See photos of
Kirtan with Ragani
Band Members

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 Kirtan with Ragani, the largest independent and ongoing kirtan scene in the US. These live kirtan events are an incredible stress-reducing experience that allow us to begin to quiet the mind and settle ourselves. All are welcome to participate (no small children). Where else can you chant your heart out, lose track of time, and leave feeling more peaceful and loving? Maybe at another kirtan. But we want you to come to this one.

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 music. That means YOU become part of the experience rather than just observe it. Participants may sing (no skills are necessary for our events), clap or use shakers for keeping rhythm. 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. No coffee. No beer. 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 good 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, sound engineer, and musician services. If you wish to write a check for donation, please make it payable to "International Kirtan Foundation", a non-profit, charitable organization, officially exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code.

What to Leave at Home:

• Large drums (small hand shakers are fine and most encouraged)
  
  
• No small children (see note below under Helpful Kirtan Tips)
  
  
• Beer. Alcohol. Drugs. We'd rather have you experience your "inner high"
  
  
• Firearms (seriously, do we really need to say that?)
  
  
• Pets (unless they are special needs assistance animals)
  

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.
  
  
• You are welcome to take photos or videos, though we ask that you do so with respect to not disturbing others around you in the process. No auto-repetitive flash photos please, as they can disturb those around you. And if you get any good footage or photos, send them to us-- we'd love to post them on our site!

• We open a little kirtan "store" at these events, and you'll find CD's and other fun stuff. These sales support our ongoing kirtan CD recordings.
  
  
• Sign up for our e-mail list below and receive our special announcements on CD releases, Sacred India Retreat Tours, and (for local Wisconsin & Illinois residents) reminders and updates on Milwaukee's Kirtan with Ragani scene.
  
  

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