Floyd, Virginia – For a fourth year in a row, July 29-31 of 2005,
performers from all over the World, and music lovers from all over the country
gather in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia for an
idyllic three-day music and arts Global Gathering.
This summer, no less than six
continents will be represented, with musicians coming from as far as Australia,
and as close as our own back porch. Committed to Cultural Preservation, the
festival succeeds in blending traditions and arts from dozens of different
countries every year into a vision of Global Community.From the hottest acts touring today, to those so exclusive they can only be
experienced at FloydFest, this is a home-town festival, with a big industry
buzz. Returning from Ghana this year, Floyd’s extended family, the African
Showboyz will be accompanied by a whole new 12 member ensemble from their home
village of Binaba.
The 15-member Akoya Aftrobeat Ensemble, with direct lineage to Afrobeat
godfather Fela Kuti, is bringing members from Benin, Ghana, Japan, Panama, South
Africa, and US.
Australia’s Xavier Rudd will be on board, as well as Mariem Hassan from the
refugee camps of Saharan Africa.
Raquy and the Cavemen will be spreading rhythms from the Middle East, with
members from Israel and the US
Also coming are Bryan Vargas and Ya Está, with members from Japan, Argentina,
Venezuela, and strong Puerto Rican roots. Swiss bluegrass band, the Kruger
Brothers, will be there for good measure.
“2005 will bring an unprecedented level of cultural integration, even for
FloydFest”, explains Svetlana Nikic, VP of Communications. “this is
likely to be the biggest independent Global Get-down in the US this year”.
As if the ambitious lineup above wasn’t enough, sprinkle into the mix one of the
countries hottest tour acts, Ani DiFranco; a few Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famers, Hot
Tuna; a bluegrass legend, J.D. Crowe; one of Nashville’s hottest songwriters,
Jim Lauderdale; and an Americana roots band, Donna The Buffalo.
“Most folks first come to FloydFest because of their loyalty to a particular
genre, or a musician, or because of a friend’s recommendation, but they return
every year because they discover a sound, a band, a new genre they never would
have been exposed to otherwise”, explains co-founder Kris Hodges, “and
this need for something fresh, something new, or something re-discovered is
addictive – once you experience it, you just can’t settle for less.”
An official stop on the Virginia Heritage Music Trail, FloydFest provides a
holistic festival experience with camping, pristine Blue Ridge mountains, and a
true sense of community. The festival sports eight performance areas, late-night
shows, Arts and Craft Fair featuring regional and international artisans, a
delicious food court, as well as local wine and microbrews.
Encouraging attendee
participation, there will also be instructional classes on the Workshop Porch,
drum and dance workshops at the Global Village, yoga lessons and Healing Arts,
and special programs and parade s at
everyone’s favorite attraction, the Children’s Universe. “It’s a good time of
the year to spend with our families”, says co-founder Erika Johnson, “and a
good place to be this time of the year, is most definitely FloydFest”.
For more information, visit the Web site
www.floydfest.com or contact
info@floydfest.com, phone: +1 540.745.FEST.
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.
