Humankind Center Provides Venue for Conscious Connections

“The name carries a dual meaning: it honors the kindness inherent in humanity, while also pointing toward our shared journey as one human family,” explained John Strayer, owner and founder of the six-month-old center. “It reflects our mission to cultivate compassion, connection and conscious experiences.”

Depending on the event, the Humankind Center features both intimate moods and high-vibe energies when hosting talks, retreats, conferences, healing workshops, concerts and DJ nights, ceremonies and private parties. Performances are both in-person and live-streamed shows, created for easy access for audiences locally and globally.

Strayer, a Sedona resident, describes the unique center as “a prototype” that has evolved in the past five years or so, but with a vision growing and strengthening over time. “Our vision is to establish Humankind Centers around the world – spaces that help people integrate into a new, conscious system built on community and collaboration,” he said. “The platform is decentralized and membership-based, ensuring that no single entity can control it. Instead, it’s a collective effort that we all contribute to and grow together. We are at ground zero, taking the foundational steps toward this vision.” 

The center is located in a spiritually charged and artistic area of West Sedona, on State Route 89A at Mountain Shadows Drive, near Whole Foods Market. The primary venue is a 3,000-square-foot basement dance hall located below a restaurant, a smoke shop and other retail stores above.

“It’s designed as an intimate yet expansive venue, making it a perfect site for community gatherings,” Strayer said. “The space holds anywhere from 55 people for sound baths to 175 for concerts and dance events, offering a setting that feels both vibrant and connected.”                       

Strayer, 50, who was raised in Phoenix and still has family there, said he has spent much of his career around music and event production, while also working in technology development for the past 20 years. He managed two clubs in Scottsdale and then operated a freelance web design business before moving to Sedona about three years ago.                                                                                   

Although he has traveled around, he says he has always felt pulled back to Sedona. “Living here in Sedona, this project brings together my technical expertise, creative background and passion for building spaces that inspire transformation and community connection.”

Music is certainly central to the center’s mission and is a passion for Strayer as well. He said he DJs under the name DJ Kind, with a background in breakbeats, house and ecstatic dance. “We believe dance and music are key elements of where we are headed as a community, with music creating the story and our bodies generating the energy through movement.”                                                                                                                                                                           

He adds that the center is filling a unique niche. “There isn’t another venue in Sedona quite like this. While there are retreat centers and performance spaces, Humankind bridges the gap that exists between live entertainment, conscious community and streaming technology in a way that’s new for the area.”             

The floor plan and features offered at the venue include an immense, elevated stage with a private green room, a full professional sound system including Pioneer CDJ-3000s and a DJM-V10 mixer, advanced lighting and a large LED visual wall. “The room itself has been built with intention: crystal-embedded floors and tachyon crystal-infused walls that create a palpable energy,” said Strayer. “There’s also an elixir bar, flexible seating and space for vendors.”                                                                                                 

The Humankind Center is lightly staffed with Strayer, bartenders, a greeter and technicians. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Strayer. “Locals, spiritual seekers and visitors alike have described the space as both state-of-the-art and energetically activated. Many people say it feels like home – a safe place to connect, learn and celebrate.”               

The center has no fixed hours, but most activities are Friday through Monday. However, the center does host private events and workshops throughout the week. There is also a regularly scheduled Frequency Friday event from 5 to 7 p.m. that offers the BioCharger energy technology, a deeply immersive sound experience and sound bath that incorporates meditation.     

“After that, we set up for DJ night that runs to midnight. On Saturday, we’re open for special events, like immersive experiences, private bookings and other upscale events. We have a noise ordinance in Sedona that makes it hard to host something after 9 at night, but we’re in a basement, so we’re able to go a lot later than most places in town.” VVBN

By Betsey Bruner, VVBN

Courtesy Photo: Vendors Faye Ashwood and Marina Fini show off their custom designed clothing during an event on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Humankind Center in Sedona.