DIVKA Slavic Folk Concert
DIVKA is comprised of Ukrainian bandurist Alina Kuzma and violist Zoë Ëoz. As a sonic rebel reckoning, DIVKA's music is charged with mythology, traditional village singing, and generations of femme power, whimsy, and a dash of vengeance. Sharp-tongued and deeply passionate for ethnomusicology, Alina Kuzma and Zoë Ëoz bring a unique sonic experience using bygone folk songs from global women's music-making traditions. DIVKA weaves a sonic constellation of delicate arpeggios and guttural ancient invocations.
EL BALCON – Free Concert at VPL
World Music group El Balcon began by making creative arrangements of traditional tunes from Mexico, and have since evolved to composing original and innovative music that maintains the spirit of the traditions that inspired them. El Balcón blends Mexican folk instruments like the Jarana, Reguinto and “La Tarima” with microtonal melodies of the east on the violin and oud in a unique, intercultural sound that`s sure to get your feet moving!
SAMAR: Bharatnatyam Indian Dance & Music with Sujit Vaidya
Experience the artistry of Bharatanatyam South Indian traditional dance in SAMAR: {summit; kama}, a captivating performance led by acclaimed dancer Sujit Vaidya. Accompanied by live Carnatic (South Indian classical) music, this presentation honours the choreographies of his guru, A. Lakshman, while exploring the layered meanings of “samar”—from the Sanskrit representation of Kama, the God of Eros, to the Urdu interpretation of a summit or peak.
Le Vent Du Nord – Vancouver show
The award-winning and highly acclaimed band Le Vent du Nord is a leading force in Québec’s exciting and progressive Francophone folk movement. The group’s vast repertoire draws from both traditional sources and original compositions, while their highly rhythmic and soulful music, rooted in the Celtic diaspora, is enhanced with a broad range of global influences
Le Vent du Nord – Victoria Show
The award-winning and highly acclaimed band Le Vent du Nord is a leading force in Québec’s exciting and progressive Francophone folk movement. The group’s vast repertoire draws from both traditional sources and original compositions, while their highly rhythmic and soulful music, rooted in the Celtic diaspora, is enhanced with a broad range of global influences
Peru’s NOVALIMA & EMPANADAS ILLEGALES
From Lima, Peru, Novalima fuses traditional Afro-Peruvian rhythms with cutting-edge electronic, dub, reggae, salsa, and global beats. This year, Novalima celebrates their 20th anniversary with the release of new album La Danza and an international tour.
CANCELLED: Habib Koité & Mandé Sila – Vancouver
Mandé Sila is the new acoustic project created around Habib Koité. Three standard-bearers of West African musical traditions come together to celebrate Mandé Sila: the way of the Mandingo empire, symbolizing languages, cultures, music, and the entire organology of West Africa. Habib is accompanied by ‘magic balafon’ Aly Keïta (Côte d'Ivoire) and Lamine Cissokho (Senegal) on the Kora. Three virtuoso artists bound together by the same cultural heritage, a melting pot that inspires their compositions and sublimates the revival of the genre. The trio will be joined on stage by Habib's long-time percussionist , Mama KONE. Malian Habib Koité, one of Africa's most popular and recognized musicians, is a modern troubadour who captivates audiences with his musicality, wit and wisdom.
CANCELLED: Habib Koité & Mandé Sila – Victoria
Mandé Sila is the new acoustic project created around Habib Koité. Three standard-bearers of West African musical traditions come together to celebrate Mandé Sila: the way of the Mandingo empire, symbolizing languages, cultures, music, and the entire organology of West Africa. Habib is accompanied by ‘magic balafon’ Aly Keïta (Côte d'Ivoire) and Lamine Cissokho (Senegal) on the Kora. Three virtuoso artists bound together by the same cultural heritage, a melting pot that inspires their compositions and sublimates the revival of the genre. The trio will be joined on stage by Habib's long-time percussionist , Mama KONE. Malian Habib Koité, one of Africa's most popular and recognized musicians, is a modern troubadour who captivates audiences with his musicality, wit and wisdom.
AHMED MONEKA Arabic Jazz – Vancouver
Drawing on his Afro-Sufi musical heritage, Juno-nominated Ahmed Moneka presents a vibrant and transcendent fusion of African rhythms and Arabic folk melodies, enriched by contemporary influences of funk, soul, and jazz. Moneka, alongside his stellar global ensemble, invites listeners to a jubilant celebration of life. His music explores love in all its forms while evoking a deep sense of longing for one’s homeland, all through original compositions and timeless Middle Eastern classics.
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO – Victoria show
Hailing from South Africa, this nine-member a cappella ensemble has earned the adoration of listeners the world over. Borrowing from both traditional Zulu music and gospel, Ladysmith Black Mambazo combines call-and-response, harmonization, and soulful melody to vigorously uplifting effect. Designated by Nelson Mandela as “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world,” the members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo have for decades delivered messages of peace, love, and harmony through their music.