Who's Playing at Joshua Tree this May?

The lineup for the spring edition of the Joshua Tree Music Festival was just released - pretty cool - and with a three day pass only taking $100 from your wallet - quite affordable. One day we will make it out.

---

papadosio asheville saturday 10:30 – midnight Powerful live electronica ! Elevated songwriting showcases improvisational interludes and refreshing vocal harmonies with an amplified message of transcendence, unity, and universal understanding. Their potent ive set will stir the heart and fuel the mind. papadosio.com/tetios/tetios.html

ganga giri australia sunday 6 – 7:30pm Ganga mixes red natural elements with fat tribal beats and dirty funky bass lines to create a unique tribal-technological deep earth dance experience. If you experienced his shows in Joshua Tree in ’05, ’07 & ’09, you are hip to his magical musical madness ! gangagiri.com

bang data oakland friday 8:45 – 10:15pm From Samba-Ska-Cumbia and Electro-Bossanova to a Synth-Bass Heavy-Stooges infested beat. Melodic guitars and gritty bass, over bang electro-acoustic rhythms make this the perfect canvas for Deuce Eclipses bilingual rhymes and melodies. Bang Data’s sound is a hard driving futuristic vision of Latin Alternative music bangdata.weebly.com

the egg uk friday 10:30 – midnight Like New Order floating on a cloud. The Egg play live house, rocktronic, funk and ambient influenced dance music, using electronic and live instruments, video triggering, samples and live and vocoded vocals. Their music is inspired by artists such as Pink Floyd, Groove Armada, The Beloved, New Order, & Underworld. theegg.org.uk

janka nabay & the bubu gang sierra leone saturday 5:30 – 6:45pm Janka Nabay is the undisputed king of "bubu music," a frantically-paced dance music from Sierra Leone. Bubu music is traditional music originally used in witchcraft ceremonies, then later it evolved into a popular processional style played during Ramadan. Janka modernized the sound by adding electric studio instrumentation, infusing a broader range of musical stylings, and has evolved into an inspired band-leader and MC in the tradition of James Brown and Fela. luakabop.com/janka-nabay

ArtOfficial miami friday 7 – 8:30pm Funky, organic hip hop at its finest. A seamless marriage of unyielding, unapologetic urban poetry with an unflinching array of jazz melodies ala the Roots & Soulive. artofficialmusic.net

dogon lights guinea/cuba/south africa/us saturday 8:45 – 10:15pm Redefining world fusion by creating a funky, energetic dance atmosphere that takes listeners straight to the stars, using traditional skin and wood instruments played over grooves and inspired traditional vocals. Featuring Bongo Sidibe from Guinea, Jaqueline Laporte of Cuba and members of the award winning band Hamsa Lila (Ian "Inx" Herman, Vir McCoy, Evan Fraser and John Schroeder). The word, "Dogon" comes from the Dogon people of Mali who believe they are descendants of the Sirians- thus the Dogon Lights. dogonlights.com

m.a.k.u. soundsystem colombia/nyc saturday 3:45 – 5:15pm MAKU takes tradtional Colombian folkloric music screaming into the future, infusing it with psychedelic rock, punk, reggae and soul. Their unique, uplifting sounds are a Party for the People. www.makusoundsystem.com

liberation movement us/peru sunday 4:20 – 5:50pm Led by Resurrector of Heavyweight Dub Champion (HDC) and Sasha Rose, officially sanctioned by representatives the Shipibo Tribe of Amazonian Peru, Liberation Movement (LM) is a collective transmutational experience fusing ancient technology with modern ritual, invoking truth to pierce through illusion. liberationmovement.bandcamp.com

the main squeeze bloomington, in saturday 7 – 8:30pm A raging funk experience that meld soulful vocals, intricate jams, tight grooves, and ripping solos into a powerful live show that incites dance floor nirvana ! mainsqueezemusic.com

rising appalachia the south saturday 12:30 – 2pm Sisters Leah and Chloe tear into sound with sensual prowess as stages ignite revolutions and words light up spirit fires.  Listen to their beautiful sound for poetic harmonies, soul singing, spoken word rallies, banjos, fiddles, many beats of drums, kalimbas, washboard rants, groove, and community building through SOUND. risingappalachia.com

