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The London Latin Music Festival
Over the past several years the world famous La Linea Music Festival has built an impressive international reputation as one of the world's most eclectic celebrations of Latin music
La Linea's funky Brazilian bands takes you back to 1960s Copacabana, dreaming of warmer climes instead of rainy London. But La Linea have indeed brought the sunshine with them - just hope the weather holds up.
After the joys of The Ipanemas and Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company and Nishat Khan the stage is set for Very Be Careful, along with Frente Cumbiero (Sonido Martinez & Toro Galeano) and DJ Hugo Mendez.
Cumbia is the new Cumbia and Very Be Careful is in the vanguard of the new Cumbia Revolution sweeping all before it in 2008. The irresistible, skanking, off-beat rhythm of classic Cumbia and Vallenato, from '50s and '60s Colombia, is what fires up these Los Angelenos, with driving percussion, raw vocals, accordion, double bass and infectious melodies.
Hugo Mendez is a DJ, compiler and part of Soundway Records, purveyors of Tropical sounds and rhythms. He also hosts the legendary 'Sofrito' Warehouse Parties in East London. Frente Cumbiero is Sonido Martinez (Argentina) and Toro Galeano (Colombia). On this their London debut they bring an explosive collection of tunes loaded with guiro y guacharaca, and are giving away free visas of tropical gozadera.
Also on the bill is Mexico's Café Tacuba who are stars in the Rock en Español genre whilst being influenced by the folk traditions of Mexico's indigenous people. They have also contributed to soundtracks such as Amores Perros and Y Tu Mamá También.
Arthouse enough to be covered by the Kronos Quartet, Urban enough to have built a raucous fan-base from the streets of Buenos Aires to the barrios of Mexico City. This will be only the band's second show ever in the UK.
Forro in the Dark will be making their UK debut. They perform a hip version of Forro (a traditional music style from North Eastern Brazil) and are based in New York, David Byrne features on their last album.
Very Be Careful will be performing on Wed 30th April at Cargo 83 Rivington St., Kingsland Viaduct, Shoreditch, EC2A 3AY. 7pm-1am. Adm: £12 in adv. Info: 07800 600 100; Café Tacuba, and Forro In The Dark can be seen on Sat 3rd May at The Barbican, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS. 7.30 pm. Adm: £10, £15, £20. Info: 0207 638 8891 / www.comono.co.uk/lalinea
I Will Tell
'Ndinadsawapanga' means 'I Will Tell; in the Senna dialect of Mozambique; a fitting name for a film festival that plans to show people can be empowered by sharing their experiences.
Founded by Jericho Films, a production company that was established in London in 2002 to create inspiring and thought-provoking films, the 'I Will Tell Film Festival' is a Christian event that is all about ideas.
Never preachy and instead intent on keeping it real, the festival will showcase some seriously powerful movies including John Singleton's controversial 'Boyz N' The Hood' and the Brazilian favela drama 'City of Men'.
Commenting on what motivated her to organise the festival, Jericho Films' Jenny Lee said, "We look at the problems in our society today and it's so easy to blame it on alcohol or drug abuse, unemployment, money, the list goes on. But the real root of the problem is often much deeper and much closer to home than we would care to admit. As human agents we part of the problem. The film festival attempts to focus our hearts and minds on how we can also be part of the solution."
The film festival will explore the issues of Unity, Identity and Empowerment and seeks to inspire and empower ordinary people to believe, hope for and do extraordinary things.
The screenings take place at churches across London from Lewisham to Mayfair. Each night will be slightly different but every night will include the screening of a short film and one of the award-winning feature-length films in the festival. With the focus on shared experience, the main feature will be followed by a talk with passionate speakers with in-depth knowledge of the issues raised in the film.
On some nights there will also be live performances as well as other events and opportunities. Rev Elson Parris, senior pastor at the Wesleyan Christian Centre said: "This film festival is a bold and innovative new venture and will be a life changing experience for many."
A portion of festival profits will go towards helping to empower those in need.
