June 17-19, 2011 – Mendocino County Fairgrounds – Boonville, CA

The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival has announced the first dozen artists confirmed to perform at the festival’s 18th annual gathering taking place June 17-19 at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds located in Boonville, California.  The initial World Music artists include  Kora from Aotearoa (New Zealand).  This band consists of 5 Māori, four of whom are brothers, who will be bringing their brand of kiwi dub to SNWMF.  Hailing from the Punjab region of northern India, by way of Santa Cruz, comes the vibrant sounds of Rupa & The April Fishes who combine Argentinean tango, Gypsy swing, American folk and Latin cumbias with Indian ragas.

The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival is Northern California’s premier roots reggae and world music festival. This year’s reggae will include legendary artists Steel Pulse, Toots & The Maytals, Horace Andyand Pablo Moses. Also scheduled to perform are Santa Barbara’s Rebelution who have ascended to the forefront of the Cali-Reggae scene. The preliminary lineup also includes two of Jamaica’s fastest rising stars: reggae and dancehall sensation I-Octane along with Romain Virgo, a young man with an incredible voice. Collie Buddz, who hails from the isle of Bermuda, will grace the festival with his singjay style backed by The New Kingston Band.  St. Lucia’s  Taj Weekes & Adowa will be returning to Boonville with his thought-provoking songs that are sure to uplift the people at SNWMF 2011.  Rounding out the initial announcement of artists is Indubious, Southern Oregon’s intergalactic reggae revolutionaries.

SNWMF is a 3-day Summer Solstice and World Peace celebration that promotes conscious music – music with a message of peace, unity and brotherhood that transcends divisions of race and culture.  With 2 stages, an authentic ‘late-night’ Jamaican dancehall, international arts & crafts, a massive food court and an extensive schedule of children’s activities, Sierra Nevada has something to offer people of all ages.  A limited number of discounted ‘Early-Bird’ Tickets to SNWMF 2011 are available online and via  mail order through February 28th or until all Early Bird tickets are sold, whichever comes first.  Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.  Limited on-site camping is also available for festival goers.

The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival typically features dozens of the finest reggae and world music bands, and 2011 will be no exception, as many addition artists will be added in the coming months.  For additional information, please log onto  www.snwmf.com, or call the hotline at (916) 777-5550