globesonic sound system la/nyc friday 5:15 – 6:45pm sunday 7:30 - ?? Modernizing world music, Globesonic Sound System (DJ's Fabian Alsultany & Derek Beres) creates a high energy ecstatic dance celebration of the earth's musical heritage, weaving traditional music with modern aesthetics. Says Fabian, "The music is a reflection of the commonalities between cultures. Our work is not only to get the dance floor moving, but to also stimulate a deep sense of planetary unity through music and dance." globesonic.com

jaliba kuyateh & the kumareh band gambia sunday 11:50am – 1:05pm Jaliba is a master Kora player who deftly manipulates all 21 strings of the ancient african instrument. The 'King of the Kora' is also a UNICEF Ambassador and Gambia's 'Man of the Year' with larger than life charm. Jaliba can sing in 3 languages and 7 octaves. Mad skills !  Joined by the Kumareh Band, their performance is an uplifting global call for peace and unity.  kingofkora.com

miner los angeles saturday 2:15 – 3:30pm Folk rock revivalists, Miner, have sipped from the same well as fellow "joie de folkers" the Mumfords and Edward Sharpes. It's the kind of revivalism that feels as comfortable as bare feet on a freshly mowed lawn. This family affair (husband, wife, brother, cousin & friends) will have you California Dreaming. thisisminer.com

robbi & kripa’s third ear experience south africa/joshua tree saturday Midnight - ?? African acid rock meets primal tribal dance trance therapy. A magical carpet ride for the body & soulful !

jelly bread reno sunday 1:15 – 2:30pm Dirty ensemble chops, rich vocal dexterity, a pumping rhythm section and solid lyrical flows make a Jelly Bread show monstrously funktastic ! These cats are steeped in roots, wallowing in funk, and marinated in soul. www.jellybread.net

mexico 68 la sunday 2:40 – 4:10pm This 12 strong band of musicians juxtapose Chicano funk with the body moving and elucidating vibes of Fela’s polyrhythmic afrobeat. www.mexico68music.com

whoolilicious! santa barbara saturday 11am – 12:15pm This one man band (plus drums) layers bass lines, keys, guitar, vocals, and sax live and on the spot creating funky soul, rock 'n roll, world music and dance tracks right before your ears and eyes. A seasoned vocalist, instrumentalist and producer, W! melds the live band and DJ worlds together as one.

ian winters santa cruz friday midnight to ?? This certified Booty Propulsion Specialist provides a non-stop dancefloor experience designed for sweaty, smiley, booty-drenched release. Relax your mind, let your conscience be free and step your vibrations into a new dimension of funk. mixcloud.com/ianwinters73

chicano batman los angeles friday 3:30 – 5pm Chicano Batman draws from a broad range of 60s and early 70s Brazilian bossa nova and samba, spacey psychedelia, slow-jam soul with a pinch of surf-rock cumbia.  Chicano Batman is more than a musical force but an adventurous and opinionated superhero who feeds off of community, afro-centricity and bolillos, on a mission to bring the overlooked to the forefront. chicanobatman.com

lily of the valley joshua tree sunday 10:15 – 11:45am Angels on earth. Heavenly harmonies. These soaring soul sisters of the high desert will be serving up some sunday morning goosebumps at the Cafe Stage.

9th Annual Joshua Tree Music Festival

One day we will travel out west for this one; nowhere will you find such a unique lineup. The Joshua Tree Music Festival runs from May 13-15 and is held at The Joshua Tree Lake Campground and tickets are more than reasonable: $100 for all three days.

eux farka toure (saturday 7:30) (MALI) A legend in the making, the son of a legend (ali farka toure), from Mali to the Mojave.  When Vieux informed his father that he would pursue a career in music, his father told him to take it seriously and to do it with passion. Vieux is obviously more than a good listener......check out this video of "Bullet the Blue Sky" VIDEO

chali 2na & the house of vibe (saturday 11pm) (LA) With his unmistakable (Jurassic 5, Ozomatli, Galactic), beloved baritone, Chali is one of the most distinctive, charismatic personalities in music today. Says Chali, “I want to free people’s asses and let their minds follow" He and his band, the House of Vibe, promise to set the caboose loose!

