Music

Jai Uttal to Release His First Ever All Instrumental Ambient Guitar Album Gauri’s Lullaby May 8

06/08/2020 by Susan von Seggern

Fairfax, CA – Grammy nominee, Jai Uttal, is proud to release his 21st, and first all instrumental, album Gauri’s Lullaby, on all platforms, this Friday, May 8. There is also a teaser video available here.

Following his highly acclaimed double album, Roots Rock Rama! Jai’s latest release comes as a direct response to the current global crisis. What a time everyone is going through! Anxiety and fear flow like waves of a malevolent ocean; the great deluge seems nigh. The album is a sonic medicine to calm hearts, relax minds and bodies, and help find ease during this intense period of ‘time-out.’ Consisting of four long acoustic guitar meditations, inspired by Jai’s many years of study with Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, the work creates a healing energy for homes, families, and hearts.

It’s time to take a deep breath, exhale, and remember our divine connection, as well as the human bond we all share. With everyone being urged, with what seems to be good reason, to keep at a physical distance, this has been challenging on so many levels. During times like these, it becomes very easy to contract and withdraw. However, now, more than ever, this is the time to STAY CLOSE!

The four songs on Gauri’s Lullaby: Music for Healing and Other Joys were created over a period of about seven years as birthday presents for Jai’s beloved wife, Nubia Teixeira, a noted yogi and author, to use in her home yoga practice as well as in her many classes.

There was never an intention to turn them into a ‘public’ album release. Although Nubia hears Jai play and sing all the time at home, these were her ‘exclusive’ Jai Uttal tracks to use for teaching and just for relaxing. So many students asked her, “What is that music? Where can we get it?” and Nubia would smile and say the songs were just for her!

Well, welcome Corona, a time when global anxiety is in the red zone. Even the calmest people are nervous, and those with higher stress levels during ‘normal’ times are shaking and trembling!

About three weeks ago, Nubia said, “It’s time to share Gauri’s Lullaby! The world needs these healing sounds.” Jai was, at first, surprised, and a bit resistant, feeling that this is so different from all of his other album releases. The four songs are instrumental guitar meditations and his music is generally upbeat Kirtans, the traditional call and response singing style that originated in India, but has since taken over the yoga scene worldwide. However, after thinking about it for a little while, he agreed with her, deciding, “this isn’t a moment to be concerned with ‘branding’ or ‘image’. Rather, it’s a time to share love and stay close in our hearts while we stay ‘sheltered’ in our homes.”

Gauri is a Sanskrit word that means ‘shining and brilliant’, and it is one of the names of the eternal beloved of Lord Shiva, the Lord of Transformation and Protection. It’s also the name that Jai and Nubia’s Indian spiritual mother, Sri Siddhi Ma, (a Neem Karoli Baba devotee since the 1940s!) gave to Nubia about ten years ago. Nubia only uses this name in her most private internal conversations/meditations with Ma. And so, these songs are dedicated Jai’s beloved Nubia, who is always connected to Spirit, and always sharing that connection with others.

Jai notes, “I’m a very lucky guy! I hope these healing sounds can bring solace and ease to all.”

DJ Taz Rashid Offers Free Music for Streaming Yogis During Covid-19 Shelter in Place

05/06/2020 by Susan von Seggern

Chicago, IL – DJ Taz Rashid, one of America’s top yoga DJs, and the programmer for Spotify’s Official Yoga Playlist of the Month, is pleased to announce an offering to the yoga community and the vast number of teachers who have moved online due to Covid-19 shelter in place orders that are keeping the majority of Americans homebound, free music to use for their Zoom, Skype, IG Story, and Facebook Live online classes.

If yogis are using streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple music, etc. to play music during their classes, they can use ANY of DJ Taz Rashid’s music in their yoga classes in their FREE to the public live streaming yoga or meditation classes. Teachers can just play the music in the background of the class. Taz encourages them to share their playlists with their students as well.

