ABOUT US

"Sita" Miriam Zernis

Sita (lead vocals and harmonium) is an inspirational teacher and dedicated Bhakta who has been joyfully guiding a deep and heart-opening kirtan experience since 2007  in NY, CT, CA, Costa Rica, Europe, and Canada. She mystically and effortlessly transports a group into a place of inner peace and tranquility while making each event accessible for all levels of experience and curiosity. Her kirtans are a soulful and unique combination of traditional old-world and original chants and spiritual songs framed by eclectic instrumentals. She is joined by several talented musicians on the same mission of spreading peace and joy in the world. 

Sita has been practicing classical yoga since 1995 and teaching since 2001. She is an internationally certified Sivananda Yoga Acharya, Reiki Master, and a certified Holistic Health Coach.  She stepped onto the Bhakti Yoga path in 2006, retiring from a 21-year career as an ABC News editor/writer.  

CURRENT MEMBERS 

Andrew Ciarlelli 

Andrew is currently the guitarist for Sita’s Light Kirtan, playing a twelve-string acoustic-electric guitar that brings an element of rhythm, texture, and chordal glue to the overall tapestry of the call-and-response chants that bring so many people back to their heart center and the present moment. He started playing music at the age of 12 when his parents gifted him his first electric guitar and it’s been 'game on' ever since. His musical journey has evolved over the past 2 decades exploring multiple genres, other stringed instruments, and percussion instruments, collaborating with a number of talented musicians at a multitude of venues, composing and recording on several full-length records, traveling across the country to perform, and finding his center in the spirit of music. 

    Lydia Smith

Lydia is a lifelong CT resident who has been drumming all her life and believes that everyone can benefit from the joy of rhythm. She is a certified Remo’s HealthRHYTHMS Drum Circle Facilitator serving all populations and conducts drum circles all over the state and also has degrees in Creative Arts Therapy, Liberal Studies (Music, Education, Psychology), and Early Childhood Education. When she’s not playing with Sita’s Light, you can catch her in the US and abroad in a variety of rock and jazz bands, drum ensembles, church services, conferences, and accompanying university and high school musical productions. 

  Premik Russell Tubbs

Premik Russell Tubbs is an internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist who has collaborated with a who’s who list for over 3 decades. He is a master of soprano, tenor, and alto saxophones, all genres of flutes, as well as lap steel guitar, and is renowned in all arenas from jazz fusion to traditional eastern music, to his own soul-infused improvisations. Premik’s unique approach brings both a cosmic and spiritual vibe to the sound he projects. Check out much more about this wonderful maestro here: www.premikmusic.com. 

Photographers: Cory Goldberg and Peter Polomski

 

Walter Zernis AKA Wally Das

 

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Coming Up

Invite the Light Summer Solstice Outdoor Kirtan - BENEFIT

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Avant Garde, Branford, CT

Summer solstice time celebrates the light of consciousness that dwells within us all. The sun at the peak of its annual journey symbolizes the awakening of that consciousness into enlightenment.

Sita’s Light returns to Avant Garde at this auspicious time for a special benefit event for Ron and Alberto! Please come out in support of these dear friends who have given so much to our community.

We will raise healing energy and love with heart songs, mantras, eclectic sacred music, and a special meditation.

Connect with your tribe and enjoy this beautiful night under the stars on the Avant Garde grounds in sweet community!

No experience necessary ~ bring your friends and chairs, mats, cushions, blankets, etc for seating on grassy area or pavement. In case of rain, the event will be inside with 45 attendees MAX.

$20 cash at door - suggested donation but please consider the cause and give more, if you can.

Summer Soul Songs

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The Yoga Loft, Bedford, NY

Westchester friends! SAVE THE DATE!

Join us for our first time at the Yoga Loft sharing many beautiful soul-infused traditional and original chants in Sanskrit as well as English, eclectic sacred music, meditation, and sound healing all of which have the power to transform and uplift the soul, and open the heart. Most chants are simple to learn, so you’ll be able to join in easily even if it is your first time. Words will be provided.

Sita will be joined by three amazing, world-class musician friends - Andrew Ciarlelli on 12-string guitar and hand pan, Lydia Smith on percussion, and Premik Russell Tubbs on woodwinds.

Summer is a busy time so mark your calendars and join us for this very unique afternoon! You won't be disappointed! Bring along a friend to introduce to kirtan or come experience it for the first time. ALL ARE WELCOME no experience necessary!

$25 pre-paid/$30 at door if space still available

PLEASE REGISTER by July 14th so we can prepare the best experience possible!

Also allow time for arrival, parking, check-in, and getting settled so you don't miss the opening meditation. We will respectfully start promptly at 3:30 and end at 5:00.

$25 pre-paid/$30 at door if space still available

Path of the Heart - Kirtan & Labyrinth Walking

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The Transformation Center

Join us for an afternoon of the powerful kirtan, eclectic sacred music, and labyrinth walking – both as a symbolic journey on the path of the heart to joy, peace, and wholeness.

Miriam Zernis (vocals and harmonium) will be joined by her world-class musician friends – Andrew Ciarlelli on 12-string guitar and handpan, Premik Russell Tubbs on woodwinds, and Lydia Smith on percussion.

Sunday – July 30th – 4 pm-530pm (rain date 8/6)

Please register by 7/28

$30 in advance/$35 at the door

Bring pillows, blankets, mats, chairs, etc for comfortable outdoor seating.

Kirtan is for all - no experience is necessary. Words will be provided. Attendees will be invited to take turns walking the labyrinth in small groups on the beautiful Transformation Center grounds during the event.

$30 in advance/$35 at the door

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