pimps of joytime (saturday 9:15pm) (Brooklyn) Outta the Brooklyn live music scene & dj culture, and dripping in some n'awlins juju, the Pimps of Joytime possess an undeniable funky swagger. This most audacious and soulful sound is known as "Janxta Funk". Their spirited attitude and gritty grooves make for an unrivaled live experience.

rubblebucket (sunday 6pm) (Brooklyn) These cats sound like a kaleidoscope looks -- a continually changing pattern of ebullient drum beats, harmonies and horn exclamations, led by the buoyant vocals and saxophone of Kalmia Traver and the hyperkinetic energy of trumpet player Alex Toth. A mad, mad, mad live show.

locos por juana (friday 9:15pm) (COL/ARG/VEN/Miami) This twice grammy nominated pan - american (colombia, argentina, venezuela) "latin urban orchestra" mixes reggae, cumbia, and salsa with hip-hop, rock, and Latin alternative to concoct a wicked tropical dance party.

ursula 1000 (saturday night - sunday morning 12:30am) (Brooklyn) Psychedelic sonic sorcery. Ursula 1000 (aka Alex Gimeno) melds electro dancehall, bumping latin disco-funk filth and dirty booty breaks into dance floor black magic. With beats banging harder, and bass popping louder than ever before......sweat it out under the stars LATE NIGHT with Ursula 1000.

sean hayes (saturday 6pm) (San Francisco) Passionate. Moving. Soul Stirring. This brilliant songsmith (voted best of the bay area by the Guardian) oozes "soulfolkness" that will melt your heart and warm you to the marrow.

youssoupha sidibe  (friday 6pm) (SENEGAL) Youssoupha, a master Kora player from Dakar, Senegal, spreads the message of oneness and peace via intricate melodies on his 21-sting harp. Grammy nominated for his work with Matisyahu, and well known for his collaborations with Michael Franti & Charles Neville.

saritah (saturday 1:30pm) (Australia) South Korean born, Australian bred. Saritah is a mesmerizing singer, songwriter and multi - instrumentalist. Her positive vision shines through in her earthy, radiant, buoyant grooves. Upon witnessing her live show, Saritah will be your new favorite artist.

el ten eleven  (sunday 4:15pm) (Los Angeles) A west coast duo with intergalactic skills. This Incredible post-rock/electronic act feature double-neck guitar, live/electronic drums, and some serious effects.....think “Kraftwerk in the Sky with Dancemoves”.

musaics (friday night - sat. morning 12:30am) (Los Angeles) This globalistic dance inducing Afro Latin Space Dub Skalypso Disco Ensemble is the creation of Jeremy Sole (of Afro Funke, Funky Sole, the LIFT, & KCRW fame) and a dream team of musicians including members of The Lions, Orgone, Quantic Soul Orchestra, Antibalas, JFJO, Dengue Fever, Mayer Hawthorne, Build an Ark and more. Their experimental-yet-steady groove hybridizes elements of Afrobeat, Cumbia, Spiritual Jazz and dubbed-out dancefloor beats, creating a mosaic of music. Dig them late night in the desert !

baraka moon (saturday 3pm) (Oakland, PAKISTAN) Transcendent Sufi Trance Grooves with Didge & Drums. "Baraka" is the Sufi word for "blessing". BARAKA MOON, founded on the night of an eclipse of the Full Moon in 2008 is a trio of virtuoso musicians from 3 distinct cultures and parts of the world - The USA, Pakistan and Great Britain. They play original music with roots based in Qawaali Sufi Trance Songs, Indian, Middle Eastern and African Drums and Percussion and the Australian Aboriginal Didgeridoo.  LEAP into the fire of this Magic Music! SEASON your soul, OPEN your heart, DANCE, SING and absorb the PASSION of an emerging UNIVERSAL and ECSTATIC SOUND full of LOVE and RESPECT for ALL peoples of the world! Baraka Moon is: Sukhawat Ali Khan on vocals &  harmonium, Geoffrey Gordon on drums, percussion, keyboards, bass, guitar,  vocals &  programming and Stephen Kent on didjeridu, shakers & guitar.

marv ellis & the platform (friday 11pm) (Portland) From the great northwest, Marv raps, molds and manipulates words and cadence structures with the best of them, whilst singing all his own hooks. Backed by the uber talents of The Platform, a world fusion hip-hop collective, Marv & friends create a super fresh, eclectic, conscious, & booty shaking experience!

