Zenefit 2026,

About the event

Zenefit 2026

A Night of Sonic Exploration

A listening party celebrating experimental music, poetry, and contemplative practice

Zenefit 2026 is an immersive listening experience that brings together experimental musicians, poets, and contemplative artists for an evening of spontaneous collaboration and deep listening. Set within the historic Great American Music Hall on Friday, November 13, the event blends live musical performances, improvisational soundscapes, beat poetry, and meditative spoken word into a celebration of creativity, presence, and community.

More than a concert, Zenefit is a gathering in support of San Francisco Zen Center and the Tassajara Recovery Fund—honoring the enduring relationship between artistic expression and spiritual practice.

Why should you sponsor?

The Tassajara Fire 

On the night of March 26, 2026, a late-night fire ripped through Tassajara Zen Mountain Center's wooden meditation hall, engulfing the zendo in flames. Residents were quick to respond, utilizing hoses, buckets, and a sprinkler system to help contain the fire as emergency services made their way to the blaze. Most fortunately, no one was seriously injured. giving.sfzc.org/zendo-fire 

This campaign will support:

• The preservation of a significant Soto Zen monastery where nature, spirituality, sustainability, and everyday life are inseparable.

• Covering costs beyond insurance. The path ahead is substantial. The remote mountain environment is complex and expensive and costs are expected to far exceed insurance recovery.

• Sustaining the emotional recovery of the monastic community during this period. 

• Preserving the continuity of practice. We currently sit zazen in the Retreat Hall as we adjust to the loss of a sacred space. It cannot be fully replaced by any amount of money, but donations will help support the physical heart of America's oldest Zen monastery.

Nannette Mickle

San Francisco Zen Center was founded in 1962 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, SFZC offers meditation practice, education, and community engagement rooted in the principles of mindfulness, compassion, and awakened living. Through its temples, retreat centers, and programs, SFZC seeks to integrate contemplative practice into everyday life and foster a culture of wisdom, service, and connection. sfzc.org

Contact Nannette Mickle, Director of Development

*****@****.***

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