Got Peace? Begin Within March 1 as Snatam Kaur's Celebrate Peace Concert Tour rolls into Winston Salem.

    /24-7PressRelease/ - WINSTON-SALEM, NC, January 08, 2008 - With music that combines traditions of East and West, these performances are much more than just going to hear someone sing and play instruments! They are a vehicle in which to climb aboard and sail into the inner place of beauty and peace. At their '06 concert at Blessings, here in Winston-Salem, the lights were dimmed and the music began. The unique sounds of a harmonium blending sweetly with guitar and accented with tabla rose to fill the spaces surrounding us as Snatam Kaur's voice penetrated directly into our hearts by the vehicle of sacred Gurumukh chants. Within moments we were united. I looked around from the back of the room where I was standing - we were no longer separated and disjointed individuals, but rather joined in a synergistic way, into a new and unified being - swaying, rising and flowing with the music. The struggles of our day washed away. The differences between us disappeared. The joy within us brought out. We were riding waves beyond space and time. That evening ended way too quickly but with great satisfaction. People were absolutely delighted and seemed to float back to their lives. Because of the genuine purity of that evening, even to this day, I am able to easily tap into that open-hearted space where the temporary distresses of the day vanish without a trace.

We talk of stress. We talk a lot about stress. And all of this TALK about stress, leaves us, well......stressed. BEING stressed has become another thing to be stressed about. But, what if we stopped talking about stress and instead we sang for peace. Snatam Kaur talks about how singing can help. "My mother was my first music teacher. She showed me that music is much more than just singing; that it can be a tool to help us overcome challenges of life. Yogi Bhajan taught me that when we chant, the energies of sacred sound move up the spine and rejuvenate and energize a person physically, mentally, and spiritually. In stressful times, I sing as a way to release emotions."

Dr. Ranjie Singe, author of the book Powerful Self-Healing Techniques, found that chanting causes the release of the hormone melatonin. In many studies, low melatonin levels have been shown to lead to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Years ago, Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School observed that chanting helps to cause reduction of heart beat, brain waves and respiration - also known as the "relaxation response." On an energetic level, Dr. David Shananoff-Khalsa has found that reciting some specific sacred mantras enables the tongue to stimulate the acupuncture meridians inside the mouth balancing the flow of chi through the body - especially the pineal gland - thus helping the body to relieve stress.

Inspiring people from all walks of life, all cultures and faiths; Snatam Kaur, has significantly impacted the world; bringing a deep, spiritual, healing experience of peace to sold-out audiences worldwide. One fan says, "The music was so soothing and beautiful, her voice penetrated every part of my heart and was an indescribable feeling - especially for someone like me that has never heard kirtan." People who attend Snatam Kaur's concerts laugh, cry, dance and experience inner joy like never before. ''Rarely do you hear a voice so pure. To see her live is an experience unparalleled and unique. I left the concert feeling that only love exists. I am so happy to discover this rare jewel and share her music with my listeners,'' says Gary Goldberg, host of ''In the Spirit'' on WRPI, an NPR affiliate in Troy, N.Y.

"Our number one mission on the Celebrate Peace Tour is peace in the heart and peace in the homes. The best way I can share this message of peace is through what I know best - the mixture of sacred chant, music and yoga....The greatest point in our concerts comes when people begin to experience that peace is possible through their own prayers and projections. There is a moment of magical silence and unmistakable inner empowerment. That is our collective 'A-Ha' moment."
Concert Details

March 1, 7:30PM - 9:30PM, Hanes Auditorium, Salem Fine Arts Center at Salem College, 500 E Salem Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Tickets

Students: General Admission $20 (Must purchase tickets at door or at Kindred Spirits with student ID)
Advance: (up to February 29): General Admission $25, Mid $35, Front $45
At Door: General Admission: $30, Mid $40, Front $50

By Phone: 336-777-0727, payable with MC, VISA, AMEX or DISC

In Person: Kindred Spirits, 537A N Trade St (On Trade between 5th and 6th). Payable with MC, VISA, AMEX, DISC, personal check, cash.

Online: Advance tickets will be available online up through and including February 29. MC, VISA, AMEX or DISC. No student tickets are available online.
http://KindredShop.com (online store closed 1/10 - 2/18)
http://SpiritVoyage.com (General Admission only. An e-ticket will be emailed to you)
At door: cash only

About Snatam Kaur

Snatam Kaur is one of the most popular New Age artists of our time, selling over 50,000 albums a year. You'll find enthusiastic press about her music everywhere from the Houston Chronicle to the Hindustani Times and she's been featured on the cover of New Age publications such as the Light Connection and the Body Mind Spirit Guide. Her CDs of Sikh-inspired chants ranked in the New Age Retailer's Top 20 in 2004, 2005, and 2006. In 2005, Snatam was the only artist to place three albums in the Top 20.

An international favorite with fans across the U.S, Europe, Asia, South America and the South Pacific, Snatam Kaur performs at over 100 venues each year, from the Bahamas to Singapore. One fan spoke for all when he admitted, "We come to Snatam's concerts to experience the beautiful atmosphere her voice creates, to heal and grow."

Snatam Kaur, whose father was a manager for the Grateful Dead, has an amazing ability to transform traditional chants into a contemporary sound that appeals to the modern ear and awakens an ancient yearning in the soul. Sacred Sounds Radio calls her music "spiritually uplifting and deeply soul cleansing." Ram Dass, celebrated author of Be Here Now, says that "in Snatam's voice...there is purity, clarity, and love."

