Caravan World Rhythms and Britannia Community Services Centre are proud to be hosting this inaugural celebration of global cultures, located in Vancouver's hub of multicultural diversity and creativity: Commercial Drive. Our goal is to display the rich excitement and sounds of the world's diverse cultures to British Columbians, and to show off the vibrant community of Commercial Drive to the World!  Building on the already thriving cultural life of the Drive, Global Discoveries will feature 11 concerts,  4 lecture-demos, 2 afternoons of presentations and drum-circles in the park, 1 percussion procession, and more! THANKS! Caravan and Britannia would like to thank the following for their financial support of Global Discoveries 2005: Vancouver Foundation, BC Arts Council, the Department of Canadian Heritage,and the City of Vancouver Office of Cultural Affairs. We would also like to thank our sponsors for their support: Vancouver East Cultural Centre, Listel Hotel, Georgia Straight, CBC Radio 1 and Radio 2, and CTV.  And finally, we would like to thank Festival staff, Brenda Raccanelli and all the fantastic volunteers who have helped in so many ways! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONCERTS & SPECIAL EVENTS Various venues on Commercial Drive will host a variety of unique presentations featuring music from Iran, Spain, Syria, Zimbabwe, India, Nigeria, Brazil, and more. Some of these events have been commissioned specifically for this festival, involving unique collaborations between different groups of artists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive) Ticketmaster (604) 280-3311 or Zulu and Highlife Records $23 adults, $18 students, $10 Children (12 and under) Friday, April 22, 8 pm Pre-Festival Launch Concert Baka Beyond and Special Guest Alpha Yaya Diallo To kick off the 1st Annual Global Discoveries Festival, we are, presenting the exhilarating African Celtic crossover group BAKA BEYOND. Musicians from 6 countries in the Celtic fringes of Europe and the West coast of Africa, join together to play the most original live world fusion sound around. Vancouver's own Juno-nominated performer Alpha Yaya Diallo will open with a rare solo acoustic set. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vancouver East Cultural Centre (1895 Venables Street) Ticketmaster (604) 280-3311 or Zulu and Highlife Records $20 adult, $15 students, $10 children (12 and under) Friday, April 29, 8 pm SUFI AND FOLK MUSIC OF IRAN featuring members of Sangha, the Honari Family, and the Amir Haghighi Ensemble Featuring top local Persian musicians Amir Haghighi (Vocals), Hidayat Honari (Tar-lute), Fathieh Honari (vocals), with collaborating artists Gordon Grdina (oud), Amy Stephens (harp), and guests, in an evening that showcases the rich spiritual diversity of Sufi-inspired music of Iran.  A journey into the soul of Sufism and the East. Saturday, April 30, 8 pm CELEBRATING THE ORIXAS  From Africa to Brazil featuring Ache Brasil and Kokoma African Heritage Ache Brasil's exciting Brazilian Capoeira music and dance group join with Kokoma African Heritage Ensemble.  The spiritual and cultural connections between Afro-Brazilian people and their ancestral cousins from Africa will be shown in a highly-entertaining and evocative display of dance, music, and song. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wise Hall (1882 Adanac Street) $15 advance / $18 at the door (note: no minors) Saturday, April 30, 8 pm - midnight Drum 'n' Dance presented in Collaboration with HARMONY ROSE MUSIC SOCIETY and VRAD (Vancouver Rhythm and Dance) featuring: Aboubacar Camara and Doundounba - Afrobeat funksters from Guinee Pepe Danza & the Rhythm Fools - Afro-Latin percussion and rhythms The Carnival Band - festive frolickers Jacky Essombe - Infectious Cameroonian dancer/teacher Pepe Danza is our Master of Ceremonies for this fun-filled evening of music and dancing which will keep everyone on their feet, or banging on some drums. Be prepared for Surprises! Harmony Rose Music Society (HRMS), mandate is to provide music to special needs communities. HRMS provides live music and related entertainment to the elderly, the physically and mentally disadvantaged population, children's, cancer and other illness hospitals. