Shakti Spirit

In April 2004, several friends — all women kirtan leaders from different parts of the country —  joined together at Open Secret in San Rafael, California for a magical evening of kirtan chanting, which we called "Shakti Spirit." The decision to record the event was made at the last minute, with minimal equipment at hand. The evening was such a deep, powerful, and fun experience, that we decided to do it again the next year, and release the CD from 2004 at the same time.  The 2005 event was another divine experience, and we decided that "Shakti Spirit" would be the name of our group. We live in different cities, and we all lead kirtan groups on our own, but the evenings of coming together are so beautiful that we have agreed to explore the Shakti Spirit path as well, following where it may lead. Stay tuned to this website for future Shakti Spirit events!     Uma Reed has been singing kirtan for 30 years, and leads regular kirtan chanting groups in the Bay area. Her warm and graceful style helps to convey the deeper meaning behind the chants. She has led kirtan on retreats with Ram Dass and others in the U. S. and abroad.   Diana Rogers has led chanting for 30 years, and has studied vocal music with Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Pran Nath and Allaudin Mathieu. She is a compelling kirtan singer whose evocative chanting takes us on an exquisite musical journey. She has performed and recorded with Jai Uttal and Krishna Das and has led kirtan throughout the U.S. with Ram Dass. www.dianarogers.com   Sita Jamieson began singing kirtan in the early 80s at the Hanuman Temple in Toas, New Mexico. Her spirited style and beautiful voice bring a deep and lively energy to the kirtan experience. She has performed with Krishna Das, Ram Dass and Bhagavan Dass. www.sitachants.com   Carolyn Ross studied Indian classical voice and tabla in India and at the All Akbar College of Music. Her captivating vocals have an enchanting quality that beautifully convey the bhakti siprit. She has recorded with Diana Rogers, Geoffrey Gordon and Jai Uttal.     The CD from 2004, "Shakti Spirit: Live at Open Secret" is now available. Click here for more information.

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