A few of
Milwaukee's
Kirtan
musicians

Every month dozens of people experience
kirtan for the first time in Milwaukee!

Kirtan is one of the fastest-growing forms of sacred
music in the world and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is home
to the largest independent and ongoing kirtan scene
in the US! The live kirtan events are an incredible
experience in sacred music, culture, and community,
and everyone is invited to participate.

What's all the buzz about?

Certainly, there's something about the kirtan
experience that you won't often find at other music
events. Most notably, the kirtan experience is
participatory and incorporates the audience right into
the "performance". That means YOU become part
of the experience rather than just observe it.
Participants are invited to sing, clap their hands or
use shakers. Of course, you can also choose to sit
quietly and soak it all up. :) Our kirtan events are set
up as a "living room" style experience, which means all
our musicians sit on the floor (or in chairs), and we
provide space for participants to do so as well. If you
are able to sit on the floor, try it. It encourages a
feeling of relaxation and creates a casual atmosphere
that you'll surely enjoy. You'll also notice that the words
of kirtan are not in English. They are in the ancient
sacred language of India called "Sanskrit". This
language allows you to experience the kirtan in its
original form, and because the Sanskrit language is
based upon the ancient science of vibration, it is
uniquely able to create an atmosphere of rejuvenation,
peace, and and well-being.

What Should I bring?

If you wish to sit on the floor, bring a small cushion
for comfort. You may bring bottled water, but please no other liquids or foods in the venue hall. Bring your friends and family-- men and women of all ages come to enjoy these events. If you know anyone who is connected to spirit, loves world music, cultural events or yoga, you'll definitely want to bring them along! We ask for a $10 donation at the door (we love $20's too!) in order to help us pay for room, sound system management, and musician services.

Helpful Kirtan Tips:

• Wear comfortable clothing-- this event is for you, so make yourself comfortable.
  
  
• At the door, we request people remove their
  shoes (even the musicians)-- so everyone is
  in their socks for this event. It is a tradition in
  India to remove your shoes at the door when
  entering a home or sacred place, and we like
  to offer this experience to those who come for
  the kirtan. :)
  
  
• Bring a cushion for floor seating (unless you
  prefer a chair)
  
  
• At Milwaukee's first Friday Kirtan with Ragani
  events: if you wish to get a good seat, be sure
  to arrive by 7:15pm-- we open all doors at
  7:15pm, give announcements at 7:25pm,
  and the event starts at 7:30 pm.
  
  
• Older children are welcome to the events;
  however, we do not permit infants or young children under the age of six to the kirtan events. The events are not set up as children's events, and there will be longer moments of silence during the evening in order to foster the experience of meditation. These moments of silence are an important part of the kirtan experience. If you or your child is disturbing the silence and participation of others who attend the kirtan, you will be asked to leave. Because we do not have childcare facilities at our monthly events, PARENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUPERVISE THEIR CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. We depend upon the kind graces of the church
  that hosts us. Thank you for your cooperation!

• If you need additional assistance (if you are
  in a wheelchair, etc.), be sure to arrive a little
  early (anytime before 7:05pm is good) and our
  hosts/hostesses will assist you in finding a
  good seat before we open the general doors at
  7:15pm.
  
  
• We open a little kirtan "store" at these events,
  and you'll find CD's, fun stickers, and lots of
  cool cultural stuff-- sales which support our
  future kirtan CD recordings. So bring a little
  extra cash (or a credit card) in case you find
  a treasure to take home with you.
  
  
• Sign up for our newsletter below and receive
  our monthly updates on the Milwaukee kirtan
  scene, including new CD announcements and
  a reminder for the first Friday events. :)
  
  

WE LOVE YOU, MILWAUKEE!!
SEE YOU AT KIRTAN! :)