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rime Cafe (1130 Commercial Drive) Tickets at the door, $5-10 Sliding-Scale Friday, April 29, 9:30 pm Flamenco Heresy, with Oscar Nieto Flamenco Heresy breaks new ground by combining a unique blend of flamenco and latin rhythms, complemented by the unique dancing and singing talents of Oscar Nieto. After a hiatus of several years Flamenco Heresy reunites to bring together some of Vancouver's foremost jazz and latin musicians. Saturday, April 30, 9:30 pm Rayhan - Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern music Gorgeous, intricate melodies of the middle-east mingled with shades of flamenco will be performed by musicians Emad Armoush from Syria (vocals, percussion, ney), Erdal Kun from  Turkey (Saz-Lute), and Denis Franck from Quebec (frame drum-percussion) Sunday, May 1, 8:30 pm FESTIVAL CLOSING PARTY! Featuring: Taal Mala  Electronic-East Indian Fusion group Featuring electronic musician and tabla player Keenan O'Connor and sitar player Matt Hollingshead (Showcase Artist) Brejera  Brazilian Dance band A high-energy samba fusion band that will keep you dancing in a carnival-like atmosphere. Musicians include: Celia Enestrom (Vocal), Mario Silva (Nylon strings guitar), Trevor Murray (Cavaquinho), Cassio Souza (Surdo), and Paul Bray (Pandeiro/percussion). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cafe Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial Drive) Tickets at the door, $5-10 sliding scale Friday, April 29, 9:00 pm Feso - Zimbabwean Afro-beat band Feso's 6-piece band combines tight soulful harmonies with danceable rhythms played on marimbas, shakers, mbiras, and other instruments in a joyful celebration of Southern African music. Saturday, April 30, 9:00 pm Adama - Mediterranean-flavoured World-Jazz ensemble Featuring Itamar Erez (keyboards, guitar)- originally from Israel, Laurence Mollerop (bass)-  Stefan Cihelka (Tablas), and Tony Nickels (oboe, English horn). Influenced by such musicians as Anouar Brahem, Egberto Gismonti and others, Adama creates exciting and original material, rich with Middle-Eastern and Flamenco sounds, unusual melodies, complex rhythm and subtle improvisations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Family Weekend in Grandview Park Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1 12 pm - 6 pm     FREE Presented by Drum Cafe (www.drumcafe.ca) People of all ages are invited to explore and discover a world of culture in an exciting weekend of activities and performances. Percussion Procession - Along Commercial Drive Saturday, April 30, 12 pm Noon The multifariously musical and costumed Carnival Band will lead a procession of percussionists, members of Mortal Coil stilters and festive followers along Commercial Drive and into Grandview Park to kick off the weekend. Come and join the Procession, in costume, or not! MEETING PLACE FOR PROCESSION: 11:30AM AT Britannia Courtyard - Napier St., just off of Commercial Drive. Performances and Workshops Performers will display their diverse cultures through music, dance, and story-telling on the Grandview park stage.  They will also teach the basics of their traditions, including Zimbabwean gumboot dancing, French-Canadian spoon percussion, Hungarian circle-dances, African Story-telling and more. Groups include: Vazzy Acadian duo, Forras Hungarian Music and Dance, Nyenyedzi and Kutapira Youth Percussion Ensembles, Jean-Pierre Makosso (MC & African story-telling), World Medicine: Andrew Kim (sitar & guitar) & Joe McDonald (bagpipes),  Alcvin Ramos (shakuhachi flute), Jacky Essombe (African dance), Boris Sichon (one-man 25-piece percussion show), Tashi Tibetan singer, and more. Drum Cafe - Introduction to Global Rhythms Coordinated by Vancouver Drum and Dance In between performances, Vancouver's top drum-circle leaders will introduce you to the joy of percussion and rhythm. You can bring your own drum, or borrow one generously supplied by the Drum Cafe.  No Experience Necessary! Unite, Uplift, and Inspire with the Drum Cafe - www.drumcafe.ca Children's Global Activity Tent Children and adults alike can partake in arts, crafts, and games from different cultures, including African hair-braiding and face-painting, Indian henna painting, and more. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Global Discoveries Showcases As part of the Festival, we are featuring new, undiscovered artists in two Global Discoveries Showcases. These emerging world music groups will also perform at other events in the festival.  Keep your eye out for these up-and-coming global talents! New Latin Sounds Showcase Friday April 29, 8pm -  1am Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Dr.) Presented by Havana Restaurant in collaboration with Latin Summer Fest Featuring 3 high-energy innovative Latin bands: Santa Lucia, Myles Bigelow Trio, and Adonis Puentes Ticketmaster (604) 280-3311 or Zulu and Highlife Records $15 advance / $18 at the door (Children 12 and under $5) Santa Lucia - 7-piece band bringing a contemporary sound to traditional Latin dance music, blending elements of funk, rock, and Nuyorican bugaloo.  