Connecting Through Rhythm

About Us

Connecting Through Rhythm (CTR) is a vibrant nonprofit community center in Oklahoma City. We are dedicated to fostering human connection, creativity, and well-being through rhythm, music, holistic wellness, and the arts.

Founded by Kyle “Sage” Bailey—who personally overcame substance use disorder, isolation, complex trauma and mental health struggles through the transformative power of music, community, and creativity—CTR offers an inclusive, welcoming sanctuary for everyone in the community to connect, heal, and thrive together. “l experienced many times where I just needed a safe place to go, and there was no such place. I didn’t feel comfortable in traditional Community settings like Recovery Group spaces or churches, I felt judged” (Founder-Sage)

What We Do

CTR offers an extensive calendar of free, community-driven events, workshops, and creative opportunities (there may be a conservative monetary charge for specialty events in order to cover the expense of the facilitators) to enrich the lives of all community members, regardless of their background or personal journey. Our diverse offerings include:

Group Drum Circles & Music Jams

Weekly drum circles and music sessions foster creativity, relaxation, and community bonding.

Group drumming significantly reduces stress, anxiety, and feelings of alienation.

Promotes emotional resilience—particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from substance use disorders, trauma, or managing mental health challenges (Faulkner et al., 2012; JourneyPure River).

Everyone is encouraged to participate; no musical experience is required.

Arts and Creative Expression Programs

CTR celebrates artistic expression through inclusive, accessible art classes and community projects open to all skill levels.

Activities include painting, drawing, sculpting, and mixed media arts.

Creative expression aids emotional healing, relieves stress, and significantly improves mood and coping skills.

Particularly helpful for those experiencing mental health concerns, trauma recovery, or life challenges (Musical Intervention; Mind Remake Project, 2021).

Sound Baths & Meditation

Gentle sound meditations featuring crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, and gongs.

Promotes deep relaxation and reduces tension, anxiety, and depression.

Improves overall emotional health (Goldsby et al., 2017).

Guided meditation and mindfulness workshops help all community members reduce stress, quiet the mind, and enhance emotional balance.

Holistic Wellness Classes

Yoga, mindful movement, and breathwork classes provide practical tools for managing daily stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles.

Breathwork practices specifically help manage anxiety, depression, and cravings, providing valuable tools for sustained mental wellness and recovery (Goldsby et al., 2017).

Community Gatherings & Social Events

CTR intentionally creates joyful, substance-free social events open to everyone.

Includes potluck dinners, game nights, live music performances and community-building activities.

Participation in healthy social interactions significantly reduces isolation, enhances emotional resilience, and supports sustained recovery from mental health and substance use challenges (Segal et al., 2010).

Educational Workshops & Lifelong Learning

Regular workshops feature diverse topics, including addiction recovery education, mental health first aid, trauma-informed care, practical life skills, and creative arts techniques.

Our workshops are delivered by engaging speakers, mental health professionals, and peers with lived experiences.

Offer valuable insights for those navigating mental health or recovery journeys.

Who We Serve

CTR warmly welcomes everyone in the Oklahoma City community, including:

Individuals seeking meaningful connections and creative enrichment.

Community members in recovery from substance use disorders or managing mental health diagnoses seeking supportive social and wellness spaces.

Artists, musicians, and creative individuals looking to collaborate and grow creatively.

Anyone interested in personal growth, wellness, and community-building activities.

At CTR, there are no barriers—only open doors, genuine friendships, and compassionate support.

Why Rhythm, Creativity, and Community? (Research & Rationale)

CTR’s philosophy is grounded in extensive research highlighting the powerful benefits of music, artistic expression, holistic wellness practices, and community participation for people from all walks of life.

Group drumming, arts, mindfulness, and social engagement significantly enhance mental wellness, fosters emotional resilience, reduce stress, and facilitates recovery from trauma, addiction, and isolation (Faulkner et al., 2012; Goldsby et al., 2017; Segal et al., 2010).

Governance & Community Voice

CTR is led by a dedicated Board of Directors, including individuals with lived recovery and mental health experience, mental health professionals, nonprofit experts, and community advocates, ensuring inclusive leadership.

Community members directly influence programs through regular feedback, volunteer opportunities, and community meetings, creating a truly community-driven organization.

Impact & Community Success

Since its establishment, CTR has become an invaluable and beloved community asset, positively impacting countless lives.

Inspired by successful models nationwide (The Phoenix, Recovery Café Network, Musical Intervention), CTR addresses vital community needs, fosters widespread community wellness, and supports mental health and recovery in Oklahoma City.

Support Our Mission

CTR thrives thanks to generous community contributions, local partnerships, and grant funding.

Your support ensures our programs remain free, accessible, and impactful, creating lasting change for individuals and the broader community.

• Connecting Through Rhythm: Celebrating Community, Creativity, and Connection—one rhythm, one brushstroke, one heartbeat at a time.