First tour, first album, first video
In the Fall of 2009 I launched a 2 1/2 year North America tour across with a West Coast jaunt. We had just released my first video, which featured Hare Om Shivaya, the first song from my first Kirtan album. Click HERE to watch this video, which has now been viewed over 23,000 times.
Bhakti Fest 2009
Along the way a wonderful musician named Sharanam Anandama connected me with the founder of Bhakti Fest, which just launched. Bhakti Fest’s founder, Sridhar Silberfein was at Woodstock 50 years ago, and lobbied Woodstock’s organizers to add a “spiritual component.” At Sri’s behest, Swami Satchidananda took the stage immediately after Richie Havens, sharing a memorable mantra invocation with close to a half million attendees. Upon leaving the stage Swami Satchidananda charged Sri with creating a “Spiritual Woodstock.” In 2009, forty years later, this promise was fulfilled.
Though I missed year one (2009) I consider myself fortunate to have participated in Bhakti Fest every year since. Highlights included sharing Kirtan on the main stage (Bhakti Fest 2010, 2011, 2015), opening for Krishna Das (Bhakti Fest Midwest 2014), emceeing, teaching in the Bhakti Fest Kirtan School, and bringing my band (Mike Cohen & The Shakti Groove) to this incredible festival.
The Spiritual Woodstock
There’s nothing like being in a high vibration environment with thousands of kindred spirits. What amazing memories I have from chanting with Kirtan legends like Krishna Das, Wah, Jai Uttal, Deva Premal, Donna DeLory, Fannah Fi-Allah and more. So many Kirtan Artists have broken into the scene at this epic festival, including Kirtan Soul Revival, Prema Love, MC YOGI and more. It’s been an honor to experience profound teachers like Deepak Chopra, Ram Das, Shiva Rea, Radhanath Swami and others. Best of all… chanting under the stars on deliciously warm nights is the closest experience I’ve ever had to my glorious time spent at my guru’s ashram in Southern India. Pure magic!
Come to the World’s Largest and Most Beloved Yoga + Sacred Music Festival
After a decade in Joshua Tree, the festival has moved up the road to 29 Palms, California, which is a destination for rock climbers, stargazers, nature lovers, Joshua Tree fanatics, sunset seekers and now… spiritual seekers.
Planing to come? Festival housing options include camping, RV Hook-up sites, on-site cabins, Glamping Yurts, Cozy Trailers, and numerous hotels and rental homes nearby in 29 Palms.
I’ll be there, chanting with Krishna Das, learning from Deepak Chopra, practicing yoga with MC YOGI and Sianna Sherman and having the time of my life. Will you be there?
Purchase discounted artist festival passes. Details HERE.