All of DJ Taz Rashid’s music on Spotify is at https://open.spotify.com/artist/2XvQyfssNbXYWcOkKaWYlx?si=6ZDuH81JSzGVjbzZhO2v5Q and on Apple Music at https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dj-taz-rashid/996269726. If yogis prefer to create their own playlists from downloads, Taz’s top songs can be downloaded from https://mybestplaylist.lpages.co/dj-taz-rashid-a-gift-of-music-free-music-ig-videos/.

In addition to offering free music, DJ Taz will share classes to his socials when teachers share on their social media and give credit. If teachers share on Instagram or Facebook and tag him under @djtazrashid, he will repost to his over 40k followers. He requests teachers add in the video description “Music used with permission by original artist DJ Taz Rashid” and to be sure to tag him at @djtazrashid. This will ensure that the social media networks will not mute the music or take the class down.

Taz notes, “this is such a challenging time for the entire yoga community between studios on hiatus, and festivals cancelling. I’ve had six cancellations and fully expect 10-20 more so I really relate to what my teaching brothers and sisters are dealing with. We hope this helps at least a little during this crazy time.” Like so many yogis he’s moved his own work online and his schedule is at https://www.djtazrashid.com/copy-of-tour-2020.

If teachers are offering yoga and meditation class videos on paid platforms, or on-demand classes for sale, Taz is offering discounted rates for sync rights for these classes as well. Teachers interested in using his music for paid classes should email taz@djtazrashid.com to discuss.

Retreat Celebrating Love, Connection, and The Divine Feminine Energy Taking Place in Desert Hot Springs, May 14-18, 2020

03/13/2020 by Susan von Seggern

Desert Hot Springs, CA – Shakti Fest, the annual yoga and spiritual music festival celebrating the divine feminine energy of the universe will take place in a more intimate “Immersion” format this year. The retreat will take place May 14-18th at Miracle Springs Resort and Spa, 10625 Palm Dr, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240.

Shakti Immersion is a 3 to 5-day conscious yoga and music retreat, condensing everything attendees have come to love from the festival into an intimate and immersive celebration. The event will be a gathering of like minds and hearts, uniting in consciousness. As always Shakti will feature a wide variety of yoga classes, spiritual workshops, and music, now in a gorgeous resort spa setting, and even closer to the Coachella Valley and Los Angeles!

With this potent design, Shakti Immersion will feature popular yoga teachers from Shakti Fest – Shiva Rea, Saul David Raye, Govind Das and Radha, Hemalayaa, Johanna Beekman, Mas Vidal, Dharma Shakti, Sita Devi, and desert favorite Kristin Olson.

A more intimate setting for spiritual music will benefit both players and listeners with artists including Krishna Das, Amritakripa, DTO Music, Kirtaniyas, Krishna’s Kirtan, Larisa Stowe & Shakti Tribe, Michael Hathaway, and Rob and Melissa.

Similarly, in this year of perfect vision, the workshops bring spirituality into focus with Michael Brian Baker, Dawn Cartwright, Zoe Kors, Dr. Manoj Chalam, Dharma Devi, Josie Keys, Mirabai Devi, Greg Friedman, and Syamarani. Additionally, pre- and post- intensives with Michael Brian Baker, Saul David Raye, and Dawn Cartwright will take place on May 14 and 18.

Nestled in the foothills of Desert Hot Springs, the resort overlooks beautiful Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Beneath clear blue skies, one can calm the mind, enjoy spectacular landscapes, soak everyday cares away in eight natural hot mineral pools and add on spa treatments to complement this amazing weekend. Discovered centuries ago by the Cahuilla Indians, these springs are known worldwide for their amazing therapeutic benefits. Just miles away from the Joshua Tree National Park, and 12 miles away from Palm Springs International Airport, the 4 star rated Miracle Springs Resort & Spa rooms are fully equipped with free wi-fi, flatscreen TVs, outdoor space, microwaves, and refrigerators. In addition to the regular resort amenities, Shakti Immersion will also feature a curated selection of 30 of Shakti’s most popular clothing, craft, yoga gear, jewelry, and wellness vendors for attendees’ shopping pleasure.

