Mike Cohen and Friends offers Kirtan that blends soulful, high-energy chants and sweet, devotional songs. A former professional jazz saxophonist, Mike Cohen studied at the renowned Eastman School of Music and performed across the US and in the Caribbean on cruise ships, in clubs and on the NACA college circuit with Rhythm and Blues singer Jane Powell, the 1989 NACA Performer of the Year. Mike discovered Kirtan in early 2000, immediately falling in love with the practice. Mike currently sings, plays harmonium, drums, leads Kirtan events and workshops and composes original music as part of his Kirtan practice. In the Fall of 2006 Mike launched First Friday Kirtan in Columbus, Ohio. By the summer of 2007, this monthly Kirtan attracted over 100 participants - one of the largest local and ongoing Kirtan scenes in the US.