Krishna Daas Concert In Hawaii, Review,

December 6, 2009 HAWAII. yogagurl meets Krishna Das at the concert

Over the years as yoga has become more popular, the ancient practice of kirtan (“KEER-tahn”), or yogic chanting, is also getting more attention. The “call and response” format of chanting is a type of yoga in itself and has many of the mind-calming benefits of a yoga class or seated meditation.

Over the years I have participated in many and even drummed at one kirtan at jivamukti (the drummer didn't show up and I was the only one in the audience that knew how to drum).

Well before you read on if you are wondering if it's worth going to a live Kirtan concert to hear Krisna Das, the answer is "yes". Having heard and played his cd's over the years in my yoga classes I always was curious to hear his deep and booming voice live. The stage was set with beautiful carpets and incredible fresh tropical antherium flowers and large green leaves on either side. Krishna Das plays the traditional Kirtan instrument called the harmonium (sounds a little like a cross between organ and accordian) and was accompanied by 4 instruments. Two guys on the drums & tablas, an amazing female violinist (I have a soft spot for violins) and woman playing hand cymbals.

He started by introducing himself and telling us he grew up in Long Island New York and had to learn the hard way to find peace. Throughout the concert he wove in fascinating stories of his studies in India with his guru, that had us laughing and on the edge of our seats wanting more.

Next he introduced us to the basics of chanting 101. He said I sing, then you repeat and have it sound kind of like me and we are good. Hehe. This sounded like my kind of concert. Easy going and low key! My favorite chant was Ma Durga it brought a tear to my eye. Some of the other chants made me laugh and even sad. For those of you new to chanting, it is a way to connect to yourself and well more than that, to all that is. It really is like a yoga practice. It's not about competing or being the most blissed out. It's more about being in the moment and letting all your stuff melt away...There is no right or wrong. Chant sheets with the Sanskrit words (ancient language) were handed out. You don't have to be a yoga teacher or expert to sing along. It's kind of like ancient karaoke.

In between the chants there was a long pause instead of accustomed applause and you could have heard a pin drop except we were in a beautiful tent like structure with one wall screened and open to the outdoors (only in Hawaii of course). So the moments of silence were filled by the surprising melodic chirping of the local tree frogs. It was so beautiful and just added to the already incredible vibe that was being created by KD and his team.

His sense of humor right off the bat has you knowing this is going to be a fun playful evening---and that is was. A phenomenal night! I say thumbs up: A great way for first timers and regulars alike to spend an evening. Yogagurl says "I loved it and would recommend it!". I left feeling a sense of calm and inner peace. Has anyone been? Tell me what you think about his concerts...


Being we were at an intimate venue ( about 250 people) after the concert I went up to say hello. I am not much of a stargazer but I really felt in my heart to thank him for an inspiring evening.
I was surprised at how easy he was to talk to. I had him smell the local Hawaiian yellow trumpet flower in my hand. We got to chatting and turns out his violinist is from Toronto, small world.

I told him I had just launched my first yogagurl relaxation CD and dug in my purse to proudly showed him the illustration on the cover my intern Erika toiled over for hours on end. "Whine less breathe more--I like it" he chuckled. So I spontaneously handed it to him and said I liked your humor tonite and think you will appreciate mine! He thanked me and said he'd listen to it soon. YAY! Krishna Das has one of the first 100 yogagurl Limited Edition hand stitched cover cd's!