Kirtan with Govind Das and Jacqueline Michelle

FAQs

• What should I bring?

  To support your comfort, you’re welcome to bring a cushion, backjack, yoga mat, and/or blanket. Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and feel free to bring a small hand percussion instrument if you have one. We also warmly invite you to bring any items you’d like to offer to the altar. This may include food (fruits and sweets are especially welcome) to be shared later as prasad, as well as flowers or other meaningful items such as statues or crystals. Song Keepers gatherings are rooted in co-creation and collaboration. We invite attendees to join not as passive observers, but as active participants in the shared field of music, prayer, and presence.

• Do I need experience with Kirtan to attend?

  Not at all. Song Keepers gatherings are open to everyone, regardless of musical or spiritual background. You don’t need to know the chants, sing “well,” or participate in any particular way. You are welcome simply to listen and be present.

• What should I wear?

  Wear whatever feels comfortable to you. This gathering is not about performance or appearance, but about arriving authentically. Come as you are.

• Is this a religious event?

  Song Keepers gatherings are spiritually rooted, but not affiliated with any single religion or belief system. The music often draws from devotional traditions, mantra, and sacred song from many cultures, while remaining open and accessible to people of all backgrounds and paths. At the heart of our work is the understanding of Sub Ek — All One. We do not judge others for their spiritual beliefs, nor do we promote any particular dogma. Song Keepers honors the many paths people walk, while holding that beneath our differences is a shared core of love, compassion, understanding, tolerance, and service. We also recognize that much of spiritual experience is ineffable — beyond words, concepts, or beliefs. Music, when shared in this way, can offer a direct encounter with the mystery that underlies existence, without requiring anyone to believe or affirm anything in particular.

• Is this event family friendly?

  Yes! Children are welcomed with joy! Kids aged 1`2 and under may enter for free, but please book your tickets ahead of time if this is the case. It is important that children are accompanied by a caregiver and able to participate respectfully in a shared space.

• What if I can't afford a ticket?

  Accessibility is a core value of Song Keepers. No one will ever be turned away from a Song Keepers event due to lack of funds. If ticket cost is a barrier, please reach out about volunteering or another form of exchange.

• I’m worried about cultural appropriation. How does Song Keepers approach singing songs from different cultures, languages, and traditions?

  We hold this concern with deep care and respect. Song Keepers honors the integrity, depth, and living lineages of the world’s spiritual and devotional traditions. We do not take lightly the responsibility of working with songs, languages, and practices that come from cultures other than our own. At the heart of our approach is humility and relationship. We understand ourselves as students and pilgrims—continually learning, listening, and seeking guidance from elders and teachers within various traditions. We do not claim ownership over these songs or practices, nor do we position ourselves as gatekeepers. Rather, we offer these traditions as living invitations—ways of remembering, connecting, and opening the heart. We also recognize that we are living in a time often described as Pachakutik—when traditions from across the globe are increasingly encountering one another. When held with respect, care, and discernment, these encounters can help foster greater understanding, consciousness, and harmony between peoples. Song Keepers approaches this work with a beginner’s mind, continually asking how to serve with integrity. Our intention is not to extract or perform culture, but to honor living wisdom traditions and help make their heart-essence accessible—always with reverence, gratitude, and ongoing learning. We welcome questions, dialogue, and reflection around this topic, and we remain committed to growing, listening, and being accountable as this work unfolds.

• Are Song Keepers events trauma-informed?

  We strive to hold our gatherings with care, consent, and sensitivity to the fact that many people carry trauma. Participation is always optional, and attendees are encouraged to listen to their own bodies, needs, and boundaries. While these gatherings can be meaningful and supportive, they are not a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care.

• What is Song Keepers' work beyond public gatherings?

  In addition to community events, Song Keepers plans to offer compassionate presence and healing music for individuals and families navigating significant life transitions, including end-of-life care, grief, and loss. We also envision bringing this work into marginalized and underserved communities such as prisons, nursing homes, and shelters.

• How can I get involved or support Song Keepers?

  There are many ways to engage—by attending gatherings, volunteering, spreading the word, or offering financial support. More opportunities to participate and support the work will be shared as Song Keepers continues to grow.