Jyosna's blog

Turiiya reviewed

2011-12-14T03:28:00.002Z

Kim Wesney, Daryn Linwood and I had a performance group called Turiiya some years ago. We produced a few albums together, namely 'Salutations', 'Waiting' the EP and 'Waiting the album' as well as 'Daughters of the Flame' and we were distributed by Jayrem Records. One of the tracks 'Thread of Gold' did really well, and was shown on TV. Recently Kim wrote to me and said to check this out:

http://bubblingdusk.blogspot.com/2010/09/turiiya-waiting.html

"Here's a very special LP that quickly crept into being one of my favorite new spins of 2010... My friend Callum mentioned this Kiwi folk-psych long-player in an e-mail exchange a few months ago as being a true delight, and so I immediately tracked down a copy to check it out. I was quickly sucked into their lush cosmos of nocturnal vocalizations, looming cello runs, and odd drawn out song structures. The record in a sense seems born out of some loose stage of new age phenomenon, hailing from the late date of 1986, and the band being annointed with a Hindu word meaning, "pure conciousness," in turn much of the lyrical flavor comes through on this level: gorgeous female vocals intoning the depths of the forest, the Aboriginal "Dreaming," vantages onto island travel and living a small life in the bounds of Anglo Oceania - calling to mind at times Campion's wonderful film, Sweetie, as well a host of other celestial and earthly energy fields. Musically the group is indeed first and foremost a kind of loose aggregate of spirituality born to sound. Sonically I can't help but flash on things like Comus or the Christ Tree... yet Turiiya are of their own place and time, and it would be reductive to just tag them with the much overused folk-psych tag and be done with it. They seem formed within some kind of a far flung indie rock scene, but simultaneously orbiting well beyond the identity politics and catch-phrase jingo-ism that usually inform those kinds of records. I know New Zealand had its share of shambolic forthright female outfits in this time period, yet Turiiya still seems to be beckoning from a mistier clime... In any case, being hard to pin is one of my favorite aspects in sound, so I'll let my hypotheses rest here. The record is a mash of organic, strange, illuminated ideas and it really should just be enjoyed" Jack Fleisher, USA

Reading this review by a music lover gave me goose bumps, remembering how these songs were recorded in Harlequin Studio and written in the Mamata Bakery loft and hill tops of Bethells Beach, songs that were powerfully charged, about the environment, womens issues, Maori land rights, ships in the harbour, and songs of love and longing. We played at local festivals dressed like something from outer space at a time when the Topp twins, Karen Hunter, the Freudian Slips and others were in full swing. There was a theatrical/sonic/visual slant to our performance, using unique instruments, such as whale caller, cake tins and cutlery, a bowed bass, ships bells, and other experimental sounds as well as acoustic guitars, bass, drums and piano.

This album is now available, at www.jyoshna.com and innersong.com

A new chapter begins

2011-12-14T01:48:00.009Z

A new chapter in my life has begun. I'm back in NZ, though its not really 'back' as so much has changed from the ten years ago when I was living here. its actually really 'present' and 'future' scenarios that I imagine while processing wounds and the ecstatic highs of the past. On a political level, Helen Clarke has made a very significant mark on this country, especially regarding indigenous people's issues, but now has gone and we have a new government.

Having been on tour, really since February when I went to Brazil for the first time, I have lived out of a suitcase for ten months, but a very magical suitcase that has given me a wider perspective, successfully rid myself of a few unnecessary dogmas from my mind's closet and added a little more courage to help adjust to this new adventure. No matter what, I'm envisioning a bright future, not just for me, but for everyone.

There has always been talk about great changes in 2012, and those changes are already taking place on every level. I feel the responsibility to keep a positive attitude to these changes that inevitably happen at an end and beginning of something new, both personally and globally.

Just how? I have to imagine, first what it could really be like if further environmental, political and economic disasters happen, how can I cope as well as be of assistance? How can I be ready for this? Are songs and meditations for self realisation enough? No, not at all, but its a good start. Meditation for the heart and mind first thing in the morning and at the end of the day is an invaluable asset for preparing oneself to deal with the experiences of life (using Baba nam kevalam, is great as a mantra if one doesn't have one's own, which simply means 'everything is an expression of the Supreme').

Secondly, making space for good to come 'into', and 'out' from my life. Remembering to surrender before every significant action, big or small and being open to different perspectives as we don't know what will be the outcome. We make our reality, together and alone!. There's something that I experienced at Wall Street a few months ago will never leave me. Many different groups of concerned people were listening to each other, cooperating and supporting each other. Groups who normally have nothing to do with one another were brought into contact and were working together towards a united cause. It can be hard at first, but what are the alternatives? A greater recession, further social and economic exploitation, more suicides?

I believe that
if we sing, we go high,
if we touch, we can cry;
if we cooperate, we survive;
and if we love, we thrive.

New Music Videos

2011-08-18T21:48:00.007+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB_UroWfA1A You are mine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5XH1YJ3yFA Tiny green island
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E34q97YhY4E Sakal maner vina

Brasil tour dates:
July 12- 17th, VisaoFuturo, Sao Paulo
July 18 - 26th – Performance at Anandakiirtana Retreat site, Rio de Janeiro
July 27 – 2nd August, at Fortaleza, seaside hotel.
August 2- 5th - Caixa de sol at Carla and Kalatiitas place.
6pm lecture at the Federal University, Music hall.
August 6-10th, Florianopolis
Performance at Yogaluc,
Federal University of Santa Catalina, Florianopolis: Workshop.
August 10-17th- Brasilia,
Performances at Terraviva
TV shows at Uniao Planetaria
August 17th – 21st, Sant Joseph rio Preto
Workshop/presentation and performances
August 22nd – 30th, Sao Paulo
Workshop at Cecelia studio.
further venues to be confirmed.

UK Event:
London, Sept. 10th Performance at 3A Cazenove Road, Stoke Newington, London.

Tour of Boston, USA
September 14- 29th, Performance tour hosted by Prakask Laufer: Venues to be confirmed.

Performance at the Shannon Arts festival, June 3rd

2011-05-18T15:51:00.003+01:00

Workshop/Performance at the Shannon Arts festival, June 3rd, 8pm
at: the Snug, Mount Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland

on the "Sounds of Ecstasy"

by: Dr. Jyoshna La Trobe, author of over 19 solo albums and workshop leader, who is coming to Ireland to give a presentation of her research on the music culture of Rarh, India and sing some of her original songs.

Accompanied by Kavita Neuman on Indian khol drum.

A few reflections on Brasil - Part I

2011-03-20T23:12:00.007Z

The Parque (Visao Futuro):

On the 24th, of January after a 17 hour flight, I finally meet Gustavo Prudente at the airport, the organiser of the tour. Previously I had only known him by his voice on the telephone, now for the first time we meet in reality and I see his smile echoes the warmth of his voice. Cecilia, singer, sound therapist and my host in Sao Paulo is also there to greet me. The next day I travel with Radha to the Parque, Visao Futuro, the project created by Susan Andrews an extraordinary woman originally from America but living in Brasil for fifteen years hence.
Thinking of my time at the Parque I can feel the transformation my life underwent when I came there and how I gained new perspectives on spiritual communities. When I close my eyes, I remember the heavenly environment: water fountains, colourful smiling faces, secret gardens, juicy mangos, bamboo circles, different spaces, buildings, some round, some rectangular never square, loving hearts and generous smiles. I make new friends, meet wonderful artistes, witness people dance in ecstasy to sounds and songs, as we sing with full voices in a spiral of love.

