Joyful Noise! An Interfaith Devotional Chanting Experience


Throughout the ages and across cultures, prayer through song and simple body movement has been a powerful vehicle for connecting with the Divine. Joyful Noise weaves together ancient and contemporary prayer songs and chants from a rainbow of spiritual traditions and practices, including Hindu Kirtan, Sufi Zikr, earth-based religions, Judaism, Christianity, and more.

The band, led by singer-songwriter and Interfaith Minister Jody Kessler, describes their unique program as an “interfaith devotional chanting experience.” They emphasize the word “experience” because they present their work not as a performance but rather as a participatory co-creation, as they invite the audience to join in with singing and simple movement. Joyful Noise features Kessler on guitar and vocals, Doug Shire on keyboard and harmonium, Joe Smellow on percussion and an array of flutes, didgeridoo, and more, and newest member Kristin Sharkey on vocals and percussion (not pictured in photo). In addition, the band is often joined by guest musicians from areas where they perform.

Check out this 2-part video montage of a show on 10/17/08, with guest percussionist Rose Husted.