APLR Presents: Seán Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band

with guest vocalist Samara Jade

Friday March 20th, 2026

AyurPrana Listening Room - 312 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806

Doors 6PM || Event 7PM

Seán Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band

Seán Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band, originally hailing from New Orleans, and now based in Asheville, have been blending ancient mantras with a rich tapestry of musical influences since their formation in 2005.

Through two decades of recording and touring around the country, the band has helped thousands of people find grace and connection through their pioneering blend of East-meets-West mantra music.

Their music seamlessly integrates sacred chants from spiritual traditions, conscious lyrics, and elements of rock, blues, Celtic folk, gospel, and world grooves, creating a sound that resonates with a diverse audience.

Founded by vocalist, lyricist, and harmonium player Seán Johnson, the band includes Alvin Young on bass and guitar, Narada Wise on drums, multi-instrumentalist Chris Rosser with guest vocalist Samara Jade.

In 2005, Seán founded the band as a post-hurricane Katrina philanthropic music project, raising funds across the country for relief from the devastation of the storm. The theme of searching for grace and inspiration amidst challenge and destruction has permeated their music ever since.

In 2007, they released their first album, ‘Calling The Spirits’ which caught the ears of pioneering Canadian record producer Terry McBride, founder of Nettwerk Records and Lilith Fair. McBride signed the band to Nettwerk for the release of their follow-up album, ‘Devaloka.’ Subsequent albums, such as Unity, which debuted at #1 on the iTunes World Music Chart, and Mystery, recognized as one of Louisiana's best albums of the year by Offbeat Magazine, have further solidified their place in the global spiritual music scene.

When Putumayo World Music founder, Dan Storper heard ‘Devaloka,’ he chose music off the record to be featured on Putumayo’s first compilation of music designed for yoga. Inclusion on three Putumayo albums has helped propel the band’s music to listeners across the world.

They are a favorite headliner at conscious music festivals across the U.S. and made history as the first mantra-based band to perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

"The music of Seán Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band flows from the mystical confluence of the Ganges River and the Mississippi Delta—the deep bhakti tradition of Indian devotional chanting fused with the polyglot cultural cross-currents that so enrich the music of the group’s hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. This beloved band evoke, conjure and celebrate that universally felt yet impossible-to-define essence that lies at the heart of all things, what Bob Marley once called “a natural mystic, flowing through the air.” -- Alan di Perna (Rolling Stone)

This concert marks the kick-off of their annual BHAKTImmersion, a weeklong immersion for anyone who wishes to deepen their life and steep in the arts of bhakti - including devotional song, poetry, movement, and music-making, including harmonium and drum lessons. Learn more about the BHAKTImmersion here: https://meetings.youryoga.com/bhakti-immersion-in-asheville-nc