PORT TOWNSEND — Musical group Shantala is scheduled to perform a high-energy kirtan concert at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Madrona MindBody Institute, 310 Fort Worden Way.
Kirtan is an ancient form of call-and-response singing of ecstatic chants and sacred music of India with audience participation, organizers said.
Attendants, organizers said, may bring a pillow or blanket for seating although there will be plenty of chairs available as well.
Tickets are $18 in advance. They are available at Madrona MindBody or Port Townsend Food Co-op, 414 Kearney St.
Tickets also will be sold at the door the day of the concert for $22.
Tickets for children ages 13 to 18 are $10 at the door.
Kids 12 and younger will be admitted free.
For this performance, Shantala core members Benjy and Heather Wertheimer will be joined by Sean Frenette on bass, vocals and three-string guitar and Port Townsend musician David Michael on Celtic harp.
Shantala has been leading kirtans worldwide since 2001.
The group describes their style as eclectic, universal and welcoming for beginners. No previous musical experience or spiritual belief is required to participate, organizers said.
Benjy Wertheimer is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who has studied Indian classical music for more than 20 years with some of the greatest masters of the tradition, including Ali Akbar Khan and Zakir Hussain.
He has shared stages with Carlos Santana, Paul Winter and Mickey Hart.
Heather Wertheimer is an award-winning singer-songwriter, guitarist and recording artist.
As Shantala, the Wertheimers tour internationally and have played with kirtan luminaries such as Krishna Das, Deva Premal and Jai Uttal.
Michael is a prolific recording artist whose music has been featured on cable and network TV, syndicated radio programs and in nature films.
Michael also is an author, well known for his legendary concerts aboard Washington State Ferries.
For more information about the concert, call 360-344-4475.
For more information about Shantala, visit www.shantalamusic.com.