The festival will take place from 30 April - 10 May at venues across London. Adm: £5 at the door, £4 online, Group discounts and concessions available. Info: www.jerichofilms.com/festival08
By Diriye Osman
International Roots Festival
Traditional African music has been a part of the international scene for years now, offering beautiful sounds that speak to the mind and spirit. In the past, this culturally rich music has been celebrated at the International Roots Festival, and this year is no different.
The festival however is expanding its reach, through a new re-branding structure, which means that it will include new features to the programme including excursions to the rural parts of Gambia.
Many renowned artists have shown interest in performing at the festival, including Morgan Heritage, Buju Banton and Freddy McGregor, Maxi Priest, Iwayne, Muthaburuka and The Marley Family.
However, this is an event that not only encourages people to engage with the music, but also to take part in the cultural heritage of Gambia. For over 400 years Africans have been separated by the results of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and the legacy of colonisation which has kept them at odds with their history, identity and cultural traditions while preventing unity and growth amongst African people and the African Continent.
Roots 2008 commemorates the enforced enslavement and transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas and the Caribbean Islands. This is a unique opportunity to confront a painful past and glimpse the horizon of a brighter future.
During the festival, you can visit places of historical, cultural and educational interest such as Juffureh (“Roots” writer Alex Haley’s ancestral home), Fort James Island, Georgetown (now Janjanbureh), and establish cultural ties.
Besides the international music concerts, there are also cultural jamborees as well as visits to traditional African Batik factories and craft markets. There are also opportunities to witness traditional events such as “Futampaf” (rites of passage) ceremonies in the home village of the Gambian president. This will be an enriching experience that will teach the visitor about the traditions of Gambia.
The international Roots festival have engaged two UK based companies to promote the event. The festival begins from 30 May - 7 June, leaving the UK to Yundun Airport in Gambia. Travel cost £750 and includes flight and registration cost, hotel stay for half board (breakfast). Free entry to all musical and cultural activities and transport. For more information call The International Roots Promoter on: 0800 084 2588 or 07951 771 903 / 0800 634 9241 / 07958 049 170.
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| May Events |
Now - 25 May
BRIGHTON FESTIVAL
England's most progressive mixed arts festival has a high calibre programme of events over three weeks - including theatre, dance, music, performance, books and debate, family and outdoor events. Highlights include 10 world and UK premieres and 11 commissions - including performance of Riderscope by Blast Theory, the Ballet Nationale de Marseilles and a tribute to James Brown entitled 'Still Black, Still Proud'. Venue: Brighton (various locations and times) Adm: from £4 with many free events. Info: 01273 700747 / www.brightonfestival.org
Sat 24 - 25 May
ESSEX STREET DIVERSIONS
Essex Street Diversions is a big and bizarre free showcase of high quality and diverse international street theatre featuring over 30 performances from across the world, including Italy, Holland, France. Mixing the mundane with the bizarre and absurd, the festival (programmed by Chelmsford Borough Council) includes giraffes, talking vegetables and special coneheaded visitors. Venue: Chelmsford Town Centre, Essex, UK. 10.30am - 4.30pm. Info: 01245 606987 / www.chelmsford.gov.uk/events
Sun 25 - 26 May
PARADISE GARDENS
Paradise Gardens updates the Victorian idea of parks as pleasure gardens with thrilling activities for all the family. This year's event features the London premiere of No Fit State circus show Tabu and the UK premiere Laika / Time Circus collaboration Sensazione where the fairground literally comes alive. Other highlights include Village Fete, live music and DJs, street arts and carnival. Venue: Victoria Park, London E14. (Sat: 12-10.30pm; Sun: 12-10pm). Info: www.paradisegardens.org
Sat 31 May - 1 Jun
