Rudra Das | Kirtan, Chanting, Music

About

Rudra Das

Rudra Das was born in Dallas, Texas in the summer of 1971 and grew up in a conservative Christian home. He was first introduced to devotional music as a small boy in a full-gospel church and was always surrounded by music singing praises to God. He began playing the drums in the church services at age 5. His family were all musicians and music came very natural to him. Rudra Das had many deep Spiritual experiences as a child and young man. In the fall of 2003, Rudra Das had an experience that was to alter the course of his life. During a Pranayam (Yogic breathing exercise) class, he had a full kundalini release during which he had many wonderful things revealed to him. Rudra Das began Chanting and Mantra (Japa Yoga) work almost immediately after. In 2008, he was fortunate enough to spend nine days in an Ashram with renowned Kirtan leaders Bhagavan Das and Durga Das (aka David Newman). Through them he was immersed in the grace of Baba Neem Karoli (Maharaji). During this time he was initiated into this path and given the name Rudra Das.

Rudra Das is now accompanied by Sharon McGregor on response and Tony "Hummingbird" Alcorn on Dumbek. Together they form " The Dharma Love Train".

Sharon McGregor

On vocals and kirtals, Sharon McGregor brings an ethereal sound to the band. Her path with heart lies within the Deer Tribe tradition and her musical experience includes singing folk music on guitar and piano. She met Rudra Das 10 years ago while he was apprenticing in the Blue Thunder Lodge/Deer Tribe, and it was thru Kirtan that she re-discovered the Mother/Goddess love. She has found her inner joy and compassion awakened through this vibration of sound and prayer. Sharon expresses gratitude for the opportunity to be in service through this spiritual practice.

Tony Alcorn

Recording artist Tony Alcorn is a self-taught percussionist and has been playing drums for the past 36 years. He realized his calling in the late 60’s and began searching bands to sit in with. He started out playing percussion with a rock band in the 70's and was later invited to play the congas with ‘The Big Beats”, the first 50’ Rock & Roll Band to sign with Columbia Records. Tony is a heart drummer who has his own personal playing style, like preferring to play the dumbek between the legs. In 2001 he formed his current world music band with long time friends from a community drum circle called, "It Is What It Is”. He also plays with a jazz group called, “Natural Bridge”. Tony’s drumming with Rudra Das lends to the call-and-response cycle a spiritual raft, keeping the group afloat on the river of vocals. Tony feels blessed with the family of friends in the musical community that he has known over the years.