This Wednesday at 9 a.m. we’ll air an interview Bob did with Krishna Das. He’ll be performing Wednesday night at the Riverview Performing Arts Center, at 1 Ram Way in Sarasota – a Trust in the Heart Kirtan Concert, put on by Ocean of Sound. Call (941) 356-1989 for more information. We’ll play some of his music as well.
Layering traditional kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das ” known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD ” has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling western chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.
KD spent the late ’60’s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass’ own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji.
Given the name Krishna Das, KD began to chant as part of following the path of Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion.
After two and a half years with Maharaj-ji, returned to USA – alas, six months after his return, word came that Maharaj-ji had died.
He took solace in music, finding peace and strength in both his Bhakti yoga practice as well as in such heroes as Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, and Bruce Springsteen (whom he laughingly calls “the Bodhisattva of New Jersey”). KD also co-founded Triloka Records, a California-based label specializing in world music, releasing such artists as Jai Uttal, sarod virtuoso Ali Akbar Khan, and legendary jazz musician/composer Jackie McLean.
In 1994, KD started leading chant at Jivamukti Yoga Center, NYC, with an ever-growing audience of yoga students that has led him to chant with people all around the world. In February 2013, Krishna Das performed at the Grammy awards in Los Angeles, CA streamed online to millions of viewers. The award-winning film ‘One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das’ has been in over 100 US cities, over 10 countries worldwide and is available on DVD everywhere.
With the release of his 15th album Trust In The Heart , October 2017 – KD returns to the roots of kirtan, a collection of prayers and chants that would feel equally at home being sung in a temple as being cranked up on a car stereo on a cross country sojourn, with melodies that recall both American rock as well as traditional Indian influences.
“The chanting just hits you and you want to be a part of it,” KD promises. “That’s the point of this whole thing. That’s what cuts through all the ‘stuff’. You get lit up. You don’t have to know what it means.”
Check out his official Youtube channel.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
ALSO, Tom will have a report on the first “Meet the Plant” meeting at Selby Library held on Tuesday, January 23. There’s another of these free three hour events scheduled for Saturday, Feb 24 from 1-4:30 at the Jacaranda Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd. in Venice. It’s sponsored by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Presenting as well were Brad Weinstock and Dr. Daniel Stein of the Neurology of Cannabis clinic and a representative of Trulieve, a medical marijuana dispensary in Sarasota. Click HERE to register for the February 24 event. The first one was sold out.
The topic for this date in February of “Meet The Plant” is medicinal cannabis. This presentation is part of a comprehensive educational workshop on medicinal cannabis entitled “Medical Cannabis: A User’s Guide To This Remarkable Plant”
.As a reminder, medicinal cannabis was approved as the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative or Amendment 2 by Florida popular vote in November 2016. The educational workshop is sponsored by community partners and licensed medical practitioners in Sarasota County, who also will be conducting presentations. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
The topics to be discussed include the following:
- Meet The Plant – The Natural and Cultural History Of Cannabis
- Medicinal Cannabis – A Plant That Helps People Of All Ages And Backgrounds
- How To Qualify For Your Florida Medical Cannabis Card
- Learn How Local Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Function
- Various Forms Of The Plant & Proper Dosing Of Medicine
Registration and an Eventbrite ticket is required to attend this workshop!
FLORIDA VETERANS FOR COMMON SENSE
One more guest Wednesday: Gene Jones of the Florida Veterans for Common sense. Gene will talk about their various activities for veterans and also the upcoming Thomas Paine dinner. It’s February 3 from six to nine at The Francis, 1289 North Palm Avenue in Sarasota.
“Celebrate the birthday of American Patriot and Founding Father Thomas Paine with the Florida Veterans for Common Sense. Cocktails (cash bar), a delicious dinner, live jazz by the Pine View Jazz Quartet and a presentation by our guest speaker, Colonel Larry Wilkerson USA (ret). Colonel Wilkerson served as the Chief of Staff for Colin Powell, former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Also, Florida Veterans for Common Sense will present this year’s Thomas Paine Award to Sarasotan Tom Walker for his service to our community and the cause of freedom.”
Tickets HERE.
