Across the globe, in over 100 cities in 50 countries, people will gather together this weekend to celebrate peace through music and dance. Earthdance 2004 will kick off with the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart leading the Drums of Peace, creating the largest drum circle ever and hoping to set a new Guiness World Record. Bands Ozomatli, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Blackalicious, and Late Night Sneaky will grace the main stage and rhythmic, melodious Hamsa Lila, the Bay Area's "Best International Act", will appear on the Arlo Forest Stage. The 60ft Taj Mahal Dome will host an incredible lineup of DJs and live electronic performers, including the wildly popular beat chemist Lorin, the breaks and tribal house fusionist Shakatura, as well as Dragonfly, Zack Darling, Soulsalaam and Michele Bass. Visual artists will be creating spontaneous paintings amidst the sound, while non-profit and activist groups will take advantage of the speakers' forum. You shouldn't miss this truly positive, celebratory event that quite literally unites all people of Earth. Date: 9/17-9/19 Time: see schedules Place: Black Oak Ranch, Laytonville Cover $100 pre-sale, $115 at the gate. More Info (DKD)

International Underground
Wild Banana's "nomadic group show" is ending its two week stay in the city with a wrap-up party this Saturday. By exhibiting visual and aural art forms and combining artists from four continents and more than ten countries, this international project offers the rare opportunity to see many otherwise unavailable displays. They also pride themselves on making such pieces financially accessible to us common folk, in the hopes of spreading their meaning and inspiration. Date: Sat, Sept.18 Exhibit open every Mon-Sat. thru the 18th Time: 7pm-11pm Place: The Whitney Young Cultural Center Mansion-1101 Masonic Ave. Cover: Free. More Info (IA)

World Music Festival
The San Francisco World Music Festival will bring a little culture...ok a lot of culture (and several cultures) into your life, from African beats to Gypsy music from Macedonia. The impressive series kicks off this weekend and continues until October 3rd at several different SF locales from the Asian Art Museum to Grace Cathedral. Check out the festival website for schedule and locations. September 17th marks the 5th Anniversary for the World Music Festival with a special opening concert featuring G.S. Sachdev & Zakir Hussain performing classical Indian music with bansuri and tablas. I speak from experience when I say that Zakir Hussain live in concert is a mind blowing experience and well worth your time and money. Much of the music being spun by the best DJs from house to hip-hop incorporates world-music influences; here's your chance to find out why! Date: Friday 9/17, Time: 8pm, Place: Grace Cathedral, Cover: $18 - $36. More Info (JP)

Now & Zen Festival
Every now and zen, you need a little rock music. That's why this festival sponsored by Alice Radio delivers the goods each September in Golden Gate park. Headlining this year's event is none other than 80's new wave icon Morrisey, made famous by his band The Smiths, whose name we all scribbled on our ripped jeans during that special 'artsy' phase. Continuing the 80's flashback is Tears for Fears, and you can bet fans will be ready to "shout" as this duo takes the stage in their first SF performance in a decade. But if you are seeking a more mellow experience there will also be space to chill on a blanket, try origami, take a yoga class or talk to a psychic. They don't call it Now & Zen for nothing. Check out the site for full line-up and info. Date: Sunday 9/19, Time: Noon - 5pm, Place: Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park, Cover: $35. More Info (JP)