Tears rise and fall as I remember, and how long it has been since I saw you. Through the pain I am cleansed of searing longing as Susan's words drop like nectar into my heart, to heal and gently open my mind to the present, “He is yours and yours alone”, and I follow her message with the song “You are mine” as tears of love and acceptance fall from many eyes.

On the final night a woman from Salvador partners me in a dance before the akhanda ‘endless’ kirtan performance begins. It’s a joy to see everyone dancing and singing and when tired, resting inside the hall, together as one family listening to the blissful sounds of the universal mantra Baba nam kevalam. The next day is full of baby smiles, flower baths, gentle caresses, families coming together in tears and laughter. I am full of gratitude for the beautiful time had at the Parque. If heaven exists on this earth, it is here.

Though I am unwell physically, I participate in the filming of Rodrigos video of “You are mine”

See: Jyoshna and Friends tour (rodrigoska)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB_UroWfA1A

In Sao Paulo, Gustavo organises a spiritual circle in a vegetarian restaurant, called Vegethus. Enclosed beneath wooden apex ceilings the sound carries far and wide. The comradeship within is warm and contagious.
On Thursday, at Semente Una, we have another performance as people join in playing traditional instruments. Later we eat delicious pizza together with jokes to laugh about.

In Campinas I travel with friends to our destination. Our hosts have decorated the hall so beautifully with flowers and hang prayer flags outside leading to the hall. The people who arrive, are more than expected. Those who cannot fit, stand in the doors and peer through the windows to watch. Inside many are dancing as it grows into an ecstatic party! Afterwards a small group run down the road after the car, laughing, dancing and singing, so all the neighbours can hear how crazy we are!

The next day, the Rarhi kirtan workshop in Cecelias studio is very well attended, with around 20 people, singers, musicians, and interested people who are inspired to learn about Rarh music culture and the supra aesthetic science of kirtan.

In Casa Moksa, Sao Paulo, our group sing the evening away with songs and kirtans to an attentive audience. A real favourite on the night was Dadao’s “Oh divine father”, dedicated the song to his son Henrique, who was born that day, a real cause for celebration! Another favourite was “Tiny Green Island” sung in Spanish, English and Portuguese. See videos:

Jyoshna La Trobe na Casa Moksha em São Paulo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq_7hPIAawY&feature=related
Sakal maner vina - Jyosna La Trobe no Brasil.Mp4.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggp0Lz2XJPk&feature=autofb

In Sao Paulo I visit Didi Anandajaya’s projects in the favellas. She has established five (if not more) of the most beautiful, well equipped schools in a region that is renowned for its crime and poverty. The children actually love going to school where they learn new life skills and begin to explore their talents and potentialities.

Belo Horizonte:
Indrajit kindly accompanied me to my next destination Belo Horizonte, and my host is Kaoshikii whose lovely apartment I stay in. A concert organised at a dance studio in the centre of the city. Dadão accompanies me, as well as Indrajit on the melodica, Helder Araújo on tabla with Anandi singing backing vocals and reading translations. The next day, Luiza and Indrajit take us on a journey sight seeing to Ouro Preto (black gold). I am especially moved by the local crafts people who are making beautiful colourful objects out of sandstone.

At the Federal University of Minas Gerais where Anandi works, I deliver a lecture on my research on Rarhi Kirtan and teach the people to sing some traditional songs. It ends with everyone in high spirits, talking and sharing experiences. Running late, Anandi races me to the airport to catch my flight to the next city, Fortaleza.

Fortaleza:
I am received by Manfred and Nirmala at the airport and taken to the seaside resort run by Sharada and Manfred, a place that specialises in teaching kite surfing and other retreats. People of various religious and social backgrounds to come together as we choreograph the programme to incorporate different workshops, such as a Feldenkrais, and kirtan, a first for many. Highlights of the retreat:
Fortaleza jyoshna (manalucena)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdVX5C1qZ8o&feature=related

Another highlight is going to see a “maracatu” performance in the city after the retreat with a group of us. We learn to play the triangulo and dance the night away, it was such a fantastic fun evening.

The next day, after a radio interview, we go to meet a very diverse group of local musicians, led by Maria, an actress and singer who hosts the radio programme. It’s so interesting to hear their stories, share their music and exchange CD’s.

On the Thursday, I give a lecture on Rarhi kirtan accompanied by Paulo at the Federal University of Ceara where Geisa works as a professor. After many technical hitches, I present my research, footage, and begin teaching the kirtan melodies. It ends up being a song party with around 160 students and professors clapping and singing traditional kirtan loudly! Some are even brave enough to sing the lead parts (udara, mudara tara) and dance in front to entertain us. The pizza ritual afterwards, (something that was instigated by Susan’s students apparently), is gladly followed by us as we review the week’s activities with interest.

Tour of Brasil

2011-01-07T14:18:00.003Z

Tour Dates of Brasil:

Thanks to Gustavo and friends again, I will be on tour in Brasil for 6 weeks. Here's the daes and places so far,
SAO PAULO
Jan 24th, 5th - Park Visao Futuro, Sao Paulo State
Feb 1st Sao Paul City
Feb 3rd: Sementye Una (Community Centre)
Feb. 4th: Campinas, Casa Ananda.
Feb 5th : Workshop in Sao Paulo

BELO HORIZONTE:Feb. 8th - 11th Workshop

FORTALEZA: Feb 11th and 12th
Feb 17th: Federal University of Ceara

RIO DE JANEIRO: Feb 18th

BRASILA: FEb 23rd: Retreat
March 2nd PORTO ALEGRE: Retreat.

More details coming soon.

Singing for the children of Haiti on Dec. 30th

2010-12-06T17:18:00.009Z

I am a member of the Addison Singers and participated in a performance of Sacred songs by Bach (Mass in G) and Finzi at St Michael and All Angels Church, Turnham Green on Saturday night. We sang with the orchestra's accompaniment (oboe especially) and the soloists gorgeous voices. My starting errors and difficult moments gave way to bold expression, as the Chorus surged together into soaring unity. For days after I have the lingering sound of Bach's music resounding inside, inspiring me to compose some new choral music.

The lecture/workshop was given at Limerick University on the 24th of November in a state of the art studio, to students obviously interested in Chanting and Ritual (the course title). By the time I got there (after a train delay) the students were wondering what had happened, but it inspired me to share my research experiences with even more passion.

At the experimental kirtan event on the 27th, Tapasi showed her evocative visuals, Fabio improvised on keyboards, Mike Neeson played bass, Kavita on khol and myself on guitar and lead vocals. It wasn't as intimate as the first, but endearing still with a community of singers building from among us.

Prabhat Alloi (Prabhata's home)

2010-11-29T14:32:00.003Z

Prabhat Alloi is a charity set up by Shivanii Cameron, Tinku Mahato and friends, to support the villagers in and around Dabar village in West Bengal. Shivanii came to film the kirtan with me in 2006 and fell in love with the depth and sincerity of the people and the raw beauty of the place. Since then she has been working with Tinku on establishing an orphanage, school, medical centre and other service projects.

Now Shivanii and I are organising a Culture Tour of Rarh in March 2011 for 10 days. It will be an amazing cultural/spiritual journey into this ancient region, with visits to the Chhau masked martial dancer, the mystic Baul singers, the ecstatic kirtan performances, the dancing girls 'nacini nach' as well as an exciting forest expedition. I will keep you updated about that as it develops.

You can also follow the Prabhat Alloi Foundation via the link below:
http://prabhatalloi.blogspot.com.

