Commission recommends MindTravel silent piano concerts for Hermosa Beach; staff to seek Coastal Commission guidance

The Hermosa Beach Parks, Recreation and Community Resources Advisory Commission on June 3 recommended that City Council approve two MindTravel "live-to-headphones" silent piano concerts on the sand — Tuesday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 — but required the producer to consult with the California Coastal Commission about whether a temporary-event permit is needed.

MindTravel founder and pianist Murray Hittery, who spoke at the public hearing, said the concerts combine "music, meditation, and nature" and are designed to be low-impact and quiet. "It's completely silent. So we literally make no noise," Hittery said, describing participants wearing wireless headphones and the events' meditative format.

Staff presented the request and told the commission the event overview lists up to 360 participants per session and lists 0 spectators; staff noted, however, that people can approach the site to test headphones or observe and that full participation requires use of the headphones. Austin, the city's special events and filming coordinator, told the commission the foundation would offer suggested donations of $25 to $55 but that participation would also be allowed on a pay-what-you-can basis with a minimum donation of $1.

Because one requested date falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day and the event would occupy part of sandy beach while charging participants, staff said the Coastal Commission's temporary-event rules apply. "If the event is approved, staff would require the event producer to work with the Coastal Commission to determine if a temporary event permit from the Coastal Commission would be required," Austin said.

Community Resources Director Nichols told commissioners staff had confirmed with the producer that participation can be obtained with a donation as small as $1 and reiterated that the event would not be fenced or closed to passersby, but that the headphone-mediated audio means "you can't have the full experience as a spectator if you're not paying a donation to access the headphones." Nichols said the producer is prepared to seek Coastal Commission review if the commission recommends approval.

Commissioners questioned how a pay-what-you-can arrangement would be administered and whether allowing a donation-based participation model on public sand set a precedent. Hittery said MindTravel operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and that the pay-what-you-can model exists to remove financial barriers. He also offered a mitigation to increase public access: at check-in the producer will make a continuous recorded channel available so passersby can sample music without paying, and staff reported the producer would already let people try headphones for short periods at the site. "I am more than happy to... have headphones on a second channel, and that will have continuous free, recorded music available to folks that come up at any time," Hittery said.

After discussion the commission member made a motion to recommend approval; another commissioner seconded. Voting was unanimous. The commission's recommendation will go to City Council for review at its June 24 meeting, and staff will require Coastal Commission consultation if council approves the event.

Proposed event details, as presented to the commission: two dates (Aug. 19 and Oct. 19, 2025), up to 360 participants per session, suggested donations $25–$55 with a pay-what-you-can minimum of $1, no fenced areas, and no fixed spectator fee. MindTravel is a 501(c)(3) organization; Murray Hittery is the founder and performing artist; an on-site question-and-answer portion would be audible only through the headphone system unless attendees are close enough to the speaker who uses the mic.