globalFEST 2013

2013 is here and the best way to kick off the new year is with globalFEST 2013, the tenth annual global music festival, which is set to take place on Sunday, January 13th at Webster Hall in NYC. This year will feature performances from 12 international artists on 3 stages. This incredible, one night event has been graciously put together by Bill Bragin of Acidophilus: Live & Active Cultures, Isabel Soffer of Live Sounds, and Shanta Thake of Joe’s Pub at The Public.

The eclectic lineup includes: A Tribe Called Red (Canada), Christine Salem (Réunion), Fatoumata Diawara (Mali), Kayhan Kalhour & Erdal Erzincan (Iran/Turkey), La Santa Cecilia (Los Angeles), La Shica (Spain), Lo’Jo (France), Martha Redbone Roots Project (USA), Mucca Pazza (Chicago), Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits (Zimbabwe), Stephen Wrembel and His Band (New York), and Stooges Brass Band (New Orleans). Please note that Stooges Brass Band are a replacement for Parno Graszt, who will unfortunately be unable to appear. A few of these artists have already been featured on Splinters & Candy, including: Fatoumata Diawara, Lo’Jo, and Mucca Pazza.

With so many great artists to choose from, it’s hard not to get excited about a thrilling night of global music. Discovering new music is one of the best parts of globalFEST. A Tribe Called Red have exploded onto the scene rather quickly and with their vibrant and unique style and sound, it’s easy to see why, while Oliver Mtukudzi is a well-established artist, but is still not known as well as he should be in the United States. GlobalFEST has such a great lineup every year, because it’s put together by people who love this music, not music industry businesspeople. Make Webster Hall your destination on January 13th and be a part of something special. To get you excited, have a look at Oliver Mtukudzi performing “Kupokana” on BBC World Service below.