of this is another reality, the descending shadow of fascism slowly engulfing our culture and our government. I understand that the work we do with the Maine Fungi Fest is already part of a counter movement, but currently I feel like I need to offer a more direct response to this darkness. Stepping away from the responsibilities and time commitment required for the Maine Fungi Fest each year will hopefully open space in my life for more of this kind of direct response.

I would love to leave the Maine Fungi Fest in the hands of the right person(s) and/or organization, and I encourage you to reach out if you think that you might be that person or group. I would be happy to transition what we have built to date and support you or your group over the first year of your leadership.

I also hope I see many of you on the front lines from here on in. I do believe in the capacity of social movements to change the world’s trajectory, and I have no desire to simply endure by evoking my privilege.

In the immortal words of my good friend Johnny Crashed – “Survival is Insufficient to Me”.

See you on the front lines!

J