Boogaloo on friday 15th Oct

2010-10-06T10:10:00.004+01:00

Events:

Friday the 15th, I will be playing at the Boogaloo Club
www.theboogaloo.org/ with a mixture of Bengali and English love/folk songs accompanied by the deep goove sitar licks of Mike Neeson and khol drum beats by Kavita Neuman.

Festival of Life

2010-09-07T15:13:00.006+01:00

Jyoshna, Kavita and friends shall be performing kirtan at the Festival of Life on the 25th Sept, at 6pm in Red Lion Square, and 8pm Conway Hall, London. All welcome, young and young of heart. See www.festivaloflife.net

Performance at Marchmont Street Festival

2010-09-07T12:43:00.008+01:00

The Marchmont Street Festival is a intimate, community based street festival that has been runnng for a number of years I believe and organised by Ricci de Freitas. On the day I arrived to see a wind band playing, with about 100 members of different ages, backgrounds and gender, followed by some talented hip hop artists. Kavita and I performed some Prabhata Samgiit, Sanskrit, Bengali and English songs. This was the third in a series of performances in the area, the previous two being in Brunswick Park. These profound yet joyful songs are also quite varied, and fitting to a festival atmosphere.

Our performance was followed by barn dancing, reggae and samba bands.
It was wonderful to be involved in an event that has such a broad and eclectic collection of music and theatrical performances. Thankyou Ricci and helpers.

2010-08-31T16:24:00.005+01:00

What is free meditation music?

Free meditation music? How can one know, when meditation is such a purely personal affair, or is it?

Meditation not only helps one to process their inner feelings, but its also helps one to function in the world, to be a better person, or at the very least, keeps one away from harming others. In fact when I meditate I am setting aside time to remember why I am here, whats happening inside my heart, and deepening my relationship with my deepest inner self.

I don’t know what others do in their meditation time, that's their business, but I have experienced music as a bridge. When talking can't bring harmony between people, I know that music can, for people sing what they cannot say, and music can reach down to places where words dont matter.

So what is meditation music? Some prefer to call it mantra music while the original name in Sanskrit is kirtan which literally means 'Praise music sung loudly’, ‘chanting the name of god’, and is a way of seeking a direct link with the divine, and growing towards that which I meditate upon i.e. infinite consciousness. Kirtan music directly reflects the divine through the use of a siddha mantra or a Sanskrit incantation that has been ‘empowered’ by a someone who has already attained self realisation or the state of infinite consciousness called nirvakalpa samadhi in Sanskrit, yet at the same time is living in this world.

Kirtan is performed (with voice, instruments and body movements) before meditation and assists the person to release emotions, arouse devotion, and make the body flexible for sitting in quite concentration. The music and dance movements may be dynamic, quietly penetrating or very mellow, creating waves of ecstatic bliss, sometimes slow, sometimes with an incredible intensity. Rarhi kirtan for example (from West Bengal, India) which has many kirtan ragas and tala, has great intensity of expression, with soaring vocals, powerful rhythmic beats and frantic dance movements. Western kirtan can also be very emotive as well as spontaneous, for there is great diversity in expression. The kirtan that I perform tends to be a mixture of the two, reflecting my mood as well as spiritual ideation, sometimes expressing Radha bhava, 'being in love with the divine' sometimes with great energy and intensity. The devotional songs from which the kirtan mantra melodies are derived, often reflect various nuances of love in the relationship between devotee and beloved.

The universal mantra, Baba nam kevalam, has no gender, caste, class or religion associated with it. It simply means ‘everything is an expression of divine consciousness or love’ and may be sung at any time or place by anyone, hence the term ‘universal’. Whether sung ‘with veneration or without’, kirtan has a very beneficial effect not only on the singers but also the listeners, and even those who don’t even like it. My experience shows that it also has a beneficial effect on the environment as well, for in Rarh, I saw kirtan bring rain during the summer droughts. I have collected many stories from people both in Asia and the west of their extaordinary experiences performing kirtan. One can sing kirtan on any occasion and it will bring auspiciousness and relief from stress and anxiety, it is the panacea for all disease, say the indigenous kirtan singers of Rarh, India.

The topic of my PhD thesis is based on the Kirtan tradition of Rarh, West Bengal, India and is available on request.

2010-06-25T15:02:00.006+01:00

I was given back my London Underground Performers license by Robert, and he sounded almost apologetic, said something sweet back to me..but more about that later..

A Performance at St. Ethelburgas on July 1st at 7pm for INTACH, UK Trust, who have supported me for many years with my PhD research work in India.

memoirs

2010-05-17T18:11:00.004+01:00

I have decided to keep a diary of my memoirs of a kirtan performer because many powerful incidents happen in my life as a consequence of it. The most recent event was being reported on by someone in the Busking Scheme at Victoria station two weeks ago almost for selling my cd's which, since the LU took over we are not allowed to do. I was told that I was suspended...

That was a strange morning, I woke early, yet found it hard to get out of bed but thought, no I must, I havent been to Vicotora in a long while and I wanted to see the smilng faces of some of the people I used to see regularly and to do my work as a performer, to sing kirtan and help to cheer people up in the morning. This is a traditional practice in India, as a way of creating auspiciousness in the village, and in that dark underground I thought it woundn't go amiss. I love to sing to people on their way to work.. and you know the aphorism about singing/listening to kirtan, is that.. "with veneration or without" i.e. whether one likes it or not, the benefits are still felt..
(to be continued)

Events this weekend

2010-04-23T09:55:00.004+01:00

Sunrise School Fundraiser this Sat 24th april, 13:00 - 15:30
George Downing Estate with story telling, face painting, music,dance, and drama performance by the children.

Music at Gatehouse, Natural Health Centre for Sunday 25th April, 3:30pm, more details visit www.gatehousehealth.com

PhD viva voce over!

2010-03-31T13:26:00.006+01:00

My PhD viva on Monday the 29th March, it was focussed, gruelling at times, but ultimately uplifting initiation, and once in a life time experience. After four hours of questions and answers I emerged with the sound “Its a fine work, congratulations” ringing in my ears from Professors Neil Sorrell and Tina Ramnarine, two scholars whose work I greatly admire and respect. My supervisor Prof. Richard Widdess was also there lending support, someone who has given me so much guidance throughout my PhD. His specialty is classical dhrupad music, the ancient carya and caca, Newar Tantric Budhhist songs, etc. I was impressed with the fact that my examiners had obviously read and remembered even the smallest details!.

I was also carrying within me the love and caring of so many people, friends, family and kirtan musicians from Rarh who have assisted me throughout these years of both turmoil and deep inspiration. I felt as if I was holding a part of each one's personal gifts inside of me as I walked the last part of my journey. At the end of my viva I walked out to find Mo and Shzr Ee there waiting to give me as hug with warm open arms. We are born once, we die once, and we have a viva once in our lifetimes, (usually anyhow). So with immense gratitude and with great relief at having completed my PhD I can now bask in freedom for a while!!
Jyoshna

these last few months

2010-02-22T16:09:00.006Z

These last few months have been a Sunshine'/Whirly tour of Down Under: NZ for a family Xmas, then Ozie for the Anandamela at Stanthorpe, then back to NZ to the Prout Coop in Motueka, playing at Riverside Festival (see photo); to Auckland again, then finally to Sydney to record and have fine at Jane's Kirtan resort. Oh yes, so much sun and laughter, warmth and tears, unlike the London grey that surrounds me now.
Moving from a space of feeling distant and isolated from family and friends, to closely connected again makes it so worthwhile. Spending quality time with my sisters, brother, neices, nephews, childhood friends, soul mates, and even deceased extended family members was a rich, fulfilling, kaleidascope experience.

