One translation for Kirtan (also knows as Bhakti Yoga) is “to celebrate in song.” This celebration is brought to life and shared brilliantly through the easeful, gracious and proficient musical offerings of Leraine Horstmanshoff.

Leraine effortlessly connects to each instrument that she brings into play and the sweet vibration of love is easily accessed through the interplay of call and response with the audience. When we repeat these mantra’s and prayers we call the things we most want to us. By combining the vibrations of music, love, appreciation and connection the energy rises and settles sweetly into the core of our beings. Leraine has quickly become a master of this chanting style and leads each group fluently along the sound currents which connect us to the divine spirit that lives and flows in all things.

Leraine’s first experience with a Kirtan was at a John Friend yoga retreat eight years ago. Every night for six nights she participated in the chanting that was lead by Krishna Das and his band. At first she was reluctant to be fully present with this “hippie-dippie stuff,” as she affectionately thought of it. But she soon let go and became fully immersed in a river of light, sweetness, love and peace within the hour and was hooked. At this first Kirtan, Leraine met Krishna Das Band, Benjy and Heather Werthimer and became fast friends with them and they have since lead many Kirtan’s together. They have been great mentors and friends on Leraine’s path of Kirtan.

Benjy is helping produce Leraine’s first Kirtan CD entitled “Harmony,” set to be released by early summer of 2009. “Leraine is a wonder! She combines a distinctive sweetness with incredible musical skill (on a wide range of instruments) to provide one of the most rocking Kirtan experiences anywhere,” says Benjy.

Leraine is creating a large following of Kirtan regulars and leads/plays regularly at The Center For Spiritual Living in Salt Lake City where Reverend Elizabeth O’Day says, “….Leraine is heart-centered, spirit-filled and an excellent musician. She brings a contemporary presence to the music, as well as deeply authentic material.”

As a world-traveled musician, Leraine’s path into spirit-centered music continues and she is excited to be able to share her God-given gifts of music and connection with people all over the world.

To experience her live, is to feel connected to your essence.