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Taken from KTVU San Francisco (September 11, 2009)
Conscious Festival Comes To Golden Gate Park
by KTVU San Francisco
 Bringing activism and social consciousness back to Golden Gate Park in a way that has rarely been seen there since the '60s, Michael Franti and his band Spearhead headline the 11th annual Power to the Peaceful Festival with a host of politically minded rappers, poets and musicians.
Franti first held the festival on September 11th, 1999 as a way for people to gather in support of jailed activist and NPR commentator Mumia Abu-Jamal. The date was chosen to represent what Franti called the "emergency status" of Abu-Jamal's situation, but two years later the date took on a whole new significance in the wake of the tragic attacks in New York and Washington, D.C.
Drawing crowds of over 50,000 people while bringing to light the need for compassion towards everyone killed or displaced by terrorism and the United States' response to terrorism, the festival has become an annual highlight for music lovers and activists alike. This year's main stage line-up is sure to deliver a similar message with the upcoming election high in everyone's mind. In addition to a headlining set by Franti and Spearhead with drawn from his most recent reggae-tinged album 'All Rebel Rockers,' the free concert will feature main stage performances by legendary reggae production team/rhythm section Sly and Robbie (who, having produced 'All Rebel Rockers,' may end up joining Franti onstage), an acoustic set by Alanis Morissette, Jamaican vocalist Cherine Anderson, Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré (the son of African guitar great Ali Farka Touré) and Brazilian dance troupe Aguas Da Bahia who are joined by percussion ensemble Tambores Julio Remelexo.
DJ talent includes SF electronic music visionary Miguel Migs with guest vocalist Lisa Shaw, hip-hop/funk maestro Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist, DJ Zita and more. In addition to the music, the festival features an open-air art gallery showcasing political visual artists, a healing arts tent offering massage and yoga, guerrilla theater as well as green commercial vendors, food booths and more than 100 social and political organizations. For more information on the Power to the Peaceful Festival and other affiliated events happening this weekend, please visit the official Web site.
911 Power to the Peaceful Festival
Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free (requested $5 donation)
Speedway Meadow, Golden Gate Park
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