Groundation - Spiritual Roots Reggae

Archival News

22.8.09
Amsterdam Video on Forum

A video from Groundation's first performance in Amsterdam, from the summer segment of the Here I Am World Tour, has been posted to our messageboard and can be seen here.

The Groundation forum is the best place for fans of Groundation music the world over to come together to reason, trade shows and generally support each other in conscious living.

20.8.09
Last of the Midwest Dates Added

We are happy to announce that we have added three more shows, rounding out our Midwest schedule. We will be returning to Cleveland and Lawrence, KS again and will be playing Champaign, IL for the first time.

For more information, check the live page.

And stay tuned, we will be adding two more California shows to the end of the tour, both in very familiar settings. Announcements on those shows coming after Outside Lands....

18.8.09
Here I Am Officially Released!!

Finally the day has arrived....Here I Am has now officially been released in the US!
Go and pick up a copy at your local independent record store; in doing so you not only support an integral part of your local business community, you are also supporting conscious independent music.

15.8.09
Athens Date Announced!

We will be returning to Athens a bit earlier than we expected. This time, however, we will be playing Athens, Georgia USA, our first show in the area. Sorry Greece, just having a little fun with you...

Check our live page for our updated coast-to-coast US Here I Am Fall Tour schedule.

12.8.09
Here I Am now on Itunes...

Our sixth full length Groundation album Here I Am is now available for download through Itunes. And remember, August 18 is our official street release date, when you will be able to find "Here I Am" at your local independant record store.

Support the music that supports you!

08.8.09
Midwest Dates Announced!

We are happy to finally announce our Midwest dates for our upcoming coast-to-coast Here I Am US Tour. We will be returning to Chicago at the end of Septtember, but we have also added a show in Milwaukee, or first time through.

For more information check the live page; stay tuned we have just a couple more dates to announce...

05.8.09
Pacific Northwest Festivals

This weekend we are very excited to be headlining two great festivals in the beautiful Pacific Northwest: The Vibez Alive Festival in Seattle on Friday August 7 and The Northwest World & Reggae Festival in Marcola, Oregon on Sunday August 9.

At both festivals we will be joined onstage by longtime friends and colleagues in conscious music Pablo Moses, Ooklah the Moc and Paula Fuga. Come join us for what will surely be two amazing nights of music. Tickets are still available and more information can be had by following the festival links above.

See you soon NW!

03.8.09
New East Coast Date Added

We have added another East Coast date to our coast-to-coast U.S. tour schedule: September 22 in New Haven, CT. We have also changed venues for our October 2 show in Ft. Collins, CO. For more information check our Live Page.

Stay tuned as we will be adding more shows in the Midwest and in California. Remember, if you want Groundation in your area contact your local promoters/venues and tell them so! Chicago, Im looking at you...

27.7.09
Groundation Music Featured in New Documentary

Groundation music will be featured in the soon to be released indy-Documentary "Fast As She Can," about Jamaican Gold Medal sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser and her role in Jamaican society developing positive and creative outlets for Jamaican youth.

The film will premier at the San Francisco International Festival of Short Films, which runs from September 9th through the 12th. We are very proud to have our music associated with such a positive film. Be sure and check it out when it comes to your area...
21.7.09
Here I Am Pre-Release Now Available!!

The wait is over! Our patient fans here in the U.S. have to wait no longer, Here I Am is now available in our online store. We have also made available the first Here I Am merchandise and are offering a special package deal when you purchase both the album and a shirt.

Once you have received the new album, be sure and post your reactions/responses to our messageboard. Here I Am will still be released officially on August 18, when it will be made available through itunes as well as your local independant record stores.

Thank you all for your support!

19.7.09
Groundation Web Connections

We have made the plunge....you can now follow Groundation on our new Twitter Feed. Operated by our drummer and resident head TeKanawa Haereiti, the twtter feed will allow you to stay up to date with the day to day machinations of Groundation's experiences on the road.

