Rhythm & Mantra: An evening of Kirtan & Original World Music

Join us for an evening of kirtan and original music from the heart! Ruby Koa will open with a 25 minute sound bath with crystal and Tibetan singing bowls and more. Then, Mahalakshmi and Emam will take you on a journey of the spirit through sound, bringing together their originally composed songs from the heart with the sublime yogic practice of Kirtan for all to sing and dance together! 

Tea and snacks will be available before and after. Feel free to bring a snack or treat to share.

About the Musicians:

Emam - tabla, percussion

Emam has been a disciple of Maha Avatar Babaji since 1978 when he first visited India and Babaji's ashram in the Himalayan foothills. That's when he started playing for and singing kirtan.  He's also been a student of tabla since 1977 and has had the privilege of studying with the grand masters of tabla Ustad Alla Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussain. Emam has been performing and producing music for over 35 years and is the founder of the music label Eternal Music. He currently lives in Goa (India) most of the year with his wife Mahalakshmi.

Mahalakshmi - vocals, keyboard

Mahalakshmi is a singer, composer, music producer, and sound yogini.  She began her spiritual journey through music, first training in Western flute and later finding a doorway to the soul via songwriting.  Mahalakshmi's flute training informs her vocal style, invoking beauty and harmony with a soothing angelic sound.  While she is largely self taught with regard to vocals, piano, and songwriting, Mahalakshmi has received guidance in Indian classical music by Ustad Chhote Rahimat Khan, Geetika Varde, as well as her husband and music partner Emam.  She and Emam perform original world fusion music in their ensemble 'MahaMaya Band' which bridges Indian Classical with rock and jazz.  The duo also lead Kirtan groups in their devotional music band 'Rhythm & Mantra".  

Ruby Koa - Opener, with mini sound bath

Ruby Koa, founder of Inspire Studio, has been teaching yoga in Bellingham since 2009, which naturally led her to the practice of Nada Yoga (yoga of sound). Drawing on divine feminine energy, she utilizes gongs as well as Tibetan and quartz crystal singing bowls to foster healing and balance for the community. 

With: Enam,Mahalakshmi, & Ruby Koa

When: Thursday, May 22, 6:00-8:00 pm

Where: Presence Studio, 1412 Cornwall Ave. (across the street from my old, Inspire Studio) The studio is just to the left of Bellingham Bar and Grill and is located upstairs. Allow for time to find parking and please arrive 5-10 minutes early to settle in. Chairs are available if you prefer that to sitting on the floor.

Suggested Donation: $15–25 per person, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds—pay what you can.

Registration is encouraged but not required. You can donate in person (cash preferred, Venmo likely available).

In person class passes apply.

Text Ruby if you'd like to help with setup/take down or if you have any questions: 360-447-8778.

What to Bring:  Plenty of blankets, bolsters, and chairs are available to use, but if you have a favorite cushion or maybe a back jack, feel free to bring it.

- water bottle

- optional yoga mat

- any special little item, figurine or crystal of significance to put on the altar or near your set up