Duane Stephenson is currently on tour with Tarrus Riley and the Blak Soil band in Europe for the summer festival season. He began the season making his first appearance at Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, with a set that was very well-received.  This also marked his first appearance on a California festival stage, but certainly not his last.  Fans were treated to positive messages and a reminder that the purpose of  this music is love.  He made tribute to the women with his song “Fire In Me” and also performed the latest song “Better Tomorrow”  taking a decidedly world music turn. At the close of his set, he came in with his chart-topper, “August Town” as the sound of air horns filled the air and the fans chimed in on the first verses. He came off of the stage to resounding applause after the first 90 seconds and returned to forward the song with the Gumption band who performed a strong set with Stephenson. Duane Stephenson was the talk of the festival, with many saying his was their favorite performance.
 
After the set, fans greeted Duane at the merchandise table, and he was able to meet several people in the reggae and world music media community.