Connections are intentional for husband-and-wife duo Chris Schultz and Anne Driscoll.
In 2021, the Healdsburg residents founded Cosmico, an independent music festival designed to introduce music lovers to up-and-coming bands across multiple genres. They also run the nonprofit Launch Pad Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting people who build community through creativity and collaboration.
Most recently, Schultz published “Analog: How To Love Your Work, and Not Wait for Retirement To Live the Good Life,” a book about what it means to live and work with intention, a theme Schultz says is a throughline in the couple’s collaborations.
“Whether it’s a festival, a book, or a local project, our mission is the same: help people find their path, trust their calling, and choose themselves,” he says.
This year’s Cosmico — now called Analog Reunion — is scheduled for May 15-17, and Schultz and Driscoll have already announced early additions to the weekend lineup, including folk rock artist Alex Amen and soul rocker Maggie Koerner. Tickets on sale now at cosmi.co.
The Cosmico difference
Chris: A lot of festivals aim for the same things: the biggest bands, the most commercial success. We are, by design, smaller and more independent. We are more discovery-focused; people trust us to introduce them to new music. We work hard to book awesome bands you’ve never heard of. We want you to be able to see a show at Cosmico, then see the same band years later and say, ‘I saw them at Cosmico first.’ That’s the goal.
Changing venues
Anne: We are moving locations. Last year we had the festival at Dawn Ranch in Guerneville. This year we’re bringing it back to Healdsburg, to Wildhaven Sonoma, a glamping spot on the Russian River on the north end of town. We’re also calling it a reunion this year, because of the idea that people keep coming back to it.
All about connection
Chris: The book is an effort to reflect on the things in life that have been important to me. It’s about putting your hands on the wheel of your life. Finding joy through analog experiences is the way I describe it. It’s really about connection. Connecting with people in the community; being connected with your family. The title also references the disconnection we feel in our digital lives. Ultimately, I think the path to meaning is through service and helping people. That’s a big part of what we try to do with Cosmico.
Calling Sonoma County home
Anne: We are so lucky to live somewhere where people are creative and constantly thinking of ways to celebrate the incredible resources we have at our fingertips. Between the two of us, we’ve seen a lot of the world. There’s no place quite like this one.