Kirtan is an energizing and deep group practice of singing melodic chants that calm our minds and open our hearts. We get to taste the space of 'no-thought'. We get to taste the space of being enough and having enough. It is sung in call-and-response - I sing a line, and the group sings it back. I play harmonium and lead the chanting while usually accompanied by guitar, percussion, and other vocalists creating 2 and 3 part harmony with me. The musicians who play with me are highly trained professionals who provide exquisite levels of musicality matched with the chants. I am continually grateful to be accompanied by a bevy of wonderful and professional musicians including Holly Hartmann (vocals), Charlie Braun (guitar/vocals), Joe Belmont (guitar) and percussionists Charlie Shew, Russ Neiman, Tony Silva, and Antonio Aversano. I am also grateful to be co-leading Kirtan/Sound Healing workshops with Ariel Morgana. The kirtan melodies are simple. All voices are perfect for kirtan because the emphasis is upon opening the heart, not about the perceived quality of your voice.
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I lead kirtans (see Calendar) in all kinds of settings, both secular and non-secular, ranging from beach kirtans to churches. I am a regular kirtan artist and kirtan/sound healing workshop co-leader at Kripalu Center for Yoga in Lenox, MA. I've played at numerous yoga and music festivals including the Telluride Colorado Yoga Festival, Vermantra, and play/teach at the annual Boston Yoga & Chant Fest. I love leading kirtans for personal growth conferences and retreats. I lead kirtans on the 1st and 3rd Sunday nights of each month at my home base, the Yoga Sanctuary, in Northampton, MA. Check my calendar page for details.