As always, Shakti is an amazing event for families celebrating the divine feminine energy of their own mothers, sisters, and daughters, and people of all ages coming together to connect on a truly divine level.

As festival producer Bella Silberfein notes, “We are so excited to announce this gathering of like-minds and family. A weekend of pure love, ecstatic joy, meditation, sacred music, and all of the offerings we have come to love from our festivals, condensed into its richest form. Namaste.”

Lena Belle Reminds That YOU are Buddha with Valentine’s Day Single and Video Release “Rainbow” That Gives Nod to her Pansexual Nature

03/13/2020 by Susan von Seggern

San Diego, CA – San Diego based alt-pop songstress and producer Lena Belle is not holding back with an enticing music video for her Valentine’s Day single release “Rainbow.” To Belle, the video directed by septuagenarian surrealist feminist multimedia artist Penny Slinger, depicts freedom of the human spirit, the Hopi prophecy of the rainbow, queer acceptance and pride, and the coming together of humanity. The video is covered with rainbow lights, heart-warming messages, and imagery of Buddha.

The song itself, set for release on Valentine’s Day, on all platforms (some links will only come online with tomorrow’s release) is an homage to the Native American prophecy of the rainbow, that states:
“When the Earth is ravaged and the animals are dying, a new tribe of people will come unto the Earth from many colors, classes, and creeds and who by their actions and deeds shall make the Earth green again. They will be known as the ‘Warriors of the Rainbow’”.

Lena notes, “As I was writing this song, I was getting images of the prophecy of the rainbow, the prophesized Rainbow warriors rising up, planting the seeds for a bright future for humanity and the Earth. And I started seeing little Buddhas in everyone.” She adds, “I believe Buddha is just the enlightened nature in everyone. Buddha is not a specific man but that supreme consciousness we all have within ourselves. I don’t believe we have to wait for anyone to save us. We are our own saviors. I don’t need to be healed. I just need to allow myself to remember who I am.”

The song also prominently features the classic Sanskrit prayer, Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu which translates as “May all beings be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and freedom for all.”

Songstress of the light, Lena Belle sings from a deep love in her soul and shares that love with the world. Her lyrics connect our hearts to nature and the wisdom of our innermost selves. Her joyful mix of crystal clear, soaring vocals, inventive beats, and healing sounds is a breath of fresh air for the listener.

An alt-pop singer, Lena Belle weaves tapestries of love with her conscious, heart-centered music. Her music takes you on a journey of woven soundscapes, layered vocals, healing sounds, and inventive beats. The lyrics call you into something beautiful deep within yourself.

After studying classical music at the Eastman School of Music, Lena Belle returned to her home town of San Diego and decided to devote herself fully to her original music. She started building an organic fanbase by performing at local venues, bars, restaurants, hotels, and more. She then decided to jump into the fray, moving to New York City. There she performed all over Manhattan and Brooklyn at original music shows, jam sessions, poetry events, showcases, gardens, healing events, and elsewhere. She also became known for her stunning renditions of Edith Piaf songs performed with charming musicality in her fluent French.

Beginning in 2015 with her self-penned, co-produced EP “My Own Way”, she has been carving her own path in the music industry. Then after the release of her single, “Nature Knows” in 2019, her listener base grew, and she now has thousands listening to her music in 78 countries across the globe.

She is currently completing her first full length album with her co-producers Tazdeen Rashid (who is well known as one of the world’s top yoga DJs, DJ Taz Rashid), transformational festival favorite Patrick Kiebzak (Momentology), and noted NYC producer and keys player Kurt Thum (Usher, Nick Jonas, Kelsea Ballerini). This album, Nature Knows, will be released in early summer and is full of musical gems.

As an introduction into the world of Lena Belle, she is offering “5 Days of Lena Belle Songs,” which includes one free song download each day for 5 days, including insider behind the scenes info and explanations of the meaning behind each song. To receive this beautiful offering, text LENABELLE to 44222 or click here: https://lenabellemusic.lpages.co/lenabellesongs/
In addition to recording and performing her original music, Lena Belle travels around the world offering voice activation workshops, and sound healing.