the lions (saturday 4:30pm)                                                       (Los Angeles) Los Angeles' premier all-star reggae band (members of Orgone, Hepcat, Macy Gray, Fitz & the Tantrums, Breakestra).   With four vocalists backed by eight (and sometimes nine) musicians, their live set is truly transcendant; like the best summer party you can barely remember.  The Lions create an organically distilled, urban sound that mines dub reggae in a vintage yet completely fresh way by tastefully blending it with soul and funk. Skanked up. Lean and crunchy. Soulfully funky.

nosolo (friday 7:30pm) (Johannesburg, London, New York, San Francisco) Formally Z-1 Project from last years JTMF back stage all nighter.  Emerging from a decade of collaboration in experimental music and tasty jams, NOSOLO proudly present their latest musical mash up. Mindfully blending Afro Bass, Electro Psych Rock, Sample Centric DJ Trickery and MC Mastery. Mix one seasoned UK free party DJ & Bassman with South Africa's wickedest and most sought after drummer. Marinade with a maverick Cali psych guitar genius and one politically raw revolutionary turntablist. Drizzle with a dizzying, lyrical flow from NYC and the far reaches of the cosmos, and enjoy NOSOLO!

scott huckabay (sunday 11:45am)                                                      (Mt Shasta) Using a violin bow, an E-bow, percussion stylings and other effects, he creates a mystical musical landscape that is so multi-textured, vast and breathtaking, it is unimaginable that this music could be created by one man and his guitar. True genius. Spiritual. Magical. Mesmerizing.

saQi ensemble (sunday 2:45pm)   (Portland) SaQi is a classically trained composer, producer and trumpet player. his music is live eclectic electronica that maintains a proper balance between the organic & synthesized. Live shows rock the dance floor with a musical grace and depth that is brilliant, rare and goose bump inducing.

cornflower (noon on saturday)                                                       (Ashland, OR) Southern Oregon’s own vocalist, beatboxer, one-man jam-band Cornflower, fresh off his main stage performances at Earthdance & Mystic Garden Party, is beginning 2011 with a growing fanbase and turning the heads of industry professionals to his magnetic & ecstatic live performances. Cornflower's music is a fusion of organic Live-tronica, Soul, Dub, Tribal-Funk-Hop. His 'vocal scat' brings you into the moment, using 'beatboxing' to set your body in motion to his soaring melodies and atmospheric grooves that are looped live, right before your eyes. Cornflower’s music intends to unite people across festival fields and dance floors around the world to celebrate each moment through all-live, all-vocal, improvised, organic sound wizardry.

quinn deveaux & the blue beat revue   (sunday 1:15pm) (San Fran) Dance music for when you're feeling wrong and you wanna feel right.  It's New Orleans soul, southern gospel and early blues with the depth of cracked hands combined with the contagious rhythms you've been looking for all night long.

integratron live sound bath experience (saturday 11:15am, sunday 11am) (Landers, CA) "The notes sound like they're coming from inside your mind.... a psychedelic sonic experience!" says Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes. A healing sound bath resonating from 9 quartz crystal bowls. Prepare for levitation !

Joshua Tree Music Festival

Although we will not be able to attend, the lineup for this year's Joshua Tree Music Festival looks very interesting.

stanton warriors (saturday) (UK) Monster dance floor technicians; one of the most popular & distinctive dance DJ, production and remix outfits in the world - Mark Yardley & Dominic B - the Stanton Warriors. Dig em live under the stars in the magical mojave in May ! The Warriors have succeeded in not only bucking musical definition but have picked it up by the collar and kicked it's ass out of the music world. With their eclectic past and drawing on some traditional sounds of underground house, hip hop, electro and funk, they've mixed up the old and the new and come out with something bigger than the sum of its parts, namely the Stanton sound! Not many can claim to have defined a 'sound', but Yardley and Dominic B should definitely be there if there's ever a ruck on the subject. The Stanton Warriors have carefully honed a distinct sound that carves up dance floors through 4 corners of the world sounding fresh and bringing something new to the party. As Dom said at the start of it all when he first saw the reaction to one of their tracks at the Notting Hill Carnival 'Everybody was dancing'. We're a few years down the line but it's still about 'everybody' and 'dancing' - there's just more people at the party! Check out the Good Vibrations Video

