April 23, 2008

Greetings SNWMF Family:

With our festival being less than two months, things are really taking shape for the 15th annual Sierra Nevada World Music Festival.   

In This Newsletter:
• Additional Artists Added to Lineup
• Vintage Singer Showcase to be Featured on Sunday Night
• Spotlight on Rootz Underground
• Updated List of Ticket Outlets
• Pomo Indians to Offer Blessing & Opening Song

Additional Artists Announced – SNWMF has been working hard securing artists from around the globe to make the 15th annual summer solstice and world peace celebration a most memorable event.  With more than 2 dozen reggae and world beat artists currently confirmed to perform, this year’s lineup offers something for everyone:

Check out our Artists Page for additional information regarding the performers that will be appearing at this year’s festival, and as always, our lineup of artists is subject to change.

Vintage Singer Showcase to be Featured on Sunday Night – Many of you were overwhelmed by the performances given by The Maytones, The Ethiopians and Derrick Morgan last year.  Their performances on Sunday night, backed by The Expanders, were a most memerable event indeed.  For 2008, SNWMF will 'wheel and come again' with a Vintage Package that includes Stranger Cole, Roy Shirley and Pat Kelly. 

Once again, this trinity of 'old school' artists will perform on the Village Stage Sunday night all backed by The Expanders! SNWMF has long been known for presenting a unique opportunity to partake of crucial reggae (and ska!) music from the era in which the music of Jamaica was just taking shape, and this year's Vintage Singer Showcase is a prime example of that vision.  This revue will certainly stand as a highlight of SNWMF 2008 so be sure to save some energy for Sunday night.

Spotlight on Rootz Underground – Since their start in 2000, performing at live jam sessions in Kingston, Jamaica at Harry's bar, to Unplugged at Weekendz and then becoming the main act at Mystic Urchin's Tuesday Nite Live at Village, Rootz Underground have gained notoriety for their live performances.  Honing their skills and gaining popular support by performing live for five years before recording their debut release "MOVEMENT", Rootz Underground has appeared at Jamaican festivals including Reggae Sumfest, Welcome To Jamrock, the Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival and Flashpoint Film Festival.

The six-member group unites Stevie G Newland (lead singer), Charles Lazarus (lead guitar), Jeffrey Moss-Solomon (rhythm guitar), Colin Young (bass guitar), Paul Smith (keyboard) and Leon Campbell (drummer) to form a revolutionary roots, rock, reggae show. 

Rootz Underground built its live show and readied the songs for MOVEMENT after the tremendous response they received from their community. Their shows rapidly became an institution in Kingston and throughout Jamaica.  The group developed a fan base that was fertile for this growing “reggae rock" music scene that has now taken "root" in Jamaica.   Employing the dynamic combination of a contemporary roots, rock sound, universal messages and energetic and compelling stage shows, Rootz Underground goes beyond a niche definition - reaching across reggae boundaries into pop music realms.

First released to radio and as a video is the compelling VICTIMS OF THE SYSTEM, produced by  Chalice band's Wayne Armond (as is the lion’s share of the record) that preps us for the mindset of a modern Jamaican “underground” twenty-something.  The current single and companion video for HAMMER features the production talents of influential reggae producer Bobby Digital.  One track in particular, "Time Is An Illusion" harkens back to an era of dancehalls past with its introductory shout-out (from an actual 1990s live session) that sets the stage for the 19-song set. This dreamy track, produced by Rory Gilligan of the legendary sound system (and frequent SNWMF participant) Stone Love, invokes the exuberance of a night on the town that lasts through the wee hours until the break of dawn.  
 
The lead singer Stevie G has an urgent and focused stage presence reminiscent of Bob Marley in its reverent passion and plaintive, sincere delivery.  But the fact that he shares vocal duties with other members and takes an ensemble role makes him stand out from the “front man” role in the reggae genre, stating his message with the energy of the group and the compositions at the forefront of the mission.  The group members share the stage with timely instrumental solos or choreographed dance and vocal portions from other members forming an integral part of the Rootz Underground show.  

Tickets available at Outlets, Online & via Mail Order Now! - Here is our updated list of  Independent Ticket Outlets:

Advance Music Tickets and Camping Passes are also available for purchase online and via Mail Order.  3-Day Advance Music Tickets are only $135.00 each (children 12 and under are free if accompanied by a paid adult).  Advance Camping Tickets are $50.00 for cars and $125.00 for Buses and RVs.  Camping Tickets will also be sold at the gate, but if you are purchasing advance tickets, we strongly encourage you to also purchase a camping ticket so as to minimize any delays in entering the venue.  To purchase music tickets and camping passes, Send your check or money order, along with a 41 cent stamp (no envelope) & your mailing and email address (please print legibly) to:
 
SNWMF 2008
PO Box 208
Ryde, CA  95680

Please feel free to contact me if you would like any additional information regarding SNWMF 2008, and I look forward to seeing all of you in less than 2 months!!!

Daniel Frankston
SNWMF Publicity
Tel: (415) 387-1368
Fax: (415) 221-5413
publicity@snwmf.com