San Francisco (CA): Ecstatic Chant with Jai Uttal & friends @ The Castro Room

Ecstatic Chant with Jai Uttal & friends is an evening of kirtan in San Francisco, California, at The Castro Room. It is open to anyone drawn to mantra, devotional singing and group chanting, whether you have chanted for years or have never joined a kirtan before. Jai Uttal, a kirtan artist known for nearly five decades in the world music scene, leads the evening with friends.

What to Expect

The evening is built around call-and-response chanting, the traditional kirtan form in which a leader sings a phrase and the room sings it back. Jai Uttal draws on the sacred sounds of ancient India and weaves in storytelling between the chants. The aim is a space of invocation, prayer and heartfelt expression, where the singing belongs to everyone in the room and not only to those on stage.

The gathering runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, about two hours. It is listed as a chant and celebration, so expect a communal, joyful atmosphere as much as a contemplative one.

About Jai Uttal

Jai Uttal was born in New York City and grew up in a home filled with jazz, rock and world music. That early exposure shaped an eclectic style and a lasting sense of music as a way to express feeling and connect with others. It eventually led him to the path of kirtan.

For nearly five decades he has been a prominent figure in world music, leading kirtan and teaching the ancient practice of chanting. His work goes beyond performance. It is an invitation to take part in a shared experience of devotion and joy, and his extensive discography reflects that long commitment.

The Setting

The event takes place at The Castro Room, on Collingwood Street in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood.

Before You Go

No previous experience is needed. This is an exploration of the heart, independent of vocal or musical technique, so you do not have to read music, know the chants or feel confident about your voice. Come ready to listen first, then sing when you are ready.