I knew Shakti Fest was the yoga festival for me when a one hour conversation with its founder left me wanting to be a better person. Sridhar (Steven by birth) Silberfein is a man who has walked his talk for so long that now he’s simply talking his walk.

Steeped in the rich traditions of yoga since 1968, Sridhar considers the moment he introduced Swami Satchidananda to the stage at Woodstock in 1969 to be what started him on the path that led to the creation of two major yoga festivals that are in full swing. Bhakti Fest as of 2009 and its sister Shakti Fest as of 2011.

The Importance of Service

According to Sridhar, these festivals are acts of service, or seva. (Seva is the Sanskrit word for selfless acts that are performed without any regard for reward or repayment.)

You cannot talk to Sridhar for more than a few minutes without realizing that service (seva) is woven into the fabric of his being. Whether it is helping his friend and spiritual luminary Ram Dass or taking flowers to someone in an old age home, for Sridhar service and transformation go hand in hand.

Ram Dass Offers Wisdom

Every year, the festival features an exclusive interview with Ram Dass and Sridhar. (If you’re not at the festival, you can watch the videos on YouTube).

Sridhar says, “You can’t do anything for the planet unless you change yourself. How much seva are you doing? It’s easy to quote phrases and give lines, but what are you really doing? How deep are you really going? Going deep inside the process, really surrendering and getting to the next round, that’s the work. And that requires discipline. It takes everyday focus. You have to get up every morning and do the work and not talk about it. There’s no more time to talk. Discipline is the key. You break through much quicker if you have a discipline.” He credits his understanding of discipline to what he learned from Swami Muktananda.

Swami Muktunanda was Sridhar’s guru from 1970 through 1982. It is known among yogis that certain individuals can transmit the energy of Shakti or Shaktipat and Muktananda was one of them. For my skeptic readers, before you “woowoo” this away, let me say I’ve known several incredible people who attribute their reception of Shaktipat to Muktunanda and they are some of the most balanced, loving, and successful people I know. This tells me there is something very real about this phenomenon.

The Power of Shakti

According to Sridhar, “Once Shakti starts moving in your body, there’s nothing you can’t do or accomplish in life.” This spiritual energy is something Sridhar hopes that everyone has the opportunity to experience at the festival. Nurturing, love, understanding, and compassion are just a few of the words he uses to describe what attendees can expect to experience. With non-stop workshops, yoga practices, meditation, kirtan, and super healthy food—transformation is available and accessible.

A Family-Friendly Festival

What makes it even better is this is a completely green event. It is also a drug, alcohol, and meat-free event. Sridhar who has been a vegetarian for 48 years is committed to keeping the festival true to the traditional values of yoga. Sponsors, vendors, and presenters are carefully chosen with this in mind.
Sridhar is also very candid about the fact that this is not the place to drink, drug, and hook up. He has no qualms in saying if you want that, don’t come to Bhakti Fest. “Yoga is not about escaping from yourself. It’s about connecting with and going deeper into yourself,” he says. He’s also delighted that people have been bringing their families, so all can grow together.

A Festival of Community

These words come from a man with a belief in service. He still stands on his head daily, engages in meditation, spiritual study, and who knows he needs a guru. After Muktananda’s passing, Sridhar found Amma, the hugging saint. He’s been a devotee of hers now for 28 years and considers her “the highest female presence on the planet.” (You can learn more about her on her website Amma.org and in the 1999 film, River of Love.)

Sridhar describes both Shakti and Bhakti Fest as being about “Getting out of your comfort zone. It’s a gathering to celebrate, to go deeper into devotion. Which is a spark that will help us ignite into a deeper spiritual and biological transformation.”

Buy your festival ticket today for Shakti Fest in May and Bhakti Fest in September. Make your plans to travel to Joshua Tree Retreat Center. At the very least you’ll have fun, eat delicious vegetarian food, dance, and sing your heart out all in the company of like-minded people. And beyond that you may catch a spark that changes you forever, leaving you transformed and ready to serve the planet.

Alison Bristow

www.alisonbristow.com

The post Bhakti Fest and Shakti Fest: Devotion, Service, and Transformation appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Right in the thick of some of the darkest moments in today’s world, Krishna Das releases his new and 15th album of mantra music. The album is Trust in the Heart. And I feel the timing is perfect.

Krishna Das and Mantra Music

I immediately listened to the complete work when I received this album. I unequivocally can say this: For his fans, Trust in the Heart is classic Krishna Das. Everything you’ve ever loved about his voice, his use of melody, and his music is here. On top of that, the album features two versions of the beloved chant the Hanuman Chalisa! The rest of the tracks are steeped deep in the heart of devotion.

Recommending Trust in the Heart

The album has the feel of a family reunion that you’d want to attend. The overall tone contains the warmth of being under the blanket fireside on an early winter’s night as the season begins to change.

Inside (and outside of ) the genres of sacred mantra chanting and devotional music, many artists are often compelled to experiment in different directions after decades of albums. Here on Trust in the Heart, Krishna Das doubles down on his strengths. In every track, he unabashedly shares the fruits of his musical inspiration and his commitment to his spiritual practice.

The result is a compelling reward. It is a gem that is likely to be loved and embraced by everyone who has enjoyed his music as their faithful companion on the spiritual path.

Musicians and Chants on Trust in the Heart

Trust in the Heart was recorded at the legendary Avatar studios in New York. It was produced by both KD and recording industry luminary, collaborator, and friend Jay Messina. The album features some of KD’s most long-time musical companions. These include Nina Rao, Arjun Bruggeman, David Nichtern, Genevieve Walker, and John McDowell. In addition, Trust in the Heart features a particularly special return of vocalist (and KD’s own daughter) Janaki Kagel. Janaki appeared with KD in the chant “Mere Gurudev” (one of the jewels of the Door of Faith album). On Trust in the Heart, she sings on the new song “River Of Mahamantra.”

Trust in the Heart marks the first Krishna Das mantra music album to feature an original chant composed to his guru, Neem Karoli Baba (commonly called Maharaji). It is the emotionally stirring track “Namoh.” Over many decades of chanting, Krishna Das has introduced Maharaji to numerous generations of spiritual seekers.

This musical treasure will find a special place in the hearts of those souls. It certainly has in mine.

Shiva Baum

Shiva Baum is a record producer and peak performance coach. With an expertise in sacred mantra chanting, he is the head of music programming for the world renown yoga music festivals Bhakti Fest and Shakti Fest. He lives in Topanga Canyon. Find him on Facebook. 

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“Playing music is my yoga, it’s my bliss. When I play, I get lost in the music, my mind stops, I am in the moment, and I am free. This is a place I never want to leave.” This quote from acclaimed singer Donna De Lory illustrates the energy captured on her new album Live from Kula Space. The 14-song collection (recorded in the intimate private studio Kula Space) gives the listener a sense of being in the room during one of De Lory’s soaring live shows, complete with uplifting soul jams, mantras, and songs bathed in authentic source connection.

