Category Archives: Uncategorized

Farewell Brian Merchant

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 […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Wild Moon Bhaktas and Tula Yoga in St. Paul

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 […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Our 25th Annual Rumi Celebration

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 […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

William Lyles – New Wild Moon Bhaktas member

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 […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Deep Source Experience – Sunday Morning, November 30, 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 […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Upcoming Rumi Celebration

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 […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Deep Source Experience

(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 […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Summer Solstice 2025 With the Wild Moon Bhaktas

On June 21, 2025, the band celebrated Summer Solstice for the first time.  We opened the evening with the much loved, Gayatri Mantra.  Here it is with a translation followed by a photo from the evening: The Gayatri Mantra Om Bhur Bhuvah Svaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dimahi Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayaat We meditate […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

8th Annual Great Mother Chant

Each year, we continue to dedicate a communal chanting & kirtan event to the Great Mother Power.  This year, on May 10th, we chanted and sang to the Divine Feminine in five different traditions!   With special guest, Minnesota songstress, Barbara Meyer. Below are some images from the evening and the flyer. The following is from […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

One Minute Pearl of Wisdom

“When the ocean is searching for you, don’t walk to the language-river.  Listen to the ocean, and bring your talky business to an end.”     – Rumi As spiritual searchers, we often focus on our longing, our needs, and our desire for awakening.  In this stanza,  Rumi turns that around, and says, sometimes the ocean is […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
  • Join Our Mailing List

  • Upcoming Appearances


  • Sunday, June 21, 2026
    6:30-8:00 pm
    Summer Solstice
    with the Wild Moon Bhaktas

    An evening of communal chanting,
    kirtan & joy in honor of
    the longest day of the year
    at: Twin Cities Friends Meeting
    1725 Grand Ave. St. Paul, MN 55105
    $15 cash at door $18 credit/debit
    (See flyer bottom of this page)

  • Friday, July 24, 2026
    7:00-8:30 pm
    The Wild Moon Bhaktas at
    Unity South in Bloomington, MN
    An evening of easy-to-learn chants,
    kirtan, spiritual music & joy
    Join us! No experience necessary
    $15 cash at door $18 debit or credit card

  • Americana Kirtana

  • Rumi's Don't Go Back to Sleep

  • Sri Ram Jai Ram Kirtan