Their music is backed by polyrhythmic Cuban grooves and monstrous horns. Get ready to have lots of Fun! Myles Bigelow Trio - Myles leads a group of high-energy adventurous musicians, fusing Latin rhythms with electronic music and jazz elements.  Myles leads the group with his masterful playing on the congas and electronic programming. Joining him are Rahim Gaidar on Drums and Davidian Charley on sax, flute, and laptop. Adonis Puentes (of the Puentes Brothers) - Venturing into a solo career, Adonis has recently released his first recording, Vida, which embodies a contemporary vision of authentic Cuban Sonora. Adonis' crisp and compelling tenor soars above masterful instrumentation with heartfelt confidence. He is accompanied by a top-notch 6-piece band. Sounds from Around the Globe Showcase Vancouver East Cultural Centre (1895 Venables Street) Saturday, April 30, 1pm  5pm By Donation (Suggested $5-$10) The program will include: Nada Brahma - South Indian (Carnatic) traditional music fused with western influences featuring vocalists Vidyasagar Vankayala and Sheinagh Anderson, percussionist Sri Prabakhar Sarma, and multi-instrumentalist Patrick Pennefather. Ivan Tucakov and Tambura Rasa  Ivan, of Serbian origin, brings together influences of Afro-Latin, Middle-Eastern, Indian, Balkan, and jazz music.  A delicious recipe! Alladin and the Sudanaires  Fronted by the charismatic Ala'aEldin Abdalla on vocals and oud, the group performs traditional songs from various regions of Sudan, including ancient songs from the Darfour region. Satya  Electronic-World Music and Dance Fusion group A unique collective of young artists, integrating live world music, electronica, contact dance, and fire arts. Together they create a darkly evocative mythological experience for listeners and dancers alike. Myles Bigelow (See Bio in Latin Showcase). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Global Discoveries Lecture-Demonstrations RIME CAFE (1130 Commercial Drive) By donation Learn about the world's musical traditions! Join us at the Rime Café for interactive talks led by some of Vancouver's most knowledgeable world music artists. Tuesday, April 26, 78 pm Latin and African Music Traditions, with Hector Navarro Hector is an experienced Latin percussionist and educator, playing in a number of local bands, including Spacious Couch. He will demonstrate through words and sounds the evolution of Latin music and its relationship to its African roots. Wednesday, April 27, 7-8pm Persian Sufi and Folk Music and Poetry, with Amir Hagighi and members of the Honari Family Persian music has a rich and long history, spanning three thousand years, and has been deeply influenced by Sufi mysticism and poetry. Singer Amir will demystify this rich history, and sing a few songs with accompaniment by Hidayat on Tar (Persian lute). Thursday, April 28, 7-8pm South Indian Music and Spirituality with members of Nada Brahma While most people are familiar with the North Indian music tradition (tablas, sitar), the South Indian (Carnatic) tradition is equally as rich in history and development. The similarities and differences between these traditions will be explored by vocalist Vidyasagar Vankayala, with accompaniment on percussion. Sunday, May 1, 23pm Zen and the Art of the Shakuhachi Flute, with Alcvin Ramos Alcvin is one of Canada's most accomplished Japanese shakuhachi flute players. He was also the organizer for the Vancouver Shakuhachi Festival and Symposium in 2004. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Professional Development Workshops Britannia Community Centre - Family Activity Room (FREE) Sunday, May 1, 12:30pm - 5pm These workshops are intended for emerging world music artists to learn more about the music profession. Experienced industry people will be speaking about the following topics: how to get booked at festivals, publicity and self-promotion, CD distribution and Internet marketing, electronic-world music collaboration, and other topics. Space is limited. Please call 604-813-7907 to confirm your participation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FESTIVAL STAFF Artistic Managing Director - Robert Benaroya, Caravan World Rhythms Publicist & Venue Supervisor - Jodi Smith, JLS Entertainment Venue & Volunteer Coordinator - Gracie Aylward Production Manager - Tom Fijal Britannia Centre Liaison - Brenda Racanelli

