Joanne Juskus

Joanne Juskus is the lead singer of the psychedelic tribal band Telesma, and a singer-songwriter in her own right. She spent her formative years studying spiritual practices of the East, living in an ashram for over ten years. A practitioner of bhakti yoga and mantra meditation for over two decades, she incorporates these in her performances with Telesma and in leading Kirtan. She is a student of Satsvarupa das Goswami and B.V. Tripurari Swami, and has performed Kirtan with such luminaries as Bhagavan Das, Gaura Vani, Karnamrita Dasi, Wynne Paris and many more. "File under heavenly voices..." says Albert Garzon, former producer for 10,000 Maniacs, of Joanne Juskus.

Ancient Harmonic Instruments and Throat Singing/ Kirtan Chants from India Pt. 2: Kirtan Chanting

Joanne Juskus of Telesma will teach the history and meaning behind the ancient practice of Kirtan chanting; the Indian tradition of repetitive chanting in a group to achieve profound states of bliss and euphoria. Handouts will be provided for several chants used during Telesma's performances. Translation and pronunciation will be discussed for each one before leading the group in a round of Kirtan chanting. Participants will come away with a deep sense of relaxation and knowledge of some of mankind's earliest methods of meditation. Members of Telesma will accompany the chanting with assorted world music percussion. Participants are invited to bring percussive instruments and to join in the chants in a call and response format. No musical or chanting experience required.