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Anahata (Music Group)

The band named "Anahata" was formed in Encinitas, CA. in 1975. This spiritually based group were all devotees of Paramahansa Yogananda. Group founder Chee Ammen had the idea of and east meets west spiritual music group after he started to tune his acoustic guitar like a sitar. Jo-Anne Ormes, John Swenson and Jeff Calcara were the founding members. They choose the named "Anahata" which means "heart chakra" as their goal was to write and play heart centered music to uplift the spirit.

Two of the members (Jeff Calcara and Chee) recorded a sound track for a surfing movie "Harmony Within" and a duet release titled "Eternal Love" - released 1975. The group as a whole had two full band releases "Journey's Goal" (1975)and "Live at the La Paloma" (1976). All of these were independently released by the group.

The group played shows mainly in Southern California including at the Vietnamese Refugee Camps in Camp Pendelton, Balboa Park Amphitheater, benefit concerts for the Self Realization Temple in Encinitas as well as many community and college events. They also opened up for John McLaughlin's "Shakti". During its short life it gathered a loyal family the worked hard on all aspects of their business.

Musician Members included: Jeff Calcara (vocals & guitar), Diane (Bardwell) Masters (vocals & keyboards), Timmaris McDowell Timmaris McDowell (vocals & guitar),Maynard Evans (bass), James Clapp (guitar)and John Swenson ~(percussion). Other members that moved from the band to the business end of Anahata were Jo-Anne(Ormes)Trigo(tabla)~ Manager, Chee Ammen (guitar, sitar & flute)~Road Manager. Randy Renner was a sit in drummer during the recording and show at the La Paloma Sessions.

Business members of the Anahata family included: Mary Vickland (Engineer), Annabelle (band mother), Homer & Rena Howe (Stage Crew and Artwork), Dale Jones (Stage Crew), Jack Hudkins (AV Lights), Janaka Stevens (Engineer), Ann Commerford, Daryle & Mary, Virginia Calcara, Chandra Stevens and Megan Evans.

The band started parting ways as members moved away or onto other music business pursuits.