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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.

It's a brand new podcast for the first week of what we affirm will be a groovin' summer filled with soulful new music and excitement. We're stoked to bring you an interview with the mutli-talented singer/songwriter Danielle Howle from Columbia, South Carolina. Danielle Howle has performed and opened for the likes of The Indigo Girls, Steve Earle, Gillian Welch, Ani DiFranco, Hootie and The Blowfish, and Bob Dylan. Her her catalog of work consists of eight albums of music, songs for film and screen, and more.

Danielle's songs are filled with wit, southern charm (with a twist) and a spirit that lifts listeners to a higher ground of being. Watch for a feature on Danielle Howle in an upcoming issue of Southern Living magazine and pick up a copy of her new solar-power recorded CD entitled Swamp Sessions at her website.

Special Thanks to Danielle and Awendaw Green for working with us on this feature and interview during a very busy time in her career.

Singer-songwriter Danielle Howle has garnered much critical acclaim throughout her career and has emerged as one of the preeminent voices of the South. The New York Times calls her "an extraordinary mind, a southern storyteller with a gorgeous sense of melody that should be pouring out of stereos everywhere. She is one to be treasured."

RockOm is happy to have Danielle Howle's song "Foot of the Mountain" featured as this week's RockOm Featured Track.

Over the course of her six- album career Howle has evolved and reinvented herself not from an explicit desire to innovate but from tapping into an inexhaustible and dynamic force moving inside her that transpires with a grace, honesty and ease that is rarely seen  today.

Howle’s uncanny abilities were crafted from her days performing in Columbia, SC at various clubs and night-spots serving the students of the University of South Carolina. She was soon signed by Daemon Records (Amy Ray of The Indigo Girls) and began performing across the country opening and performing with the likes of The Indigo Girls, Steve Earle, Gillian Welch, Ani DiFranco, the late Elliott Smith, Bob Dylan and Hootie and The Blowfish.

Danielle's exceptional vision and sensibility are captured best to date on her new album, Thank You Mark, which was produced by musical peer Mark Bryan of Hootie and The Blowfish. Her expression is both classic and beautiful and the new record stays focused on her unique vocal ability. This album is a pure crystallization of Howle’s essence and personality. Skillfully accompanied by top-notch musicians Sam Bush, Byron House, Tim Vaill, John Young (Spottiswoode and His Enemies) and Les Hall of Howie Day, the music is a timeless blend of Americana, with the freedom of jazz, and a little modern swing.

When not touring Howle can be found as artist in residence at Awendaw Green, a new music venue located in Awendaw, SC. Founded by a group of music philanthropists, the vision of Awendaw Green is to network local artists and bands with each other and music enthusiasts and fans. Howle also composes for the screen.  "The Station Agent" (winner of three major awards at the Sundance Film festival) featured one of her songs and Howle has several other indie films under her belt as well.

Watch for a feature on Danielle Howle upcoming soon in Southern Living magazine.