Here I am. :)
Just a regular guy living his heart practice. :)
I am from Northen Minnesota but have spent the last 7 years in Eau Claire, WI. I attended college in Menomonie, WI and that's where my REAL story begins:
During my college years I became bored with my Christian faith and wanted something different. I was using my intuition to guide me and during that time I was heavily influenced by Tool’s rock album Lateralus. One evening while falling asleep I experienced a vision (of the non drug induced variety) of an expansive glowing white wall accompanied by a mysterious murmuring sound and ecstatic feelings of bliss or energy. (I had just finished reading Spirit Guide by Hank Wesselman) The sound reminded me of a song off of the Tool album I was so in love with. That song was entitled “Mantra”. I had no idea what that meant so I headed to my local library and did a key word search. I borrowed this little book by Ram Das where he explained a variety of yoga practices including mantra, meditation and asana. Immediately I was hooked on these practices and started chanting and going to yoga class at a local studio. It felt so good. It was exactly what I was looking for.
After some years I started listening to Krishna Das. I was on the internet one day and saw a little ad for Krishna Das's album Door of Faith. I clicked on the link and the Hanuman Chalisa started playing. At this point I hadn't truly discovered kirtan in it's current form (east meets west) and wasn't really into Hindu god/goddess's at the time. I sat and listening to the recording three times and was put in a state I had never experienced before. (very good) At the time I had no understanding of what was happening but it felt incredible and was drawn to the practice very naturally. In fact, I was hooked right away. After that everything changed for me and I began to sing kirtan a lot. I soon purchased a harmonium and about a year later I started offering kirtan publicly, leading small groups in Eau Claire, WI.
My kirtan's now mimick (but are not limited to) Bhagavan Das. I mostly chant with just a dotar. SHAMBOOOOOOOOOO!!!
I am available for kirtan’s at your venue. Please contact me for more information.
Unfamiliar with kirtan? Here is a description in my own words:
Kirtan or group chanting is an ancient spiritual practice that comes from eastern traditions. It is a practice that is not bound by any religion or belief. It has a mystical nature to it that is indescribable. With practice it has the power to bring joy, bliss and love into your life and into your heart. (but actually it's already there)
Kirtan is sung in a call and response fashion. There is usually a leader who will sing a line and the rest of the group will repeat that same line. Kirtan uses the ancient language of Sanskrit, which is said to contain vibrational qualities that can deeply transform our being. I personally can attest to this. Using simple divine names and mantras, combined with melody and instruments, kirtan can be a magical experience of joy and wonder.
I am available for kirtan’s at your venue. Please contact me for more information.