Global Discoveries 1st Annual Festival on the Drive & Emerging Artist Showcases April 29 - May 1, 2005 Commercial Drive Vancouver BC

Caravan World Rhythms

Caravan World Rhythms and Britannia Community Services Centre are proud to be hosting this inaugural celebration of global cultures, located in Vancouver's hub of multicultural diversity and creativity: Commercial Drive. Our goal is to display the rich excitement and sounds of the world's diverse cultures to British Columbians, and to show off the vibrant community of Commercial Drive to the World!  Building on the already thriving cultural life of the Drive, Global Discoveries will feature 11 concerts,  4 lecture-demos, 2 afternoons of presentations and drum-circles in the park, 1 percussion procession, and more! THANKS! Caravan and Britannia would like to thank the following for their financial support of Global Discoveries 2005: Vancouver Foundation, BC Arts Council, the Department of Canadian Heritage,and the City of Vancouver Office of Cultural Affairs. We would also like to thank our sponsors for their support: Vancouver East Cultural Centre, Listel Hotel, Georgia Straight, CBC Radio 1 and Radio 2, and CTV.  And finally, we would like to thank Festival staff, Brenda Raccanelli and all the fantastic volunteers who have helped in so many ways! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONCERTS & SPECIAL EVENTS Various venues on Commercial Drive will host a variety of unique presentations featuring music from Iran, Spain, Syria, Zimbabwe, India, Nigeria, Brazil, and more. Some of these events have been commissioned specifically for this festival, involving unique collaborations between different groups of artists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive) Ticketmaster (604) 280-3311 or Zulu and Highlife Records $23 adults, $18 students, $10 Children (12 and under) Friday, April 22, 8 pm Pre-Festival Launch Concert Baka Beyond and Special Guest Alpha Yaya Diallo To kick off the 1st Annual Global Discoveries Festival, we are, presenting the exhilarating African Celtic crossover group BAKA BEYOND. Musicians from 6 countries in the Celtic fringes of Europe and the West coast of Africa, join together to play the most original live world fusion sound around. Vancouver's own Juno-nominated performer Alpha Yaya Diallo will open with a rare solo acoustic set. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vancouver East Cultural Centre (1895 Venables Street) Ticketmaster (604) 280-3311 or Zulu and Highlife Records $20 adult, $15 students, $10 children (12 and under) Friday, April 29, 8 pm SUFI AND FOLK MUSIC OF IRAN featuring members of Sangha, the Honari Family, and the Amir Haghighi Ensemble Featuring top local Persian musicians Amir Haghighi (Vocals), Hidayat Honari (Tar-lute), Fathieh Honari (vocals), with collaborating artists Gordon Grdina (oud), Amy Stephens (harp), and guests, in an evening that showcases the rich spiritual diversity of Sufi-inspired music of Iran.  A journey into the soul of Sufism and the East. Saturday, April 30, 8 pm CELEBRATING THE ORIXAS  From Africa to Brazil featuring Ache Brasil and Kokoma African Heritage Ache Brasil's exciting Brazilian Capoeira music and dance group join with Kokoma African Heritage Ensemble.  The spiritual and cultural connections between Afro-Brazilian people and their ancestral cousins from Africa will be shown in a highly-entertaining and evocative display of dance, music, and song. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wise Hall (1882 Adanac Street) $15 advance / $18 at the door (note: no minors) Saturday, April 30, 8 pm - midnight Drum 'n' Dance presented in Collaboration with HARMONY ROSE MUSIC SOCIETY and VRAD (Vancouver Rhythm and Dance) featuring: Aboubacar Camara and Doundounba - Afrobeat funksters from Guinee Pepe Danza & the Rhythm Fools - Afro-Latin percussion and rhythms The Carnival Band - festive frolickers Jacky Essombe - Infectious Cameroonian dancer/teacher Pepe Danza is our Master of Ceremonies for this fun-filled evening of music and dancing which will keep everyone on their feet, or banging on some drums. Be prepared for Surprises! Harmony Rose Music Society (HRMS), mandate is to provide music to special needs communities. HRMS provides live music and related entertainment to the elderly, the physically and mentally disadvantaged population, children's, cancer and other illness hospitals. