Sophia Rising

Quick reminder: no flower crown craft party today.
We’ll try again in June!

Come join us for a May Day picnic at noon, on the 2nd!

We have a spot picked out, by the market.
Check out the video (next post) to see the EXACT spot.
We’ll enjoy the end of the Saturday market, bring our blankets, and have a little community time.

We’ll also tie ribbons to tree branches to celebrate Beltane, and make our May Day wishes!

Some of us might dress up for springtime.
Like fairies, perhaps …
Everyone welcome!
Bring ribbon!
Wear a flower crown!
Or just bring yourself and see what happens!
Make a wish!

Happy spring.

Galhalla 2026:
Meet the musicians!

Alyssa Santoyo Catlin (she/her)
is the guitarist of Galholler.

Alyssa grew up in California and Idaho as a homeschooler and self-directed learner. After playing classical guitar since age eight, Alyssa moved to Missouri to attend Webster University, becoming the first college graduate in her family, with a degree in music performance. She became an instructor in the Childbloom Guitar Program where she has been teaching classical guitar to children ever since. Highlights of her career include appearing on the NPR program From the Top, featuring in the Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine, recording her debut album “Alegría”, and playing as a featured soloist with the Saint Louis Wind Symphony and the St. Louis Civic Orchestra.

After being a classical musician for most of her life, Alyssa wandered into folk music several years ago looking for a more relaxed way of enjoying music. That led down the path to finding kindred folks that she connects with through music and life, and to eventually playing contra dances.

Alyssa continues to perform as a freelance musician through the Midwest as a soloist and in five different bands. She is blessed to live with her supportive (and fellow musician) husband, Chris, and their two daughters, Harmony and Adaline, who they homeschool in St. Charles, Missouri. Besides having a full studio of guitar students, Alyssa has also taught art, history, and music classes at many local organizations for the last twenty years, remaining passionate about both music and education for her community and herself.

As a multiracial Indigenous woman in the classical guitar world and the folk music world, Alyssa has seen in both genres the value of representation and the importance of creating space for diverse voices. She is excited to continue to foster connection and community at Galhalla for the second year, playing with the local St. Louis all-femme folk band, Galholler!