Shantala: Offering Kirtan, ecstatic chants of devotion…next week!

• Cynthia Burke invites all to a relaxing night at XYZ Studio Arts. Shantala practices kirtan, a celebration of spirit that includes chanting sacred names and is internationally recognized, performing and recording worldwide.  Participation is optional, come check it out! Benjy & Heather are friends of Tyler Ryan, who graduated from FHHS eleven years ago…here’s more:

XYZ Movement Arts Studio will be hosting a special musical evening of sacred chanting (kirtan) on June 22, at 7:00 pm.  This unique concert features the masterful musicianship of Benjy and Heather Werthemeir as well as Sean Frenette on bass and three string guitar. Together Heather and Benjy lead kirtan worldwide as the duo, Shantala.  The weaving of Benjy’s Indian classical singing and instrumentation with Heather’s soaring vocals is freshly original and profoundly moving. Shantala has performed and recorded internationally with such sacred music luminaries as Krishna Das, Deva Premal & Miten, and Jai Uttal. In summer 2008, they were named as one of the top “Wallahs to Watch” by Yoga + Joyful Living.

Kirtan is a celebration of spirit through the chanting of sacred names. This is open to people of all religious backgrounds–to those who have chanted before as well as to those who haven’t.  Participation is welcome but purely optional.  Come and share in this journey of  ecstatic percussion and singing.

Tickets are available at XYZ studio for $15.00 (check their schedule for purchase just prior to classes), online for $17 at shantalamusic.com, or at the door (if available for $20).

Questions? Call Mary Karen Ryan 378-2524.

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.