Facilitated By Paul Gaeta

Friday, February 27, 2026
6:30-8:00pm
Sliding Scale $15 - $30

Kirtan is an ancient practice from the Bhakti (devotional) yoga tradition of India, shared for thousands of years as a way to awaken the heart through sound. In a simple call-and-response format, a chant is offered by the Wallah (leader) and gently echoed by the group, supported by live music and rhythm. As the mind settles into repetition, something softer and more spacious can emerge.

This is not a performance or a concert, but rather a shared community experience. The chants are easy to follow, with moments of both joyful sound and gentle stillness. You do not need to know the words, understand the meanings, or feel comfortable singing. You’re invited to participate in whatever way feels right: singing or humming along, listening quietly, meditating, or resting and letting the sound move through you. 

A limited number of chairs and floor seats with backs are available, as well as plenty of bolsters and blankets for your comfort.

We are proud to introduce your Kirtan Wallahs, the musicians guiding this offering:

Paul Gaeta is a musician, sound healer, and devotional chant leader with over two decades of experience guiding people into states of presence through sound. His kirtan offerings blend traditional mantra, harmonium, voice and strings, creating a grounded and welcoming space for both seasoned practitioners and newcomers alike.

Foster Braden is a multi-instrumentalist and percussionist from Asheville, North Carolina. Rooted in rhythm and guided by a love of community, song, and devotional music, Foster approaches music as a living practice and a form of service. Through percussion, voice, and shared musical space, he expresses his dharma by supporting connection, presence, and collective resonance.

Jennifer Yates is a 500-hour certified yoga instructor whose life and teaching are rooted in service, devotion, and presence. With a deep passion for meditation and kirtan, she approaches yoga as a living practice—one that extends beyond the mat into daily life. A regular kirtan practitioner and devoted singer, Jennifer also draws inspiration from early vocal jazz, bringing a timeless sense of phrasing, feeling, and heart into her voice. 

Jordan Smith grew up in a musical family, beginning with piano and guided early on by a deep love of singing. While music was always central to her life, her healing path deepened through yoga, where she was introduced to kirtan, sound baths, breathwork, and chanting. Drawn to the communal, heart-opening power of sound, Jordan is a regular participant in song circles and has quickly fallen in love with the medicinal qualities of group singing. She continues to immerse herself in the healing and devotional traditions of mantra and medicine songs, exploring sound as a pathway to connection, presence, and shared transformation.

Collectively, these facilitators are honored to bring their gifts of devotional chanting to The Yoga Center of Black Mountain. We are grateful to offer this space as a place of rebirth—where tradition meets the present moment, and voices gather in connection, devotion, and shared humanity. All are welcome.

This event is offered on a sliding scale. Please choose the rate that feels supportive for you:

$15 — Community Supported
$20 — Suggested Minimum
$25 — Support Others
$30 — Extra Love & Gratitude

Preregistration is recommended.