New York – When kirtan band As Kindred Spirits—featuring second-gen Krishna devotees Gauravani Buchwald, Acyuta Gopi Dasi, and a host of other talented musicians—wanted to celebrate the launch of their new CD Ten Million Moons in style, they did what rock stars have been doing for ages: they threw a party. But the release party, held on May 16 at the Ashtanga Yoga Studio in New York’s trendy SoHo district, included performances from the band and guest musicians, a vegan feast, and an eclectic crowd of yogis, devotees, and music lovers.

Gauravani and Acyuta Gopi were in true form, trading off lead vocals and amazing the crowd with live versions of songs from Ten Million Moons, like Krishna Murari and Moods of Kirtan, along with various melodies of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. They were joined by Ray Ipolito on guitar, Ananta Govinda Dasa on mridanga, and Vishvambhar Sheth on traditional Indian flute. The band was also joined by notable guest musician Wah! on bass guitar, along with vocalists Shyamdas (a kirtaniya Vaishnava in the line of Vallabhacaya), and hip-hop yoga sensation MC Yogi, each taking turns at the mic.

Also spotted in attendance at the sold-out event: Mike D. of the legendary Beastie Boys.

The release party was hosted by the Ashtanga Yoga studio, where Krishna devotee Kaustubha Dasa teaches and serves the deities of Sri Sri Radha Damodar.