Dressed in distinctive Sikh garb, Snatam Kaur embodies the Sikh message of strength through inner serenity. She is an ambassador for 3HO (a United Nations affiliate), and is deeply committed to supporting the U.N.'s Peace Resolution through her ongoing Celebrate Peace Tour. While traveling the world on tour, she also brings music, yoga, and meditation to hospices, juvenile detention centers, and schools she visits along the way. Cell-nique, Spirit Voyage, and the 3HO Foundation currently sponsor Snatam Kaur's music and mission.

For interviews, please contact 1.888.735.4800 ext.706 or via email.


About GuruGanesh Singh

GuruGanesha Singh, originally from Boston, was born into a family full of music and dance having both a father and mother in show business. At 8 yrs old, GuruGanesha received his first guitar as a gift from his cousin, a guitarist on the Ed Sullivan Show. This is where his marriage to music truly started.

GuruGanesha pursued music in college, joining a rock band named Cat's Cradle that eventually was signed to a record contract by Peer Southern Music. The band toured extensively often opening for big time bands such as the Allman Brothers and Sha Na Na and was eventually signed by Peer Southern Music. When the rock and roll explosion hit in the 1960's, GuruGanesha was inspired by bands such as The Beatles, Jefferson Airplane and The Grateful Dead. "Jerry Garcia was my first Guru," GuruGanesha says. "Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead gave him his first experience of elevated consciousness through music."

GuruGanesha embraced the Sikh traditions at age 22 and has practiced yoga and meditation for over 30 years under the guidance of his spiritual teacher, Yogi Bhajan. In 1972, GuruGanesha took his first, life-changing Kundalini yoga and meditation class at Clark University. As he heard a Guru Ram Das chant being played on the guitar, tears of joy poured down his cheeks and he felt a deep connection with himself and the universe. After this profound experience, GuruGanesha transitioned from rock to devotional music and moved to a Sikh community near Washington DC. "It was the music that brought me into the community," GuruGanesha said.

GuruGanesha Singh presently tours the world with Snatam Kaur and Manish Vyas on their Celebrate Peace Tour, delighting audiences with his unmitigated joy and signature guitar work. On tour, he also teaches Prosperity Workshops where he offers his combined experience and learning from the broad spectrum of both his professional and spiritual life.

About Manish Vyas

Manish Vyas is a unique phenomenon in the world of fusion music. A talented multi-instrumentalist and singer, he has emerged as both an extraordinary artist. Realizing his talent at an early age, his mother initiated him into 'Tabla' when he was nine. A few years of basic instruction led him to the feet of Maestro, Ustad Allarakha in Mumbai where his training continued for a further five years. During this time, Manish was also exposed to a totally new genre of music - namely World and Fusion - through meeting a variety of musicians from around the world.

A dedicated involvement with these world musicians, in addition to Manish's undoubted talents and versatility eventually brought him into the international limelight. Most noted is his collaboration with Prem Joshua; first as a band member, and then as the successful fusion duo, 'East West Alchemy.' Together they shared a musical partnership of over 15 years and toured extensively in Europe, USA, India, Israel and Singapore. In addition to being a performer and recording artist, Manish is also held in high regard as a composer with a talent for creating beautiful melodies and the world renouned sacred chant artist, Deva Premal, has featured many of his compositions in her CD's.

Manish's ability to blend his talents together with many forms of world music has brought him not only the appreciation of music lovers throughout the globe, but also to the eye of world-renowned celebrities in the music field. The year 2002 was particularly special, with Manish being invited by Sir Paul MacCartney to play at his wedding in Ireland as part of the Celtic Raga's Band. In addition he has performed in front of Anoushka Shankar, and Ringo Star to name a few.

With a fan base of both young and old, East and West, Manish Vyas has touched and inspired people in every corner of the globe and continues to bring his unique form of creativity forward with his participation in Snatam Kaur's Celebrate Peace World Tour.

About Tanmayo

Hailing originally from the far north of Scotland where she was classically trained in both violin and piano from the age of 7, Tanmayo is widely experienced in both orchestral and solo settings. In addition to her instrumental portfolio, she is also an accomplished singer, appearing in settings as diverse as a Glasgow jazz quartet, the Celtic fusion band, 'In a Split Second' and a London Gospel Choir.

Continuing this musical exploration, she has also studied classical Indian violin under the guidance of Ustad Faiyaz Hussain Khan... she is also known to play a mean irish fiddle tune should the mood take her! She has toured with Prem Joshua in both Europe and America, played with the group 'Celtic Ragas' at the wedding (in his happier days!) of Sir Paul MacCartney and appears as the female vocalist on several CD's including Manish's highly acclaimed album, Sattva.

About Kindred Spirits (local sponsor)

Kindred Spirits seeks to avail to each individual the tools they require to develop the art of conscious living. As such, Kindred Spirits has sponsored many uplifting and peace-related events throughout the years. Located in the Downtown Arts District, the peaceful, relaxed and soothing atmosphere of this delightful boutique is reason enough to visit. But that's just where it begins. You will find unique selections of clothing, jewelry, crystals and gemstones, essential oils and incense, sacred art, music, books and more, all selected to assist on the journey of transcendence.

# # #