Also, we have expanded our Facebook presence; you can link with us via our Facebook Fan site, as well as our Official Facebook Community site. Join us and stay current with news on upcoming shows, album news and more.12.7.09
New Track Released!

We have posted another track off the new album. If you would like to check out a sneak preview of the track So Blind you can do so on our myspace page. Feel free to leave comments letting us know what you think.

The US pre-release is mere days away....stay tuned!

08.7.09
Here I Am World Tour Continues...

We would like to thank all of our friends, including some from Sonoma County and others from Athens, that were able to make it to our huge shows at Summerjam (Koln, Germany) and Rototom Sunplash (Osoppo, Italy).

It is an amazaing experience to be able to play our music to tens of thousands of serious fans. We look forward to our return next summer....

05.7.09
U.S. Online Early Release News

Rumours have been swirling about a special online only special early release of Here I Am in the U.S. Those rumours, we are happy to confirm, are true. Very soon on this site we will be offering Here I Am for a limited time, well ahead of the official U.S. release date of August 18.

Stay tuned as news is coming soon....

30.6.09
New Orleans/Orlando Dates Added...

We have added shows in New Orleans and Orlando to the U.S. portion of our Here I Am World Tour, which is slated for September and October.

Dates can be seen on our live page; stay tuned as many more dates to come!

As always, the best way to get Groundation to come to your area is to check our open dates and see if your city falls in our imminent path. If so, reach out to your local venues/promoters/radio stations/record stores and let them know you want Groundation in your area!

Also, we are always looking for street teamers to help spread the word. If you are interested in helping out in your area, email Nicholas at tm@Groundation.com.

23.6.09
Here I Am Released!!

Here I Am, the new full-length Groundation studio album has officially been released in Europe! Here I Am can be purchased here.

For those in the U.S. waiting patiently until the album will become available here....not to worry! We will be offering a limited amount of pre-release copies to our fans here in the states through this website. These will be made available very soon, so stay tuned.

20.6.09
Groundation announces coast-to-coast U.S. Tour!

We are very happy to announce that we will once again be heading out across the vast expanses of North America for a full coast-to-coast U.S. tour in September and October. This will be the U.S. portion of our Here I Am World Tour, in support of the new album coming out this summer.

For a preliminary listing of the Fall U.S. tour dates check our live page. Stay tuned, as there are many more dates still to come.

Besides hitting some of the same venues we stopped on last summer's U.S. tour, including in Austin, Virginia, Boston, & Vermont, we will be playing in bigger and better venues in New Orleans, Florida, New York City, Chicago, Colorado & California.

If you would like to see Groundation in your area, contact your local promoters and venues and let them know. And, as always, if you are interested in joining our street team to help spread the word on Groundation, just contact Nicholas at tm@groundation.com.

See you all again soon!

24.4.09

Album Release Dates Announced!

It is finally official...Groundation's long awaited next album "Here I Am" will be released June 17 in Europe and July 21 in the US. We are very excited about this new album as it marks a major turning point in the development of the Groundation sound.

If you simply cannot wait any longer...check out the new video on the messageboard of "You Can Profit," a track off the album.

And stay tuned for information on an early US online release...

22.4.09

More European Dates Posted

More dates have been posted to our live page for our European Summer Tour, including some big festival announcements. More dates to come soon...

12.4.09

Thank You Greece

We would like to thank Costas and RastaVibe for another amazing experience in Greece, with two huge, sell out shows in Thessaloniki and Athens. We would also like to thank Yorgos, Neoklis, Stellos, Andreas, Costas & Mitzi for their efforts in ensuring our trip was an illuminating one indeed.

Greece truly is the epicenter of the world in terms of progresseve social movements. Again, if you are not familiar with what has taken place in Greece since December, and you care about learning how to effect positive change in your own community through positive collectivization, do some research.

Groundation and Greece are united in the push towards social justice and true Democracy the world over. We will see you again soon friends.