The creative arrangements are the cornerstone of this collection, which features many of her beloved recordings: “Hey Ma Durga,” “Be The Change,” “Ganapati Om,” “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu,” “Om Nama Shivaya,” and “My Sweet Lord,” among others. The songs work so well in a live environment which provides a foundation for expansion. For instance, this live version “My Sweet Lord,” (from her recent studio album, The Unchanging), rises to new heights, climaxing with a joyful, kirtanesque, sing-along session of spirit.

The 14-song collection (recorded in the intimate private studio Kula Space) gives the listener a sense of being in the room during one of De Lory’s soaring live shows, complete with uplifting soul jams, mantras, and songs bathed in authentic source connection.

De Lory surrounds herself with high-level players; her talented band weaves the musical fabric of a bhakti groove drizzled with pop sensibilities while simultaneously dipping in and out of a multitude of genres, rhythms, and energies.

Experience this musical spirit feast at Donna De Lory’s album release party at Full Circle Venice on April 7. Live is available digitally in April and as a two CD set in May.

Buy Live from Kula Space here. 

Joe Kara

Joe Kara enjoys a double life working in music and teaching Yoga in Hollywood and the Valley. He plays a little bass, too. @JoeKaraYoga

www.joekarayoga.com

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The powerhouse duo SRI Kirtan, vocalist and harmonium player Sruti Ram and vocalist and acoustic guitar player Ishwari, are leaders in the modern ecstatic chant movement. Previously topping the Billboard World Music Chart, they are back with their new recording Time In Love Is Never Wasted.

The title alone is one of my favorites thus far in the genre; it inspires an invitation to let oneself become lost in these sacred chants. SRI Kirtan reveals a strong influence by two modern giants of the form: Shyamdas and Swami Ma Chetan-Jyoti. This CD is a heartfelt tribute to them as they deliver a passionate and unapologetic love for chanting that is rare in the modern age.

Ishwari and Sruti Ram have been referred to as the “Grace Slick and Marty Balin of kirtan,” and Jefferson Airplane comparisons are warranted on this release. Highlights include a powerful version of the “Hanuman Chalisa,” a gold standard for the duo that brought down the house at Bhakti Fest. The back-to-back sequence of hypnotic and meditative versions of “Mahamantra” and “Hare Krishna Hare Ram” are also stand-out tracks.

The album is worth cherishing for the closing track “Maui Sita Ram.” (Perhaps a tribute to Ram Dass?) This tender lullaby masterpiece features Sruti Ram on lead vocals. I have it on repeat and always well up as I receive the love of this beautiful offering. I encourage you to take a musical journey into the pure devotional heart space that SRI Kirtan creates with their latest collaboration.

Purchase Time in Love is Never Wasted here.

by SRI Kirtan

(Mantralogy)

Reviewed by Shiva Baum, the former head of A&R at Triloka Records, the label that produced numerous albums by Krishna Das, Jai Uttal, and Bhagavan Das. Shiva is a producer, artist manager, podcast host, and head of music programming/main stage MC at Bhakti Fest, the “Coachella of Kirtan.”

Shiva Baum

Shiva Baum is a record producer and peak performance coach. With an expertise in sacred mantra chanting, he is the head of music programming for the world renown yoga music festivals Bhakti Fest and Shakti Fest. He lives in Topanga Canyon. Find him on Facebook. 

The post Time in Love is Never Wasted music review appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

The album’s broad strokes, energized layers, and variety of beats proved to be a fine sonic complement to the rush and fade of Atlantic waters. The artist/yogi (never without his harmonium) is beloved worldwide for his spirited teachings incorporating asana, pranayama and live music. This release has been long anticipated and worth the wait.  

Channeling his beloved bhakti (devotion), Raghunath opens in a spoken word salute “Prayers to My Teachers.” He and his tribe of musicians then launch into “Krishna Jinka Naama Hai,” a rocker infused with traces of the artist’s pilgrimages through India. The track features spirited vocals driven by mrdunga percussion produced with clay Bengali drums. “Kunja Bihari (featuring Janaki Kagel)” and “Hey Ram!” were two standouts perfect for an energized vinyasa playlist. With his self-described “collection of love songs,”Raghunath and his band of bhaktas are clearly having fun in their musical celebration — at times many of the songs even take on the vibe of a cheer.

Raghu refers to the collection as, “A joyous meditation to the Divine from a destitute diva, calling out in love, appreciation, longing and gratitude.” Humbly delivered, Krishna Kirtan serves up new twists on chant and is a welcome addition to the kirtan vault. It’s an ideal soundtrack for an energized practice — or a road trip along some wandering coastline.

Buy Krishna Kirtan: Music as Meditation here.

(Mantralogy)

Staff Writer Lakshmi

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A variety of kirtan chants, often as call-and-response  were traditionally utilized as a method to pay respect to the Divine. In his fifth release, Safe Harbor: Healing Kirtan – Mahaprasad, master musician, poet, peace activist, award-winner, and healer Sudama Mark Kennedy delves soulfully into this ancient Indian spiritual practice. What sets this album apart from other recordings of this genre is that it is all  acoustic except for the bass. Kirtan enthusiasts will feel at home right away; those new to chanting will find this a safe way to dip their toes into the nectar of this practice.

The selection includes multiple chants to Krishna and Ram, including two tender renderings of the “Maha Mantra” with the repeated lyrics “Hare Rama, Hare Krishna.” One version here intersperses English words with Sanskrit lyrics. Sudama repeats this patterning with “Safe Harbor/ Radhe Radhe Radhe Shyam.” He also provides his own mellow, luxuriously paced take on Krishna Das’ “Mountain Hare Krishna.”

Kennedy and his band perform a melodious tribute of a traditional eight-stanza chant to the goddess of prosperity, “Mahalakshmi Ashtakam.” In the title track, Kennedy sings, “That’s why music is safe harbor for my soul.” An upbeat instrumental version of the timeless classic “Amazing Grace” tops off Safe Harbor.

True to its title, Safe Harbor certainly provides a deeply relaxing respite for our body, mind, and soul.

Safe Harbor

by Sudama Mark Kennedy

sudama.com

Buy Safe Harbor: Healing Kirtan here.

Reviewed by Madhavi Rathod an Indian-born Vedic Astrologer & Ayurvedic practitioner residing in the Bay Area: vedichealing.com

Madhavi Rathod

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I remember the first time I stepped into Whitney Allen’s class in Los Angeles 14 years ago. I was a relatively new yoga teacher from NY, an actor and a journalist; little did I know that Whitney was also a new teacher, as well as an actor and a singer. She had the air of a master with years of teaching under her mat. Perhaps it’s the fact that she had a performance background with the ability to command a packed room, or the warmth of her welcoming smile. Maybe it was the ease in which she communicated the flow of postures with a killer soundtrack that effortlessly matched the flow of her words and pacing of her class.

Today, I scroll through myriad Instagram photos of beautiful, bikini-wearing women doing postures I still can’t do after 20 years of practice, and I almost always settle on the photos of yogis I identify with, like Whitney – smiling broadly, doubled over in laughter, hair whipping around her face or streaks of sun enveloping her as she smooches her pup, Bowie, or hugs a friend. Her photos, like her teaching, are always in flow. They’re real, accessible, authentic, and… musical.