Jai Uttal Returns to The Freight & Salvage for a Valentine’s Day Bhakti Celebration with the Pagan Love Choir

02/12/2020 by Susan von Seggern

Berkeley, CA – Celebrated Bay Area Kirtan musician Jai Uttal will return to The Freight & Salvage for his 3rd annual Valentine’s Day Bhakti Concert, this time with four amazing local songbirds, Sandy Cressman, Prajna Vieira, Lakshmi Devi, and Sandy Griffith, plus noted NorCal producer Ben Leinbach on bass.

This concert will be a unique opportunity to hear Jai’s music arranged for a heavenly rainbow of five exquisite voices. All veterans of Jai’s full band, The Pagan Love Orchestra, Prajna, Lakshmi and the two Sandys will share their transcendent vocal visions of Jai’s songs and bring the ‘music of the spheres’ to the historic Freight & Salvage. Jai will be acoustic and ‘unplugged,’ creating an intimate and mystical environment in which to share his songs and his soul. This completely new experience promises to be a treat for the ears and the heart.

Jai hosting a Valentine’s Day Concert is appropriate as sacred music is one of the main modalities of Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of love and devotion. As noted in Yoga Journal, “the Sanskrit word bhakti comes from the root bhaj, which means “to adore or worship God.” Bhakti yoga has been called “love for love’s sake” and “union through love and devotion.” Bhakti yoga, like any other form of yoga, is a path to self-realization, to having an experience of oneness with everything.”

“Bhakti is the yoga of a personal relationship with God, At the heart of bhakti is surrender,” says Uttal in the story.

Since its founding in 1968, the Freight & Salvage has been deeply rooted in that aspect of Berkeley’s culture that embraced freedom, justice, acceptance, collaboration, and innovation. The Freight is mission-driven, and has become a world-famous venue for traditional music – music that is rooted in and expressive of the great variety of regional, ethnic, and social cultures of peoples throughout the world.

With the Winter Solstice passing of American Bhakti yoga pioneer Ram Dass, Jai notes, “This concert is especially meaningful, as it’s my first public performance after the passing of my friend and guru-brother, the beloved spiritual leader Ram Dass. I hope that the Bay Area’s Bhakti family can come together to celebrate love and life and our dear friend’s memory. My Valentine’s Day gigs at the Freight & Salvage have been filled with so much spirit and good energy. The Freight is one of the most lovely and important venues in the Bay Area, and I’m always so touched by the care and respect they have for the musicians who perform there. I look forward to a night of joy, celebration and introspection.”

Tickets for the show are $15-$30, and along with a great live video of Jai’s new single “Psalm” with the Pagan Love Choir, are available at https://www.thefreight.org/e/jai-uttal-and-the-pagan-love-choir-77051500111/.

Revered Spiritual Artist Jai Uttal Announces New Single, Valentine’s Day Sacred Music Concert, and 18th Annual Summer Kirtan Camp

02/12/2020 by Susan von Seggern

Fairfax, CA – Noted for both his heartfelt renditions and upbeat barn burners of classic Kirtans (chants of the Sanskrit names of God), Jai Uttal is excited to announce the release of his new single, “Psalm”, a modern revisioning of the ancient 23rd Psalm of King David.
The song is available in all audio formats here, and on YouTube here.

Jai will perform “Psalm” at a special Valentine’s Day Concert at Berkeley’s well-loved Freight & Salvage with the Pagan Love Choir. This concert will be a unique opportunity to hear Jai’s music arranged for a heavenly rainbow of five exquisite voices. All veterans of Jai’s many-faceted performances, these four exquisite Bay Area vocalists, Sandy Cressman, Prajna Vieira, Lakshmi Devi, and Sandy Griffith, plus noted NorCal producer Ben Leinbach on bass, and acclaimed trombonist Jeff Cressman, will share their transcendent vocal visions of Jai’s songs and bring the ‘music of the spheres’ to this historic venue. Jai will be acoustic and ‘unplugged,’ creating an intimate and mystical environment in which to share his songs and his soul. This completely new experience promises to be a treat for the ears and the heart. Tickets for the show are $15-$30 and, along with a great live video of Jai’s new single, “Psalm”, is available here.

