Fall Updates, 2011

Ananda Marga Regional Retreat
Ananda Girisuta Master Unit
The Prama Institute
September 2-4th

The Fall Regional Retreat was held at the Prama Institute on Ananda Girisuta Master Unit - a 3 day devotional, social event, focusing on developing deeper spiritual practices through kiirtan, music, meditation and spiritual talks. The workshop theme this year centered on the psycho-spiritual-socio-economic limb called: Progressive Utilization Theory (PROUT). Our local PROUT specialists, Hiranamaya and Ramesh prepared an intensive workshop, working out of the 5 fundamental principles of PROUT. Dada Jyotirsananda gave daily philosophy classes and deep spiritual discourses. The food was lovingly prepared by Sister Haripriya and family. Sister Sharada from El Salvador brought her 3 month old baby and parents, who told stories, participated in the Prout workshop, and gave much insight to the social-political situation in El Salvador. Their presence added much warmth and joy to the occasion. Several new people came from Raleigh, thanks to Brother Pashupati.

Resident musician Jiivanmukta and I coordinated the kiirtans, and I headed up the Prabhat Samgiita and the evening programs. We had representation from Appalachia, Haiti, Latin America, India, and Israel. Young Govinda, who has been working hard on his fiddle and violin skills, attended a music camp this summer and presented a few complex, melodic pieces. As there was a large group of Spanish speaking members, I implored everyone to sing a Spanish folk song with me. A recitation of “The Jabberwocky”, worthy of an Oscar was executed by Ambuja!

One brother confided in me that for 30 years, he had had an aversion to Prabhat Samgiita. When he heard me singing the Shiva Giita, he began to experience himself being transported back into the time of Shiva, and sent chills up his spine, as he could see Him standing there with his trident and hair tuft. It brought tears to my eyes as he shared his personal story. We never know how these God-given gifts touch the human spirit….


Yoga Detox Program,
September 9-11
The Prama Institute

Dada Dharmadevanandaji graced us with another visit and dynamic workshop. I provided the music and kiirtan, including music for a movement segment Friday evening. Saturday night, I led a sweet, intimate chanting circle in the warm glow of candlelight.

Annual Great Mother Honoring and Celebration, 9/24/11
The Prama Institute

This retreat was for The Institute of Whole Life Healing, "Many Paths; One Truth", led by Babaji Koleoso Karade & Iya Osunnike Anke. Visvamitra and I led an afternoon workshop titled:  Devotion in Action

I met with Iya Osunnike beforehand, who let me know that they were honoring the goddess “Yemanja” this weekend. As we spoke further, I began to recognize the names of the (West African) gods and goddesses I used to sing about 20 years ago, during my exploration of Afro-Brazilian/Cuban music. Though I didn’t know much about the African religions, I always felt a deep, primodial connection to the songs. I told Iya my story as a lead singer (puxadora) for the "Mexe, Mexe" samba school in the San Francisco Carnaval, 1990. Along with the traditional “samba” song, I had chosen an Afoxe (Afro-Brazilian) song that I really loved. While singing from the float to tens of thousands of people, I switched to the Afoxe song, and felt a complete shift in the spiritual force. Capoeira artists from an Afro-Brazilian school left their group, and ran behind my float, singing along. I remember the powerful connection to the indigenious beings, and the universal elements in that very moment.

I wanted to bring something in common with the retreat participants, so I asked a sister who practices Candomble’ to drum for me while I led the Brazilian chant for Yemanja - the goddess of the sea. As we sang, calling to Yemaja, some sisters got up to dance. We all felt the strength of the feminine force!

I then brought in collective Prabhat Samgiita, and introduced the group to kiirtan. Our dancing and singing was spirited, as the group connected with the Divine. After a wonderful talk and workshop exploring ways to open our hearts and artistic activities on how to get in touch with our heart’s desire, I led the group in a round “Open up your heart, open up your eyes, open up your heart and let your love shine.” We sang with great passion. I scanned the room and my eyes fell upon a sister who was singing with her whole heart, eyes wide open. I sang with her for several more minutes, before winding down and stopping the song. More kiirtan and meditation closed the session.

Afterwards, as I greeted the participants, I spoke to the sister with whom I had connected while singing. She shared with me that she had always [hated] her voice, and didn’t like to sing. While singing, she felt her heart open up and began to sing louder and fuller, with total abandonment. She said she didn’t want to stop, and almost left the room so she could keep singing once I ended! Axe! I love these special moments in time – how we connect with others in deeper and deeper ways, until we feel, there are no barriers in this great universe. This was an exceptional group of people, and I thank the Divine for bringing us together today!