It makes sense that Whitney would take on the new title of Music Supervisor at Wanderlust Hollywood, the yoga studio inspired by the festival of the same name and steeped in a mission that fosters creativity, community, connection, and most of all, music. Music taking center stage is a way to deepen the yoga experience, which is what Whitney Allen is committed to in the yoga room.  

“It makes a difference when the music is supporting what’s happening on the mat.  Besides safe alignment and postures, it’s part of the spirit of what’s coming through you while practicing,” Whitney says.

She says, “One of the most exciting things I can do as a teacher is put together a playlist followed by postures. When I hear it all come together, I think, ‘Ooooh they are going to be moving to this song and they are transitioning to this pose when that song comes on.’ It’s inspiring to take staple yoga poses and make them a new discovery for a seasoned practitioner or exciting for a new student who thinks yoga is only about touching their toes.  Even the pauses between songs are conscious – creating a feeling when we balance or hold. That is yoga.”

Yoga wasn’t something that Allen necessarily chose but rather, it chose her.

She was born and raised in Chicago, the older of two kids who caught the acting and singing bug at the age of seven.

“I was never the girl who could do cartwheels. I was a voluptuous early bloomer at 10 and it was hard for me to accept. I never felt comfortable in my body but I could embody a character.”

Whitney majored in musical theatre at the University of Michigan before moving to NYC to pursue big Broadway dreams.  She achieved them swiftly in Manhattan, performing eight shows a week and joining the cast of major productions like Jekyll and Hyde on Broadway and The Full Monty—in which she was an original cast member on the first national tour.

Her eventual draw to yoga was much like how many people came to yoga.  “I got into some abusive behaviors of not eating and taking diet pills. The acting world is fierce and life always felt like an audition of who looks the best, who IS the best.  I’d audition during the day or go to the gym before a show and one day I just happened to take a yoga class and liked it.”

“Yoga got me out of my head and into my body.  It’s the only body we have; when you are on the mat, you can’t escape it.”

Allen started practicing daily as both a means of stress relief and as a workout. When on tour, she would practice in her hotel room or sign up for a yoga studio package. “I would practice with these amazing teachers who were experts in their home towns and take it with me where ever I went.”

In 1998 she found Bhava Yoga in NYC, one of her teacher Schuyler Grant’s first studios in the city. That’s where she truly fell in love with yoga.

“I never felt graceful, not in yoga or life.  But when I took Schuyler’s class, I thought – now THIS is what I love about yoga. The way she used music and flow together felt so innovative. She woke up my brain and that was it; I was hooked.”

After a tour that brought her to LA and a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat, she knew teaching yoga was the next step in her life. She signed up for the teacher training at Center for Yoga in Larchmont in 2002 and continued to teach there when YogaWorks took over the Center in 2004.

“I felt open to any possibility. I couldn’t believe there was something in my life I could love other than theatre.  It was a scary decision to move in that direction and it took me about seven years to step fully into teaching and let go of any other pursuits.”

And the moment came. In 2009 she had a single performance as an understudy of the role Gertrude in God Save Gertrude in Pasadena where she performed in front of all of her friends, singing punk rock and playing a bass guitar as her character lost her mind.  “That final bow and performance was one of my favorite moments, and I made the decision.”  

That decision allowed Allen to shift into a place where she couldn’t hide behind insecurities or another persona. Her experience gave her something to say and she wasn’t afraid to share it. “It gave me so much peace. Teaching is my best practice. As a teacher you have to be your highest self every time. It’s in your own self-acceptance that you can be compassionate with everyone in the room. I feel good when I practice but healed when I teach.”

“Yoga has given me access to my emotions and a purity of music I never felt with performing. Instead of being technical and result-oriented with hitting a high note, music became more about freedom and letting go.”

Whether singing in class or kirtan, or playing the harmonium that her yogi brother gave her, music became a form of creative expression and feeling. Her current musical resources are KCRW, Spotify, and a variety of blogs. Her musical influences include David Bowie, Van Morrison,  Peter Gabriel, Bon Iver, Stephen Sondheim, Patti Smith, R.E.M., and Queen.

Soundscaping yoga practice

In September 2015, she joined Schuyler Grant at Grant’s latest studio, Wanderlust Hollywood, to oversee the quality of music in classes at the studio, and to mentor the teachers and teacher trainees that want to develop the skill of using music to enhance their sequencing. She teaches a module in the teacher training program focused on how to use music effectively in class. “There is a hole in teacher training when it comes to using music.  It’s the soundscape to an unfolding practice.”  

Allen also collaborates with her boyfriend, Josh Andrews, who produces remixes and mashups, to put together the set playlists for The Fixx classes at Wanderlust. “It’s a 45 minute full body, mind, and spirit class. We breathe together and build energy together. The playlists are set to BPM (beats per minute). It’s challenging and meditative. The teacher creates the sequence based on the soundtrack we provide.”

The discipline of putting together a creative and innovative program with such a thoughtful process behind the intention of what is being created definitely can be drawn from her years on the road and on the stage.  

“In a class I am trying to set a tone, a meditative mood with temperature and lighting, so in a way the yoga room becomes like a set for the experience of the practice. Primarily, music is used to support the energies of my sequences, and I like playing with music to create an emotional tone. Sometimes in the flow the tracks I choose will be more reflective, or I’ll specifically choose a song with certain lyrics to bring the mood up. In a sense it does remind me of theatre, in that the students are soaking up the music the way audiences do during the performance of a song– a poignant connection to what they’re hearing. There’s a similar emotional resonance that I’m trying to bring in with the music I choose to play, so that the physical experience of practicing yoga taps directly into the feelings in the heart when the right track drops in. The walls come down.”

Perhaps that’s why someone with such a strong performance background was led to yoga and why someone like me, also a performer and creator, was led to Whitney’s teachings.

Like a bright theater filled with an excited audience, the studio fills with harried students settling into their spaces and letting go of the day. We all sit united in anticipation and wonder, open hearts and minds ready for the lights to dim and our souls and bodies to be moved.

For more information on Whitney Allen visit: whitneyallenyoga.com.

Laurie Searle is in international yoga teacher leading workshops and trainings with Yoga and Fitness to Go and the Sphota Yoga school.  She’s the creator of Lady Yoga, Superhero and F.E.D. Fight Eating Disorders, a 501(c)(3) in Los Angeles: YogaAndFitnessToGo.com.

Jeff Skeirik: rawtographer.com

Hair and Makeup by Dawn Sorenson: dawnsorenson.com

Clothing by Akrovita: akrovita.com

Turquoise mala by Silver and Sage Jewelry: silverandsagejewelry.com

Crystal necklace by Vega: vegajewelry.com

Rock mala by Mary Katherine openheartwarrior.com

Rubber B MAT yoga mat by B YOGA: byoganow.com

Photo shoot location Wanderlust Hollywood: wanderlusthollywood.com

Laurie Searle

Laurie Searle is an international yoga teacher leading workshops and trainings with Yoga and Fitness to Go and the Sphota Yoga school. She’s the creator of Lady Yoga, Superhero and F.E.D. Fight Eating Disorders, a 501(c)(3) in Los Angeles: YogaAndFitnessToGo.com.

