Therapy Session III
Date: Saturday & Sunday, July 26 & 27, 2025
Location: Congress Social Bar, 471 S. Driver St., Durham NC
Description:
On July 27th, 2023, the "Therapy Session" series was born, showcasing hip-hop as a form of therapy. In 2024, Therapy Session II was held as a family-friendly event where anyone in the Triangle area could be inspired by conscious Hip-Hop music. The Therapy Session showcase provides a safe space where people can come together to “feel good” and use hip-hop in its therapeutic form. Originally used by people of color to tell stories of oppression, hip-hop is a tool used to bring relief through laughter, tears, and smiles - similar to what one would experience in a therapy session. Those on their spiritual journey might think of this event as Hip-Hop church.
History:
Therapy Session is more than just a music event, it's a movement that aims to inspire and uplift the community through the healing power of performing arts. From the very first event, many attendees and performers alike were moved to tears by the flawless and heartfelt performances of some of the greatest local emcees. The artists’ passion for the art form was palpable, and it sparked a desire in the hearts of many to continue the series and build on this legacy annually.
Maestra Feel Good Music is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, championing the cause of independent artists like Kala "Maestra" Hinnant, a Purdue University alumna who uses performing arts as therapy, especially for young people. As a former student of Theatre Arts - Acting and Psychology, Maestra understands the transformative power of the arts and is committed to using her vision and talents to inspire and heal others. As a close friend and god-sister, Joyous Vibez, another pioneer in Durham’s entertainment scene, saw this and invested in this movement in 2023. This is how the Therapy Session came about.
The Process:
Maestra selects independent artists based on their lyrical content, performance skills, and ability to connect with the audience. She carefully chooses artists who create inspiring and therapeutic music, like spoken word or wordplay and considers their released music. While Maestra has her favorite selections, each artist is given full creative control during their sets. If the music is therapeutic for both the artist and the audience, she makes her final decision to have them share their talents. Her focus is to provide a specific vision or therapeutic story for the audience to experience while enjoying the performances.
During the showcase, there is a Cypher Artist Segment where some of the greatest local artists with a passion for freestyle perform their own songs, freestyle or both for 5-minute sets back-to-back. The purpose of this segment is to display artists who have the capability to improvise as well as create hits. After the Cypher Artists have completed their performance, the floor is open for anyone to display their improvisational skills through freestyle. This portion is called the cipher, inspired by the fact that artists have an impulse to perform anywhere, anytime, and now, even audience members can take part. The remaining featured artists perform before the headliner ties the show together with a performance of his/her work and counsel, which is called "free game."
What to Expect:
This year’s Therapy Session III will be a two-day event kicked off by a mental health panel discussion and writing workshop led by Endless Will, who is well-known for his inspiring spoken word and unique talent of creating custom poems for donations, using his exceptional typewriting skills. Audience members in-person and virtual will get to hear some of our local favorites’ perspectives on the importance of mental health and be introduced to helpful resources in our community. Endless Will aims to assist aspiring thinkers and writers to channel their inner Ikigai at the free writing workshop. Attendees will also get to participate in a thoughtful, yet soothing, typewriting activity.
Later that Saturday evening at Congress Social Bar, Durham’s favorite host and comedian, Bishop Omega, will host the Adult Night showcase where grown folks can kick back and hear therapeutic tunes from some of North Carolina’s greatest independent hip-hop artists. Congress Bar provides a vibrant in and outdoor atmosphere and delicious drinks in the heart of East Durham. This year we have the privilege of providing you tunes by Durham's legendary DJ O'Hell who will take you on a soul-felt experience across the eras of Hip-Hop. BrainSTEMology is not just for the kids! Especially for those of us who have a shorter attention span, this organization will also provide interactive hip-hop math and science activities to do right from your electronic devices.
Once again on Sunday, Bishop Omega will host the family-friendly event for the community with 1s and 2s provided by our own DJ BeatSmyth. Not only will you get a chance to see some of your favorite local independent artists, but Durham organizations will also get to showcase their appreciation for Hip-Hop and mental health through other art forms such as dance, theatre arts and fashion. Endless Will will be showcasing his unique talent of creating custom poems for donations, using his exceptional typewriting skills and beautiful words from the heart and soul, while BrainSTEMology will host the Kid's Corner, where children of all ages can participate in creating molecular models of neurotransmitters based on rhythms and cadence they hear at the showcase. The event has something for everyone to enjoy.
Inaugural Therapy Session Clips
-Lena Jackson gives her take on the necessity of mental health and performs. (Lena Jackson - Therapy Session)
-J Rowdy performs "My Way" during the cypher segment (J Rowdy - Therapy Session)
Therapy Session II
The community comes together under the cause of mental health. Independent artists of North Carolina share their mental health experiences through hip-hop, mental health therapists share their resources, designers showcase their fashion therapy, and children learn the importance of STEM.
Therapy Session III Line-Up
Host
Bishop Omega
Adult Night DJ
DJ O’Hell
Adult Night Featured Artists
Plant-Based Oace
LWord
Fam-U
Andrew
Honcho Reece
Alicia Marie
OC From NC
Defacto Thezpian
7EVENN
Community Day DJ
DJ BeatSmyth
Cypher Artist Segment
Andrew (Cyph History)
lorD Mercy
Twiz
Blair
J Best
LyriKel
FloEssence
Comikbook Cam
Community Day Featured Artists
Brandon Barz Butler
Fonzi
AP Damassiv
Queen Sanaa
Eternal The MC
Chyna Vonne
Watty
Maestra
Partners
Endless Will
BrainSTEMology
So, if you're looking for a music event that's more than just a night out, bring the family and join us at the Therapy Session III event. Experience the passion and energy of some of the most talented local emcees, and be part of a movement that's changing lives through the power of performing arts.
*Disclaimer: When we use the word "therapy," it is solely intended to illustrate how the creative and performing arts can be utilized as a tool for personal growth, emotional well-being, and positive transformation. Please note that this usage is not to be construed as professional therapy provided by licensed professionals accredited by state or programmatic accrediting bodies.
