Shawn Zappo, musician./ Asbury Avenue. Ocean Grove. 5/25/22. Paul Goldfinger photo. ©

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor, Blogfinger.net

As we noted in our post about fascinating newcomers to the Grove, Shawn is a follower of Indian culture and religion, and he plays an instrument called the harmonium, made in India.  It involves using one hand to pump air into the device while creating music using the other hand on the keyboard. He plays the instrument while sitting on the floor as we have seen with sitar music.

Shawn was first introduced to Kirtan (the Sanskrit changing music) at an Ashram in Brooklyn in 1990.  He has been regularly sharing Kirtan in Yoga centers and in other venues since for the last three years.

He currently plays in a post-rock/drone band called “Monks Pond,.

Shawn recently directed a film which can be Googled: “Rasa Bhava.”

I met Shawn when I was photographing his quaint cottage on Asbury Avenue in the Grove, near Wesley Lake.

He came out to say hello and then he welcomed me onto his porch . We talked for awhile and then he offered to sing while playing his harmonium.  I found his music to  be beautiful and mesmerizing.

Shawn accept s”gigs” performing. If interested his email is:   scz@surfandabide.com