Meet Lady Yoga and her Super Hero Wellness Team. Follow them on exciting adventures as they promote healthy living and well being. Learn fun easy ways to relax, stay fit and enjoy life. Watch out for their arch enemy Cookie Couch Man. The big meenie who tries to turn everyone into couch potatoes with his powers of persuasion.

www.YogaAndFitnessToGo.com

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Walking through the door of New Moon Wellness is like entering a cozy living room. The warm wood floors and inviting sofas set a tone suitable for owner Andrea Gootnick’s vision to create a holistic community center. Andrea is an activist, life coach, and 26 year resident of the Conejo Valley who was largely influenced by her parents, especially her father. Andrea says, “My intention is to provide a space that opens hearts, minds, and souls to wellness and self-development.  My father was an educator and carved his own path through experiential learning. That is where my core is; there is a tremendous amount to learn about yourself while you are hiking or having a discussion.”

Many have already experienced the magic at New Moon through one of the events that include monthly kirtan, poetry, acoustic night, essential oil workshops, health and wellness speakers, and even intentional hiking journeys. While visiting New Moon, take advantage of the other offerings: a spirit store with an assortment of candles and wellness products by local vendors, tea and organic kombucha on tap, and even a gallery featuring rotating artists.

There is something unique about this small space nestled in an Agoura Hills strip mall. Most likely, this vibe is the manifestation of Andrea’s radiating spirit, as it is evident that she has poured her heart into her first store. Just as a New Moon is an opportunity for a fresh start, New Moon Wellness provides access to health and wellness. New Moon Wellness also hosts guest speakers such as local authors and healers, meditation evenings, vision board workshops, and women’s circles.   

New Moon Wellness

30315 Canwood Street, Suite 9

Agoura Hills, CA 91301

818-851-0543; new-moonwellness.com

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post New Moon Wellness Agoura Hills appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Love Everyone book review 

Love Everyone is a a series of engrossing first-hand recollections by followers of the Indian saint and spiritual teacher Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharajji. Although I didn’t meet him in person, my life has been enriched by being a follower of his teachings for the last ten years of my life.

In the late 1960s, an assorted collection of Western seekers travelled to India and wound up at the feet of Neem Karoli Baba. The group included Ram Dass (formerly Dr. Richard Alpert), Dr. Larry Brilliant, psychologist Daniel Goleman, and kirtan rock stars Jai Uttal and Krishna Das. They all report to be all instantly transfixed and ultimately transformed by this saint who “exuded pure unconditional love.”

The author, Parvati Markus, was also one of those in India some 45 years ago. She has lovingly woven together this anthology with a skillfully conversational flow and with just the right amount of clarification to keep the reader from getting lost in the complex Hindu traditions that were a part of the experience. The book serves as a proper and devotional homage for those dedicated to this teacher and his teachings; it is also a juicy and completely absorbing reading experience for anyone curious about the path of Bhakti Yoga.

For more information about Neem Karoli Baba, visit the Love Serve Remember Foundation, dedicated to the teachings of Maharajji and Ram Dass: ramdass.org.

Julie Hale

Julie Devi Hale, MFT, eRYT is a psychotherapist, yoga and meditation teacher who attends to private clients in Los Angeles as well as runs retreats regularly in her home away-from-home; the Sequoia National Forest: juliehale.net

The post Love Everyone book review appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Like a River to the Sea uses traditional kirtan instruments to produce chakra-expanding sounds.

Singer, violinist, and composer Jahnavi Harrison has an interesting backstory; she grew up in the Hare Krishna community Bhaktivedanta Manor, a beautiful country estate in the UK donated by George Harrison and the largest Hare Krishna community in Europe. At 19, she was part of a group of 50 Hare Krishna youth touring America; this experience inspired her to found Kirtan London, which provides mantra performance and education worldwide.

 Like a River to the Sea features songs from the Bhakti yoga tradition, set to new melodies and musical arrangements. Its diverse instrumentation includes traditional kirtan instruments (like the harmonium) as well as piano, West African kora, and cello. I was moved and stunned by the beauty of the instruments and arrangements here. The cello is one of my favorite elements throughout this album, providing a delightful counterpoint voice to Jahnavi.

“Hymn for Govinda” is possibly the most gorgeous, heart chakra-expanding version of this mantra I’ve ever heard. “Madhava’s Lullaby” is another standout that maintains a lovely balance between creative musical momentum and grounded, thoughtful mantra. Being raised in a loving, expressive childhood helped lend a pure, angelic quality to Jahnavi’s voice. I love that it is pitched a little bit more on the alto side, and she reminds me of indie artist Butterfly Boucher. There is an impressive maturity to her musical composition.

Like a River to the Sea is a deeply satisfying masterpiece for any lover of great music, not just within the devotional music scene.

Like a River to the Sea

Jahnavi Harrison

Mantralogy

By McKenna Rowe, a DJ, yoga teacher, and founder of Chakra 5 Yoga & Wellness: chakra5.la.

McKenna Rowe

McKenna caught the “yoga bug” as a little girl, watching Lilias Folan on PBS. She leads an active life hiking, running, sometimes snowboarding, and once was a nationally-ranked equestrian. After years of working in the digital industry for clients in entertainment, publishing and fashion, she took a sabbatical to acquire her yoga teacher certification. A desire to help people heal soon followed. Also a successful musician and composer, McKenna shares cutting-edge music during yoga classes, recruiting musicians and DJs to perform with her. She owned and operated East Hollywood’s Chakra 5 Yoga studio throughout 2011, creating a vibrant community on and offline, but decided to shift to a mobile model. Now Chakra 5 brings yoga classes on site and by appointment to businesses, schools and organizations throughout greater Los Angeles. McKenna was certified in Hatha/Kundalini at Karuna Yoga, and has additional teacher training in Restorative Yoga with Master Teacher Judith Lasater. She teaches yoga at Chakra 5 classes and international retreats.

www.chakra5.la

The post Like a River to the Sea Music Review appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

(Kirtan Shakti)

The delightful Bhakti Without Borders, produced by Madi Das and Dave Stringer, features 12 singers from five countries. It is complete with musical mastery; it is one of those albums that satisfies your devotional and listening pleasure from beginning to end.

If you’re a sincere kirtan enthusiast, this album will surely rank in your top favorites. The melodies and arrangements of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition are very present and so enchanting, as they embody the sweet longing of the heart touched with loving devotion. The singers offering their voices and devotion include: Acyuta Gopi, Ananda-Amrita, Carmella Gitanjali Baynie, Chaytanya, Gaura Mani, Gaurangi, Jahnavi Harrison, Mallika Des Fours, Nalina Kaufman, Sudevi Dasi, and Tulsi Devi. These vocalists (collaborating with producers Madi Ji and Dave Stringer), have crafted a bhakti-drenched recording which serves to direct the consciousness toward the true meaning of prayer—to create a container to magnetize the Grace of God.