mexican institute of sound (live band) (friday) (MEXICO) “The sound of old Mexican cumbias, boleros and mariachi tunes scrambled with samples, effects and beats, from lounge music to funk to low-budget beat boxes.” - NEW YORK TIMES “Camilo Lara works the electro-dance scene like the James Murphy [LCD Soundsystem] of Latin America. Think Hot Chip visiting the Buena Vista Social Club; think traditional samples with bells and beats; think a sweaty indie-dance party below the bustling streets of one of the world’s most populous cities.” - CMJ Mexican Institute of Sound’s (M.I.S.) third album ‘Soy Sauce’ was released by Nacional Records in USA/Canada, El Volcan Music in Spain, MiCo in Mexico and Cooking Vinyl everywhere else this past Spring 2009. The album traverses Lara’s wild musical imagination with a witty sense of humor for good effect... whether it’s converting the traditional sounds of cumbia to a full-on electronic dance track, paying tribute to hip hop luminaries De La Soul or N.W.A. with Mexican sonidos or singing a love song as if Serge Gainsbourg had spent time in the Mayan jungle.

fort knox five (live band) (saturday) (DC) - A major force on the international funk and breaks scene. Having released and arsenal of knee knockin floor rockin singles & remixes, Fort Knox Five have the midas touch for producing heavy hitting singles. Their world renowned groundbreaking sound of organic hooks come from their distinct interweaving of live instruments & funky electronic breakbeats, and has resulted in monster re-mixes for Africa Bambaataa, A. Skillz, Kraak & Smaak, Krafty Kuts, Ursula 100, Tito Puente, Louis Armstrong & Bob Marley. The funk truly hits the fan at a live show. Serious sweat inducing palpitations at the dance station.

midnite (saturday) (ST. CROIX) Time is not counted from daylight but from midnite. Trance induding naked and raw is an apt description for Midnite's musical style, in which they forgo the frills of extensive remixes, overdubbing and other musical refinements. Hailing from the Island of St Croix, Midnite is one of the preeminent roots reggae bands of the millennium. Vanguards of conscious reggae who represent the King's and Queen's music to the fullness of Jah. Midnite's profound and innovative lyrics are sincere and deeply rooted to present the other half of the story. Midnite explodes in live performances with sets that often exceed 3 hours. Their vigorous, weighty sound, driven by the punchy bass lines creates a vibe that penetrates straight to the heart. These epic musical communions have earned Midnite an enormous following throughout the roots community. Dig them live at sunset in the magical Mojave !

gaudi (friday) (UK) An international favorite on the electro-dance scene, italian born singer, musician & composer comes to Joshua Tree fresh from the studio with solo album #12 (No Prisoners on Six Degrees Records). His previous release (Dub Qawwali) was #2 on iTunes chart (usa) & the #1 selling electronic album on Amazon. Gaudi's live performances are innovative and unconventional: He is more 'oneman band for the 21st century' than DJ and has adopted the decks into hisset as another instrument in his 'kit bag' - alongside his Moog, Theremin, Megaphone, Tape delay, Dub siren, Stylophone, multi-effect boxes, live dubbed vocals, Melodica and a myriad other percussive and sonic gadgets! His is a unique approach that connects w/ audiences, a signature style of 'Dub n Breakz' that is a bass-driven, dance floor filling mix of irresistible grooves, floor shaking bass, and technological wizardry to engage the body and the senses. Fat tunes ranging from serious electronic to roots reggae and beyond.

bonerama (saturday) (New Orleans) - Kickin' brass and takin' names. Even in a city that doesn’t play by the rules, New Orleans’ Bonerama is something different. They can evoke vintage funk, classic rock and free improvisation in the same set; maybe even the same song. Bonerama has been repeatedly recognized by Rolling Stone, hailed as “the ultimate in brass balls” (2005) and praised for their “…crushing ensemble riffing, human-feedback shrieks and wah-wah growls” (2007). Bonerama carries the brass-band concept to places unknown; what other brass band could snag an honor for “Best Rock Band” (Big Easy Awards 2007)? As cofounder Mark Mullins puts it, “We thought we could expand what a New Orleans brass band could do. Bands like Dirty Dozen started the “anything goes” concept, bringing in the guitars and the drum kit and using the sousaphone like a bass guitar. We thought we could push things a little further.”

