The Kirtaniyas is a group of four young and enthusiastic musicians who share their knowledge and respect for traditional kirtan music and have come together to bring a fresh sound to an ancient art. In their album, Heart & Soul, the quartet move seamlessly from the sweet melodic sound bath of “Invocation,” to the energetic [...]
There are many factors that determine if a song makes it all the way to Number One. Not only does the song need to connect with listeners, but the timing has to be just right. Literally, all the stars have to line up. I have watched this happen numerous times in my music business career; [...]
Dance Camera West (DCW) recently announced their 12th Annual DCW Dance Media Festival to take place in Los Angeles from May 2-5. This year’s festival theme, “Get Wet: A Celebration of Screen Dance, Live Dance and Water” promises to be an intersection of culture and choreography. The DCW 2013 Festival will feature their signature roster of international dance films, along with live dances from [...]
The bright colors and complex themes of life are seen on screen at the 11th annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. The event runs this week through Sunday, April 14 at the flagship Arclight multiplex in Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard. Featuring diverse movies from Indian filmmakers, the festival showcases feature films, shorts, and [...]
A Deeper Light By Deva Premal and Miten White Swan Records On Deva Premal and Miten's album, A Deeper Light, they are going in a new direction with down-tempo dub reggae bass lines that permeate many of the eight songs. Relaxed grooves result, holding space for the mantras Deva Premal's stunning voice offers. Miten's spacious [...]
If you have been to a farmers’ market in Los Angeles, shopped at Ralphs or Food4Less, or even been through the terminal 4 at LAX, you’ve probably seen Homegirl or Homeboy cafés and sauces -- both enterprises of Homeboy Industries. The backstory of the remarkable rise of the Father Greg Boyle’s Homeboy Industries is detailed [...]
Antarayaami: Knower of All Hearts Nina Rao If you’ve listened to Krishna Das, or interacted with his work in any way including viewing the kirtan history-making 2013 Grammy pre-Award telecast, then you have been affected by Nina Rao. Since 1996, Rao has served as Krishna Das’s assistant, response singer, and kartal player. Additionally, she is [...]
Filmmaker Holly Mosher has done her part to fight the sex-trafficking industry in Brazil by bringing it to light in her debut film, Hummingbird. While examining the causes and effects of sex-trafficking, Mosher’s film highlights two nonprofit organizations’ solutions and successes in helping stop the violence. The film will be viewed at the EcoSalon free [...]
Thousands of years ago, it was tradition to keep Kundalini Yoga techniques that expanded the mind and awareness sacred and secret. These teachings were only transmitted directly from Master to student. Now, these techniques are being shared with everyone and have been made accessible to practice these easy and sacred techniques in the comfort of [...]
The Happy Poet by Paul Gordon The Happy Poet is a slacker success story with a vegetarian twist. Written and directed by, and starring Paul Gordon, the film follows a novice health-food chef, in a story that may reflect the birth of many vegetarian gourmet cafes. As the film opens, Bill no longer has a [...]