The band travelled south to Bloomington, Minnesota, where we brought our music and communal chanting to the folks at Unity South. We had a great night! Spirited singing and chanting. The power of the presence and the Name. Lots of friendly faces and new faces. Here are a couple images from the evening.
We did it again! Our Ninth Annual Great Mother Chant with special guest, Anna Vazquez, cello. This is an evening of chants and songs of many cultures aimed at honoring and loving the Divine Feminine. The talented Anna Vazquez, with her beautiful cello, joined us. We were also joined by a large group of souls on the path in the audience who sang and chanted with us and who filled the room with music and beauty. The band, currently featuring Adam Wolter on vocals, bass, and cello, Suki Sun on vocals, violin and harmonium, William Lyles, III, on percussion and drums and David Schmit on vocals and guitar provided the musical foundation. The event was held at the band’s new home base, the Friends Meeting in St. Paul, Minnesota. Om Ma! Here are a couple images from the evening.
The Wild Moon Bhaktas have been fortunate to have Brian Merchant, drummer and percussionist playing with us for the last couple years. After twenty-two communal chanting concerts with the band, Brian decided to move on to other projects. We are grateful for how he generously shared his talents with us! We wish him well in his future endeavors.
Tula Yoga in St. Paul, Minnesota, where the Wild Moon Bhaktas have performed their communal chanting concerts for over four years (and over forty concerts) has closed their Snelling Ave. St. Paul studio! They have moved to a space on Selby Ave. in St. Paul. Tula’s new space is a bit small for us, so we are looking for new places to play (such as the Twin Cities Friends Meeting where our upcoming concert on March 29 is located). Tula’s owners were very good to the Wild Moon Bhaktas, and we will miss them and their beautiful space. They continue their good work teaching yoga and wellness. (Find them at: www.tulayogawellness.com). Here are a couple of photos from our last concert at Tula, on Jan. 26th, 2026.
We hope to see you on Sunday, March 29, at the Friends Meeting!
We did it again! Our Annual Rumi Celebration honoring Sufism’s greatest poet, Jelalludin Rumi, with the Wild Moon Bhaktas, Hakim Bushnell and Rev. Ted Tollefson. This program features music, chanting, an open mic so people can share their favorite Rumi poem and more. The band introduced our newest player that night, William Lyles, drums and percussion.
Amazing that Rumi, who grew up in Afghanistan and Turkey and created his poetry over 700 years ago, communicates so powerfully to today’s spiritual seeker.
The band has a new player joining on drums and percussion: William Lyles, III. William is a well traveled and seasoned musician with five decades of experience performing music in a variety of settings. His passion for world music has led him into creative projects, including playing with the Indian-American group Preetya and Sameer. He has also joined with David Schmit on the Deep Source Experience concerts.
William prefers musical projects whose aims are to uplifts others. We are happy to have him in the band! Here he is (far left) playing with the Bhaktas at the recent Rumi Celebration, December 13, 2025.
Wild Moon Bhaktas’ founder and bandleader, David Schmit, along with master drummer and percussionist William Lyles III, unveiled Deep Source Experience on the morning of November 30, 2025, at Tula Yoga in St. Paul. This was a revision and refinement of what was formerly called Becoming Whole.
Deep Source Experience features guided meditation with live music that draws on the neuropsychologies of consciousness, music, mental imagery, and mind-body medicine. The program leads attendees to profound states of release and relaxation, to experiences at the deepest levels of being, restoration and replenishment.
Their next program will be in the spring of 2026. To be notified, sign up for the Wild Moon Bhaktas’ email list, on this website.
Below, are some images from the day of the program.
On December 13, 2025, we will be offering our 25th Annual Rumi Celebration!
For 25 years we have been gathering in the second week of December to celebrate the famed Sufi poet Jelalludin Rumi’s Urs, or death day. In the Sufi tradition, one’s death day is special because they hold that is when union with God happens.
Join us! With the Wild Moon Bhaktas, Hakim Bushnell and Rev. Ted Tollefson for a evening of music, chanting, Rumi’s incredible poetry and sacred dance.
Open mic! Bring your favorite Rumi poem to share.
Tea and refreshments
7-9:30 pm
Tula Yoga, 99 Snelling Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN 55104
$15 cash, $18 credit/debit, at door
(Formerly Becoming Whole)
This is a unique program created by Wild Moon Bhaktas’ founder David Schmit.
For those who seek self-knowledge and rejuvenation. Light stretches, yoga nidra, guided meditation, and live music moves you into deepening states. Experience the depths of Being!
Sunday, November 30, 2025, 11:15 am to 1 pm.
Tula Yoga, 99 Snelling Ave, N. St. Paul, MN 55104
Tea, conversation & integration follows.
$25.
Presented by
David Schmit, composer, spoken word, vocals and guitar
William Lyles, drummer, percussion
The Wild Moon Bhaktas – Ready to Bring their World Chant – Communal Chanting Experience to you
After several years of a number of different musicians playing in the band, the Wild Moon Bhaktas are now settled on four players. Each brings their musical gifts to our world chant – communal chanting concerts! We hope you can join us soon!
If you want to be put on our email list, just let us know at: wildmoonbhaktas@gmail.com
You can also find us on facebook and instagram.
Peace to you!