Ras Michael

Groundation's origins are in the jazz program of California's Sonoma State University where, in the fall of 1998, Harrison Stafford (guitar/lead vocals), Ryan Newman (bass) and Marcus Urani (keyboards) began their artistic collaboration, developing both their musicianship and their global outlook. It was there that Stafford taught the first California State University accredited class on the History and Culture of Reggae Music. This core group was joined in 2000 by San Francisco-based jazz trumpeter David Chachere. Since 2008 the rhythm section has been fueled by the fiery drumming of Renobased jazz-fusion specialist Rufus Te Kanawa Haereiti, while Bay Area percussionist Mingo Lewis Jr. (son of Santana and Return to Forever percussionist Mingo Lewis) adds heady Afro-Cuban layers to Groundation’s stout syncopations. Vocalist Kim Pommell, from Kingston, Jamaica, joined the group in 2007, deepening Groundation’s harmonies and taking live shows to new heights. All of them are featured on the group's new album. Though they are based in California, Groundation's music is closely intertwined with the roots of Jamaican reggae. In seven studio albums they've collaborated with a who's who of reggae elders, including Don Carlos, Leroy 'Horsemouth' Wallace, Pablo Moses, The Congos, and many others. They've toured with Steel Pulse, Israel Vibration and California sensations Rebelution to name just a few. Taking up reggae music's commitment to the upheaval of our unjust social system, and forwarding this message through a fresh, improvisation-based musical lens, Groundation has become the biggest, most respected American reggae band touring the world today. Come join us and find out why.