Shantikar

Everyone is invited to an marvelous
evening of Kirtan with the amazing Shantikar.
Saturday, January 27th 7:30pm
at Unity Skagit Valley
704 West Division Street Mount Vernon WA.
Allow yourself to be moved and participate in
heartfelt group chanting songs of love for God.
Denise and I will greet you and sell
tickets for $15 at the door. Namaste.

Russell is a prolific composer, performer, recording artist and teacher. Recognized as one of the early pioneers of East/West fusion, he was a member of the seminal world-fusion group Ancient Future.

He learned Indian classical music during a year in Nepal and continued studying with world-renowned sarod master Ali Akbar Khan at the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, Calif.

He now leads and composes for the world-music kirtan ensemble Shantikar.

Richard Russell
A disciple of world-renowned sarode master Ali Akbar Khan, Richard Russell spent many years studying the vocal and instrumental styles of Hindustani classical music. After earning his BA in music composition, he attended the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, Calif., while simultaneously earning his MA from Antioch University with a concentration in Indian music. He is a prolific composer, performer, recording artist and teacher dedicated to the philosophy that sacred music has a unique potential to open the heart, stir the soul and raise the level of peace and joy in our world. Recognized as one of the early pioneers of east/west fusion, he is both a respected innovator and sought-after collaborator in the field of world music.

Richard has performed with a number of world-class musicians including Pankaj Mishra, Indradeep Ghosh, Salar Nader, Benjy Wertheimer, Joël Dilley, Matthew Montfort, Pranesh Khan and Hom Nath Upadhyaya, among others. As the primary vocalist, instrumentalist and composer he offers kirtan, raga and world music events in collaboration with a variety of talented musical friends. Based in Everett, Washington, just north of Seattle, Russell offers concerts, workshops and private lessons as well.

Kirtan
Kirtan – or call and response chant – is a spiritual practice from India that enables us to connect to the divine sources that are around, and inside, each of us. It is a form of bhakti (devotional) yoga where the repetition of the sacred names guides us to an immersion in the perfection of love. There is no exact formula or belief to follow, only the understanding that when we sing these divine love songs together, it is a powerful tool for creating a world of greater peace, love and conscious co-evolution.

Shantikar
Blending the Sanskrit words shanti (peace) and kara (to do), Shantikar offers music that is both meditative and uplifting. Drawing on the ancient tradition of mantra and the evocative melodies and rhythms of India, Shantikar creates an experience where music and spirit flow together as one.