Part of the Bhakti Yoga path of spiritual devotion, Kirtan has grown along with the explosive growth of the physical aspects of yoga that now has 36 million American practitioners. To share his lifelong journey in this yogic path, Jai has hosted his Kirtan Camps since 2003. The winter camp takes place in various exotic locations around the world, while the summer camp is held in Jai’s hometown of Fairfax, California, in Marin County. Jai will be joined by guest teachers Nubia Teixeira, Daniel Paul, and Prajna Vieira. Many of today’s leading Kirtan artists are alums of Jai’s Kirtan Camp, including Kirtan rapper MC Yogi, Santa Monica Kirtan luminaries Govind Das & Radha, Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band of New Orleans, San Francisco’s own Janet Stone and Stephanie Snyder, and so many others.

Summer Kirtan Camp is a training for those who aspire to lead Kirtan; those who wish to enhance their Yoga teaching with chanting; and those who simply wish to immerse themselves in the vast ocean of Bhakti. In this camp, Jai will share some of the many tools used in Bhakti practice. Attendees will leave this retreat with the inner experience and knowledge that they are able to dive into this world of devotion and sing and share their hearts with others.

More information on Summer Kirtan Camp is available here.

Rachel Mason’s New Single for Circus of Books Documentary “Give You Everything,” Out Today

08/10/2019 by Susan von Seggern

Single release to precede Circus of Books, Opening Gala Premiere, and Platinum Alchemy Performance at OUTFEST

Los Angeles, California – Renowned visual artist/musician/filmmaker Rachel Mason (aka FutureClown) is releasing her new single “Give You Everything” on today via Spotify and other online services. The release precedes her acclaimed documentary Circus of Books premiering in Los Angeles as the Opening Night Gala film for OUTFEST July 18, and a special performance at the OUTFEST Platinum Alchemy Party July 20. Mason wrote the song for the closing credits of Circus of Books which documents her Conservative Jewish parents’ saga as the owners of landmarks of queer culture in Los Angeles, the Circus of Books gay porn bookstores in West Hollywood and Silver Lake.

The single will be followed by a full-length album, called Circus Life, which will be released when her film, executive produced by Ryan Murphy (Glee, Pose, American Horror Story), comes out on Netflix in the Fall. The “Give You Everything,” single package will include the original song and mixes by a pioneer of house/disco/electro/hip hop Man Parrish.

“When I met the producer Man Parrish, whose own music was made for gay porn, and who worked with my heroes like Klaus Nomi, David Bowie, and Madonna, and he offered to do this remix and contribute some songs for the film, it felt like divine intervention, as I suddenly had a direct link to the actual music of my film’s era. So many of the great artists of the time died of AIDS, so the fact that he’s still alive and I was able to meet him right as I was working on completing the film, was so lucky for me. And thanks to the label Dark Entries for the intro. Additionally, through them, the film was able to secure tracks by gay dance music composer Patrick Cowley whose songs are also featured in the film.”

Of the song and mixes Mason notes, “As a kid, driving up to the front of the store with my parents, they would go inside to do business, and there were all these guys standing out front in super short cut-off shorts, and everyone was just hanging out. That was an era that I now look back on with childhood nostalgia. A big part of the impetus for making the film was the knowledge of this piece of history disappearing. I saw all of the hustling and cruising from a kid’s perspective, and the store was a place of joy and hilarity. The song being upbeat, positive and danceable is important because that’s the vibe that matches the store.”

In the song’s lyrics, Mason writes from the store’s perspective, embodying a character who is both sly and mischievous, but also exuberant. She references the culture of the street, men picking up guys on the corner and signaling with colored bandanas. The song also references the notorious cruising zone “Vaseline Alley.” where sex was rampant:

“Wait on the corner till I give you a sign, can you see my red bandana is set to the right”

“Let me celebrate what you don’t understand, its where I get the strength to be who I am, and when you give me a look it takes me up, and away…”

“Cruising the alley with a broken tail light, Lose a few dollars but get a good price, I’ll be a friend for the night…”

The second set of remixes from electro-punk duo, L.A. Drones, noted Austrian electronic producer Patrick P, and Ian Coletti who composed the score for Circus of Books, is on the way as well.

