"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.

International Women's Day, 3/07/09

The Second Annual International Women's Day Celebration, sponsored by Creative Women Unite, took place this year at Bohemeos Cultural Center in downtown Houston. Some of the most amazing artists came out to present: Danza Azteca, Seltas Dance Troup, Freak-in the Frame, Maria Palacios, Agua Fuego, and Queen Sheba just to name a few. It was a wonderful tapestry of women of color, singing and dancing together; sharing stories and visions for the future. Powerful artwork decorated the walls, and the thread of unity embraced us all.

I implored spoken word artist/author Maria Palacios to collaborate with me on her powerful piece, Pescadoras de Esperanza: We are Seekers of Hope. Weaving different chants throughout the poem, we felt the Great Mother with us all. I sang to the Madre Divina, and asked us all to raise our consciousness to help heal the earth. We ended with the Universal Chant, which brought a calm vibration to the most warm and receptive crowd.

I thank you mujeres for hosting this annual chance to come together and "be as one".

Shining The Light after Ike: A Healing Circle, 11/15/08

Co-hosted by The Texas Southern University Museum Volunteer Circle

The Texas Southern University of Houston presented an afternoon of healing and hope to rejuvenate the spirit in the wake of Hurricane Ike - a program featuring poets, dancers and singers. There were spoken word artists, young and old; and an ethereal Praise Dance troupe, subtle and warm.

As I explained the meaning of the Universal Mantra to the audience, Sister PK handed out instruments for others to play along, and Sister Mama held up the plaque my son Jagannath had made, for everyone to read:

Baba Nam Kevalam

Love is All There Is

We had great fun, and everyone in the house enjoyed singing along. At the end of the event, the docent of the museum was so inspired, she asked to keep the plaque so she could remember the mantra! Another docent's father who had picked up the acharina, revealed to her for the first time that he had formally been a flute player. She was grateful for the opportunity given to him to rekindle his passion.

RAWA 50th Anniversary, 7/06/08

The 50th Anniversary of Renaissance Artists and Writers Association (RAWA), took place at the Ananda Kanan Retreat Center in MO, June 29th-July 5th.

We opened with a dynamic Prabhat Samgiita, speaking of the mystical qualities of Krisna. Krsnatma helped out with Spanish guitar, while Dada Pranesh and Mahesh kept the rhythm strong. Anadi and Dada Vishvarupanandaji gave a cool presentation on poetry and movement.

I was in charge of the RAWA Cultural Evening Program and put together a balanced mix of musical acts. We had some beautiful violin and fiddle music by Caetanya and Danapati. Krsnatma grooved us all with a bi-lingual, political song, asking us to get up and start a revolution; and Bhagvanti Devi sang a sweet Prabhat Samgiita.

Tuesday morning, I was on a panel of RAWA artists, giving our collective thoughts on how to be responsible artists in the world. Devashish reminded us the art of surrender - that the Supreme Source is the one moving the art through us, we are just the vehicle. He also emphasised the need to craft our art in order to present it well. Jiivadhara Devi gave a more female perspective of serving through art. She shares her poetry with those who are in need, and gives anonymously. Film maker Anadi is able to bring service projects to the media through his work at a news station. He is working on a full feature spiritual based film.

Wednesday morning, Didi Ananda Vibha and I gave a workshop on Prabhat Samgiita. We talked about our personal experiences, and our guru's teachings regarding Prabhat Samgiita, and invited Dada Priyakrsnanandaji to tell stories. This, we interspersed with collective singing of songs. We heard much positive feedback and look forward to the upcoming Prabhat Samgiita Retreat in Vermont.

There were three, wonderful weddings this summer, and I was honored to bring the music to them all. At the last minute, I was asked to sing a Spanish song at Giita and Paresh's wedding (Paresh is from Mexico). I invited my good friend KrnaPriya (from Colombia) to sing along with me. The kiirtans at the end were enhanced with good friends and my little Prashanta on tabla.

I was asked to present something on the Bhajan Revival Evening, and chose to sing two Spanish songs with my sister Ishvari. We rehearsed last minute, trying on our best Mariachi voices, laughing with our compadres over mistakes in the lyrics. In spite of it all, we were able to pull it off with tact.

This retreat had the most participants from Latin America than ever before - most of them from Mexico - so I encouraged them to present something special. They did a wonderful Mayan play with multi-media, movement, and colorful, native costumes. For the finale, I led a Mayan chant with strong drummers and hand percussionists. Some told me that this was their favorite presentation of the whole retreat!

This was a sweet retreat with art presentations in all medias. There were beautiful paintings displayed throughout the campus, films on service projects and spiritual cinema, wonderfully rich workshops helping us all see the artists within. The most beautiful were the kiirans and meditations, even sweeter and more subtle than before!