Facilitating the Community Choir at the mela was awesome. Recording Unity Hours II kirtan with the same gals (almost) and same studio as 13 years ago for "Longing" at Q Studios, an intense recording relay over twelve hours, was immense challenge and bliss at the same time. Meditation was never so good afterwards!

After the New Year singing a thought came to me as I looked upwards at the clear sky above in Stanthorpe,

The gentle evening breeze
is the winds restlessness to find You my beloved
among the myriad of stars and milky way
it calls You in ecstatic longing

embraced within a small wooden shelter,
the breeze rests in Your loving arms

so will you also carry me beloved
in a small wooden boat
floating across waters calm and rough
in the twilight of my life
beneath the galaxies bespeckled above
within a shelter I long to stay
encircled within your heart
Jyoshna

the thesis

2009-12-05T10:01:00.003Z

Christmas is coming and I am looking forward to going home so much, catching up with family and friends!! But first, handing in my thesis is the priority, then to recapture a sense of freedom thats been lost for the past 5 years. Yet through the many sacrifices one has to make to do something like that, many powerful lessons are learnt and new things discovered, thanks to all

All the best,

Jyoshna

Norwegian TV and Charity Gig at Pangea Project on 11/11

2009-10-21T22:52:00.008+01:00

A few years ago I was at a Performance Audition at LTU and there was a Norwegian film crew there filming. They liked my music and asked me if we could do some filming together, when I received my LTU Busking License and my first time playing in the LU. So we did it and it was a really joyful experience for me. A few weeks ago, May contacted me saying she had been going through the archives and was wondering if I was still around?. How bizarre, when at the beginning of my life in London they filmed me and now when I am nearing the end of my PhD and my new album is finished, they contact me again. Strange how the cosmic magician works!

So May and Kari Grete will be coming from Norway, plus camera man and we will have a lovely day. I plan to sing at Canary Wharf at 8 am, then go to SOAS so we can film some music there and afterwards a Charity gig at night which Joshana Lovage, Rosie from Pangea and I are organising. We have a great line up for the evening, and everyone is putting their time and energy in for free to help the typhoon victims in the Phillipines. Heres' whats happening on the night of the 11/11

AMURTEL Philippines Typhoon Fundraiser
The floods have left many homeless....
Typhoon Ondoy battered Manila over a month ago, fatal for hundreds and displacing an estimated 2 million people, the majority losing their homes. The situation there still remains desperate.
The global charity AMURT/EL immediately set up volunteers and distributed all they could, and continue to serve the worst affected communities in Manila. The people of the Manila need help and this event is an evening of music and entertainment to raise funds to continue to support the people who have been worst affected by this calamity. Thank you for you support and involvement, we hope you come and enjoy the evening!

Date: Wednesday, 11/11
Time: 19:30 - 22:00
Where: The Pangea Project, Stamford Hill (opposite Morissons).
Performing will be...
1. Jyoshna and Hummm, launching the Unity Hours I CD
2. Pangea Project Choir
3. Prama - Didjeridoo and Groove
A visual presentation of AMURT work
4. Regina Nash singing Phillipino songs
5. DJ Rootsman Rak
6. Maxiemiano De Miranda playing Brazillian music

Plus special Guests: Dancers ISmooth and Justine performing a unique fusion of dance styles, influenced by blues and modern.

There's no entrance fee, but a donation of whatever you can afford, snacks and drinks will be on sale to raise money as well as a raffle, with lots of prizes to be won!

Playing at the BlagClub, 16th October,

2009-09-15T11:50:00.007+01:00

Hello, namaskar, Kia ora,
Many of you I have met on the London Underground and some of you have come up to me to talk and we have exchanged cards. Perhaps it was a long time ago, or only a few months, but I haven't forgotten you.

I am writing to tell you that I will be playing at
the Blag Club,
68 Notting Hill gate
W11 3HT,
on 16th October, 2009, I would be very happy to see you there and to sing for you.

Playing with me will be a small line up:

Eric Azzopardi- piano
Maorgan Davies, Sarangi
Kavita Neumannova on khol
and a few special guests..

Also, I am very happy to tell you, that the good news is I have completed my second London album, Unity Hours II, after about 18 months work, just last Monday. I am looking at present for a venue to launch the album, so will let you know when I have finalised it, because it will be an exciting! hopefully blissful night, to play with the musicians that I have immense gratitude for, who recorded my songs with me in the studio on numerous occasions.

See you soon
Lots of love, Jyoshna

Impressions of Conference

2009-08-05T15:12:00.007+01:00

Impressions of Madhu Karuna Conference July 2009

A surging pulsation from within and without
like a gigantic earth cakra throbbing with vitality
on the spot where sounds of universal mantra reverberate

old wounds healing,
new connections revealing
the flight of fears and depth of familiarity

joining into a whirlwind of painful ecstasy
meaningful yet unfathomable
with a sense of fulfillment in the smallest steps forwards

new Syrian friend and Arundatta sing and drum with me
a kirtan tune to rally the masses
like a stream of pied pipers dancing towards the crimson dawn

Jyoshna

Radio show SW1 Wednesday 22nd at 10 am

2009-07-21T21:05:00.002+01:00

Hiya, Phil Hogg has invited me to to come in and play and tell stories on his show, this wednesday morning the 22nd at 10 am till 12 noon. I will be joined by Shzr Ee Tan and Kavita.

PASSPORT is a World Music Show that broadcasts every Wednesday, 10am-12pm
Listen Live at www.sw1radio.co.uk

Tears for Michael and the Victims of the London Bombing

2009-07-08T13:39:00.003+01:00

Today I have the priviledge to pay a small tribute to Michael Jackson, and to remember the grief felt by the families who lost a friend or family member in the London Bombings.

I sang a couple of songs on the Passport show, on SW1 radio hosted by Phil Hogg, featuring world music that went out live from London today at 10.30 till 12. One of the songs, "I will love you till the Day I die" I dedicated to Michael and the victims of the London Bombings. Many people are presently reliving their grief from that time and millions are grieving the loss of Michael and his music, which has been present in our lives for 40 odd years and deeply touched millions of people of all walks of life. His life was not easy, as money and fame does not buy everything, but I believe it was a fulfilling one because he had the opportunity to give so much to the world, and he also had three beautiful children to be so proud of. I pay my salutations to this loving, sensitive, creative genius and I will miss him very much.

Jyoshna

Canary Wharf performance

2009-06-18T16:21:00.004+01:00

as my time at SOAS nears to an end, and the later stages of my thesis writing going ahead, I spend my time at Canary Wharf sometimes, just singing the blues, or bliss, depending on how I feel. I don't often look up at the esclators full of moving suits but when I do I see a throng of busy people hurrying towards their ambitions. They also don't often look back at me, but sometimes a few of them do and when that happens and our eyes meet I imagine them thinking "what are you singing about, who are you?" and in the poignancy of that moment I can feel the silent connection between two people where there's no time to give answers with words, only signals that come out as sounds like morse code in the middle of a stormy night

playing this week

2009-04-26T23:37:00.003+01:00

Had a beautiful time in ireland,
singing in the dome with light streaming inside
conscious loving communication
Coming together to do something practical and positive
community living
healthy sustenance

Thanks to everyone who came and contributed.