29.3.09

First European Dates Posted

The first weekof dates from Groundation's European Summer 2009 Tour have been posted. Incldued are a round of dates in France, as well as one at the Rockhall in Luxembourg.

Stay tuned, many more European Summer dates will be posted soon, including some of the biggest festivals on the continent.

23.3.09

South American Thank Yous...

We would like to thank Intershows Production company and all of our great friends and family that came out to support us on our just completed tour of our America to the South, with stops in Peru, Argentina and Brazil. It is always inspiring for us to meet people so dedicated to the furtherance of positive consciousness through communal musical celebrations.

We will see you all next March!

19.3.09

European Summer Tour Announced!

Groundation will be once again heading to Europe this summer to headline some of the biggest festivals across the continent throughout June and July. Rumour has it that there will be a special appearance at a Middle Eastern Festival in July as well....stay tuned, details coming soon!

16.3.09

First Summer Date Announced!

Groundation is proud to announce that we will be headlining the Sunday night of the 5th Annual Northwest World & Reggae Festival, in Marcola, Oregon. To all of our fans on the West Coast and beyond: this is your chance to see Groundation perform in one of the most beautiful live performance spaces in the United States....and do not be surprised to see some long time Groundation friends show up as special guests!

10.3.09

Reunion Islands & Greece Dates Announced!!

Check out our live page for our just announced upcoming dates in the Reunion Islands and Greece.

Once again we find ourselves traveling to lands rife with political turmoil. If you are unaware do some research; Greece, one of our world's oldest continuous civilizations, has experienced some of the most tumultous civil unrest seen anywhere in years.
We cherish the opportunity to bring our music to those who need it most, those living consciously towards affecting positive change in their communities and the world.

See you soon...

07.3.09

Will Bernard Tour

If you have been following Groundation for a while then you are well aware of our good friend, the multi-faceted/talented Will Bernard. We are proud to be able to tell you about Will's huge upcoming tour featuring such luminaries as Andy Hess (John Scofield), Stanton Moore (Galactic) & John Medeski (Medeski, Martin & Wood).

This tour brings together musicians at the cutting edge of the progressive fusion-
music scene. You can check out dates for the tour here, as well as find out more information at Will's site; make sure to check this show out when it comes to your area...truly, not to be missed.

28.2.09

Thank You...

to all of our friends, family and fans who came out to support us on our 9th Annual Robert Nesta Marley Tribute Tour. A very special thank you to, legends in their own right, Will Bernard and Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace for making this the most successful Bob Tribute Tour yet. Horsemouth, you are the man.

Some may wonder why a band like Groundation takes a month out of each year to pay homage to the music and legacy of Bob Marley. In our consumeristic world, you can see Bob's image and imprint everywhere...almost to the point of diluting the intensity of Marley's truly revolutionary life. We choose to play this music because the lessons have yet to be learned, the conscious shift to the positive that our world so desperately needs, and that Marley foretold, has yet to happen. And, until this happens, Marley's music must be played, be heard, be felt.

23.2.09

Phillip Merchant Benefit Announced...

Groundation has announced that our final show of the Bob Marley Tribute tour at Ashkenaz in Berkeley, CA this Thursday February 26 will be a general fund and awareness raiser for our brother in conscious music bassist Phillip Merchant (Midnite, Bambu Station, DAPP Band), who remains in the hospital following being shot numerous times while in The V.I.; an apparent victim of random violence.

If you would like more information on how you can help the Merchant family contact Nicholas at tm@groundation.com.

Thank you for supporting conscious music and conscious musicians.

20.2.09

Thank You Hawaii!

A special thank you to all of our friends and family in Hawaii, our home away from home. Maui, Oahu and Kauai are home to the most conscious people on the planet, no doubt heavily influenced by their unrivaled natural surroundings.

13.2.09

Peru, more So. America dates added

Groundation's first show in Peru has been announced, scheduled for the sixth of March in Lima. Also, more Brazil dates have been announced...check it our here.

