RockOm

By Tom Crenshaw, tom@rockom.net

There is new evidence that our world's youngest and brightest are redefining their spiritual lives according to new and exciting research conducted by the Minneapolis-based Search Institute. The Search Institute's Center for Spiritual Development in Childhood and Adolescence recently conducted a vast survey, believed to be the first of its kind, and uncovered some surprising finds. Some 55 percent of youths and young adults (ages 12 to 25) indicated they are more spiritual now than two years ago. But, surprisingly, nearly one-third of those responding don't trust organized religion. Most youth surveyed believe there is a spiritual dimension to life, and about one-third of youth surveyed see themselves as "very" or "pretty" spiritual.

The survey included 6,853 youth and young adults throughout the world who, when asked if they don't feel spiritual in places of worship, where do they? Their responses, "Spending time in nature," (top answer) and "Listening to or playing music," (number 2). "Attending religious services" was ninth on the list of the top 12 most-frequent answers. (MORE...)

Prem Joshua's International band - formed in the lively and chaotic witches' cauldron of an Indian metropolis - today stands out as one of the most refreshing multi-cultural musical experiences to be found between Bombay and Berlin. On this album, Prem Joshua & Band present the highlights of their 2007 concert tour. These live recordings feature seven new versions of Prem Joshua "classics" and two brand-new tracks.

With originality, virtuosity and confidence the quartet creates a musical masala of Indian classical, jazz, funk and chill out... a music so masterly yet playful blended, that it has found a place in the hearts of listeners from the East, the West and beyond. (MORE...)

Our commitment to serve others through music took us to San Francisco in September of 2008 to cover the Seva Foundation's 30th Anniversary Benefit Concert where Seva co-founders Larry Brilliant and Wavy Gravy joined musicians Ruthie Foster, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, Crosby and Nash, Los Lobos, Hot Tuna and others to celebrate 30 years of music helping serve Seva and the Seva Foundation's doctors, nurses, social workers, caregivers, staff and volunteers serving others worldwide.

While in the Bay area we had the extraordinary privilege to wander the streets of San Anselmo with tabla Master Zakir Hussain... (MORE...)