LEARNING KIRTAN WITH JAGARANJI

2009-03-22T15:18:00.009Z

TRAINING SESSION IN RARHI KIRTAN:

Six of us went to the Rarhi kirtan training session at Dabar village, in Purulia with Jagaran Mahato recently: Mahajoy from the USA, Kavita from Ireland/London, Tinku from Dabar, and Latika (Lidia) from Ireland/Italy, Malanie from Ireland and myself. Kavita and Tinku took up the khol playing, Mahajoy, Latika and Melani were the cymbal or kartal players extraordinaire, (they never missed a beat) and Chorus singing and I was learning lead vocals and playing guitar. Some of us were there only two weeks some for over a month but it was an amazing learning curve..every day sitting with him for a couple of hours, and learning by direct transmission.. watching, copying, following his signs, his singing, his beats, without talking about it.. without writing, just singing, playing, and repeating it again and again till it sunk in..
One interesting story about Jagaranji is that out of many kirtan gurus I met in Rarh, I chose him to teach me, yet I don’t really know why. I had seen him perform with his group at the First Rarhi International Kirtan festival that Tinku and I organised two years before and was impressed with his groups performance which was very comprehensive and devotional. I could see that he was very knowledgeable, strict with his disciples, and systematic in his teaching. Then after learning the kirtans in the traditional mantra of Hari Bolo for some time with Jagaranji, I asked him one day if we could sing it in Baba Nam Kavalam mantra, meaning Love is all there is, or everything is an expression of Divine Love.. he said yes and told us, that actually he had been asked to teach kirtan at the Ananda Marga school in Purulia by Dada Ramananda, Babas PA for many years, so he knew the Baba Nam kevalam mantra. He began the work with Dadaji and was initiated by him, then after some time Dadaji was re posted, so he stopped his teaching there. So now he was singing BNK with us again and it was truly ecstatic.
Lidia and Mahajoy write:
Jagaran Mahatos teaching method is possibly the most effective teaching method I have experienced. It involves no talking and no explanations. It is based on capturing every ounce of attention from the student, full alertness of all the senses and your intuition. Once he has that, he simply feeds you melody and rhythm and draws music out of you. His classes are very intense, productive, and thoroughly riveting. With the use of repetition he takes you through the chosen kīrtans, from beginning to end and he succeeds in making you follow him. His method is as ancient as the kīrtan itself, and is conducted through direct transmission from guru to student with the aid of clear and effective hand signals, facial expressions, and emphasis on the rhythm. He lets you know what he needs of you, and when you get it wrong he humorously threatens you with corporal punishment (always with a smile on his face). And when you get it right it is a pleasure and a joy to witness the bliss on his face, then you know the magic is really happening! – Lidia, Italy
Jaragaran Mahato teaches with a very consistent, style. I learned the kīrtan singing and cymbals kartal. He is very clear about what to play, when to stop, start, and which stroke to use. He shows with gestures and demonstrations. He is constantly aware of everything going on, and doesn’t allow us to miss a beat. I am always confident that he will direct me to the right rhythm because the kīrtans we are learning are complex and elaborate. I am very pleased that he is teaching us the basic framework, patiently and methodically. I plan to learn with him again. Mahajoy Laufer, USA,

Indian episodes

2009-02-08T05:56:00.004Z

In Delhi:

How can I walk upon these hotel floors of marble?
the sacred fortification of ancient mobility
while the sea of humanity suffers beneath smoke filled skies
when simple earthen tiles will do
better for the marble to remain
touched by the sculptors hands and chisel

When an axe falls upon a jagular vein
a pose of flowers springs forth,
and no blood spills

like you my beloved, the beauty is within
though ordinary You appear,
on some miraculous night,
you sing extraordinarily to my heart and my ears

Joshua Bell Busking

2009-01-10T14:14:00.003Z

A Violinist in the Underground

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and began to play a violin;
It was a cold January morning.
He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.
During that time,
Since, it was rush hour,
It was calculated that thousands of people went through the station,
Most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing.
He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule..
A minute later,
The violinist received his first dollar tip:
A woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.

A few minutes later,
Someone leaned against the wall to listen to him,
But, the man looked at his watch and started to walk again.
Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 03 year old boy.
His mother tagged him along,
Hurried but, the kid stopped to look at the violinist.
Finally, the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time.
This action was repeated by several other children.
All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played,
Only 06 people stopped and stayed for a while.
About 20 gave him money but, continued to walk their normal pace.
He collected $32..
When he finished playing and silence took over,
No one noticed it.
No one applauded,
Nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell,
One of the best musicians in the world.
He played some of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway,
Joshua Bell sold out at a theatre in Boston and the seats average $100.

This is a real story.
Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station which was organised by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about
Perception, Taste and Priorities of people.
The outlines were:
In a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour:
Do we perceive beauty?
Do we stop to appreciate it?
Do we recognise talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen
To
One of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written,
How many other things are we missing?

Long lasting ...pill.?...Call...

2009-01-10T14:04:00.005Z

1.Everywhere in London
I see billboards saying “long lasting sex pill… Call….”
I wonder how long can it be?
How many moments of pleasure put together, make up,what?
Do they equal peace in the world?
Do they equal my lover never leaving me?
Do they equal merging or getting enlightenment?
Or a lifetime of security?
Is it so long that the pleasure turns into pain?
Like sweet juice left in the Indian heat
Or coconut turned sour in the rain
And later when she says, I am leaving you
Is it long enough to make her stay
I have my doubts somehow
So keep your “Long lasting sex pill, ….
Cause I wish that you would Call.. whomever
will make you stop manipulating our brains…
With your addictive hooks that only creates the fantasy of pain
in a world that continues to be inflicted
by worm eaten garbage in the public domain..

catching up

2008-11-08T00:51:00.003Z

HI and namaskar,

Its great to catch up with you and let you know whats been happening lately, and hopefully to hear from you.

I spent weekend lately in Sweden where about 9 other musicians played at a charity concert organised by AMURT, for a project in Africa. Among many inspiring acts there was one African choir, singing original songs, was stunning. Spent the weekend with friends Sumana and Krishna dev, and others, was lovely. We then when to the RAWA Conference and that too was really special, I gave a workshop on Kirtan 'praise singing' and part singing, the other worshop was given by Norwegian songwriter Vasudeva and another by actor/commedian Vishvashanti from the Comedia School in Copenhagen. Sweden was beautiful with the changing autumn colours everywhere and stunning rock formations which remind me of some Renaissance paintings.

Back in London Pranava (on tabla) and I played at the House of Lords again, was more enjoyable this time for me, more relaxed perhaps. People in their fine evening gowns and black ties.. lavish wallpaper.. opulence everywhere.. and as usual the musicians were there supporting the rich, to give...

Jishnu, Kavita and I played at a reallly cool exhibition, 100 years of Undergorund Art,..loved some of the work, especially the water colours ..

I also played at Ramadan festival organised by Justine at St Ethelburgas, was awesome, not so many people, but inspiring because for me it was new, I had never played at a Muslim gathering before, I had the sense that it doesnt matter who one calls to whether it is Allah, Jesus, Buddha, Baba, Shiva or whomever ones Higher Power is, its all the same ultimately, its all just one, ones Beloved, ones inner self, ultimlatey it is the Supreme.. that we are calling out to.. that we want to know and merge into..

my days are spent doing the same old PhD writing, only a month to go... yep I feel like I comin out of prison soon!!

Busking as well next week to keep in touch with the people, the pulse and do a bit of servive whenever I can.. singing kirtan love/devotional songs and chants to wake up to, 8 am is still my favourite time to play in the Underground..

Busking next week: Friday 8am Oxford Circus pitch 1,

Hope to see you there, singing ... baba nam kevalam, love is all there is..

Lots of love, smiles, hugs

Jyoshna

Ireland Kirtan Tour, another one!!

