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Menage a Music/Kirtan-o-Rama!
P.O. Box 204
Atco, NJ 08004 USA
Contact: menage98@..., (856) 275-4101
July 15, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"Kirtan-o-Rama!" Indian Chanting Finds Home in NJ Rock Performers' Hearts (and at Princeton Center for Yoga and Health)
India may seem a world away for many American performers, but its music and spirituality have great influence for two New Jersey artists, Robin Renée and Karttikeya. With a diverse collective background in rock, jazz, classical, punk, new wave, folk, and more, the two come together with the common bond of kirtan- a form of Indian devotional chanting that is enjoying a recent surge in popularity in the U.S. Robin Renée and Karttikeya lead "Kirtan-o-Rama!" regularly at Princeton Center for Yoga & Health (PCYH) in Skillman, NJ. The next dates will be Saturday, July 17th and Saturday, August 21st at 7:30pm.
"Kirtan came to me both by way of a powerful life transformation and as a complete surprise," says Renée, who considers her life enriched after a spiritual awakening two and a half years ago. A longtime NJ-based performing songwriter, Renée gained notice as a solo artist and with former bands Spy Gods and The Loved Ones. She continues to perform her original songs, sometimes merging her melodies with the mantras that have become her passion. She calls the combination "Mantra-pop." She has lead chanting events (vocals, guitar, harmonium, and percussion) throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and has shared the stage with Krishna Das, the West's best-loved kirtan singer. Her current rock-oriented CD, "All Six Senses," was produced by Scott Mathews, who has worked with George Harrison, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, and many more.
Musican and composer Karttikeya defines his work through its use of many instruments and styles. He is currently known as both the drummer in the band Sea Monkey and the keyboardist for Dr. Keya. In kirtan, Karttikeya plays the South Indian Naal drum and he is innovative with various percussion instruments and found objects (his old fashion watering can sounds great!). After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Karttikeya immersed himself in Hindu practice, living and studying for 12 years at the feet of Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami in Hawaii.
Kirtan utilizes the Divine Names from the Hindu tradition, though it can be enjoyed by people of all faiths and all walks of life. Its easy call-and-response repetition makes learning a few words in the ancient, sacred language of Sanskrit accessible and fun. Many experience deep stillness, bliss, and a profound sense of oneness with All. It is soulful and peace-evoking, yet energetic and rousing. Feel free to bring drums, percussion, and musical instruments to join the joyful noise!
Kirtan-o-Rama!
Saturday July 17th, Saturday August 21st 7:30pm, $10 suggested donation
Princeton Center for Yoga & Health
Montgomery Professional Center
50 Vreeland Drive, Suite 506, Skillman, NJ 08558
Info and directions: www.princetonyoga.com (609) 924-7294
Check the PCYH website for fall "Kirtan-o-Rama!" dates.
For more information on "Kirtan-o-Rama!" contact Robin Renée at (856) 275-4101 or visit her websites: www.robinrenee.com, www.groups.yahoo.com/kirtanorama.
Visit Karttikeya at www.drkeya.com or www.seamonkeyband.com.
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RobinRenée.com www.robinrenee.com
CD Baby: ROBIN RENEE: All Six Senses - hear and buy it at CD BABY.
For Robin Renée bookings, contact Menage a Music at menage98@....
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