Kirtan is a form of ecstatic chanting; it is an energizing, joyful group practice of singing melodic chants full of vibrations that calm our minds, open our hearts, and boost our inner knowing ( intuition ). It is sung call-and-response meaning that I sing a line, and the group sings it back. I play harmonium and lead the chanting while accompanied by acoustic guitar and percussion. The melodies are simple and easy. All voices are perfect for kirtan because the emphasis is upon opening the heart, not about the perceived quality of your voice. The vibrational qualities of ecstatic singing roll through our bodies, bringing physical and emotional healing, and a heightened awareness of our inner spiritual authority that resides in each of us.

Ecstatic chanting takes us to the place in ourselves where we can experience our complete adequacy, worthiness, and 'enoughness.' It is the 'right brain' experience of being in each moment. By continually drinking at this well, we can carry and integrate this experience into our daily lives, and call upon the chants at any given moment to instantly propel us from negativity and self-doubt to that of living in our divinity and our connection to Source.

For a recent video of Dave Russell & Friends that is an example of live kirtan, click here.

For a TV interview aired nationally about ecstatic chanting with Dave, click here.

Dave Russell leads ecstatic chanting kirtans (see Calendar) in spiritual and educational centers, yoga studios, retreats, and festivals in New England and nationally. Recent and upcoming kirtans include Northampton, MA ( most Sundays ), Stockbridge MA (Kripalu), Lenox MA (Canyon Ranch), Avon CT, East Haddam CT, Plainville CT, Brattleboro VT, East Longmeadow MA, Lee MA, Goshen MA, New Lebanon NY, Martha's Vineyard, Miami FL, New York City, Cambridge MA, Gloucester MA, Telluride Colorado Yoga Festival, Boston Yoga & Chant Fest, Saratoga Springs Kirtan Fest, Portland, ME, Postsmouth, NH, and Guilford, CT.

Dave's CD 'Dancing in the Heart' was released in November 2009. The excerpts you are hearing now are from the CD. You can also watch and hear some recent live kirtan by selecting a video at the lower right corner of this screen. If you are interested in purchasing the CD or downloading individual chants, please click on the CD menu button at the top of this page.