2008-09-13T10:59:00.002+01:00

19th SEPT. at SNUG, MOUNT SHANNON, 8pm
21st SEPT, at COIS NA HABHANA in ENNIS, 7.30pm
23RD SEPT. at SPIRIT CENTER, RIVERWOOD HOUSE, GALWAY, 8.30

Tommy, a wonderful local percussionist will be joining me on Celtic drums
Mahajoy from Northamptom,US, will be joining me on vocals
and others.

gigs this month

2008-08-29T17:52:00.004+01:00

Gigs coming up:

This week at Waterloo station 1 at 8 am on wednesday the 3rd Sept.
Green Park 2 at 8 am on Thursday.

Ireland Song and Kirtan Tour, Sept 21-26th:
organised by Sunrise Farm, Didi Ananda Prama and friends,
Gigs at Limmerick, Cork, Dublin and Limmerick.
(more news to be added)

The House of Lords on Oct 9th for CINI (Children in Need in India)

Rarhi Chhau

2008-08-07T11:31:00.009+01:00

Theyre were here and they were awesome!! They danced and played every day at the British Library piazza, causing peoples hair to stand on end, and leaving with mouths open exclaming "fantastic", "absolutely frightening", "amazing" etc.

They gave 3 workshops on the 16th at the AMC then went on tour to different festivals after that, like Larmer Tree. I find their dance, music and theatrical expressions full of devotional zeal, with the power of raw thunder and blazing beauty.

From this ancient culture, they were here for such a short time, so I just want to say thankyou to everyone who has helped make this happen, especially Jon Fawcett from the British Library, Viram from AMC and P.R.Sarkar who inspired in the first place to see Chhau at DMC in India in 1980.

with love

jyoshna

Performing Monday at SOAS Music Day

2008-06-08T22:33:00.004+01:00

HI there
Its really been an intense week as I prepare for my PhD presentation on Rarhi kirtan this Tuesday at SOAS. This beautiful weather is not helping, it just makes me want to be at my beach, Te Henga, where my little house is in NZ.
Anyway wishes are free!

I am performing on Monday the 9th, with some wonderful musicians Amitabha (piano), Shuman (tabla) and Shzr Eee (accordian) at SOAS on Music Day. There will be many great performances all day, till 6 pm or so, by different musicians from all over the globe, so come and see and hear us all if you can.

My small group is performing at 2.30 pm a few songs from Prabhat Samgiit, a contemporary collection of over 5018 songs written between 1983 and 2000 by Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar. Prabhat Samgiit are devotional songs from differnt genres, baul (mystic) , kirtan (praise songs), classical, jhumur (folk) and for every imaginable occasion or situation, songs so divine they will make your heart cry, sing, fall in love, feel a multitude of emotions, true gems.

lots of love

jyoshna

Chhau tour from India coming to London

2008-05-21T03:01:00.008+01:00

Dear friends and family

After many months of negotiations, the British Library, Asian Music Circuit and myself have managed to put together a tour for the Royal Rarhi Chhau dance company from Rarh, India.

Chhau is ‘the masked dance of the ancient warrior’ and is perhaps the oldest mask dance in the world. The word Chhau is derived from the Bengali word Chhauni meaning ‘soldiers barracks’ and hence it originated as a martial dance. This is the same dance that Shrii Shrii Anandamurti would have perform each year at DMC (dharma maha cakra) as he encouraged this regional dance form as a magnificent representative of Rarhi music and dance culture.

Personally I have worked with the Royal Chhau dancers and musicians since 1996 and they are completely dedicated to their art. The have been musically trained since childhood and live a very simple lifestyle, built upon their love for Shiva and their indigneous culture. As people also they are straightforward with a powerful depth that comes with living always near to, or on a Tantra pith (point at which someone attained salvation through spiritual practice), are both fiercely protective and tender, as their adi guru, Shiva.

I am writing to share the exciting news of the Chhau dancers performing here in London, and to see if theres anyone who would like to be their local guides, escorting them around London on their nights off, sharing their music and their friendship, by giving them some time. They are here for a short while only and they would like to meet new people and share cultural experiences. In return you will have the experience of seeing them perform, being at their their workshops if you like, and making new friends. If you would like to take them around London when they are not performing or spend time with them playing, talking, whatever, please let me know as I am looking for a few people to accompany us over the fourteen days.

Anyone interested? Here is their schedule below.

In Love

Jyoshna

Thursday 10 July 17.45-19.00 The British Library, London
Friday 11 July 17.45-19.00 The British Library, London
Saturday 12 July 14.30-15.45 The British Library, London
Sunday 13 July 13.00-14.15 The British Library, London
Monday 14 July 17.45-19.00 The British Library, London

Wednesday 16 July time TBC workshops for school children at The Asian Music Centre,
Acton, London
Thursday 17 July 18.30-19.45 The Hindu Temple, Nottingham
Saturday 19 July 13.00-1500 workshop and performance Larmer Tree Festival, Wiltshire
17.00-20.00 workshop and performance “Bristol Go” festival, Bristol

playing in Ireland

2008-04-29T00:02:00.000+01:00

Taurus's birthday's

2008-04-20T22:10:00.003+01:00

Where I'm playing this week:
Tottenham Court Road Tube on Friday the 25th at 10pm
Leister Square Tube on Saturday at 2pm

This is a special week for me, its a Taurus birthday week when both my sister Jacqui and my mum Toni were born. First of all i would like to sing happy birthday to my sister Jacqui whose birthday it is today. She has been an amazing support, and loving sister and friend to me all my life. So Happy Birthday sis.

You know I would like to tell you a bit about my mum, as she was the kind of person who never told anyone about herself she always let others talk. Its been eighteen years now since she passed away but i still think of her almost every day. When Mum was there, everyone always felt so special in her presence, because she really listened to what people had to say and she always responded with compassion, with something very beautiful and positive.

My mum had a beautiful voice, it was kind of operatic and when I was a young teenager I have to admit I was a little embarassed about it because it was so loud you could hear it right across the cut-away (NZ expression for field separating two streets). She also loved poetry and she collected poems she loved. One of my most fond memories was when she would sing my sisters and I to sleep at night. I still remember the songs she sang, they were devotional, in this case they were Christain songs, she also sang traditional African American spirituals, Like "Hush Little Baby dont you cry". This is where my spiritual life began, and my love for devotional music.
She passed away with cancer, but she never left me, she has remained with me in the form of song and sculpture and a feeling of what it means to love deeply, keeping the family together, I mean both small and universal family. She was my first guru, my first love, and my first friend on this earth. Here's a poem she wrote

To watch the sky smiling on the lone but not lonely soul
To give thanks for such peace so hard to find
and so little time these days to enjoy
I pray that I will alway be free,
free to think, to feel and to speak and to love

Toni

playing this week feb. 25th - 2nd march.

2008-02-24T22:23:00.006Z

i am playing at

wednesday 8am oxford circus tube

thursday 8am charing cross tube

friday 8pm tottenham road tube

saturday 6pm on uk unsigned singer/songwriter live competition semi final at stanley hall, 12 south norwood hill
london se25.

hope you all can come

love

jyoshna

Rarhi Bangla Kirtan festival

2008-02-17T22:09:00.004Z

I always feel like I am going to my ancient homeland when I go to Rarh. Its here that people are so very natural, where love and loving family feeling flows freely and profusely from deep inside the hearts of the people, where the landscape is so exremely beautiful, somtimes soft sometimes fierce, yet always condusive to spiritual expression. Its no wonder that kirtan originated here and still flourishes in this land of red earth, where the Bauls also come from, with their mystic songs, and ektaras.