BEDLAM FAIR
One of the longest-established arts events in the country in a city famed for its street performers. Music and street arts set against beautiful backdrop of Bath with its unparalleled architecture and lovely open spaces. Highlights this year include Bash Street Theatre, Ramshaklicious and Tragic Roundabout. Venue: Bath city centre (centring around Saw Close and Beauford Square), uk. 1pm-6pm. Info: www.bathfringe.co.uk
Sat 31 May - 14 Jun
FUSE MEDWAY FESTIVAL
A 15-day celebration of arts and creativity in Medway with a strong family focus, and a diverse and daring programme across Medway towns. Street arts days will be in Chatham (31 May), Rochester (7 June) and Gillingham (14 June). Highlights include outdoor performance at Rochester Castle, a piano-crazed nun, towering dinosaurs, children's theatre and comedy. Venue: Medway Towns (Chatham, Rochester, Gillingham, Strood). Various times. Adm: Street arts events are free - other events from £2. Info: www.fusefestival.org.uk
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| June Events |
Fri 6-8 Jun
FEAST PICNIC BY THE LAKE with XTRAX
This annual event attracts up to 30,000 visitors. Held in a beautiful parkland setting it features outdoor dance, circus, theatre, puppets and fire gardens - as well as magicians, poets and storytellers to delight at picnic tables. Presenting the best outdoor performances from national and international artists, highlights include Bedouin Jerry Can Band from Egypt; Periplum (UK) new show The Bell; Walk the Plank's magical new firegarden Le Jardin Flambe; British premiere of German/Croatian circus Oko Sokolo; French acrobatics group Le Tennis; and Spanish Trukitrek with 'Unforgettable… puppets for adults'. Venue: Platt Field Park, Manchester.(Fri: 7-11pm; Sat: 5-11pm; Sun: 1-6pm). Info: www.streetsahead.org.uk
Thurs 12 - 14 Jun
SWINDON SUMMER FESTIVAL
The biggest performing arts festival in Swindon features street theatre, music and dance. Highlights include the Festival Finale, a large scale site specific commission by No Fit State circus based on the award-winning show, ImMortal. Other highlights include: a new co-commission by Bash Street Theatre; Spanish 'hairdressers' Sienta La Cabeza; and BBC big screens, which will feature live feeds from the town centre. Venue: Farringdon Park, Swindon Town Centre, UK.(various times). Info: www.swindonsummerfestival.org . Press Info: Liz Lavender, 01793 466565, llavender@swindon.gov.uk
Sat 14 Jun - 31 Aug
LAKES ALIVE 08 - INCLUDING MINTFEST 2008
A new summer season of street arts in inspirational locations opening with WOW Factor (14 June), a spectacular event set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Windermere with aerial performance by world-renowned Transe Express from France and pyrotechnics by Walk the Plank. During August, there will be a tour of Nicole et Martin and, for the first time, roadshows to Cumbrian villages. Lakes Alive 08 culminates in the three-day Mintfest, Kendal International Street Arts Festival (29-31 August), featuring more than 150 international and home-grown performers and artists in Kendal's parks, town centre, Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal Castle and other locations. Venues: Lake District, Cumbria (Windermere, Kendal, Ambleside, Ulverston, Hawkshead, Grasmere). (Various times). Adm: mostly free. Info: 01539 725133 / www.mintfest.org
Thurs 19 - 22 Jun
GREENWICH + DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
A taste of things to come at 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Highlights include choreographed runners at the National Maritime Museum, an immense Chinese landscape canvas painted live by aerialists at The O2, choreographed football at Canary Wharf, pyrotechnic seeds and flowers in Bow, and a 60 foot long musical caterpillar intent on swallowing audiences in Woolwich. Festival coincides with launch of the Greenwich Wheel, Greenwich's own version of the London Eye. Venue: Greenwich and Tower Hamlets, London. (various times). Info: www.festival.org Press Info: Sharon Kean, 020 7354 3362
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| July Events |
Thurs 3 - 6 Jul
HAT FAIR
Hat Fair is the UK's longest running street arts festival, which takes place in the ancient city of Winchester. Featuring international and national large scale performance, a hatting programme, educational activities, music and an arts and crafts market. Also two dedicated education days working with thousands of local children. Venue: Winchester, UK. (Various times). Info: 01962 849841 /www.hatfair.co.uk