Gano Chapel, MO


Summer Updates

Tantric Futures Reunion
Kansas City, MO
June 27 - July 4, 2011

The Tantric Futures Reunion was hosted at a beautiful college campus, north of Kansas City, with pristine flower gardens, overlooking lush, rolling green hills.

One of the highlights of the retreat was a workshop based on the 4 different social classes: workers, warriors, intellectuals, and spiritualists. The participants were asked to develop a play based on these social classes. Our group chose the “the warrior”, with a female heroine, and I was asked to develop the theme song for the play.

The music I chose was based on a song I had written about my grandmother years ago – in a Latin, 6/8 time. “Victoria, you don’t know how beautiful you are, Victoria, don’t you know that you’re a shining star…” schmaltzy, but with some depth: "…the muddy waters clear, and the moon appears, go and find it, trust the one who is your guide, open up your heart and mind, pull from the strength inside… let your inner light shine!"

We had great fun creating the story and the characters: Victoria, a disabled woman is ridiculed, and feels hopeless in the world. She meets with her mentor, a Yaqui elder who shows her how to meditate on the mantra “Baba Nam Kevalam”. Victoria runs into a situation where two men are harassing a checker at the market. She pulls up the courage and tells them to stop, threatening them with her cane. The men are pressured into leaving. Victoria has found her strength!

I was asked to perform at the cultural program, and chose a set of songs – including the Beatles song "Within You, Without You", with Giita on violin, and Caetanya on the Oud - a lute-like stringed instrument commonly used in the Middle East. We played in the elegant Gano Chapel, an enormous pipe organ as the backdrop.


28th Annual Prabhat Samgiita Retreat
Fayston, VT
August 19-21, 2011

The 28th annual Prabhat Samgiita Retreat was held in Fayston, VT at the home of Ciranjiiva and Parashakti, overlooking a beautiful mountain. The weather was perfect – around 70 degrees. Arun and I led the teaching, and around 50 people attended.

The devotional evening program was filled with subtle stories and songs. Brother Alok read a touching excerpt from his upcoming novel.

The attendees are improving their singing skills, and are understanding the complexity of Prabhat Samgiita more deeply with each passing year. It was wonderful having two acharyas originally from Bengal – the original language of Prabhat Samgiita. They brought humorous stories, and much warmth and support.


Summer Recordings

This summer, I enjoyed participating in several recording projects: Rap/hiphop artist and filmmaker Anadi (Abe Heisler, NY) asked me to sing kiirtan over a project he’s doing with Anadi and Srikala, "Sacred Hip Hop", to be released this year. Anadi also asked Jyoshna and I to produce a Prabhat Samgiita for a short devotional film. Finally, Kamal Krishna (in Kerala, India) gave his assistance in producing the Prabhat Samgiita “Tiny Green Island” for a collaborative, global project Kiirtan for All.

May Flowers, 2011

Mother's Day, May 8th

My son and I produced a sweet video of "Reverent Mother" for Mother's Day. It can be seen at: ShantiAnjali Music



East Meets West: An Evening of Indian Music
Ananda Purnima, May 17
Shakti in the Mountains
Johnson City, TN

A darling little house in the Historic North Roan district of Johnson City, Shakti in the Mountains is a women’s center, offering massage and classes in self-development, and celebrations specifically for women. I opened with Prabhat Samgiita and kiirtan for the Carnatica Brothers, a delightful vocal duo – cousins who have been playing together for over 20 years. Often times, listening to ancient, Indian slokas, I am transported to another time and space, as was the case listening to Shashikiran and Ganesh sing Shiva Shambho, Shanti is the Universal Energy, and Maithrim Bhajata: Please think that others are like you / For mother earth is a wish giving animal / And God our father is most merciful / Restrain, donate and be kind / To all the people of this world / Let all the people live with bliss. The “brothers” have developed a unique style, all their own: when one is soaring in the higher notes, the other drops down to a rumbling bass, connecting the heaven and earth. Ganesh was featured on the chitravina, a unique slide, stringed instrument (vina). Lakshman masterfully accompanied the duo on mridangam. A special thanks to Guhanji and Kim for hosting this event.