Firstly I just really want to thank so many generous, open hearted people who helped make this event so sucessful, especially the sponsors to whom I am very grateful, the participants including the International kirtan group who had the courage to peform in front of such a knowledgeable audience, and of course the Rarhi kirtaniyas, whom I have never seen perform with so much devotion and zeal.

Firstly our sponsors were: Bratati, Dada Ratnakrsananda, Janakii, Jyotiprabha, Ketana and Shivanii from Australia, the British Library Sound Archives, Kavita from Czech Republic, Tinku and myself. I also want to give special thanks to Sanjay Mahato (Tinku), his wife Rekha, Shibra, Ma, Santa and other family members and friends who took so much care of all of us and were so generous with their time and efforts to make this festival a great sucess.

Around 5,000 people were present over the weekend, from the local area, from further afield, as well as people from other countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, Canary Islands, Ireland, Jamaica and the UK. The kirtan performances were absolutely rivetting, the satsaung was inspiring, the hospitality awesome and the food delicious.

One of the highlights was the Nagar kirtan on the final morning of the festival, it was the grand finale of the weekend. All the villagers came out to see or participate in the kirtan, the Rarhi teams with all the westerners, singing and dancing together in blissful surrender. Everyone enjoyed throwing colours on each other, young and old, and we all ended up covered with pink and red coloured powder, jumping, running, dancing, singing in the streets and calling gods name!!

It was so good we decided to do it every year, so start saving your pennies everyone and come and take part in the best time you could ever have!!

Two great events

2008-01-14T08:19:00.002Z

Well, it was wonderful to have my friend Dr Binapani Mahato in London. She came to give a lecture and perform at SOAS, seminars and recordings at the AMC on the jhumur songs and Chhau dances from Rarh. So something I only hoped and imagined could happen, actually did, so that others may come to know a little about this ancient music and dance culture. I was so happy to be part of organising this event which was inspired by P.R Sarkars writings on Rarh and life long patronage. Binapaniji's lectures were very informative and delivered with such clarity and depth of knowledge. This event was also significant because it was the first time a professor from Rarh has come to London to share the beauty and depth of Rarh jhumur songs.

After her departure I went to the Ananda Mela in Brisbane which was also wonderful. Performing some devotional and social songs on the first night with other artists Lokesh, Maetrayii, Liila, Dada and Shyamanii was really special. During the festival I lead the Community Choir and as it was the 25th Anniversary of Prabhat Samgiita we sang two songs from this Collection and English kirtan song. I really believe that the Mela is a very unique festival with its combination of different workshops given by leading experts in their fields as well as spiritual practices such as kirtan, meditation and yoga.

Now I am at Janakii's beautiful house in Sydney with two huge eucalyptus trees out front and a swimming pool out back, and its so lovely to catch up with her and other really good friends. Tomorrow we will fly to NZ to see my family and old friends that I have truly missed.
with love,
Jyoshna

Christmas journeying

2007-12-14T12:37:00.000Z

Dear friends and family

Where I'm at over the next wee while:
Playing at the Ananda Mela Festival at Stanthorpe, Brisbane, Anandapalli
Jan 6-12th.

Then NZ, to see my family who I have sorely missed these past two years

Then to India, Purulia to the First International Kirtan festival!! It will be a memorable occasion, All Welcome!

Come and sing and enjoy the kirtan together, its sure to be an amazing experience, as many of us will be coming together in the heartland of Rarh, India, from all over the world.

Lots of love

Jyoshna

Underground music

2007-12-13T23:53:00.000Z

See my videos - busking in the underground filmed by Tapasii:

where Playing this week:

2007-10-29T10:07:00.000Z

Friday 2nd Nov. Oxford Circus Tube, 8am -10am
Saturday 3rd, Outside Modern Tate, around 12 noon- 4pm
helping to spread kirtan vibes...

Then on the 30th Nov. a good friend of mine, professor from Ranchi University will be here to give a concert at SOAS, London University, 7pm at the Brunei Gallery Theatre

Binapani Mahato: Folk Treasures from Eastern India:
Binapani is one of the very few classically tranied jhumur singers 'folk' singers of the Rarh region in Easter India. Jhumur songs and dances express the loves, hopes, and political and social aspirations of a people who have been thoroughly neglected in the past. Having researched jhumur songs and the Chhau rhythms of the region for many years, her performances reflect the historical, social, and spiritual environment of the local people of Jharkhand.

2007-10-10T10:28:00.000+01:00

The First Rar’hi Bangla’ International Kiirtana’ Festival
At: Dabar Village, Purulia
Jan 26-28th 2008
RASA’MRITA’ SINDHU
‘OCEAN OF DIVINE NECTAR’

The first ever Rar’hi Bangla’ International Kiirtana’ festival will be held in Ra’rh, at Dabar Village, Purulia District, West Bengal, India. Rarh is said to be the homeland of Kiirtana, ’praise singing’. This celebration of Nama or marai kiirtana will draw together many of the best Kiirtana groups from Ra’rh, as well as international kiirtana artists from UK, USA, Canada and the Pacific, creating a sense of unity and cultural exchange that has never been experienced before. Featuring the Kiirtana Teams from Rar’h:
Bagra Rajwar Sankirtan team (warriors)
Bagra Mahato Sankirtan team (intellectuals)
Karandi Sankirtan team (tribal village)
Vaisnab Sankirtan team (professionals)
Banshgar Sankirtan team (brahmans)
Kostuka Sankirtan team (x rebels)

Plus the: Madhu Madhu Kirtan team (London)
Organised by RAWA, London and Angels Nest and the Cultural Committee, Purulia,
Contacts: Jyoshna La Trobe, Jyoshna@jyoshna.com, from RAWA, London
Sanjay Kumar Mahato, tinkusworld@gmail.com, from Angels Nest Committee, Purulia.
Cost: per person is 25 pounds a day which includes the festival, food and accommodation.
Sponsors needed: If you would like to this event, you will be able advertise on our newsletter and posters. Ten sponsors are needed to give 100 pounds each, to cover costs

Playing at SOAS, exhibition opening this thursday

2007-10-09T18:37:00.000+01:00

Should be an amazing to play at the opening of the SOAS Treasures Exhibition, when i went inside briefly i saw some golden buddhas, mandalas and paintings..
Amitabha, Pranava and I are playing there on Thusday night and I am told Princess Anne will be coming too, so promises to be something special and hopefully very interesting!! who knows what this liila will bring..

Malta, land of sea and spiritual skies

2007-09-11T11:22:00.000+01:00

There arent any words to express what it feels like to perform Prabhata Samgiit written by Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, the most beautiful, devotional, awe inspiring and spiritually powerful songs on the planet. Amitabha as pianist and I, worked hard at arranging a selection of Prabhata Samgiita in the best possible way to evoke the beauty and diversity of the melodies and to make them accessible to a western sensibility while keeping strictly to the original tunes and rhythms. We were accompanied by Maltese musicians Nick Morales on bass, Gary Muscat on drums and Dorothy Muscat on backing vocals.

The venue, St James Cavalier, was perfect, with its circular stone walls around an intimate space. The audience was very responsive to the music and even the critics found interest, wonder and beauty in these songs. For myself as a singer/ songwriter there are no songs that capture the depth of human experience and spiritual longing and fulfillment better than these gems, nor any place I would rather be than in a setting with people who love and appreciate the spiritual atmosphere that these songs create.