Fri 4 Jul - 28 Sept
WATCH THIS SPACE
At three months long, Watch This Space - presented by the National Theatre - is the UK's longest outdoor festival. Celebrating its 10th birthday in 2008, the festival includes theatre, music, dance, film and outdoor spectacles featuring national and international theatre companies and musicians. This year there will be additional space for ticketed, large scale outdoor shows. Venue: National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1. (Various times). Info: 0207 452 3400 / www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/wts
Wed 9 - 13 Jul
HENLEY FESTIVAL
A sumptuous five-day festival beside the River Thames with diverse events across four stages - including the Floating Stage. Expect top names in classical and contemporary music, comedy and art - as well as substantial street arts programme. Highlight for 2008 include The Gipsy Kings, Lesley Garrett, Courtney Pine and Ed Byrne. Venue: Stewards Enclosure, Henley Royal Regatta, UK. 6pm - late. Info: 01491 843400 /www.henley-festival.co.uk
Sat 12 - 13 Jul
MOUTH OF THE TYNE
Mouth of the Tyne festival is a community celebration with a vibrant programme of cultural events encompassing theatre, dance, music, art and performance at dual locations on both sides of the River Tyne. Venue: Tynemouth and South Shields seafront, UK. Info: 0191 454 6612 /
www.newcastlegateshead.com
Wed 16 - 20 Jul
CARPET OF FLOWERS
A visually stunning installation project by artist Jo Vickers and 100 volunteers who will create an elaborate 250 squared metre carpet of specially scented, colourful flowers outside Manchester Town Hall. The result will form part of Manchester's contribution to Britain in Bloom. Venue: Albert Square, Manchester, UK. Info: 07768 614865 / www.streetsahead.org.uk
Fri 18 Jul - 2 Aug
BROUHAHA INTERNATIONAL STREET FESTIVAL
Now in its 17th year, the family-friendly Brouhaha International Festival features music, dance and street theatre. Highlights include the colourful Opening Ceremony (18 July) and the World in Princes Park (2 Aug), which includes the Liverpool International Mela and the Liverpool International Carnival, the UK's largest single body of moving art. Venue: Liverpool and North West, UK. 12noon-5pm; and 7pm-11pm. Info: 0151 709 3334 / ww.brouhaha.uk.com
Mon 21 Jul - 15 Aug
LUNCHBOX
Norwich City Centre features free bite-sized entertainment including theatre, music and comedy from some of the UK's finest street performers during weekday lunchtimes for four weeks. The event is a chance for city workers and visitors to enjoy their lunchtime sandwiches with high-quality, revitalizing performances. Venue: Millennium Plain, Norwich, UK. Weekdays from 12.30pm-2pm. Info: www.theforumnorwich.co.uk
Sat 26 Jul
SWINDON MELA
The Swindon Mela is the south west's biggest celebration of south Asian culture and creativity with music and dance across four stages - as well as arts workshops, fashion show, martial arts, food and bazaar. Highlights include Dhoad Gypsies from Rajistan and Jassi Siddu and Achanak. Venue: Town Gardens, Old Town, Swindon UK. 12noon onwards. Adm: Daytime free -evening performances £11 Info: www.swindonmela.com
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| August Events |
Fri 1 - 3 Aug
SPRAOI FESTIVAL
The annual Spraoi Festival showcases original national and international work not otherwise seen in Ireland. Highlights for 2008 include the first Irish performances of Ambassadors of Swing on main outdoor stages; Irish premiere of Bash Street Theatre's new production; special performance of Avanti Displays Hydromania - and fantastic firework finale. Venue: Waterford City, Republic of Ireland, UK. Info: 00 353 51 841808 / www.spraoi.com
Sat 2 - 6 Aug
STOCKTON INTERNATIONAL RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL
The UK's largest and longest running street theatre festival where the streets of Stockton come alive with music, procession, theatre and dance. Involving local schools, community groups, international artists, programmers and visitors, the event attracts 100,000 visitors each year. Awarded 'Best Cultural Event' by the Journal Newspaper Group in 2007. Venue: Stockton Town Centre, UK. Info: 01642 393939 / www.sirf.co.uk