The intention of magnetizing such grace will benefit the Kirtan Shakti Project, a creative collaboration aimed at empowering and educating underprivileged girls in India. Listen to all ten of the tracks on the album with the knowledge that you’ve aided a noble cause will make the experience even more meaningful. Here, Bhakti Without Borders stays true to the ancient tradition of kirtan, with the inclusion of real karma yoga (selfless service). For more information, visit kirtanshakti.org.

By J.Yochanan Russell, a musician, Ayurvedic practitioner, and teacher who is also the editor-in-chief of Pranava Magazine: The Art & Culture of Kirtan in the West: pranavamagazine.com.

John Russell

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Photo by DJ Pierce

Kirtan Wallah, Krishna Das’ latest album, signifies a new chapter in the chant artist’s life.

For thousands, the month of September signifies time to head to the desert for the annual pilgrimage to Joshua Tree Retreat Center to chant, practice, and play. The fact that Bhakti Fest is celebrating its sixth year (and sixteenth festival) means that people have long lists of peak moments they’ve experienced on the grounds. However, after speaking to hundreds of people who’ve shared a few rounds of “Sri Ram Jai Ram” one particular moment is often-repeated as a particularly memorable occasion.

It was a standard Saturday night in 2011. Chant artist Krishna Das “KD” was headlining. and about to take the stage in front of a few thousand people ready to dance and sing. Then…winds picked up, lightning struck lit by the Full Moon, and the sky opened up in a veritable desert deluge. People scattered for any available cover.

Soon the retreat center’s sanctuary filled up around the relocated KD and his band. Seekers sweatily snuggled and smushed together, transforming the space into a sacred temple. The energy was already ecstatic as Krishna Das sang the jubilant Township Krishna,“Haaaaare, Haaaare, Haaaare…..”

The audience echoed even louder “HAAAAAARE, HAAAARE, HAAAAARE….” wailing in worship, devotion, and joy.  

KD is famous for decades of moments like these. Since first sitting in for Sharon Gannon and David Life at their Monday Night Satsang in New York City, 1994, KD has invited Americans to the sacred practice of kirtan—call-and-response singing repeating the names of God. He has made accessible a range of devotional practices, as is best documented in the 2013 film  about his life, One Track Heart.

Krishna Das’ latest album Kirtan Wallah was almost instantly funded entirely by his fans, garnering four times the requested amount via his Kickstarter campaign, then topping the iTunes and Billboard World Music Charts. KD and crew then packed up and took the title seriously. Translated from Sanskrit, a Kirtan Wallah is a person who performs the action of kirtan; singing the names of God. That year Krishna Das and his trusty tabla player Arjun Bruggeman performed publicly more than 100 times. They traveled more than 200 days. A social media campaign sprang up around the movement and soon the hashtag “#kirtanwallah” became synonymous with the singer himself.

Since setting out for India in 1971  a packed suitcase has been KD’s constant companion. Since that auspicious satsang in 1994, he’s been joined on his travels by a harmonium case, a tabla case and at least two sound gear cases.  KD has gone around the world, repeating the names of God.  An adventure that lead to Argentina, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and the Ukraine amongst many other international, stops. A highlight was a KD’s return to the Neem Karoli Baba Temple in India, where he first learned this sacred practice.

Earlier this year the 68-year-old decided it was time to take a rest,

“In Western culture it’s so crazy the way we live and the fact that we don’t even notice, that is proof of how important it is to slow down, breathe, take a break, but everybody is afraid. If you let go someone will run over me, I’ll lose my edge, I’ll lose this, I’ll lose that and unfortunately, that’s how we live. We hang on to that piece for dear life. It’s as if happiness is in limited quantities, and there’s not enough to go around. Happiness is inside of us, and if we don’t look we’ll never find us. That’s why I’m stepping out of it for awhile. Just enough to let the body and the mind quiet. My body object of concentration these days is my suitcase, and it’s been that way for 20 years.”

To support this short sabbatical, the “township” created a charitable organization with the obvious name of the “Kirtan Wallah Foundation” It’s intention is simple; to support Krishna Das’s three to six months time out from touring, effective early 2016. This will allow Krishna Das to retreat, so he can continue to share these practices, and these teachings of his guru, Neem Karoli Baba with the world.

“I will recharge, and get back out there to do the best I can….Love everyone, keep singing with people for a long time. It’s the joy of my life to do that.”

A registered 501c3, The Kirtan Wallah Foundation, is gratefully accepting donations from the township.

To learn more visit http://www.krishnadas.com/kirtan-wallah-foundation.cfm

Amy V Dewhurst

To Check Out Amy’s Work Go To; Sense + Color, You Can Reach Her At IG:  Amy_V_Dewhurst  + AmyVDewhurst@SenseAndColor.co #PutYourGoodWhereItWillDoTheMost

www.senseandcolor.co

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Telluride Yoga Festival

tellurideyogafestival.com

July 9-12. Telluride, Colorado

This magical gathering features more than 40 teachers with yoga, meditation, music, hiking, dining, social events in eclectic and historic venues with stunning views of the majestic mountains surrounding the Telluride area. Tias Little, Monica, Mesa, Peter Sterios, Micheline Berry, Gina Caputo, AiReal Yoga founder Carmen Curtis, Surya Little, and Jason and Chelsey Magness of The YogaSlackers are a few of the presenters for the weekend.

Moksha Festival

MokshaFestival.com

July 11-12. Los Angeles

Connect your heart’s energy to the present moment with an urban festival celebrating the best of the traditional practices of yoga, Ayurveda, mantra, music, and holistic healing. Converge on the Downtown LA Convention Center for a magic weekend celebrating wellness, spiritual expansion and conscious living, with 40 workshops and performances. Enjoy sacred music, kirtan, yoga, Ayurveda, energy medicine, breath work, health and nutrition, spiritual film, and spirit dance with Sara Ivanhoe, Joan Hyman, Jeanne Heileman, Mark Whitwell, Dr. Lorin Roche, and Felicia Tomasko. Artists include Dave Stringer, Shimshai, Karnamrita Dasi, Masood Ali Khan, Art of Living Kirtan, and Sean Johnson and The Wild Lotus Band.

Wanderlust Squaw Valley

Wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley

July 16-19. North Lake Tahoe

In Squaw Valley at Lake Tahoe, Wanderlust offers a mind, body, and soul immersion for seasoned yogis, meditators, and new wanderers. Celebrate mindful living with yoga and meditation instructors, musicians, speakers, artists, and renowned chefs. Explore a new yoga class style, standup paddleboard, or aerial yoga. Be inspired by a diverse musical lineup that will have you jumping and then acoustic settings that will guide you straight into savasana/final relaxation. Learn at The Speakeasy, the festival’s lecture series on leading a mindful life. Be nourished by creative vendors in the Food Co-op or the Farm to Table Dinner.