delhi 2 dublin (sunday) (CANADA) Delhi 2 Dublin is a group of five musicians who mashup electronica with world music, keeping it heavy on the Bhangra and Celtic flavours. Fusing tabla, fiddle, dhol, electric sitar, and Punjabi and English vocals with scorching electronic beats, Delhi 2 Dublin takes listeners on a wild ride through global sounds and synchronicities. Their unique style of live electronica is the ultimate transcultural music experience. It is the sound for today’s Globalista. Their foot stomping, high energy live set has won them rabid fans at Bumbershoot, Shambala, High Sierra, Earthdance and Vancouver music festivals. Their diligent touring ethic and their quest to take over the world one dance floor at a time has led to a cult following with their heavy metal Sitar vs. Fiddle dance off duels ! Get to know them via this VIDEO

orgone (friday) (LA) - orgone (ôr'g_n) n. A universal life force, a cosmic unit of energy, the creative force in nature. “Nasty, distorted, finger-popping, ass waggling old-school funk goes head to head with the gloss of L.A.'s Tower of Power styled horn charts “ All Music. "Orgone recalls acts like Fela Kuti, Trouble Funk, and War, but with a heavy dose of disco, where the deep groove and diva vocals are so authentic, they could be samples." The Onion. “ Big slabs of grizzled R&B, greasy as fatback and thick as a very particular kind of smoke. They recall the majesty of Sly & the Family Stone, and there's a riot goin' on!” eMusic. Modernized Parliament - Meters old school funkatized with gritty chicano style riffs & afro funk !

the mast featuring haale (sunday) (NY) Haale (as in halle-lujah or jalepeno), is a bronx born woman of Iranian descent whose name means 'halo around the moon.' Her songs are trance-inducing, rhythmically propulsive, and lyrically engaging tapestries that draw on both Persian mystical and American psychedelic musical traditions. Haale has performed at Bonnaroo, SXSW, the Mimi_Festival in France, in David Byrne's_series at Carnegie Hall, and shared the stage with the_legendary Hugh Masakela and Odetta. " A female rocker who balances electric-guitar frenzy_with the intimacy and alluring elusiveness of poetry." Boston globe. "Pregnant with explosive ideas and genre smashing sonics, the music of_Haale Gafori and partner in crime percussionist-producer Matt Kilmer_engages faith, politics and love in refreshing ways that understand_that lovely and terrible things coexist. Haale's inherent poetry leans_back to Patti Smith and Rumi, Jefferson Airplane and T.S. Eliot -_engagers of the world's saints and sinners that reveal the unseen_realm behind all things." Jambase.

staxx brothers (sunday) (Seattle) Hard Ass Soul ! The Staxx Brothers are a high energy American band, hailing from Seattle, Washington, that has spent the last seven years crafting an the incredible sound they've branded Hard Ass Soul. It's quite simply the most danceable and hip shaking brand of rock & roll to hit US streets since Motown left Detroit. Where modern Rock most often has forgotten its Roll, The Staxx Brothers make it back to the juke joint, and take you back to the black church, dragging modern rock by its collar right back to its birthright - with an epic flare that matches any of the classics. “A huge mob on stage, they've imbibed whatever elixir Bootsy, George and Bernie swallowed back in the day, getting up there and proudly playing rump rattlin' cartoons and then backing it up with whomping good musicianship and tunes you gotta be dead to resist “ jambase.

radio devi (saturday) (SF) House of Hamsa presents ! Progressive World Groove. Ambient Ethno Groove. Radio Devi utilizes a combination of live and textured loops that create a rich and uplifting dance atmosphere. A unique fusion of ancient world instruments over funky grooves and dub basslines with soulfull R n B vocal stylings. Radio Devi was formed out of the critically acclaimed and award winning world music group Hamsa Lila. Radio Devi features Ian "Inkx" Herman on drums and Samples (Hamsa Lila, Hugh Masakela, Paul Simon, Foxgluv, Post Junk Trio, Rain Maker, Shabaz) Vir McCoy (Hamsa Lila, Foxgluv, YOU, Kid Kaleidoscope) on Bass, Guitar, Sintir, Saz, Guimbri and other strings, Evan Fraser (Hamsa Lila, The Funnies) on Ngoni, Sanza, Jaw Harp, Synthesizers, Percussion, Lyra, Ney, Flutes, Lap Steel and others. Deja Solis (Hamsa Lila, Qawaalis) lays her soulfull diva vocals over the top.

