After our kirtan with Shiva Rea at Kripalu, she invited us to the Wanderlust festival, a big celebration of both yoga and music in the beautiful ski resort of Squaw Valley, California.

We were only able to attend for the first day of the three day event, arriving at 2am and leaving the next morning at 6am. Still, it was a great day. We played for two yoga classes with Shiva, and in the evning, took to the stage at the Yoga Tree tent with Jai Uttal. Afterwards we had fun joining the audience for our friend, MC Yogi’s performance with another newfound friend -DJ Drez.

As part of the Yoga Journal Conference, Shiva Rea gave a Flow Yoga class titled “Rasa: The Yoga of Liberating Love.”  We accompanied her with some kirtan, drumming and, thanks to MC Yogi, a little bit of rap.

Later, we played a deep, mellow kirtan during a free community yoga class given by Ashley Turner. Then, we quickly packed up to get ready for our evening show at The Shala.

Listen to the entire Kirtan!

To listen, click on the links below then press play. To download, Right Click on the word “Download” and select “Save As…” from the menu. Having trouble downloading? Read our Help Section.

• 01 Gaura Vani – Mantra (439)
• 02 Gaura Vani – Jaya Radha Madhava (451)
• 03 Acyuta Gopi – Jaya Radhe (419)
• 04 Gaura Vani – Rama Bolo (319)
• 05 Instrumental (278)
• 06 Gaura Vani – Hey Gopal (288)
• 07 AshleyTurner – Gayatri Mantra (304)
• 08 Gaura Vani – Sita Ram (320)
• 09 Gaura Vani – Govindam (322)

Sharon Gannon and David Life gave an all-day yoga workshop at the first Yoga Journal Conference in New York City with MC Yogi, a spiritual activist/rapper. Their yoga school, Jivamukti, is known for being a little bit different. That is why they invited us to join them and our new best buddy MC Yogi, to do a special kirtan. The workshop was called “Hot, Hip and Holy” and it lived up to its name. With Wah! on bass, we first accompanied MC Yogi in a rap about Ganesh, the elephant God, and then continued on with a song about Krishna. Our kirtans are always hot and holy, but never have they been quite this hip!

Listen to the entire Kirtan!

To listen, click on the links below then press play. To download, Right Click on the word “Download” and select “Save As…” from the menu. Having trouble downloading? Read our Help Section.

• 01 MC Yogi and AKS – Ganesh is Fresh (495)
• 02 MC Yogi and AKS – Shiva Shiva Shiva Shambo (472)
• 03 MC Yogi and AKS – Hanuman (412)
• 04 Acyuta Gopi – Govinda Jaya Jaya (478)
• 05 MC Yogi and AKS – Gandhi (406)
• 06 MC Yogi and AKS – Hare Krishna (514)

Finally, it was time to release the album that we had been working on for the last two and a half years: Ten Million Moons. Eddie Stern’s Asthanga Yoga New York and Sri Ganesha Temple, always being supportive, offered to host the event. It was the perfect venue because it had an Old World ambiance and because, with Sri Ganesh and Radha Govinda Deities acting as witnesses, it was a place where we could make the album a true offering.

The tickets sold out online, and each guest recieved a complimentary copy of Ten Million Moons as appreciation for their support. By the time the show started, the room was packed.

Gaura began the night by singing, “Guru Gauranga Jayate,” which was an offering of respects to his guru and to all teachers.  It was an honest and humble way to begin a night in celebration of Gaura Vani & As Kindred Spirits‘ newest accomplishment.

Then, accompanied by special guest Wah! on bass, we went on to sing a few more of the songs featured on the album. Everyone was on their feet. There was then a break to mingle and eat some of the vegan snacks brought over from the Radha Govinda Temple in Brooklyn:  samosas and dhoklas and salad!

The second half of the program was full of more improvisational chanting. Our friend Mike joined in for some beatboxing, MC Yogi stood up and rapped about Ganesh and Krishna, and Shyamdas accompanied the kirtan in the final set. Finally, Gaura asked Srikanta Prabhu from the Radha Govinda Temple to chant. He lead a more traditional Hare Krishna kirtan that ended the night with everyone excited for all that is to come.

A very special thanks to Adideva Cuffee for taking all the amazing photos.

Listen to the entire Kirtan!

To listen, click on the links below then press play. To download, Right Click on the word “Download” and select “Save As…” from the menu. Having trouble downloading? Read our Help Section.

• 01 Gaura Vani – Guru Gauranga Jayate (746)
• 02 Gaura Vani – Krishna Murari (771)
• 03 Gaura Vani – Siksastakam (671)
• 04 Acyuta Gopi – Hare Krishna (737)
• 05 MC Yogi – Jai Sri Krishna (569)
• 06 Srikanta – Govinda Jaya Jaya (16274)
• 07 Srikanta – Hare Krishna (699)
• 08 Srikanta – Hare Krishna (444)