FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE interviews/images/PSAs/bios/passes available Download PDF version

Media Contact: Adrienne Biggs This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 415-453-4474

Updated May 30, 2009 (San Francisco North Bay, CA) — Celebrating 31 years of “Harmony From the Roots Up”—and continuing its focus on progressive ideals, community activism, and uplifting music—the producers of the Harmony Festival ( HYPERLINK "http://www.harmonyfestival.com" ) are pleased to announce our first annual Shabbaton (Hebrew for “sabbatical”), hosted by Matisyahu, taking place June 12 through 14 in Santa Rosa, California at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.

Matisyahu will be a very special guest performer Saturday June 13 with Harmony After Dark’s Techno-Tribal Dance (celebrating its tenth anniversary) and co-headlining on the Harmony Main Stage with India.Arie on Sunday June 14. Matisyahu will be performing songs from his new album “Light” with his new band The Dub Trio.

A blend of traditional values and contemporary vision, the American Hasidic Jewish reggae musician Matisyahu ( HYPERLINK "http://www.matisyahuworld.com") has studied Torah at Hadar Hatorah as well as performed on David Letterman, MTV and VH1. The wisdom of his faith is expressed through his unique musical style, a blend of reggae, rap, funk, rock, beatboxing and cantor-like chants. In 2006, he was named Top Reggae Artist by Billboard magazine and was recently named a spokes-person for clothing designer Kenneth Cole.

Couples, singles and families of all denominations are warmly invited to share Shabbaton with Matisyahu and experience an unforgettable, fulfilling and stimulating weekend featuring services, stories, discussions and teachings accompanied by delicious, traditional Kosher Shabbas meals, amidst the warmth of Hasidic family life, song and dance. Shabbas services will be held Friday night and Saturday at the Shabbaton. Weekend passes for this special offering are available for $169 per person and include entrance to all shows, three meals and a camping pass in the special Shabbaton area.

On Sunday June 14, the Harmony Festival is dedicated to The Children of Abraham featuring music and speakers from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian backgrounds including Jerusalem Peacemakers whose intention is to make a statement of peace in the Middle East. Recently confirmed to appear is Shabaz, representing eleven generations of Muslim vocal history with a modern global dance floor sensibility showcasing the voices of siblings Sukhawat Ali Khan and Riffat Salamat.

In addition to two performances by Matisyahu, the 2009 musical lineup also features India.Arie, Matisyahu, CAKE, Michael Franti & Spearhead, K’Naan, Kitaro, ALO, Steve Kimock Crazy Engine with Melvin Seals, Dead Kennedys, The Orb, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, Bad Brains, Balkan Beat Box and many more. This year’s exciting speakers include Rev. Michael Beckwith, Caroline Casey, Joanna Macy, Julia Butterfly Hill, Starhawk, Daniel Pinchbeck, Richard Heinberg, and many others. Tickets and detailed Festival information is available at HYPERLINK "http://www.HarmonyFestival.com".

In 2009 the wealth of attractions will include a dynamic kids’ zone and the addition of a world-class first annual Rude Boyz Eco Cup featuring the best pro skaters and bands from around the globe, plus more than 300 vendors providing sumptuous food and an amazing shopping experience. There will be a variety of interactive workshops in the Eco-Village and Healing Sanctuary exploring the latest in environmental awareness and alternative health, and a newly inspired Goddess Grove.

There will also be a new “Eco-Fashion Zone”, film screenings, and Harmony After Dark, the Saturday afternoon People’s Parade, and this year the legendary Techno-Tribal Dance will celebrate its 10th anniversary over two nights, concluding with the Sunday evening charity fundraiser After Party with Kitaro and other very special guests to be announced.

The Shabbaton sponsors are J. Weekly (www.jweekly.com), JCCSF The Hub (www.jccsf.org/thehub), and JCC Sonoma County (www.jccsoco.org).