locura (saturday) (SF) LoCuras music is strongly rooted in Flamenco, deepened through their time living in southern Spain and traveling in Morocco. But it is in the way they move in and out of other musical styles, like Reggae, Cuban Son, and Hip-Hop that results in an irresistible desire to move and to be moved. In Spain the expression "Ida y Vuelta" is used to describe certain styles within Flamenco that made a "round-trip" from Spain to Latin America, mixing with music from the African slave and Indigenous populations. With this idea of music traveling and music as creative resistance, LoCura takes the trip back again mixing it up with their own Califas Flamenkito, Reggae, and Cuban Son styles. As the name implies, LoCura taps into the maelstrom of daily experiences to find that point where opposites meet and dance to convey the way different musical traditions can move so fluidly together. Moved by the music that crosses borders and takes root in different lands, LoCura draws from this creative 'rebelde' spirit to cultivate the cures passed on from our ancestors. Dance music that uplifts the spirit and provides food for the soul- a sound track to feeling alive! VIDEO

wally ingram & jerry joseph (saturday) (Yucca Valley/NY)) Wally and Jerry, along with Dave Schools (Widespread), Eric McFadden, and Danny Louis (Govt. Mule), comprise the super group Stockholm Syndrome (catch them on tour in FEB/MAR). Jerry (renowned for his work with the Jackmormons), writes complex, image laden songs and performs them with an unbridled combination of attitutde, soulfulness and swagger. Wally (drummer and percussionist extraordinaire and high desert resident), has created musical imagery, magic and color with his Kit (serious bag of tricks) for an amazing list of musical superstars and geniuses such as Crowded House, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Burdon, Sheryl Crow, Warren Zevon, Keb Mo', James Taylor, Crosby Stills Nash, and David Lindley (toooo long a list !!!). Together the two longtime friends and musical co-conspirators create a magical musical sum much greater than it's parts ! dig em live, loud and proud in the desert !

wunmi - queen of afrobeat fusion (saturday) (UK/NIGERIA) Wunmi is famed for her Nu Yorican Afro-house workouts with Masters at Work (Kenny Gonzalez & Louie Vega, her Funki Dred stylizings with Soul II Soul, and as an icon of London Underground Club Culture and dancefloors worldwide. The Wunmi stage show is known for its explosive energy, hi-octane dance moves, a super-tight band and an infectious spirit that draws in crowds. She has performed with and alongside African music legends such as Manu Dibango, , Cheikh Lo, Les Nubian, Baaba Maal, Femi Kuti, Tony Allen & Osunlade. Afrobeat, JuJu, Yoruba & Highlife meet global dancefloor sensibilities. Wumni is currently in Ghana recording material for release in may. Dig her live & fresh material in joshua tree!

eric mcfadden trio (sunday) (SAN FRAN) "McFadden is a master of guitar and mandolin, a 25 year veteran who waltzes the dark, eerie corridors between Jimi Hendrix and Django Reinhardt..." (SF Guardian) "...Part raging rock star, part flamenco gypsy, McFadden is one of the most talented musicians in San Francisco today, bar none. Whenever he steps into the spotlight, McFadden turns up the energy level a few notches, and the unexpected becomes the norm." (Jambase) "...This kindred spirit to Tom Waits and Nick Cave is spittin' some smoky, dark, americana gypsy-blues for the hopeless and undecided...This is one artist with an unflinching command of his muse; highly recommended." "If San Francisco is home to anyone approaching the abilities of a modern Hendrix, it’s Eric McFadden." (Guitar Player)

