For millennia, humans have been chanting their way to a spiritual connection to the Other in the universe. From the ancient Vedic practice of Kirtan to the Gregorian chant of the early Catholic Church, music has always been a bridge to the spiritual world.
Santa Marians will have their own chance to connect spiritually and musically with a special event coming to Treetop Yoga on June 1, featuring a guided meditation by local yoga teacher Caitlin Lyon and live music by visiting artist and singer songwriter Amitabhan.
A guided meditation, such as the one coming to Treetop Yoga, often includes a mantra given to the group by the leader; the group then chants the mantra together. This technique is used to relax the body and mind, while still being in a mindful state, Lyon explained.
“I think, for most people, the activity of the mind is the most challenging barrier, and music is giving the mind something to do,” she said. “And Amitabhan’s acoustic music is really mellow, and music is very settling for our nervous system, but it’s still keeping the mind engaged.”
Amitabhan, who accompanies himself simply with an acoustic guitar, sings Kirtan and other spiritual music, but also sings plenty of his own original music. Though he’s written commercial music, Amitabhan has been writing and performing more spiritually inspired music.
“We do have a spiritual connection with a source, so it’s more writing from that place, rather than writing from a place of ‘I want’ or ‘I need,’” he said. “The songs reach and point back to that connection that we all have with that source.”
Amitabhan, also known as “Ami,” has performed his spiritual music at concerts, festivals, and yoga studios across the country over the last few years. He’s played at the California Healing Festival and Wanderlust—to name a few—with more than 150 appearances last year featuring his original music.
“As a songwriter, I’m not well known, so it’s good for me to be versatile,” he said. “And fortunately for me, things have swung in the spiritual music direction.”
A program with Amitabhan and Lyon features a musical introduction aimed at helping a participant relax before the meditation begins. Relaxation is key to getting in the proper state of mind for effective meditation.
“There is a peace underneath everything that we can nourish,” Amitabhan said. “I will also do some call-and-response chants, which have a very calming effect.”
Amitabhan also performs Kirtan, a form of call and response that uses Vedic scriptures as mantras. Usually, an Indian instrument accompanies a Kirtan session, but Amitabhan uses his guitar.
“What I love is when a group of people, like around 30 or 40, can come together and there is a way that we all connect to each other,” he said. “I love when the space opens up and people walk in and they are touched, and they don’t even know why.”
Unite for music
The Lompoc Union School District will be host to a fundraiser event to benefit music in Lompoc schools—including the music programs at Cabrillo High School, Vandenberg Middle School, and Lompoc Valley Middle School—on June 1, featuring live music from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lompoc Veterans Memorial Hall, 100 East Locust St., Lompoc. More info: 944-0232 or fuechsl.a@gmail.com.
Bringing the funk
Local classic rock/funk/R&B group the Swing Shift Band will be performing live on June 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Rancho Nipomo Deli and BBQ at 108 Cuyama Lane, Nipomo. More info: berndoge@hotmail.com.
The musical path
The Crooked Path concert series takes place Saturdays from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at The Crooked Path, 2885 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. More info: 693-5678, B1@visionears.com, or losolivosnow.wordpress.com.
Flowing with words, music, and wine
Lucia’s Wine Co. offers an open mic featuring wine, poetry, and live music on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the tasting room, 126 East Clark Ave., Orcutt. More info: 332-3080.
Nice time to ‘Wine Down’
The Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro presents “Wine Down Wednesdays” featuring live music on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the tasting room and bistro at 400 E. Clark, Old Orcutt. Free. More info: 937-6400 or Bethany@addamovineyards.com.
A mic open late
O’Sullivan’s Pub presents an open mic event for musicians and rappers accompanied by a live musician on June 4 with sign-ups at 8 p.m., starting at 9 p.m., at O’Sullivan’s Pub, 633 E. Main St., Santa Maria. More info: 925-0658 or osullivanspub.net.
Maverick music
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment, including live country by Dusty Jugz on May 31 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” featuring Brant and friends is June 1 at 3 p.m. Chris Shiflett and Dead Peasants perform live on June 21 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.
Contact Arts Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in May 30 – Jun 6, 2013.