Jai-Jagdeesh’s journey as a singer began over 20 years ago, in a temple in India, and the soundcurrent continued all through her childhood. While at school in Amritsar, she traveled around Northern India as one of the musical representatives of Yogi Bhajan’s foreign education program (now Miri Piri Academy), playing kirtan everywhere the students were invited. Between then and now, her creative spirit has walked many artistic paths – actress, classical Indian dancer, photographer and writer – and she says “I find myself in perfect balance now that music has returned to the forefront.” She is deeply devoted to sharing these sacred sounds, and sings them from the center of her heart. Jai-Jagdeesh’s first album, I Am Thine, was a best-seller at Summer Solstice 2011.

ALAIPAYUTHEY performed by Jai-Jagdeesh

Music & Lyrics: Oothakadu Venkata Subramania Iyer (This particular version of the song was recorded by A.R. Rahman, for the Indian film ‘Alaipayuthey’)

Choreographer: Jai-Jagdeesh

The lyrics of this piece are in praise of Lord Krishna, and the choreography – drawn directly from the movements of Bharata Natyam – reflects a devotion to him.

THE BIRTH OF JOY

Music: Bombay Theme by A.R. Rahman, from the Indian film ‘Bombay’

Choreographer: Jai-Jagdeesh

About: This performance piece, entitled “The Birth of Joy” is about the role we play in creating our own true joy, and about our enormous capacity to experience and to share it. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we plant the seed of that joy in our hearts and minds. It lives within us always, waiting patiently until we are ready to open up to it; until we ask for it to reveal itself. At times we see it but don’t feel we have the strength to support it. Other times we recognize and nurture it. And sometimes it thrives against all odds, perhaps even in spite of something within us attempting to hold it back. As we discover our joy, as it emerges from within us, we are empowered. We are boundless, blissful, radiant beings. We become pure joy, and we are present. Joy is now.