About Rachel Mason:
Rachel Mason is best known in visual art and experimental music circles for performances which often contain fantastical narratives which interweave musical, theatrical and narrative elements into unexpected operatic journeys. Through her wide-ranging portfolio of mixed media work, she instigates fantasy and harsh realities through scripts, sculpture, rock operas, live performances and unique collaborations with artists, scientists, and dancers. She has recorded hundreds of songs and created a feature-length musical film which toured as a live performance, The Lives of Hamilton Fish in 2016. Mason has exhibited her visual art and performance work at museums, film and performance festivals internationally and at many of the country’s leading art spaces. Her work has received praise in VICE, Interview Magazine, The New York Times, Artforum, LA Weekly, The New Yorker, The Los Angeles Times, Art in America, and Flash Art. Her second feature film, Circus of Books premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, is the headlining gala film at Outfest 2019 and will be released on Netflix in 2019, with Ryan Murphy as one of the executive producers.

LINKS
Insta: @FutureClown
https://soundcloud.com/futureclown
http://youtube.com/rachelmasonrocks
https://www.facebook.com/RachelMasonArt/
https://twitter.com/rachelmasonart
https://www.rachelmasonart.com/

Rachel Mason Performs New Single for Circus of Books Documentary “Give You Everything,” at Outfest Platinum Alchemy Party

07/05/2019 by Susan von Seggern

Following Circus of Books, Opening Gala Premiere at OUTFEST

Photo Credit: Dan Busta

Los Angeles, California – Renowned visual artist/musician/filmmaker Rachel Mason (aka FutureClown) contributes a special additional performance to the OUTFEST Platinum Alchemy Party in honor of the Los Angeles Premiere of her forthcoming Netflix Documentary, Circus of Books. Mason takes the stage at exactly 8:30 pm, on Saturday, July 20 to perform the song she wrote for the closing credits of her acclaimed film. Mason’s exclusive performance comes two days after Circus of Books headlines the opening night gala for OUTFEST, the city’s longest-running LGBTQ film festival, which was started in 1982, the year Mason’s parents became the official owners of a landmark of queer culture in Los Angeles.

The Outfest Platinum Alchemy party takes place at Stellar Stag, 205 S. Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004 from 8 pm to Midnight. The bill is filled with established and emerging
LGBTQI talent namely, Madame Gandhi, Jesse Saint John, Tolliver, Chanel & the Circus, Josh Peace (DJ set), and Bapari (DJ set). The event is curated by noted filmmaker and festival programmer Tiffany Naiman. Tickets for the event are $25 ($20 with Outfest ticket stub or Outpass), include open bar, and are available at https://festival.outfest.org/2019/special_events/platinum-party/. The party is sponsored by Stellar Stag, Angel City Brewery, and EFFEN Vodka.

Mason’s single will be available on Spotify and other services July 12 and will be followed by a full-length album, called Circus Life, which will be released when her film comes out on Netflix. The “Give You Everything,” single package will include the original song and mixes by a pioneer of house/disco/electro/hip hop Man Parrish, as well as electro-punk duo, L.A. Drones, and Ian Coletti who composed the score for Circus of Books.

Mason, who sometimes performs under the moniker of FutureClown, was introduced to Man Parish through Dark Entries Records’ Josh Cheon who hosted a panel discussion with him for a RedBull Music Academy event organized by Taylor Rowley, music supervisor for Circus of Books and a longtime DJ and curator in Los Angeles. Mason notes, “Man Parish’s original songs provide the film a direct link to the legacy of queer dance music which was central to the culture around the store at its heyday. He is a treasure because his music is amazing, but also because he outlived his contemporaries like the brilliant Patrick Cowley whose songs are also featured in the film, thanks to Dark Entries who works with his estate to preserve the great work of many such artists.”

