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Rocker-T and Joan Baez Perform Live Duet at Northern California's 31st Annual Harmony Festival

Rocker-T, the internationally-renowned, ground-breaking, and award-winning Reggae and World Music recording artist, delivered an unexpected and exhilarating live acoustic performance of his new single, "The Way Life Should Be..." to the capacity crowd at Northern California’s 31st Annual Harmony Festival accompanied by singer and human rights activist Joan Baez with Gabriel Harris, Joan's son, on percussion. And for those that don’t believe “lighting strikes twice,” the duo delivered a surprise and equally rousing second live performance of the song later the same evening. "The Way Life Should Be..." is from the new Epiphyte Records EP release, featuring five mixes of the duet single "Luv is the Foundation" written and performed by Rocker-T with Joan Baez.

The first early afternoon mainstage set featured Rocker-T, backed by a 50 voice Choir, performing “Rise Up and Stand” to the audience of approximately 3,000. In the first of the two impromptu guest performances, Joan then joined Rocker-T on stage to perform her legendary "Gracias" before the two segued into "The Way Life Should Be..." The set ended with a powerful version of "Amazing Grace" which, backed by the Choir, was the high point of their first performance together.

Rocker-T opened his second evening set with his longtime classic, "Tru Ganjaman" and then another rousing performance of “Rise Up and Stand.” Rocker-T then introduced Joan who performed Steve Earle’s "God is God" and "Gracias" before the two joined in the duet of "The Way Life Should Be..." to close out their set.

At the day’s end, Rocker-T said, “The on-stage chemistry between Joan and I, fed by the audience’s energy, has left us all with a deep and gratifying feeling of elation. I hope that this will be the first of many more live collaborations between Joan and I.” A beaming Joan Baez stated, “I had a wonderful day.”

Other artists featured on this year’s event included: Michael Franti, India.Arie, Matisyahu, Cake, K’Naan, Kitaro, Steve Kimock, Dead Kennedys, and the Bad Brains.

Rocker-T and the More Luv Band will perform at Temple in San Francisco on August 13, 2009, as part of an Epiphyte Records label showcase/release party for “Luv is the Foundation.”

The Annual Harmony Festival, described as a hybrid between Burning Man and Bioneers – and the longest running festival on the West Coast - is a celebration of new ideas, community activism, eco-awareness, uplifting music, and more, in a green, family-friendly environment.

For more info, to request a review copy of “Luv is the Foundation”, or arrange an interview with Rocker-T, please contact Christopher Buttner, at chris@prthatrocks.com.

CDs of this EP release are available in fine retail stores everywhere or directly from Epiphyte Records website. Digital downloads of the EP are also available now on I-tunes and other digital music stores worldwide.

Whether singing the ancient Sanskrit mantras of India, the traditional folklore songs of South America, or performing his original works of divine inspiration, Shimshai's music invokes a sentiment of ancestral devotion and a dedication to higher consciousness. A self-proclaimed seeker of truth, described by many as possessing the voice of an angel, Shimshai is gifted with the innate ability to deliver his message flawlessly in several languages - most profoundly the universal language of Love and Oneness.

All this week, we're pleased to bring you Shimshai, who graciously welcomed our request for his song "Great Mystery" to be this week's RockOm Featured Track of the Week. Hear his song "Great Mystery" on the homepage all week long. Also, be sure to follow the links to his home page where you can find information on Shimshai's upcoming tour up the eastern seaboard. You can pick up his latest album, Alianza at CD Baby.

by Shimshai

Visit Shimshai at:

Shimshai.com
CDBaby

Surrounded by music from birth and formally trained on piano in his native state of Washington, Shimshai has had the honor of opening for and sharing the stage with such luminaries as Michael Franti, David Grisman, Mickey Hart, Jai Uttal, Ram Dass, Deepak Chopra, Bhagavan Das, Dezarie and members of Midnite, Jah Levi, Hamsa Lila, Sasha Butterfly, and many other gifted musicians and visionaries. Shimshai performs effortlessly on guitar, sitar, flute, and a variety of woodwinds. His most recent release, Alianza (2008), is a versatile world fusion studio CD that features multiple languages and ethnic sounds.

Featured Track:
"Great Mystery"

"'Great Mystery' was inspired by Taoist texts where I was exploring the sense of nothingness and emptiness being a profound spiritual fullness. The song embodies the nature of human yearning to comprehend that which is beyond our own understanding yet drives and inspires us to keep searching." (Shimshai)

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• Spirituality shines over New Orleans Jazz Fest - Aaron Neville says, "I feel God in every song. God gave me my voice. My hope is that you hear him no matter what I'm singing... The songs and the love of God who creates the songs will set you free." (Catholic Star Herald)
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• Man on a Mission - Musician Michael Franti says, "But there's also that 'divine light' factor. You figure if you're on the side of positivity and goodness, and you're sharing something with people ... music just breaks down those doors." (Connect Savannah)