Full Moon Spiritfest, May 18
Prama Institute
Marshall, NC

Kori (Chaitanya Kirtan Group) and I wanted to create something together for this event, so we presented two songs: a devotee’s longing to be Krisna’s Song; and a rich Sikh tune, praising the qualities of God. Kori created the melody to the latter song, that included singing a counter melody in double-time. Naresh and Rishi gave musical support on the doumbek (Middle Eastern drum) and tablas. Krisnadeva told a heartwarming story about his stay in jail and his personal transformation – how it helped him to find the good in everyone. Beautiful poetry was shared by several participants, including several Kabir pieces by Visvamitra. Caetanya Saxon brought out an antique dulcimer, passed on by his grandfather. He sang beautifully in Latin and played a German composition. Santor, from the Raleigh area, led us in a lively Hawaiian peace dance, describing how we are connected to the earth, sky, sea, heart; and to one another. As it was the full moon of our guru’s birthday, I sang a tender Prabhat Samgiita:

#1017
TUMI ÁMÁR DHYÁNER DHYEYA
You are the object of my meditation.
TUMI ÁMÁR PRÁŃER PRIYA
You are the dearest one of my life.
TOMÁRA LÁGIYÁ, JANAME JANAME,
For You, lifetime after lifetime
ÁSÁ JÁVÁ HE, VARAŃIIYA, (Tumi amar…)
I have been coming and going, oh Beloved One

SATATA TOMÁRE KÁCHE CÁI ÁMI, ÁÁ
I have always wanted You with me
TOMÁRE PATHE CALI NÁHI THÁMI
I move along Your path without hesitation.
TOMÁREI SÁR BOLIÁI JÁNI
You are the essence of my life, that’s all I know
SAB CEYE ÁDARAŃIIYA, [TUMI]
& that You are my dearest one

KENO DÚRE THÁKO BOLO KII BÁ CÁO, ÁÁ
Why do You remain far from me? Tell me what You want from me.
LIILÁ CHALE KENO ÁMÁRE KÁNDÁO
In the game of Your liila, why do you make me cry?
KÁNDÁIYÁ YADI ÁNANDA PÁO
If my weeping gives You joy,
TOMÁ TARE KÁNDITE DIO
Then let me weep for You.

We ended the evening with a rousing kiirtan and quiet meditation.


Upcoming

~ I’ve recently joined Kiirtan for All, a global group, (under the umbrella of Visão Futuro São Paulo) based in Brazil. Together with several musicians around the world, including Kamalkrisna, Jyoshna, Sukhadeva, Shubhamaya, Rainjan, Vasudeva, and Soja Kiirtan Group, we are recording and filming the Prabhat Samgiita, “Tiny Green Island”. Kiirtan for All promises to be a dynamic, ongoing project, with the mission of spreading kiirtan and devotional music to the masses.

~ One of my favorite sisters and kiirtanista, Jyoshna LaTrobe and I are currently collaborating on Prabhat Samgiita # 218, “Pita Mata Bandhu Sakha" for a devotional video, ready to be viewed this summer.

~ On June 9th, I will be interviewed (in Spanish) on Asia el Amor Infinito, Seres Radio FM, a spiritual radio show that is podcasts globally.

~ I am working with Waldorf consultant and whimsical author, Christine Natale on a CD and book compilation of lullabies and pedagogical muses for mothers and teachers, to be released in 2012.

"Earthday Kiirtan" Soja Kiirtan Group
Featuring Anjali and Jyoshna

Soja Kiirtan Group is led by musician/producer Jagatbandhu, and Liilamaya. Jyoshna and I were asked to add our vocals to this project via cyberspace. Liilamay created this aesthetic video. Enjoy!

Baba Nam Kevalam is a Sanskrit mantra meaning: Love is the essence of all....

Full Moon Spiritfest
Prama Institute, NC

The Full Moon Spiritfest was a great success. Over 30 people came out to share poetry and music. Multi-instrumentalist Steve Davidowski highlighted the evening with several modal, "Keith Jarrett-esk" keyboard pieces. Chaitanya Kirtan Group led three devotional chants. Ten year old Govinda Odelle graced us with two classical violin composition, executed with great precision. I co-hosted, led the kiirtans, and sang a few songs with Steve and the percussion ensemble. It was a great opportunity for like-minded souls to gather together for social and spiritual nourishment.

Yoga Detox Retreat, Prama Institute, NC

This retreat was alive with a fun group of around 30 people. We played games, took walks, sang, danced and meditated together. Dada Dharmavedananda was his humorous, charming self and had us all laughing while thinking deeply. The Prama Institute is working towards developing its own wellness center in the near future.

