I recently had the honor and great fortune to photograph great kirtan performers, such as Jai Uttal, Wah, Girish, Sean Johnson, and other fine artists at Bhakti Fest, in Joshua Tree, California. This three-day celebration of kirtan, yoga, meditation, raw food, and green living was held the weekend of September 11th. Click on each gallery to see photographs and hear a clip from each artist. You can also view the photo galleries in full screen.
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The sheer number of musicians on stage during Jai Uttal’s kirtan was incredible. Several of the photographs in the Jai Uttal gallery take on an almost Italian Renaissance composition that convey the devotion and drama of his creative expression. Wah’s images depict her twilight kirtan, and show the rock-concert style of kirtan mellowed with the setting rays of the sun, reflections of joy and devotion, and ultimately, the beauty of the Divine Mother goddess. Artist sites: Jai Uttal, Wah!.
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Girish’s performance was a force to be reckoned with, showing stalwart devotion to the Divine Mother, which I really appreciated. I climbed behind the stage and shot from between the huge hanging banners of the Devas to get the shot of him facing the crowd that is displayed in the gallery. Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band captured my heart as well – through a sense of joy and humility which instantly got the crowd dancing. Artist sites: Girish, Sean Johnson and The Wild Lotus Band.
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Wade Morissette was characteristically a champion of human unity, personable, simple, and strong. Lalita Lily Diamond’s kirtan on Sunday morning honored Ganesh and the Divine Mother with sweet guitar, cello, and tabla synergies. During Lalita’s composition honoring the Goddess Shakambari, gusts of wind suddenly appeared filled with the shakti of the Divine Mother! Artist sites: Wade Morissette, Lalita Lily Diamond.
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Govindas and Radha’s kirtan featured a very smooth and sweet sound, with a total focus on the mellows of bhakti. Check out my post about Govindas and Radha’s kirtan space and yoga studio in Santa Monica – Bhakti Yoga Shala. Mukti’s kirtan shines with Prajna Brianna Viera’s vocal talent, and the blessings of Ammachi. Artist sites: Mukti, Govindas and Radha.