Para ver as datas e notícia da turnê pela América do Sul em português,
acesse o Surforeggae.

11.2.09

Bob Tour Continues...

We would like to thank everyone who came out to the first week of shows on our 9th annual Bob Marley Tribute Tour, especially all of those that came to S.F. and the two nights at the Mystic.

With Will Bernard and Horsemouth Wallace on board, Groundation has never made Bob's music sound better. Dont miss out on this historic opportunity to see Groundation breathe new life into Marley's prophetic music with living legends as special guests...

09.2.09

South American Dates Posted!!

You can see our confirmed South American dates here. We have many more dates to come so stay tuned....we are very excited to once again head down to see our neighbors in the south, some of the biggest Groundation fans on the planet. See you soon!

Para ver as datas e notícia da turnê pela América do Sul em português,
acesse o Surforeggae.

05.2.09

Humboldt/Mendocino awaits.

Today we venture up the Redwood Highway to our good friends awaiting us in the north. What better way to start this very special tour in memory of the prophet Robert Nesta Marley, with our good friends Horsemouth and Will, then in one of the most powerful places on Earth: Northern California? See you soon Mateel and crew!

31.1.09

Sacramento show added!

We have just added a show at Harlow's in Sacramento on our upcoming Bob Marley Tribute Tour. What up NorCal?!

26.1.09

South American Tour Announced...

Groundation will make its triumphant return to South America, with confirmed stops in Brazil and Argentina, in March. Stay tuned, dates coming soon...

21.1.09

Kauai date added!

We have just added another Hawaii show for our upcoming Bob Marley Tribute tour. It will be at K.A.V.A. in Kalapaki Bay. See you there!

13.1.09

Our thoughts and prayers...

...go out to Phillip Merchant, former bass player for Midnite (2000-2005), who recently took up that role for Bambu Station & The DAPP Band. He is currently in critical condition in a V.I. hospital recovering from gunshot wounds.

Let this be a reminder that even in the conscious music community violence is a real issue. Too many of Reggae's greatest have been taken from the world due to senseless violence. Phil, you are in our thoughts...get well soon.

11.1.09

Are you ready Maui?

We have just confirmed a Maui date for our upcoming Hawaii Bob Marley Tribute Tour. Ticketing information will soon follow.

Though we are still hoping to add another Hawaii date for this upcoming run, the best way to get Groundation on your island, or in your area, is still to contact your local venues/promoters/radio stations/music stores and tell them:
Groundation needs to be here!

Looking forwad....Mahalo.

3.1.09

Calling all street teamers!

First and foremost hapy new year to you all! 2008 was an amazing year and we thank you for sharing it with us. 2009 will be the year where we all come together to transcend those limitations keeping us from peace, sustainability and prosperity.
We look forward...

Anyone interested in helping out in spreading the word about Groundation the time has come. We are looking for street teamers for our upcoming California dates (especially Sonoma County, Mendocino/Humboldt Counties and SoCal), and beyond. We are already busy planning our next U.S. tour, bringing us back East and to the MidWest. We are only what our fans allow us to become. If you believe in this music, and its power to help affect positive change, and want to see us succeed and return often to your communities, street teaming is the best way to do so.

Contact TM Nicholas at tm@groundation.com for more information. As always, your support of conscious music is sincerely and greatly appreciated. Lets make 2009 the year it all comes together.

30.12.08

Hawaii date announced...

We have confirmed the first of our Hawaii shows for the upcoming Bob Marley Tribute tour. We will be announcing other Hawaii dates soon....if you want to have the chance top see this amazing show on your island (the first time ever we have done the Bob tribute in Hawaii), let your local promoters and clubs know you want Groundation!

24.12.08

Bob Marley Tribute Tour, Dates Announced!

The first dates for our annual Bob Marley Tribute Tour have been released. Stay tuned for more dates to round out this tour (Hawaii in February anyone?), as well as a special announcement as to which shows will feature a rare Rockamovya opening set.

Once again, we here at Groundation wish you all a safe and warm holidays and a prosperous new year.