Sun 10 Aug
LONDON MELA
Europe's largest mela with something for every generation of every community - including new commissions, international and home-grown talent, music, dance, carnival, food and crafts. Produced by Ealing Council and supported by the Mayor of London, the London Mela is reinventing the mela concept. Venue: Gunnersbury Park, Ealing, London, UK. 12pm-8.30pm. Info: www.londonmela.org
Sun 10 Aug
LONDON MELA
Europe's largest mela with something for every generation of every community - including new commissions, international and home-grown talent, music, dance, carnival, food and crafts. Produced by Ealing Council and supported by the Mayor of London, the London Mela is reinventing the mela concept. Venue: Gunnersbury Park, Ealing, London, UK. 12noon-8.30pm. Info: www.londonmela.org
Sat 16 - 30 Aug
KIDDERMINSTER ARTS FESTIVAL
An arts festival, which brings the town centre to life for two weeks with workshops, street theatre, exhibitions and performances. Highlights include first ever tattoo exhibition by award-winning tattooist Mandie Barber. Venue: Kidderminster Town Centre, Worcestershire, UK. Various times and prices. Info: 01562 732928 / www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/artsdevelopment
Wed 20-24 Aug
NICOLE ET MARTIN
Manchester's summer circus for 2008 is English premiere of delightful family circus from Switzerland with three different shows: Hansel and Gretel, The Bremen Town Musicians and The Firsherman and His Wife. Winners of Tapwater Award and Sold Out Award at Edinburgh in 2006Recommended for children over six. Venue: Platt Fields Park, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, UK. Adm: £10; conc & children £5. Info: 0161 274 0600 /www.streetsahead.org.uk
Mon 25 Aug
DEVIZES STREET FESTIVAL
Biggest street arts festival in the region with music, top street performers, food, drink and market stalls, children's rides and family entertainment. Part of the Devizes' annual carnival celebrations, which include Picnic in Hillworth Park (17 Aug), the Confetti Battle (27 Aug) and the Carnival (30 Aug). Venue: Devizes, Wiltshire, UK. 10.30am - 6pm.
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| September Events |
Sat 13 - 14 Sept
THE MAYOR'S THAMES FESTIVAL
London's biggest end of summer party attracts about 800,000 people with al fresco ballrooms, music and street theatre. Highlights at the free, family event include the hugely popular Feast on the Bridge, which attracted over 30,000 people last year - as well as illuminated Night Carnival and mid-river fireworks. Venues: River Thames - between Westminster and Tower Bridge, London SE1.12noon-10pm. Info: 0207 928 8998 / www.thamesfestival.org
Sat 20 Sept
EAST MEETS WEST: A TWILIGHT SPECTACLE
The first ever large scale, outdoor, site-specific commissioned show for Essex helps to launch Essex - Jiangsu Cultural Festival and the Essex contribution to the Cultural Olympiad. The event starts with a community moon picnic and culminates in 90 minute site-specific pyrotechnics show produced by Walk the Plank. Essex County Council has commissioned Chelmsford Borough Council to manage this outdoor Chinese themed evening spectacle. Venue: Weald Country Park, Brentwood, UK. (5.30-11pm). Info: £3 per person or £10 for family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Info: 01277 200305 / www.chelmsford.gov.uk/events
Thurs 25 - 28 Sept
MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL
Incorporating contemporary arts and culture, the Merchant City Festival showcases new talent alongside established names such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Scottish Opera. Large number of street performances including opera singers, dancers, world premieres of large-scale outdoor theatre, as well as visual art, dance, comedy, fashion and live music. Venue: Merchant City, Glasgow (various locations). Many events free. Info: www.merchantcityfestival.com
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Please note that every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained in this guide. However owners, managers, and promoters can change
their arrangements at any time. Before you go out we advise you to phone and
check opening times, dates of events and all other particulars. LIVE Listings
cannot accept responsibility for any errors it may contain. |
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