Since Bringing A Spiritual Dimension to Woodstock 50 Years Ago, Founder Sridhar Brings Bhakti Fest to a New Home for 2019

07/05/2019 by Susan von Seggern

29 Palms, California – 50 years ago this summer Woodstock promoters Michael Lang and Artie Kornfeld sought now Bhakti Fest producer Sridhar Silberfein’s advice on the soon to be legendary art and music festival they were producing upstate. Sridhar said to them, “Ya got some of the greatest musical acts in the world but what’s missing is the spiritual component.” With their to-do lists already bursting, they answered, “Ok you deal with that part.”

As can be seen in the documentary film about the event, Woodstock, on August 18, 1969, Sri asked singer/songwriter Richie Havens to introduce Swami Satchidananda. Still reeling from his legendary set, Richie gave him a “that would be a no” look. So, Sri escorted Swami Satchidananda and his entourage onto the Woodstock stage to deliver an invocation. More than half a million American youth were in attendance – the largest peaceful gathering in the West at the time. Swami Satchidananda introduced the power of mantra, inviting the crowd to recite “Hari Om” and “Ramaramarama.” A moment of silence followed. Not even a camera clicked.

While still on stage, Sri whispered to Swami Satchidananda, “Swamiji, wouldn’t it be great to bring this many people together to chant the names of God?” Swami Satchidananda smiled knowingly and said, “Yes, it would be great if you could do that.”

Finally, in 2009, 40 years after receiving his life’s mission, Sridhar founded Bhakti Fest, which has since become Southern California’s largest and most beloved yoga and spiritual music festival. Now after a decade in Joshua Tree, the festival is moving to a new home just up the road in 29 Palms, California.

Taking place September 25 – 30 at Roadrunner Dunes in 29 Palms, Bhakti Fest 2019 will feature amazing conscious music, yoga, spiritual and wellness workshops and more, attracting spiritual seekers far and wide. New features include a lake for swimming, aquatic, and paddleboard yoga, and vast vibrant space for art installations.

Headliners for the event include Deepak Chopra, Krishna Das, Mike Love, Dharma Mittra, Shiva Rea, Radhanath Swami, MC Yogi, Fannah Fi Allah, Saul David Raye, Donna De Lory, Sianna Sherman, Mas Vidal, Girish, Govind Das & Radha, Kia Miller, Dawn Cartwright, Ram Das (via video), and many, many more to be announced in the coming weeks!

The new location will feature three music stages, expanded yoga and workshop villages, a sound temple for sound baths, a healing sanctuary for bodywork, a mantra dome, Bhakti Kids Land with ongoing children’s programming, men’s and women’s sacred spaces, and a Kirtan school.

The City of 29 Palms has rolled out the red carpet for Bhakti Fest, and the producers are thrilled to host the festivals here. 29 Palms, known as the “29”, has become one of the hottest destinations for rock climbers, stargazers, nature lovers, Joshua Tree fanatics, and sunset seekers alike. It is the home of Joshua Tree National Park’s North Entrance, and the official Gateway to the Mojave Trails National Monument. Expect skies painted with color at dawn and dusk, night skies filled with an abundance of stars and the stunning Milky Way.

Expanded housing options include camping, RV Hook-up sites, on-site cabins, Glamping Yurts, Cozy Trailers, and many hotels and rental homes nearby in 29 Palms.

The Bhakti Fest Eco Artisan Village offers the best in vegetarian and vegan food, yoga clothing and gear, jewelry, art and unique collectibles. The organizers pride themselves on running a green event, offering free water and mindful recycling practices.

Early bird festival pricing is available for Bhakti Fest 2019, plus there are discounted tickets available for local residents, veterans, military, seniors, and students. Tickets are available at https://bhaktifest.com/bhakti-fest-tickets/.