**Speaking of new year...long-time Groundation collaborator Ulotrichi Productions has a very special New Years Eve Ball planned at the historic Capitol Theatre in Olympia, WA, featuring Critters Buggin and Garaj Mahal in a massive co-bill. More info can be found here.

8.12.08

New album, Bob tribute and more...

Greetings and happy holidays everyone.

Groundation is currently hard at work on their next full length album, their first since Upon the Bridge. Though they have played a few of their new tracks live over the past year, the album's direction, scope and sound is cloaked in secrecy. I can tell you this....expect to see it released in Spring 2009.

Also on deck, Groundation will be on the road as part of their annual Bob Marley tribute tour during the month of February. Joining Groundation on this run will be legends Will Bernard (lead guitar) and Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace (drums). Do not be surprised to see a few Rockamovya opening slots on this tour. Dates will be posted soon!

18.11.08

Western US Tour Wrap-up

Thank you to all of the street teamers, promoters, venues and of course friends and family that came out and supported us on our just completed Western US tour.

With packed houses from Seattle to Denver to San Diego and back home in San Francisco, it is evident that Groundation's time has come. This run has special significance....being on the road while our home country undertook the most historic election of our lifetimes was a truly memorable experience. Thank you for sharing it with us...

11.11.08

Messageboard Additons

Colorado setlists and a new interview with Harrison Stafford have been posted to the messageboard. Look for videos and more from this Western US tour to be posted soon...

3.11.08

Summer 2008 Wrap Up

The newest installment of trumpeter David Chachere's always enlightening Diesel Diaries are up; also check out a small collection of some of Dave's most memorable photos from over the years here.

Not to be outdone, new drummer and resident head "Rufus" Tekanawa Haereiti 's photo log covering this summer's epic US & European tour.

2.11.08

Denver Venue Change

Groundation's venue for their November 8 Denver show has been changed back to Cervante's. Tickets purchased through either Cervante's or Quixote's will get you in.

See you soon Colorado!

29.10.08

Groundation In-Store Portland

Groundation's Mingo Lewis Jr. (percussion), Marcus Urani (keys) & Harrison Stafford (acoustic guitar/vocals) will be appearing at Portland's Music Millenium record store for a sepcial in-store performance at 4:30pm on the day of the upcoming Portland show on Nov. 2.

Come say hello and check us out before our big show that night at The Roseland Theatre.

9.10.08

West Coast Tour Locked Down

The dates for our upcoming West Coast Tour are set.

Once again we find ourselves on the road during a tumultous time here at home. Between the election, the markets and the war these are truly historic times. And yet, what better way to spend these days than in communion with like-minded friends and family celebrating that which will never leave us: conscious music and positive energy.

Come share an evening with us when we come through your area...it'll soothe what ails ya'.

15.9.08

New Western-US Tour dates posted....

Check it...new UT, CO, NM, AZ & CA dates posted on the Groundation Live Page, with many more to come. Stay tuned!

9.9.08

Rockamovya lyrics...

Lyrics for Rockamovya have been posted to the Groundation Forum.

If you have yet to hear this album, Groundation's first side project, you can preview it here and here and legally download it here. Besides being met with heavy international radio play, Rockamovya is already garnering serious buzz within the more traditional commercial music industry as well as the ever-growing conscious music world.

2.9.08

RUFUS!!

Groundation would like to formally and officially welcome to the family our new drummer Te Kanawa Haereiti, aka Rufus, as well as his lovely wife Jen and their beautiful little girl Emma.

Besides being Nevada's longtime headiest resident drummer, Rufus has been heavily involved in the West Coast Jazz/Hip-Hop/Reggae scene (a professional golfer too!!) for years. You can check Rufus' prior works out and learn a little more about the man/myth/legend here and here. Also check the feedback on Rufus at the Groundation Forum.

Welcome aboard Rufus. Lets do this...

1.9.08

Groundation Returns...

