Women with Wings is a deeply rooted non-profit organization based in Bangor, Maine, that has, since its inception in 1993, served as a sacred space for women to explore their spirituality and heal through the shared act of singing. Founded by the late musician, composer, and sound healer Kay Gardner, the organization is more than just a chorus; it is a "sacred singing circle" built on the principles of community, oral tradition, and the transformative power of sound.
The group's history is inextricably linked to its visionary founder, Kay Gardner. A pioneering figure in women's music, Gardner dedicated her life to the study of music's healing properties. With a background in classical music and a deep interest in women's spirituality, she sought to create a community where women could find their voices without judgment. In the early 1990s, Gardner was invited to a women's retreat in Maine where her powerful workshop on "Women, Music, and Power" inspired a group to ask her to start a singing music circle. This simple request became the genesis of Women with Wings. Gardner's philosophy was that every woman, regardless of her musical training or perceived talent, has a voice to share. She moved beyond the structured world of classical music to embrace the simplicity of chants and songs that could be easily learned and sung by anyone.
The core of Women with Wings' practice is its weekly Thursday evening singing circle, which meets at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor. The structure of these gatherings is intentionally simple and freeing. The first women to arrive arrange chairs in a circle around a central altar, which is often decorated with elements of nature. The group begins with a free-form session, where women take turns starting simple chants and songs. These songs are learned and passed down through oral tradition, eliminating the need for sheet music and allowing the music to flow from the heart.
A key element of each meeting is the "names time," where every woman is given the chance to introduce herself, often through song or movement, and is echoed and affirmed by the rest of the circle. This practice fosters a profound sense of recognition and acceptance. The circle also dedicates time to healing, where participants can speak the names of people to whom they want to send positive energy, followed by a series of chants and songs focused on comfort and love.
Women with Wings is a testament to the power of a diverse and inclusive community. Its members are women from all walks of life—mothers, grandmothers, business owners, therapists, and homemakers—who are united by their shared journey of self-discovery and spiritual connection. The group welcomes women and girls as young as eight, as well as babies in arms, creating a truly intergenerational space. The testimonials on their website often speak of the profound impact the group has had on individual lives, helping women to overcome past traumas, find their self-worth, and feel heard for the first time. The repetitive and affirming nature of the chants allows participants to let go of self-criticism and internalize messages of strength, divinity, and peace.
After Kay Gardner’s unexpected passing in 2002, the legacy of Women with Wings was carried on by Linda Smith Koehler, a founding member who was mentored by Gardner. As the current music director, Linda continues to guide the circle with the same spirit of love, community, and spiritual intention. She has also contributed her own original songs and chants to the group's repertoire, ensuring that the music continues to evolve and reflect the ongoing journey of its members. The organization has produced songbooks and CDs, allowing their music to reach a wider audience and extend their message of healing and empowerment beyond the confines of their weekly circle. Through their enduring practice, Women with Wings remains a vibrant and essential sanctuary for women seeking to connect with their inner voice and with one another.
Women with Wings meets every Thursday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (a new time as of July 2023).
For the in-person gatherings, please come to the lower door and ring the doorbell.
Directions: If you are coming from downtown Bangor, please note that Park Street is one-way coming down the hill. You will need to go up Center Street (between City Hall and the library) and make a sharp right at the top to get to Park Street.