Enjoy this video presentation of the Ananda Marga Wellness Center in the Philippines.

Indian Music Presentation
ArtSpace Charter School
Swannanoa, NC

I was asked by the Social Studies teacher, to give a presentation on Indian music to a group of 45 middle school students. This year, they have been studying World History. I chose to focus on a timeline from the origins of Indian music, (paying attention to the tal, melody, and styles) up to the modern day of Indian-jazz fusion. I created a power point presentation with support from CD recordings, and online videos.

We had a lively discussion and learned to discern different instruments, genres and rhythms. The students were engaged and everyone expressed how much they enjoyed the presentation.

Women’s Wellbeing and Development Fundraiser
for the Healthy Living Program
The Four Points Sheraton Hotel
Asheville, NC

I put together a great trio for this event: Mohan Jordan on guitar, Anjali Nemon on djembe, and myself. We played a mix of Indian, Latin American, and Bluegrass music. The trio quickly locked into a groove and held it throughout the evening.

The Healthy Living Program is being launched in an underserved, African American community. It was touching to hear leaders from the community come out and express their hope that this program was going to empower them to create solidarity in their neighborhood. One elder expressed that she wanted to pass on her tradition of cooking to the youth. Another young, single mother, who has come out of a difficult place in life, is ready to give back to the community.

This was a warm gathering – a networking of people from different backgrounds and cultures. I look forward to seeing this project bloom.

Steve Davidwoski Christmas Concert
Benefit for Neighbors in Need

The Steve Davidwoski Christmas Concert, held at the Presbetarian Church in Marshall, NC, brought a variety of players from Scottish fiddle and dance of Jamie Laval to a celestial harp rendition of Carol of the Bells, to Steve’s wild fusion arrangements of selections in different meters and keys. I was pleasingly surprised to hear a few new songs native to the mountains by noted singer Laura Boosinger. What a wonderful, warm audience, and community of talented artists. It made me feel like I was in the San Francisco Bay Area again.

We raised over $2,000 dollars for Neighbors in Need, a charity that assists locals in purchasing oil to heat their homes in the winter.

Thank you Steve Davidowski for all of your hard work in putting on this memorable event!

Indian Music Concert

w/Pantula Rama

Johnson City, TN

I returned late last night from a concert in Johnson City, TN, navigating the steep and windy mountain bypass.

The concert was just magical! The concert hall – a small, state of the art auditorium at the university medical center. The organizer told a little about the history of Prabhat Samgiita, and projected the words and meaning on a huge screen. I sang a few Prabhat Samgiita with accomplished jazz musician, Steve Davidowski on the keyboards and flute. The main artist, world class Kanartic vocalist, Pantula Rama, came up to me before she took the stage, and told me how much she enjoyed my songs. She later said that one song literally brought tears to her eyes. Ah, the beauty of Prabhat Samgiita…

Pantula’s set was just beyond words. She is a child protegy who comes from a musical family. Her husband, the violinist, was also raised in a musical environment. We learn from their bio that they are Reiki masters, and that Pantula has recently won and award for Top Vocalist of All India Radio! I spent some time visiting with them before and after the concert.

Indian music is most complex, even more so South Indian, or Kanartic. Having studied a little Hindustani vocals; and working for years in Prabhat Samgiita, I was finally able to follow the artist and understand where she was going. Pantula Devi has mastered the ragas, up down, inside out and all around. I had never heard anyone sing with such precision. Her voice is so sweet, and her range is vast, taking you to the highest and lowest notes with complete ease and beauty. if you have the slightest interest in Indian music, please make the effort to see Pantula Rama in concert.

Many thanks to the organizer, Krisnaswami Guha and his family. Thanks to the friends who came out from Asheville to support this event!

Prabhat Samgiita Retreat

August 13-15 Vermont

I just returned from the Prabhat Samgiita Retreat in Vermont - somebody hold my feet down! Once again, our lovely hosts Chiranjiva and Parashakti outdid themselves, making sure we were nourished with tasty food, while The Divine nourished us all with spiritual vibrations. What joy to see the Margis moving together as one, creating a seamless event – my annual favorite! A special “Mil Gracias” to Cirasmita and Giridhara for organising, executing, and preserving the retreat.