An official welcome back is in order to Groundation, returning to their home shores after another long and wild Euro/World tour. Thank you to all the Music Action crew for another profesionally executed adventure, as well as to all the promoters, venues and fans that came out to support the biggest, fastest-growing American reggae band in the world today.

It is only going to get better...

20.8.08

Groundation Fall West Coast Tour Announced!

This fall Groundation returns to its home shores with a full West Coast tour starting at the end of October and continuing on thru well into November, with stops planned in California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico.

If you would like to join our street team to help promote Groundation in your area, or if you have any show suggestions, please contact USTM Nicholas at tm@groundation.com.

Check out the live page for the first of the Groundation Fall West Coast Tour's confirmed dates, with many more to come...see you all soon!

08.19.08

Groundation World Tour continues...

Despite a few bumps in the road, Groundation continues with its ongoing World Tour with stops in the UK, Poland and Germany; finally wrapping things up in Groundation's "home away from home" with five big shows in France. Let it be known, no matter where one goes in the world there will be those who see conscious people playing conscious music as a threat. Without resistance how would we know if we're progressing?

A special thank you is in order for all the fans and friends that waited patiently for years for Groundation's first forray into the Holy Land. Two over the top, sold out shows later Groundation's return to Israel seems certain.

Israel, like everywhere else, is home to many conscious indiviudals committed to peace and equality for everyone in their region and beyond. Too often these people's voices are not heard over the prepetual drone of conflict. Groundation's music at its best unites these people, and other like-minded communities, the world over. You can stay connected with Groundation fans from all corners of this world on the Groundation Forum.

Freedom taking over...

08.06.08

Groundation in Europe, otherwise...

This weekend Groundation headlines three of the most preiminent music festivals Europe has to offer: Uppsala in Sweden, Sundance in Holland & Bout du Monde in France. To all those who have yet to experience it, you haven't really seen Groundation until you've seen them in front of 10,000+ screaming fans. Get to Europe American Groundation fans!

Also, dates are rapidly being confirmed for Groundation's West Coast Tour at the end of October on into early November. Promoters/street teamers contact Nicholas at tm@Groundation.com if you have ideas or want to help out in your market. Groundation is currently booking shows in NorCal, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona & SoCal. Dates are going quick and will be posted soon.

Stay tuned!

07.22.08

Groundation European Summer Tour Dates Posted!

And just like that...Groundation is off to Europe again for August, this time with a few new stops along the way. In addition to regular stops in France, Holland, Portugal , Germany & Sweden, Groundation will be playing shows for the first time in Poland and, with what should be two big shows, the Holy Land: Tel Aviv, Israel. Check out the Live Page for a complete listing, with more dates to come.

07.21.08

Groundation U.S. Summer Tour 2008...fin

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all those street teamers, djs, promoters, venues and fans that made Groundation's first coast-to-coast U.S. tour a resounding success. Various obstacles made your contributions absolutely essential for this, and future East Coast runs, viability. We hope to see you all again in Spring 2009, sign up for the newsletter at the top of this page and stay tuned to this site for updates...

07.20.08

Thanks to Culture...

A big thank you to Reggae legends Culture for their support at tonight's Santa Cruz - Catalyst show and to the packed house of friends, family and fans as well. Clearly, Kenyatta Hill has adeptly taken the reigns over from his father; Groundation wishes only the best on their tour to come for Kenyatta and crew!

07.12.08

Santa Cruz: Groundation's Show of the Summer

What better way to wrap up an historic tour than to come home and play with, and to, family and friends? Groundation's final U.S. date has us returning to The Catalyst in Santa Cruz where our long-inspiring friends Culture will open for us. Having aptly taken the reigns from his father Joseph, Kenyatta Hill breathes new life into some of the most memorable Roots Reggae music ever put out.

In addition, Santa Cruz will serve as a jumping off point of sorts for Groundation. "Papa" Paul Spina, Groundation's long-time drummer featured on Hebron Gate, We Free Again