Palmieri, Jamaica’s revolutionary dub poet Mutabaruka, Haiti’s Lataye, Creasión Garifuna from Honduras, Cameroon’s Kiassa, Brazil’s K.R.A.M.K as well as New Orleans own: Bamboula 2000, Early Brooks, The Revealers, Ben Hunter, Nabii Na Dada, Higher Heights, Caribbean Flammza and Crucial Fire.
The IAF Children’s World Playground (CWP) has invited Putumayo Kids’ Cross Cultural Initiative for the second consecutive year, bringing children together to learn, dance, play, read, explore and celebrate the world’s cultures. They will feature World Playground CD’s and expanded arts & crafts, music, drumming & dance workshops. The Children’s Pavilion grew into the IAF Children’s
World Playground to reflect ongoing intentions of bringing exciting hands on cultural experiences through music and arts & crafts such as painting, coloring, mask making and of course games, sing-a-longs, storytelling, dance workshops, giveaways and much more. The IAF-CWP is a special tented area with seating and tables on the park grounds where children of all ages gather during the hours of
1pm- 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
The South African Pavilion, where dancers, storytellers, poets, lyricists and artists perform to pulsating rhythms, has evolved into the Global Outreach Pavilion to include a worldwide perspective and outreach on issues effecting humanity. New Orleans Department of Disease Control will participate in the festival, disseminating information about the progress of AIDS treatments and prevention. There will also be a celebration for South Africa “Ten Year into Democracy” as well as recognition for the significance of Haiti’s 100 years of Independence. There will be special programs and art exhibits in tribute to South Africa and Haiti. Also this year the festival launches the Lip Loc Poetry Lounge: A place where spoken word is heard and expressed.
Dub Poet, radio host, and author, Mutabaruka is Jamaica’s voice of the people passionately speaking out for over 21 years. Life Squared (Heartbeat Records), his first album in over 7 years, is a reflection of powerfully insightful lyrics that unequivocally prods one’s perspective on reality. The CD features the single “The Monkey” and is title track to the ‘real to life’ film Life and Debt. Muta is known for his rhythmatic delivery of cutting edged no nonsense commentary on politics, oppression, and human rights among the many atrocities facing the world. Backed by his awesome band Truth, he is the quintessential poet blending thought provoking lyrics and Reggae rhythms mesmerizing people all over the world.
Seven-time Grammy Award winner Eddie Palmieri released his latest CD Ritmo Caliente (Concord Records) adding yet another masterpiece to his catalogue. He made his mark on the Latin circuit when he played New York’s historic Palladium Ballroom. Eddie Palmieri is the ultimate fusion of Salsa, R&B, Jazz, Pop, Rock and Spanish vocals with his signature Jazz improvisation. His influences are drawn from the musical well of such legends as McCoy Tyner and Thelonius Monk. Ambassador Eddie Palmieri is the quintessential musician bringing cultures together through motion and sound joining the Legendary Tito Puente in spirit taking the music around the world.
The IAF offers total packages including: air, hotel, ground transportation and admission to the festival.
Festival ticket prices: $10 Early Bird Special. $25 at the door. Special group rates. Two-day or three-day ticket packages are available. Children under 12 are admitted free accompanied by an adult. Free parking.
More at www.internationalartsfestival.com.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