Thousands Expected to Meditate Together June 22, 2019, at DisclosureFest and California State Parks’ Mass Meditation Initiative

06/05/2019 by Susan von Seggern

Yoga, Speakers, Workshops, Music, Vegan Food, and so much more!
Gates open 10 am – with a Live Stream Mass Meditation at 2 pm

Los Angeles, CA – DisclosureFest in association with California State Parks present the Mass Meditation Initiative, June 22, 2019, at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1235 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Organizers expect upwards of 20,000 people to meditate together at the event and globally through a live stream at https://disclosurefest.org/live/. Additionally, DisclosureFest will host an event from 10 am – 10 pm at the park with a variety of top music acts, internationally known speakers, workshop leaders, and yoga teachers.

DisclosureFest founder Adrian Vallera notes, “We are so thrilled to be back for the third year. We’ve doubled in size each year from 5,000 to 10,000 and this year we are taking up the entire 32-acre park and going until 10 pm with huge music acts, so we are expecting 20,000 people. Our intention is to unite like-minded, heart-centered people in an effort to heal and raise consciousness on the planet with our mass meditation. In addition, we are excited to provide plant-based food, education about health and wellness, uplifting music and art, and inspiration for the creative spark that lives within every individual so that we can consciously create a more harmonious and peaceful world for the following generations.”

The music line-up this year will be a highlight and features headliners: conscious music superstar Nahko, currently on tour with stops including Bonnaroo, Red Rocks, and Glastonbury, SoCal electronic music luminaries Desert Dwellers (Treavor Moontribe and Amani Friend), transformational medicine musician Porangui, and making their return to LA after 10 years, Freedom Tribe. The Ascension Stage will feature top conscious hip-hop, R&B, and electronic acts like Srikala, Kiyoshi, Lizzy Jeff, Nina Grae, Jamie Schwabl, Diva Danielle, MelissFX, and Courtney Kitt.

Additionally, Disclosurefest Foundation has partnered up with Bhakti Fest to host a selection of top Kirtan musicians such as Govind Das and Radha, Sharanam, Jamil Apostol, and Prema Mandali, bringing this increasingly popular yoga modality to DTLA.

A day-long reasonably priced yoga festival in the middle of Los Angeles? YES! Top yogis including Yogi Cameron and Yogini Jaima, Nandhiji, Andrew Sealy, Cheri Rae, Kali Alexander, SuzeQ, Karen Russell, Chutney Berry, and more will teach a variety of styles – hatha, kundalini, flow, acro, and tantric. Early arrival with yoga mats for morning yoga is encouraged!

Workshop topics and speakers abound at DisclosureFest including such notable leaders as Nassim Haremein, David “Avocado” Wolfe, Jimmy Church, Billy Carson, Michael Tellinger (via video), Laura Eisenhower, Clifford Mahooty, Mirabai Devi, Zat Baraka, and more.

Other attractions will include the Wisdome LA Activation Dome for Ecstatic Dance LA, sound healing and immersive visual experiences; the Starseed Children’s Area with yoga, workshops, music and other conscious activities for children (and their parents); an Art Walk and Artist Garden; the SereniTea House and tonic Bar; a drum circle; and so much more!

This event is 100% plant-based and vegan. We are offering a beautiful selection of living, organic, and high-vibration food vendors for attendees to experience the best that LA’s vegan food scene has to offer!

The event has three levels of very reasonable entry:

$10 donation Fast Pass that will skip the line and support the amazing work DisclosureFest Foundation is doing in our communities – tree plantings, children initiatives and youth programs, beach and river cleanups, homeless services, and much more.
$5 donation that goes to the California State Parks Restoration Program.
In the tradition of The Mass Meditation, we also have our Free ticket option (expect long entry lines)
Tickets are required and are available here.

In addition to the mass meditation event, DisclosureFest hosts monthly opportunities for conscious earth stewards to volunteer for beach and river cleanups, homeless initiatives, conscious children’s programs, tree plantings and much more. For info on their current, future, and past events, please go to https://disclosurefest.org/calendar/.

DisclosureFest promises to be a beautiful day of earth and soul healing in the heart of Los Angeles at the city’s newest state park. Info and tickets are available at https://disclosurefest.org/.