This performance was in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of Prabhat Samgiita and am very grateful to the organisers of this event, especially the Ananda Marga Committee of Malta, who put all their heart and soul into it, and thanks to them, it was an amazing experience for all, a million thanks!
with love
Jyoshna

Kundalinii express tour of USA Festivals

2007-05-22T14:07:00.000+01:00

Summer Tour of the USA:

This years Kundalinii Express Tour played at these Music Festivals this year:

July 13-15 - Asheville Spirit Fest (AM)

July 20-22 - Transformus Festival (North Carolina)

July 26-29 - Floyd Fest (Virginia)

Aug 3-5 - NEK Festival (Vermont)

Aug 6-12 - PS Retreat/Festival

More to be seen at the Kxpress.org
or myspace.com/kundalinii_express.

K Xpress is a group of like-minded musicians and meditators who are travelling together, spiritually as well as geographically...

Returning from Rarh, India

2007-04-27T17:31:00.000+01:00

hello my dears,
namaskar

After traveling half way round the world, its nice to be somewhere that I can write to you whom i have connected with recently in London, India, the USA or Canada. Being in Rarh, West Begnal, India for the past month has brought me back to my core and my life's work, to become more aware of, to learn and spread the depth and beauty of the traditional Rarh kirtans throughout the west.
Rarhbhum, 'the land of Rarh' with its red soil, rivers and mountain peaks, and five indigenous music genres, is truly magnificent and is said to be the original homeland of Kirtan. Being there during this hot summer temperatures was both tough and miraculous, musically and spiritually.

With my friend and assistant, Tinku, we met with and interviewed many prominent kirtan masters in the Purulia District of Rarh. They shared with us their love, expertise and traditional knowledge of kirtan, leaving me full of gratitiude for their tremendous generosity. I had the opportunity to study some of these traditional Rarhi Kirtan tals and ragas and have begun the work and joy of spreading these wonderful tunes with others this weekend at the Ananda Marga Boston Spring Retreat and at the Zen Peacemakers Centre in Northampton. I also now have a new baby khol which I am nursing at home in london.

With love always

Jyoshna

Video kirtan in the London Underground

2007-02-27T09:55:00.000Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-b00WQXBq4

hi, namaskar

we are at the time of the year when the seasons are changing again, the days getting longer, thankfully. The other day I was down in the London Underground a new kirtan song came to me:

"If I write to you a letter, will you try to understand the ocean of my longing, is reaching for your hand

if I wake up in the morning and I stroke your golden hair

will everything be better, will everything be fair

Beloved, my Baba , beloved, oh my love

I see you in the break of dawn, in the full moonlight

I see you in the spring time, in the tiny buds so bright

I see you in the winter cold, in the snow oh so white

and I see you in the darkest night, in the stary, stary light

Beloved, my Baba, Beloved, oh on my love

Will you walk with me beloved, through all these sounds and sights

through happiness and sorrow and humanitys plight

will you take my hand beloved when all around is fight

You say, you can do anything, so then come back to my side

Beloved, my baba, beloved oh my love

Baba Nam Kevalam

We are making a video about Kirtan in the London Underground

So please come and join us this week at 8am Victoria Station and Saturday at 12 noon at Bank 1.

Lots of Love

always

Jyoshna

Singing in the Stone Temple at the Top of the World

2006-12-23T00:25:00.000Z

Malta
Singing at the temple, on the mountain, at the top of the world
watching waters, an unbelievable navy blue
with flecks of orange jewels
a group of friends, sit
absorbed in its cool beauty
our hearts one heart, our soul one soul, our minds,
in a gentle flow rippling towards one goal

Singing in a room of stone
every inch sculpted
by the hands of a group so small yet so huge
unfathomable the laughter, the love, the whisper of words
both silent and spoken in that room
in the temple, on the mountain, at the top of the world

temples made in the shape of a goddess
two rounded forms and head laying rested on her elbow
voluptuous entry out from the womb and into a world
what is this mystery behind her powerful yet gentle form?
what is this pale, deep, effulgent, infinite blue?

CINI's success!!

2006-12-12T10:20:00.000Z

hey, namaskar,
Pranav Bihari and I played some music at the House of Lords at Westminster Palace, at a CINI, Fundraising Dinner for India's children. We played over an hour to a reception full with over 100 guests, British Lords and Ladies and business people mostly, talking, laughing, sipping champagne, listening to the music in a relaxed atmosphere. After singing some Prabhat Samgiit songs I then started on a sequence of Rarhi Kirtans, followed by a very groovy tabla break by Pranav. At the end of our performance, some of the guests came up to us to talk, it was nice.. The next day, Anne called me, the main organiser, she was overjoyed thanked us "for our contribution". She said that last year they raised 30,000 pounds, and this year, it was Half a Million, I was happy for them and a bit dumbstruck, but congratulated her on their success.
Perhaps theres a secret formula there for success somewhere and it has to do with Kirtan..
lots of love
jyoshna

2006-11-14T18:01:00.000Z

Hi, I'm presently cloning all my video images for the British Library Sound Archives, so that means endless, endless, hours of listening and watching Rarhi music.. (could be worse!!) and playing of course. I'm excited about going down to Portland on the weekend, I love walking by the wild coast, the beautiful portland stone quarry ( I fantasize about scuplting something from it every time), i am looking forward to seeing my good friends Radha and Divi who organised the Divine Moon festival and are hosting the concert this weekend.
Though in all of this I havent forgotten the source of being, who's love is there always, I dont know where I can go, not to feel it, ... sometimes painful with longing sometimes so deeply beautiful!

Sunday 19th Nov. afternoon: Portand St Georges Community Centre, 2-5pm, a DivineMoon Festival Xmas Concert.
lots of love xxx
jyoshna

underground blues? never

2006-11-07T00:16:00.000Z

i have to say that i see miracles happening every day when I am busking in the london underground and i love it because i can play music for people i could not imagine ever meeting .. on saturday for example, I was singing a song at Leister Square when a couple (one was a singer) came up and started to do a romantic cheek to cheek dance in a circle in front of the escalators.. it was unimaginably beautiful! and the other day the deputy high commissioner of nz came up to me not knowing i was a kiwi too, bought some cds and said for me to call her sometime.. what can i say?... before i went to india...a woman, who looks like a warrior princess came up to me, said i sing like a angel and do i want a manager?...what can i say? mm its the magic of the infinite working ..yes, even in the undergound

2006-09-02T16:16:00.000+01:00

love and namaskar to all,
Back in london, after being everywhere and lately in Portland, south of England at the Divine Moon festival, where i performed kirtans and a retrospetive of some devotional songs from previous albums like Occen, Dancing Divinity, Beloved, Reign of Love and others. The whole festival was wonderful thanks to the efforts of organisers Divi and Radha and all the amazing artists who were there.
With feet on the ground, my heart is quieter now, as i start to write up my research on Rarhi kirtan..its inspiring..this indigenous culture is so deep, i feel lost in a goldmine.
Musically, looking at different options here in London, while not forgetting to walk along the river Thames sometimes, it is the river of life for me, leading to the ocean, while remembering the One that i came to be, the family and friends that i cannot see, but can feel within me...

My first blog

2006-07-31T14:57:00.000+01:00

Haleluya i broke the glass ceiling of electronic communication!
i found this really beautiful quote by Baba on the role of the artist... something that i want to share with you, cause it relates to what I am going through right now... it goes" Infinite love is the ultimate ecstatic expression of finite love " this very awareness, though not purely transcendental, bears the highest importance in the realm of art" .. in my sadhana and in my music the search to find that link between the Infinite and the finite love is both my struggle and my joy. To experience myself as being true to my own feelings but also allow it to expand into unconditional love.. is the deeper reality..