The highlight of the weekend was the cosmic wedding of Anadi and Satya, two dear friends. I made certain we [workshop participants] practiced the wedding song so that we could support them with our voices. The setting – a mountaintop garden, overlooking the Eastern mountains. Friends from near and far came to celebrate. We had a wonderful band consisting of myself, Arun, Didi Ananda Vibha, Mahajoy on tablas, Dada Unmantrananda on dhol, Nirmal, and the youngest member, 4 year old Revati who gave charm to the music.

I endured a bit of a bumpy ride flying home, as a jet passed over us and caused the craft to tip, but all was well in the end.

Back to Basics Summer Retreat
June 27 - July 5
Ananda Kanan, MO




Children's Program

Aparna Devi and I headed up the Children's Program each morning, leading Circle Time, which included spiritual songs, kiirtan and a meditation story. Afterwards, the children enjoyed free play, art and crafts. We had a small group of chidren ages 3-5 y/o, and a few 2 year olds with their parents.

For the children's performance, Aparna Devi and I crafted a story from the Prabhat Samgiita, Raingin Pari Bale - a fairy song about service and 'moving towards the light'. In the adapted story, the fairy moves through the forest to find people and animals in need. She takes them around the light, while singing kiirtan, and tends to their needs.

We created a forest scene by using chairs and green saris. The home was constructed of cardboard boxes, painted red by the children and teachers. We were able to find the perfect costumes in the supply room, along with red and yellow fabric for the fire.

The sweet story characters were a fairy, a small boy, kittens, birds, and a baby deer. Two of the mothers dressed up with their two year olds in order to pull them in, less they run too far out of orbit! The fairy hid under the red and yellow silks. When it came time for her to emerge, the audience let out a breathtaking sigh, "Ahhh!"

Two older girls, Cirsamita and Priyanka, who have been studying Hindustani vocals, did a fantastic job accomanying me with the kiirtan and song. Young Anjali didn't miss a beat on the djembe, and played the 6 beat rhythm with great ease.

Performances and Kiirtans

A new devotee expressed how she was moved to tears during the final, etheric kiirtan of the Dhyana Workshop. I supported Rishi's groovin', gospel-inspired songs at the Cultural Evening Program; then sang a Bossa Nova-laced, original composition. Enthusiastic sisters joined me during Akhanda Kiirtan: Rekha on flute, Mukti on drum, Didi Ananda Ragamaya, Mokshadevi, and Didi Prema on vocals. The rhythmic kiirtans had everyone dancing in ecstacy!

Morning Star Children’s Camp
June 14-25, 2010

This June, I directed a summer day camp at Ananda Girisuta (Prama Institute) for a beautiful group of young children.

We began the mornings with a long Circle Time that included spiritual songs, dancing and singing kiirtan, meditation, yoga postures, and spiritual readings and discussion. The days were filled with art and craft projects, handwork, games, water play, nature walks, and trips to the river. Our local farmer Jiivan Mukta hosted the children at Raven Ridge Farm to harvest food for their lunch, which they helped prepare and ate with vigor! Visvamitra took the children on the mystic Cliffs Trail, and led them in a Native American exercise. Maya Devi taught the children to draw intricate mandalas, and told them supernatural stories from her native Philippines.

Updates: Spring 2010

Yoga of Silence, February 26-28, 2010
The Prama Institute, Marshall NC

A weekend devoted to silence and inner reflectiong, with intensive meditation practises. The kiirtan and bhajans held a deeper meaning to us all in the absence of words.


The Circle Project, April 17-18, 2010
Bend of the Ivy Lodge, Marshall NC
w/Patti Digh, David Robinson, and Visvamitra, aka Sid Jordan

It's always a special experience leading bhajans and kiirtan Heart Circles that assist people in coming to know their true, inner self. Patti, David, and Visvamitra are three of my favorite people with whom to do this. Visit Patti's website to learn more: Patti Digh


Yoga Detox Retreat, April 30-May 2, 2010
The Prama Institute, Marshall NC
w/Dharmavedananda

I led the kiirtan and bhajans morning, noon and night; and participated in the program. Dada Dharmavedananda ND, is an expert in yogic health treatments and has a successful center in the Philippines. Treatments are affordable, as to accommodate people from all walks of life: Ananda Marga Wellness Center


Vegetarian Dinner and Silent Auction, May 15, 2010
World Music Concert, Benefit for WWD-F
Unitarian Universalist Church, Asheville NC

The Ananda Marga community rallied together for this event and came up with some unique auction gifts, as well as a gourmet buffet fit for royalty! I was accompanied by two young, upcoming musicians: Jagannath on tablas, and Anjali on djembe. The benefit was a success, as we raised funds for a local women's land project.

