Background “The American bhajan culture is a lotus growing from the mud of materialism. Bhajan refers to the very ancient practice of congregational musical worship in the Vaishnava/Hindu tradition of India. Empty rooms quickly transform into a churning mass of bodies, dancing feet, eyes flashing, hands striking two headed mrdanga drums. This is the epicenter of the American bhajan subculture. Gathering together in remote locations, hiding behind curtains, in the basement of your seemingly average neighbor this vibrant spiritual and musical subculture thrives. I was given the gift of devotional song, raised with the music of the temple, taught to sing and play beautiful instruments and dance for God. I am a member of a group of children called Gurukulis or those raised in the house of the guru. Even as children, we understood that we were partying in the physical presence of God himself, who danced with us. An old friend, Satyaraj Prabhu, remembers seeing me as a baby for the first time, cradled in the arms of my father as he led our congregation in the chanting of God’s most ancient names. Hare. Krishna. Rama. It’s in the blood, as they say. As Kindred Spirits features Sandeep and myself, along with Jvala Mukhi and Guru Nistha, in this fresh take on sacred Indian music. We hope you enjoy this musical offering of our culture.” -Gaura Vani Back Individual Bios: Gaura Vani Lead Vocals, Harmonium Born in Los Angeles, Gaura’s musical roots are deeply planted in both western and eastern musical styles. At the age of four Gaura began studying Indian folk music, and at the tender age of seven years attended a traditional Indian ‘Gurukula’ school as one of only a handful of western students. Gaura plays a stylish version of Qawali harmonium and is a mesmerizing singer. Sandeep Mody Tabla, Sarod, Backing Vocals Sandeep’s family comes from Gujarat, in India, but he was raised and educated in America. At the age of eight he began to seriously study of Indian classical music. Sandeep has personally trained under India’s greatest musicians including Zakir Hussein and others at the Ali Akbar Khan School of Music in California and is an expert tabla player, and a tasteful and sensitive sarod and violin player. Jvala Mukhi Backing Vocals, Tambura Jvala recorded her first album at the age of eight with her singer/song writer mother. Now a songwriter herself, she gains great inspiration and is strongly influenced by the devotional songs of India. She has appeared in diverse choral and theatrical performances internationally. She believes that singing is the best way to convey the indescribable emotions of the soul. Guru Nistha Violin, Backing Vocals Guru Nistha was born and raised in America in an Indian family. She started her western classical violin training at the age of nine. Her unique cross cultural perspective adds both depth and sincerity to her playing. She recently graduated with a B.A in Music from the University of Houston. In addition, we often cooperate with local friends and musicians wherever we travel. As this music is part of our daily worship, it is very easy to collaborate and perform with a minimum amount of preparation. Therefore our lineup is very flexible to additions if the performance allows it. Back

Some Past Performances: • Lollapalooza Alternative Music Festival – Jersey City, NJ • WNYU Radio – New York, NY • Washington Theological Union – Washington, DC • Washington National Cathedral – Washington, DC • National Press Club – Washington, DC • Awareness of Oneness Festival – Washington, DC • Vaishnava/Christian Dialogues – Potomac, MD • Maha Diwali Mela – Chantilly, VA • Festival Of India – Guadalajara, Mexico – Los Angeles, CA – Washington, DC – New York, NY – UCLA – University of Florida – Penn State University Purchase This Item