d numbers (friday) (Santa Fe, NM) Psychedelic live improvisational dancetronic rock. The magic of D Numbers' live performances is in the real-time reorganization of analog sounds from live instruments into intricate webs of loops, samples and digital bliss. These cats create multilayered compositions rich in texture and depth as the audience watches them bob and sway in sync; stomping on pedals and lunging for knobs and faders, all the while locked in to a solid groove. Exploring a wide range of feels and tonalities that range from melancholy ambience to aggressive rock to ecstatic funk, D Numbers takes their listeners on a sonic joyride. check out this interview & VIDEO

the heavy guilt (friday) (SAN DIEGO) The Heavy Guilt create raw, fresh and potent American Rock Music. From the demise of Alfred Howard & the K23 Orchestra is born a powerful force of musical mojo. HG is comprised of former K23 members Josh Rice (keys) and Alfred Howard (prolific lyricist extraordinaire & percussion), Erik Canzona (vox), Sean Martin (electric guitar), Jason Littlefield (upright and electric bass) and Jenny Merullo (drums). Their debut album, Lift Us Up From This, is a work that clearly shows these folks are wise old souls who have lived many lives. Get to know the Heavy Guilt by checking out this VIDEO

z-1 project (late sat early sun) (SAN FRAN) With it's members originating from South Africa, the United Kingdom and California, and with close to a decade of playing music together, the Z-1 PROJECT has finally found the perfect beat. In close collaboration with ZONE AV the Z-1 PROJECT utilizes the OPUS sound system and dub specialist engineers to maximum effect, presenting an audio visual feast on every outing. Ian "Inkx" Herman on drums (Hamsa Lila, Hugh Masakela, Paul Simon, Habib Koite, Vusi Mahlasela, Foxgluv, Post Junk Trio, Rain Maker, Radio Devi, Shabaz) Sage Jared on guitar (Foxgluv,The Real) Dj Treadwell on turntables and DjKin on bass (Foxgluv, Lumpheads,Tranquil Elephantizer, Sugar Lump,Camberwell Butterflies) with special guests: MC Wise Proof and Vir McCoy. Take a late night journey into the realms of freestyle funk, psychedelic rock, hip hop, electro and psychic dub. The Z-1 PROJECT colors way outside the lines and promises to feed your head and fuel your feet with a nonstop body rocking ride..... Hold tight!

evaros (sunday)) (Joshua Tree) The members of this fourth generation family band have musical vibrations deeply imbedded in their DNA. Siblings Gabriella (vox), Shavaughn (vox), Bryanna (bass, vox), and Gene (guitar, keys, sax, vox), along with Sam Willmore on drums, exude a confidence and mastery of musical skills that belies their age. Divine inspiration provided by sister Natalie combined with a stellar work ethic make the EVAROS a musical force on a mission. The result is an uber awareness of groove laden jazz, soul, reggae & funk that is dance inducing, goose bump conjuring sweet soul music. They've put Herbie Hancock & Jimmy Cliff & Billie Holliday & the Funkadelics into the waring blender to concoct their own magical musical potion. Dance. Groove. Love. Evaro!

geri x (sunday) (ATLANTA) Bulgaria born singer songwriter, Geri X, traveled the better (or worse) part of europe before settling down in St. Petersburg, Florida. Her classical training on piano & guitar is infused into, and makes for her interesting, emotional stylisings. The music is equal parts pleasure and pain - as riveting and haunting as it is emotional and uplifting. Geri X has been the winner of Best Singer Songwriter (Creative Loafing) in 2006 thru 2008. “combination of the timeless & contemporary. Uniquely hip & eclectic American post folk, but sounds like it learned of love and heartbreak somewhere unfathomably older than here.” Creative Loafing. “She carries the intensity of a Mike Tyson punch with the serene beauty of one of the best female vocalists of this era.” LA post. How about the 'Kiss on Both Eyelids' VIDEO

dusu (sunday) (PORTLAND) Dusu is an authentic African Malian band fronted by Ibrahim Kelly (nephew of the Legendary 'Ali Farka Toure'). Formed in December of 2009 in Portland Oregon, Dusu combines driving intricate polyrhythms with traditional yet original Malian songs. Instrumentation includes many African drums including the Dununba, Sangaban, Kenkeni, and Djembe as well as drum kit. On top of this unique blend of percussion there is violin, guitar, bass, saxophone, and vocals. The music is extremely danceable and hypnotic inspired by the deepest roots of Africa. Dusu strives to bring about joy and unity through the universal medium of music.