Santa Fe Yoga Festival

Santafeyogafestival.org

?August 6-9. Santa Fe, NM

A total of 108 transformational yoga classes will be taught by over 35 world-class teachers such as Mark Whitwell, Robert Sturman, Celetia Loeffler, Josh Schrei, Monica Mesa and Linda Spackman. Enjoy daily meditations, adventurous hikes, and unbelievable musical acts including Michael Franti and Spearhead live at Fort Marcy Park. Dance to daily DJ-hosted pool parties, live music and kirtan by DJ Mental Physix, DJ Teddy No Name, The Chris Chickering Band, Boom Roots Collective, Lower Chakra, Native Spirits, Drumming Sounds, and Sitaram Dass. A percentage of all proceeds from the festival will benefit Anahata International, Santa Fe Animal Shelter, and Humane Society.

Bhakti Fest West

Bhaktifest.com

September 9-14. Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree Retreat Center’s expansive desert hosts the heart-opening experience of Bhakti Fest West. Bhakti Fest embraces ancient and modern sacred wisdom and spiritual practices. Attend yoga classes led by world-class teachers such as Shiva Rea, Sianna Sherman, Kia Miller, Joan Hyman, Tim Miller, and Mark Whitwell. Experience inspiring workshops with teachers including Dawn Cartwright, Jeffrey Armstrong, and Lorin Roche. Sing and dance to the sacred music of kirtan with artists including Jai Uttal, Krishna Das, Girish, and Sri Kirtan with late night beats by DJ Drez & Marti Nikko, and MC Yogi.

Tiffany Palazzini

Tiffany Palazzini is on the Surfrider Executive Committee team as an earth lover & tree hugger recycling one butt at a time.

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Music Review: Kirtan: Yoga for the Heart by Ryan Brewer

Artist, musician, and teacher Ryan Brewer’s debut album transcends genres and generates a universal love that is felt from the moment you hit play.  His devotional voice is a perfect match for the catchy melodies that allow listeners to learn after only the first or second repletion of the mantras.

After years as a personal trainer, Ryan developed his personal yoga practice and began incorporating yoga into his clients’ programs.  Eventually, he began teaching yoga, and faced his fear of singing in public.  His love of the path of bhakti —kirtan and chanting — shines through on every track here.

“Gopala” is a stand out track.  Beginning from the potent energy of the first notes of the flute, the music builds into a powerful crescendo.  A soul-driven version of “Funky Ram” is the best kind of soul food and a variety of tender moments and raw emotions are evoked in a particularly soft version of “Jai Ma,” featuring Erinn Selkiss.  Beloved teacher and kirtan artist Govind Das lends his talents on the sweet “Rama Bolo” as well as a beautiful rendition of the universal mantra “Hallelujah.”  A true soul rising occurs from the effect of the vocal layers combined with harmonium, strings and rare percussion beats.

Ryan Brewer can be heard singing live every Tuesday at 6:30pm at Bhakti Yoga Shala in Santa Monica.

Ashley Wynn

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Seen and Heard: Sedona Yoga Festival 2015

Sedona’s reputation as a spiritual power spot makes it the ideal place for a yoga festival, so it is no wonder that festival founder Marc Titus and producer Heather Sheree Titus created a yoga gathering in the region. The 2015 lineup of talented teachers and musicians, coupled with the breathtaking backdrop of the Arizona red rocks, made the February’s third annual Sedona Yoga Festival (SYF) a magical, memorable experience. In case you missed it, here were my top 5 highlights:

1. Vortexes

Sedona is filled with vortexes, or swirling centers of subtle energy. Many believe that visiting these vortex sites can be spiritually enhancing. Whether you go to meditate or simply to catch a beautiful view, each of the four main vortexes are a relatively easy hike.

2. Local Shops

The shops throughout Sedona offer a variety of New Age treasures such as crystals, jewelry, and original artwork. You also don’t have to look far for psychic readings, tarot readings, or energy healing.

3. Music

Whether it’s live music or DJs during a yoga class, or the nightly kirtan offerings (Scott and Shanti Medina, Steve Ross, and Saul David Raye), SYF buzzes with devotional music to complement your practice. You might also find yourself dancing to drumbeats in ecstatic dance, or meditating with gongs and singing bowls in a sound healing session.

4. Variety of Classes

The classes include a wide range of styles: Vinyasa, Yin, Kundalini, Yoga Nidra, Thai Yoga massage, Urban Zen, Yin-Yang, varieties of flow, and more. The additional workshops and talks provide education on everything from stress-relief and trauma-sensitive yoga, to Astrology and Ayurveda. Teachers came from near and far to share their specialties, beginning at 6 or 7 am and lasting well into the evening.

5. Red Rocks

It seems that no matter which direction you turn, Sedona will greet you with stunning views of its characteristic red rocks; it is an excellent setting for hiking, meditating, or even taking yoga selfies. Soaking in this natural beauty is one of the truly unique advantages of attending SYF.

The 2016 Sedona Yoga Festival is scheduled for March 10-13, 2016. For more information and to make your vortex plans now, visit: sedonayogafestival.com.

Alisha Kali Shakti is a yoga teacher, world traveler, bookworm, and handstand enthusiast.

Staff Writer Lakshmi

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Universal Light Remixes (From The Unchanging), Donna De Lory CD Review

De Lory Music

Donna De Lory is a strong presence in both the pop and world music scenes; her initial career boost came as a hard-working back-up singer for Madonna before taking off as a pop star in her own right. After some successful pop releases in the early 90s, she shifted her focus toward world and sacred music.

Her latest release, Universal Light Remixes, completely reimagines the songs from her album The Unchanging, and the attitude and risk-taking in the innovative musical arrangements and production really won me over, especially since I found The Unchanging needed a bit more yang to support Donna’s delicate voice.

Here, “Om Namah Shivaya” features a rousing, African-influence groove, with Donna’s vocals taking on more attitude. I’m a huge fan of David StarFire, and I enjoyed his cubby, dark remix of “Jai Mata Kali,” another track where Donna’s vocals assume some serious attitude. It works and is a reminder that mantra can be rousing and magnificent. “Amma” has an addictive momentum in the beat – you won’t want it to end. The spacey tech-house feel of “Praying for Love” is one of my favorite tracks. And, you’ve never heard a take on “Amazing Grace” as unique as Donna’s, which says a lot.

This album is another beautiful example of the successful bridge between world devotional music and electronica.

Universal Light Remixes (From the Unchanging) [Bonus Track Edition]

Reviewed by McKenna Rowe, a DJ, yoga teacher, and founder of Chakra 5 Yoga which provides mobile yoga classes on location and by appointment to students throughout Los Angeles.

