Zach

Zach Freidhof: Troubadour of Peace
An uplifting blend of folk and soul immersed in Love.

26 years ago, a case of appendicitis brought Zach to the brink of death. During his long recovery, a friend brought him some cassettes to cheer him up. In that moment, Zach was inspired and compelled to bring music into the world. “It felt like I was picked up and put on my path, and so music and performance feel like a sacred gift I get to honor and share.”

Over 5,000 performances later, spanning North America, and 38 records written, recorded and released, Zach is still sharing and honoring that gift of music.

He’s been awarded the John T. Looney Award for Justice and Peace, and has been invited 3 times to present kirtan (sacred chanting) at the Parliament of World’s Religions.

In addition to being a musician, he is a yogi, meditator, and community organizer. He co-founded the Big Love Network in his native Ohio, which focuses on environmental and social justice through the lens of neighbor-led neighborhood initiatives involving arts, creativity, community, permaculture, and communication.

His 39th and 40th records are scheduled for release later this year.

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(More Info)

Zach began writing and performing music in Northeast Ohio, releasing his first CD and making his way onto stages across the country, sometimes with the likes of Neil Young, Richard Thompson, Gin Blossoms, Bo Diddley, Trevor Hall, Steve Poltz, and Brett Dennon. Since then he has performed across North America in diverse venues from living rooms and yoga classes to clubs to theatres, to festivals. Recently he was awarded the John T Looney Justice and Peace Award. Other accolades include Humanitarian of the Year, Local Band of the Year, Best Singer/Songwriter, and the he was invited to perform in Toronto in 2018 and 2023 at the Parliament of World's Religions.

As a photographer, his first book of meditations and photography, Tiny Meditations, was released 2016, and has since released 3 more books of photography and meditations / poetry. 

Zach lives in The Teton Mountains in Wyoming, where he says he feels an ancient connection.

“My soul was hewn from those rocks and stones,” he says.

Zach released his first CD in 1999, “Delusions”, and since then he has performed over 5,000 shows and toured across 350,000 miles.

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What is Kirtan?

Kirtan is a devotional chanting practice developed over millennia in India with the intension of opening our hearts, minds, and connections to bring us into greater unity with the greater life within and around us. Chanting ancient mantras that have been designed align our energies in certain ways is a powerful and beautiful experience!

Zach brings several traditions into his kirtans. He uses Sanskrit and English mantras and phrases. Above all, he hopes an experience of kirtan can bring about a sense of peace, community, a stilling and calming of the mind, and an opening of the heart.

Kirtan is a beautiful devotional practice that can be added to any spiritual and religious path an attendee might be on. Any mention of gods or goddess are ultimately calling upon certain energies which are present beyond any single religious or spiritual perspective, as they are the energies of life.

There are no fees for kirtan, as they are devotional offerings. However, donations are always accepted.

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What is a House Concert?

A house concert is a concert that happens in a home, apartment, yard, or space not traditionally associated as a music venue. These are usually intimate and fun experiences where the live music is a main feature of the event. There can also be pot luck or food and social connection, though usually that aspect happens before or after the music. 

No home is too small, or too large for a house concert!

Hosts can invite as many guests as they wish, and it typically is not something open to the public. 

The experience of a house concert is a personal and moving one. Musician and audience both have a deeper connection. Musicians often share stories around the music and their life, as well. It is truly unique. 

Fees for house concerts vary, but there is usually a way to make one work for any budget!