Denise Kaufman has defied expectations her entire life. As vocalist, bassist and co-songwriter for the pioneering all-female ensemble Ace of Cups--a musical powerhouse during the Summer of Love—they counted Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead among their fans. Despite performing live with the same virtuosity as their male counterparts, Ace of Cups never had the opportunity to commit their genre-blending, psychedelic sound to a record until two years ago. Now in their 70s and approaching the release of their sophomore record, “Sing Your Dreams,” they show no signs of stopping there.

Kaufman has had a passion for wellness her entire life, teaching yoga to the likes of Madonna, Jane Fonda and Quincy Jones, and surfing and swimming whenever she gets the chance. She runs an organic farm near her home on Kauai, eats a plant-based diet, and co-founded the Island School on Kauai, raising the next generation with her wisdom, harmony and balance. We talk about her rich cultural history, wellness tips and get up to speed on the projects and causes closest to her heart.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

· How Ace of Cups fit into the historical tapestry of rock music

· Working with Jackson Browne and Bobby from Grateful Dead on their latest single “Made for Love”

· How yoga, surfing and swimming have been crucial for her health

· The importance of a plant-based diet and organic farming

· Why she founded the Island School on Kauai and the importance of education and preserving Hawaiian culture

· Her experience with yoga

· Why Denise avoids sitting in chairs, and why squatting is the secret to staying limber

· The connection between music and wellness

· The causes Denise currently supports

· Passing on lessons to achieving balance and harmony to her grandson and singer-songwriter, Eli Smart

· No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s always a good time to be creative.

RESOURCES

Ace of Cups website

Watch “Made for Love”

Island School on Kauai

The Squat Song

Denise Kaufman’s website

Camp Winnarainbow

Seva Foundation

Eli Smart’s website