Tadasana Festival Comes to Santa Monica

A three-day yoga and music event, the Tadasana Festival, is taking over Santa Monica this Earth Day weekend.

With more than 75 classes being taught by 60 master teachers as well as music offerings, an organic food court, an eco-village and a host of speakers, organizers say Santa Monica was a natural choice for this first annual festival.

“Santa Monica is the largest yoga population on the planet per capita,” said Tommy Rosen, co-producer of the Tadasana Festival.

While most of those teaching this weekend’s classes are local, many of the musicians hail from around the world, he said. The musicians will perform live concerts in each classroom and will also perform more traditional concerts at night at different venues around Santa Monica, Rosen said. He expects about 2,500 people to attend this weekend's event.

Some of the musicians scheduled to perform include, MC Yogi, Hassan Hakmoun, Tony Khalife and Sheela Bringi.

A variety of speakers are also scheduled to speak, among them Mariel Hemingway with Bobby Williams, Christine Hassler and Mastin Kipp. The topics they will cover include healthy food choices, living a purposeful life, and how to choose the right electric vehicle, bike or motorcycle.

One of this weekend’s highlights is “Off the Mats, Into the World,” a charity class scheduled for 12:30 p.m. tomorrow. The class is $50, and a corporate sponsor will match all donations.

People should visit this weekend’s festival to connect and experience what it has to offer especially for those interested in “cultural and personal transformation,” he said.

“This is really a place where you can learn and explore,” Rosen said. “It’s a world-class event in our city.”

The Tadasana Festival takes place at 2600 Barnard Way. Advance tickets as well as a complete schedule of events are available online.