McKenna Rowe

McKenna caught the “yoga bug” as a little girl, watching Lilias Folan on PBS. She leads an active life hiking, running, sometimes snowboarding, and once was a nationally-ranked equestrian. After years of working in the digital industry for clients in entertainment, publishing and fashion, she took a sabbatical to acquire her yoga teacher certification. A desire to help people heal soon followed. Also a successful musician and composer, McKenna shares cutting-edge music during yoga classes, recruiting musicians and DJs to perform with her. She owned and operated East Hollywood’s Chakra 5 Yoga studio throughout 2011, creating a vibrant community on and offline, but decided to shift to a mobile model. Now Chakra 5 brings yoga classes on site and by appointment to businesses, schools and organizations throughout greater Los Angeles. McKenna was certified in Hatha/Kundalini at Karuna Yoga, and has additional teacher training in Restorative Yoga with Master Teacher Judith Lasater. She teaches yoga at Chakra 5 classes and international retreats.

www.chakra5.la

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By Daphne Tse

Daphne Tse Music

Daphne Tse is a firmly established singer/songwriter in the international kirtan and festival scene. Her new album, Finding Water, is likely the first-ever fusion of kirtan, Hawaiian rhythms and contemporary original music and it is a winning blend! Daphne has drawn together traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar, ukulele, and lap steel sounds with Indian bansuri flute and tabla, as well as banjo, Celtic harp, harmonica, trombone, and more.

The album evokes the aloha spirit from the opening Hawaiian blessing, “E Pule Kakou,” through the final chant, “Love is a circle and we’re inside – giving my best, the aloha tribe.” In between, Daphne’s angelic yet powerful voice lures us into a journey of love, devotion, and inspiration, connecting us directly to our hearts and souls. In “Ya Devi,” an uptempo groove featuring Grammy-award-winner Kenny Emerson’s lap steel guitar, Daphne reminds us of the power of a good woman in one’s life. “Saraswati Mahalo” is a heart-opening thank you to all mothers everywhere. A duet of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” sung in both English and Hawaiian with legendary Hawaiian slack key guitarist/singer Patrick Cockett, is hauntingly beautiful. Daphne Tse pulls from the deep well of her talents and clearly Finding Water. For more information visit: DaphneTse.com.

Reviewed by Dan Blanchard, certified yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner, santoor player, and Indian Classical musician.  PeacefulVibes.com

Dan Blanchard

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The call-and-response spiritual art form of Kirtan aids the individual in attuning themselves with the Infinite. The goal of Kirtan is to bring peace to the mind by attaining the stage of sahaj (bliss).

Sometimes the songs can do more than uplift the individual; they can uplift community. Kirtan Aid: Orphan’s of Rishikesh is a nonprofit music project to develop an empowerment home for abused and abandoned children in Rishikesh. Prabhavati Dwaba is the founder of Ramana Garden Children’s Home—named for Sri Ramana Maharshi, a holy Saint of India. Ramana Maharshi sent Prabhavati Dwaba to meditate in a cave on the bank of the Ganges where local children would come and visit—many were alone, after having suffered unbearable life experiences, or were on the verge of being sold to brothels. Prabhavati guided the children and eventually was motivated to begin the school. Many of the Kirtan musicians featured on this album have actually traveled to Ramana’s Garden to chant with the children.

The Sat Nam Fest Foundation was formed in collaboration with Spirit Voyage Records and Sat Nam Fest and the Kirtan Aid album is one of their first projects. The artists contributing here hail from a variety of spiritual traditions and record labels, offering the gift of song in support of service. In addition to Deva Premal, the album features Krishna Das, Snatam Kaur, Jai-Jagdeesh, Tina Malia and Shimshai, Jai Uttal and Ben Leinbach, Harnam, Wynne Paris, Simrit Kaur, Dave Stringer and Karnamrita Dasi, Ram Dass and Nirinjan Kaur, and Sudha and Maneesh de Moor. All proceeds from the album go towards expanding the home for the children. Learn more at: spiritvoyage.com.

Krishna Khalsa leads Sadhana at Yoga West on Friday mornings and is an international healer, teacher, and intuitive. 

Krishna Khalsa

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Early on, Wynn studied and taught at Bhakti Yoga Shala and opened her home to friends for ongoing “Share-tan” or informal call-and-response kirtan sing-alongs. She returns to SoCal to continue to be a joyous participant at Bhakti and Shakti Fests. In this, her debut album, she collaborates with a number of her LA-based teachers, mentors, and fellow practitioners whose voices and sounds weave together with a sense of smooth devotion.

The tracks on the album alternate between traditional Sanskrit mantras, such as “Aum Namo Bhagavate” and “Namah Shivaya,” and the English-language “Love is the Answer.” The commonality they all share is Wynn’s slightly breathy, yet deeply loving, voice that reveals her dedication to the practice in its subtlety, melody, and unabashed charm.

In “Loka,” an arrangement of the traditional Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu mantra, Wynn and friends break into a chorus of “I’m so grateful for my friends,” a sentiment echoed by many of us who share our practice with others. Wynn’s release, Love is the Answer, expresses this beautifully and abundantly.

Felicia M. Tomasko

Felicia Tomasko has spent more of her life practicing Yoga and Ayurveda than not. She first became introduced to the teachings through the writings of the Transcendentalists, through meditation, and using asana to cross-train for her practice of cross-country running. Between beginning her commitment to Yoga and Ayurveda and today, she earned degrees in environmental biology and anthropology and nursing, and certifications in the practice and teaching of yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda while working in fields including cognitive neuroscience and plant biochemistry. Her commitment to writing is at least as long as her commitment to yoga. Working on everything related to the written word from newspapers to magazines to websites to books, Felicia has been writing and editing professionally since college. In order to feel like a teenager again, Felicia has pulled out her running shoes for regular interval sessions throughout Southern California. Since the very first issue of LA YOGA, Felicia has been part of the team and the growth and development of the Bliss Network.

www.blissnetwork.com

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Krishna Das tells us he sings kirtan to save his ass, and that if he happens to save anyone else’s in the process, it’s just a happy by-product of his own practice. Dear KD, it’s okay if it works for you to frame what you do that way, but I am pretty sure at this point that you are in the ass-saving business.

Kirtan Wallah is the 14th release from the Grammy-nominated “Rockstar of Yoga,” and it delivers an epic dose of posterior-redemption, this time with a slightly different sound—mantra spoken in a country/folk/rock vernacular. Kirtan Wallah is an artful mash-up of traditional Indian melodies and instrumentation, with the familiar swing of Americana we might find if Leonard Cohen were to play the Grand Ole Opry.

“Radhe Govinda”, a traditional track gives way to “Sri Argala Stotram,” on which KD’s daughter, Janaki, adds her sweet vocals before the song swells into Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is.” “Waltzing My Krishna” puts me at the saloon while I wassail my mug of chai. “Saraswati” is a gentle, heartfelt track with guitar work reminiscent of Keith Richards’ “Wild Horses”. “4AM Hanuman Chalisa” is a playful version of the 40-verse musical poem. The album closes with the campfire sing-a-long, “I Phoned Govinda,” leaving our newly saved asses sitting in the saddle as we ride the range to find our sangha.

Bottom line: Don’t miss this album. It might be his best yet.

Zoë Kors is the managing editor of LA Yoga, a certified life coach and a true bhakta.