Performance Updates: Asheville

October 1
A group of us performed kiirtan, Prabhat Samgiita, and bhajans at Mantra Cafe. Many Margiis came out to support us and sing along. This is a new venue that we hope to use in the near future.

October 3
I spent a day singing kiirtan and songs at Green Life Foods, the social hub of Asheville. Working hand in hand with Maya Devi, we raised relief funds for flood victims in the Philipines.

October 17, Diipavali - The Festival of Lights
I spent 3 weeks at ArtSpace Charter School making diipas and singing songs with the 3rd grade classes, with a final presentation for 3rd and 7th grades, including several staff and parents. Prashanta accompanied me on tabla and it was a great time, exposing the children to Indian culture, kiirtan, food and good vibrations!

November 7-15
Weekend workshops at Bend in the Ivy, and Prama Institute retreat centers. Dr. Sid Jordan (aka Visvamitra) and I presented Heart Circle kiirtans, where we sing healing kiirtan for participants. It was a profoundly transforming experience for all involved, and I look forward to being able to serve more people with 'more love'.♥

December 4-5
I just came from a wonderful, wintry women's retreat at Ananda Giirisuta where we sang and danced in abandonment, chanted and enjoyed deep meditations, ate way too many sweets, and strategized our next moves for the development of WWD-F. It was also my first snow in the Smokey Mountains - a real treat!

Diipavali Festival at the Prama Institute

Several devotees arrived early to cook and help set the diipas on the puja table, and throughout the dome. Everyone brought their favorite dish and several sweets, and Sister Miirabai brought prasad. Many new friends joined the celebration.

We began with Diipavali Prabhat Samgiitas, kiirtan and meditation. It seemed as if the Supreme and all of the devajonis (luminous beings) were singing along with us, as we felt warmth and love surround us. After meditation, Sister Haripriya read 3 Vaniis (spiritual verses) related to 'the light'. Didi Ananda Usa gave an inspiring talk on her experiences of Diipavali in India: children throwing crackers at her feet; tandava and kaoshiki demonstrations. I told the story of Diipavali - The Great Goddess with the help of Jiivanmukta on tablas. Didi led a long, concentrated kaoshiki, (spiritual dance given by Parvati) and the brothers gave a Tantric warrior tandava (spiritual dance for men given by Shiva) demonstration! We blessed the food with kiirtan and had a wonderful feast. Afterwards, fireworks for the children, and a warm bonfire capped the evening.

We all felt special grace in our hearts with our little efforts to help dispell the darkness with our light.

'Women We Are' on Democracy Now!

A colleague of mine heard the title song from 'Women We Are' on the Democracy Now! television show sometime in May. I imagine Gloria Steinem brought it to the studio to be played on Mother's Day, as she had a copy of the CD and loves that song. What a great thrill and honor to have one's music played on such a prestigious show.

Peace Camp Houston, July 13-17

Peace Camp is run by a group of wonderful women whose goal is to bring peace consciousness to children ages 5-11. Children age 12 and up become junior teachers and help run the camp. The curriculum is developed by a master teacher and includes nature studies, arts and crafts, profile studies, story telling, cooperative games, NVC and yoga. This is my 4th year presenting Neohumanist Education including kiirtan and meditation.

Peace Camp, sponsored by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, is held at the pristine Cameron Retreat Center in downtown Houston, and at a local women's shelter. In 2007, we served a community of families affected by Hurricane Katrina.

If you are interested in presenting at Peace Camp, please contact Lynn Furay

Mark your calendars for Peace Camp next year!

Music and Poetry @ Northwoods Unitarian Church
The Woodlands, TX

I performed with the The Northwoods Stencil Band at this venue. There were several wonderful poets who presented their works, while the band and I provided original music in between readings. The music and poetry reflected social and spiritual life.

Circle of Love

Some of you have asked me where I have been playing lately. Well dear friends, I have been working as a kindergarten teacher in a Waldorf school. As an artist, I couldn't ask for a better job!

The Waldorf curriculum is presented through song, movement and story. The children are beautiful little gems, and I enjoy being with them every single day! Our school is backed up to a wooded park with a magical pond nearby. We sing through the day, enjoy the outdoors, eat whole foods, and joyfully express creativity through imaginary play, painting, coloring, baking, modeling, and crafting.