by Shannon Crow

Once again Brenda McMorrow brought a magical Kirtan to us in Owen Sound. The first time that she played in our space was to raise funds for the beloved bandstand construction in February of 2012.

In spite of a heavy snowstorm that night, the concert was huge success. Over 40 people braved the weather, and raised $380 for the bandstand. At this point, the Owen Sound bandstand committee is still actively collecting funds in order to finish the restoration by the Victoria Day long weekend in May.

Brenda has brightened our studio and our hearts three times since that 2012 Kirtan, and has brought the talents of other amazing musicians with her, such as, Shannon Kingsbury, Mark Mariash, John De Kadt, and this year Chris Gartner.

Photo of the May 2016 Kirtan with Brenda McMorrow and Chris Gartner

People often ask what is Kirtan? It is difficult to describe what it truly is for me because it is so much. I love singing, but in public school I got a C in music and I dreaded the assignment of singing in front of everyone. I loved to sing with a group, but I didn’t want to sing as a performer – ever. Kirtan for me is so uplifting because I can choose to sing or just to sit in meditation and listen. I can dance or clap or be still.

Brenda often speaks about how it doesn’t matter if you get the words (often in sanskrit) right or if you are in tune. There are no mistakes and she highlights that at a kirtan we are creating something that has never been done before. It is always unique and always beautiful from my own experience.

At our last Kirtan at Tone, with Brenda I had such a sense of singing with community. There were yoga teachers from our studio as well as other towns, yoga students I know and love and brand new people I had never met. We all gathered to sing and create a healing vibration. The photo above shows the afterglow.

So for those of you who might be wondering what kirtan is – I took a few videos so you can see and hear what it is like. Click on them below and then scroll down further to see a few more photos from the night.

Videos of Kirtan 2016 with Brenda McMorrow and Chris Gartner

Photos of Kirtan 2016 with Brenda McMorrow and Chris Gartner