Nov 8, 2026

Music + Mantra@UUSE
With Heart Centered Kirtan
Sunday, November 8, 3pm

I always struggle to explain kirtan to someone who hasn’t experienced it yet. At its core, kirtan is a way to connect through music—to something bigger than yourself, to your own heart, and to the people around you.

People come to listen and to sing back the mantras. It’s call and response, so you sing the mantra back the best you can, mispronunciations and all. Your offering may not be perfect, and you can let go of that too. A kirtan is a place to let go. All of it is welcome. All of you is welcome.

While you sing (or just listen), you start to lose yourself in the music and the mantras, in the many voices that become one. People call it spiritual. People call it healing. People call it transcendent. Or they don’t call it anything. Like the spaces between the notes, the pauses between each song, there’s sweetness in the silence.

Born in India centuries ago, kirtan is a practice that travels surprisingly well into a modern, overthinking, overbooked life. If you find it hard to sit and meditate, kirtan may be a doorway for you. For an hour or two, the noise in your head, the isolation, the weight you’ve been carrying—it all gets offered up into the music. And for a moment you’re free.

If you’re searching for spiritual music events in CT or a form of meditative music that doesn’t ask you to sit still, come find out what kirtan is all about.

About Heart Centered Kirtan
Since 2013, Heart Centered Kirtan has shared its unique blend of Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras with Western musical influences throughout New England. Their kirtans are uplifting, inclusive, and always from the heart. Learn more at heartcenteredkirtan.com.

Musicians:
Wali Libby Volckening (keys/vox)
Dan Thomas (guitar)
Zach Gregory (bass)
Jimmy Robitaille (drums)

All are welcome.
Newcomers and experienced chanters alike. Families are welcome.

Suggested donation: $30 (no one is turned away).

FAQs

Do I need a ticket?
No ticket is required.

How much does it cost?
A $30 donation is suggested, but we never turn people away. We’d rather you come.

How long does it last?
About 90 minutes.

Is parking free?
Yes. Free parking is available on-site.

Is there food and drink?
No. Bring your own water bottle. There is a water fountain.

What should I wear?
Whatever is comfortable. And you can leave shoes at the door when you enter or wear them.

What should I bring?
Chairs are provided. If you'd rather sit on the floor, bring your own cushion or backjack. People have brought blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, and even gravity chairs.

Is the space wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue and parking are wheelchair accessible.

Is this scent-free?
Yes. UUSE asks that you avoid using perfumes, incense, and essential oils before attending.

Can I bring kids?
Yes, families are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need any experience to come?
No. Kirtan doesn't have beginners or experts. Everyone in the room is doing the same thing. You can sing, hum along, get up and move, or just listen.

Will I have to sing?
No. Sing as much or as little as you want. Some people sing every word; some dance; some sit quietly and take it in. All expressions are welcome.

What if I can't pronounce the words?
That's normal, and it's part of it. Nobody's listening for perfect pronunciation.

Is this a religious event?
Kirtan comes from India's devotional tradition, and we respect that lineage. But you don't need any belief, faith, or spiritual practice to take part. No prior background is expected or required. And no one will try to “convert” you. Music + Mantra is a welcoming, contemporary music event open to anyone.