Staff Writer Lakshmi

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Touched by the Sun, is the second solo album by musician Todd Boston. It is a beautiful offering to the yoga, spiritual, and world music community. Todd is a regular fixture at yoga and music festivals and regularly accompanies renowned spiritual music artist Snatam Kaur all over the world.  Produced by Grammy winner Will Ackerman, Touched features an ensemble of world-class musicians.

With this release, Todd creates a soundscape that ebbs and flows like nature – mountain peaks, flowing rivers, rising and falling ocean waves, and still forests.  The opening strains of the first song “Alapana,” played by Todd on the dotar, inspires me to take a long deep breath.  As it transitions into the soothing sounds of Todd’s acoustic guitar on “Twilight,” I realize that this is no ordinary album – I will be taking a cathartic journey into the core of my being.  Touched inspires me to stop and reflect on life and what’s really important.

Midway through the album, “Surya” is an ethereal composition featuring Snatam Kaur on freeform vocals.  It is followed by “Full Moon,” perhaps my favorite song here, which waxes and wanes like the moon herself.  The album completes with the uplifting and soulful title track, leaving me with a sense of fullness and hope.  I highly recommend this for yoga practice, meditation, relaxation, and the simple enjoyment of music. Learn more (including Todd’s touring schedule) at: ToddBoston.com.

Dan Blanchard

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As one of the only festivals that is completely alcohol and drug free, Bhakti Fest West is a powerful means to end the summer with your family, especially with the newest addition to the Bhakti Fest Programming: Bhakti Kid Land–where children’s activities include face painting, mandala making, kids yoga, and more. Did we mention children 12 and under come free?

Here’s our day-by-day list of festival highlights guaranteed to rejuvenate the youthful spirit in you:

Thursday: Shamanic Ritual for Opening Sacred Space with David Watts; David will lead a Native American Ritual for creating Sacred Space. Main stage at 9:30am.

Friday: The Journey Home satsang and workshop with Radhanath Swami–part of a three-part series; Radhanath Swami’s autobiography  The Journey Home is a tale of a mystic’s journey through Europe, India, and the innermost depths of his heart. Sanctuary at 5:00pm.

Saturday: ‘The Beatles’ Yoga: Let It Be’ Workshop with Phil Goldberg with music by Joey Lugassy; join Phil and Joey for a magical mystery tour of the Beatles’ mind-blowing, world-changing trip from the set of ‘Help!’ to the banks of the Ganges. Sanctuary at 3:30pm.

Sunday: Global Mala Sunrise Meditation with Shiva Rea; be part of the upcoming Global Mala Project gatherings all around the world at sunrise in breathtaking Joshua Tree. Labryinth at 6:10am.

Full festival passes are available for $325. Day passes for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are available for $100 each; weekend passes (Saturday and Sunday) are also available for $175. Use code ‘layoga’ to receive a $50 discount. Tickets will go offline on September 2 at midnight, but will be available at the door (discount code will not apply at door).

Visit Bhakti Fest Tickets to purchase your ticket now.

Images by Kristina Clemens

Staff Writer Lakshmi

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Mantralogy Records

Shyamdas once said, “If you speak about that which is most sacred to you, it goes. Sometimes, it is best to not say a word.” Often, words fall short to depict that which makes our hearts beat, our throats close, and our eyes water. For Shyam, that was the Divine; and so he sang about it.

If you ever had the opportunity to see Shyamdas lead call-and-response kirtan, you would know there was nothing traditional about his style. There was only bhav—“a sacred mood.” Dig deeper, and you will find someone who was both a Bhakta and scholar deeply devoted to his path, who lived and studied in Vrindavan the majority of the year.

One summer evening during the 2012 Bhakti Fest Midwest, Shyamdas’ late night set was so transcendent that the audience and kirtan wallahs alike stood in awe as Shyam poured his heart not only into his chanting, but also into the Vedic stories he shared.

Plans for a live recording of this particular performance were set far before the tragic news spread of Shyamdas’ passing this past January. As an offering to the beloved Sanskrit scholar, kirtan wallah, and devoted Bhakta, this live album will remain most sacred to kirtan lovers, ensuring that the love and legacy of Shyamdas lives on.

Album available for purchase at Bhaktifest.com

Staff Writer Lakshmi

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Donna De Lory Honors Spirit

Spirit and devotion have always been prominent aspects of Donna De Lory‘s music. On her album The Unchanging, she beautifully builds upon this foundation. Crafted in honor of her late father Al De Lory, the album is heartfelt and touching, while also carrying an uplifting and spirited quality.

This eleven-song album builds on and solidifies Miss De Lory’s musical spirit. She injects dance-infused grooves and pop sensibilities into many of the songs. Conversely, she offers a softer, more personal delivery on others – accented by sparse instrumentation that inspires reflection and emotion. As a result, she has created a dynamic, full, and rich body of work.

Celebration through Song

On “Gayatri Mantra,” De Lory’s unmistakable voice soars over trance-inducing beats. She intersperses repetition of the ancient Sanskrit mantra with her own heartfelt English verses. Upbeat grooves lift songs like “The Offering,” “Be The Change,” “Amma,” and her joyful take on George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” (the first chant she learned as a child) to a place of movement and celebration of Spirit.

Another musical dimension of The Unchanging is one that is soft, open, and expansive. “Amazing Grace” is a spacious rendition of the traditional melody, laid over a downtempo beat. The a cappella “Kinder” delivers angelic harmonies and lyrical beauty. “Luciana,” a touching song about De Lory’s daughter and motherhood, accents lyrical poignancy with piano supported by a graceful string section. The final song on the album, “Life Without Boundaries,” also backed by piano and strings, carries a deep emotional quality.  “Luciana” and “Life Without Boundaries,” along with the title track “The Unchanging,” feature Donna playing her father’s piano.

Musicians on The Unchanging

In addition to vocals and piano, De Lory plays a variety of instruments on this album and works with long-time collaborator Mac Quayle. She has assembled a top-notch group of artists. Their credits speak for themselves. These include album mixer Kevin Killen (U2, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Elvis Costello), bassist Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, John Lennon), drummers Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney) and Dave Allen (Michelle Branch), and guitarist Jerry Leonard (David Bowie). She also collaborates with bhakti go-to musicians like tabla icon Girish, bansuri flute master Manose, and bassist Mark Gorman. All are respected and talented masters in their chosen fields.

It is fitting such talent has assembled for an album paying respect to De Lory’s father. Al De Lory was a noted music producer who produced two Grammy-winning albums. He was also a session pianist who worked with The Beach Boys and Phil Spector, among many others.

“I’m honoring him with this album” says Donna De Lory. “It’s about how my father’s death affected my whole spiritual path.” She speaks of him as one of the most important people in her life and embodies that statement in The Unchanging‘s liner notes.  “This CD is dedicated to my beloved father Al De Lory who showed me the way to follow my bliss.”

Joe Kara

Joe Kara enjoys a double life working in music and teaching Yoga in Hollywood and the Valley. He plays a little bass, too. @JoeKaraYoga

www.joekarayoga.com

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