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rime Cafe (1130 Commercial Drive) Tickets at the door, $5-10 Sliding-Scale Friday, April 29, 9:30 pm Flamenco Heresy, with Oscar Nieto Flamenco Heresy breaks new ground by combining a unique blend of flamenco and latin rhythms, complemented by the unique dancing and singing talents of Oscar Nieto. After a hiatus of several years Flamenco Heresy reunites to bring together some of Vancouver's foremost jazz and latin musicians. Saturday, April 30, 9:30 pm Rayhan - Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern music Gorgeous, intricate melodies of the middle-east mingled with shades of flamenco will be performed by musicians Emad Armoush from Syria (vocals, percussion, ney), Erdal Kun from  Turkey (Saz-Lute), and Denis Franck from Quebec (frame drum-percussion) Sunday, May 1, 8:30 pm FESTIVAL CLOSING PARTY! Featuring: Taal Mala  Electronic-East Indian Fusion group Featuring electronic musician and tabla player Keenan O'Connor and sitar player Matt Hollingshead (Showcase Artist) Brejera  Brazilian Dance band A high-energy samba fusion band that will keep you dancing in a carnival-like atmosphere. Musicians include: Celia Enestrom (Vocal), Mario Silva (Nylon strings guitar), Trevor Murray (Cavaquinho), Cassio Souza (Surdo), and Paul Bray (Pandeiro/percussion). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cafe Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial Drive) Tickets at the door, $5-10 sliding scale Friday, April 29, 9:00 pm Feso - Zimbabwean Afro-beat band Feso's 6-piece band combines tight soulful harmonies with danceable rhythms played on marimbas, shakers, mbiras, and other instruments in a joyful celebration of Southern African music. Saturday, April 30, 9:00 pm Adama - Mediterranean-flavoured World-Jazz ensemble Featuring Itamar Erez (keyboards, guitar)- originally from Israel, Laurence Mollerop (bass)-  Stefan Cihelka (Tablas), and Tony Nickels (oboe, English horn). Influenced by such musicians as Anouar Brahem, Egberto Gismonti and others, Adama creates exciting and original material, rich with Middle-Eastern and Flamenco sounds, unusual melodies, complex rhythm and subtle improvisations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Family Weekend in Grandview Park Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1 12 pm - 6 pm     FREE Presented by Drum Cafe (www.drumcafe.ca) People of all ages are invited to explore and discover a world of culture in an exciting weekend of activities and performances. Percussion Procession - Along Commercial Drive Saturday, April 30, 12 pm Noon The multifariously musical and costumed Carnival Band will lead a procession of percussionists, members of Mortal Coil stilters and festive followers along Commercial Drive and into Grandview Park to kick off the weekend. Come and join the Procession, in costume, or not! MEETING PLACE FOR PROCESSION: 11:30AM AT Britannia Courtyard - Napier St., just off of Commercial Drive. Performances and Workshops Performers will display their diverse cultures through music, dance, and story-telling on the Grandview park stage.  They will also teach the basics of their traditions, including Zimbabwean gumboot dancing, French-Canadian spoon percussion, Hungarian circle-dances, African Story-telling and more. Groups include: Vazzy Acadian duo, Forras Hungarian Music and Dance, Nyenyedzi and Kutapira Youth Percussion Ensembles, Jean-Pierre Makosso (MC & African story-telling), World Medicine: Andrew Kim (sitar & guitar) & Joe McDonald (bagpipes),  Alcvin Ramos (shakuhachi flute), Jacky Essombe (African dance), Boris Sichon (one-man 25-piece percussion show), Tashi Tibetan singer, and more. Drum Cafe - Introduction to Global Rhythms Coordinated by Vancouver Drum and Dance In between performances, Vancouver's top drum-circle leaders will introduce you to the joy of percussion and rhythm. You can bring your own drum, or borrow one generously supplied by the Drum Cafe.  No Experience Necessary! Unite, Uplift, and Inspire with the Drum Cafe - www.drumcafe.ca Children's Global Activity Tent Children and adults alike can partake in arts, crafts, and games from different cultures, including African hair-braiding and face-painting, Indian henna painting, and more. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Global Discoveries Showcases As part of the Festival, we are featuring new, undiscovered artists in two Global Discoveries Showcases. These emerging world music groups will also perform at other events in the festival.  Keep your eye out for these up-and-coming global talents! New Latin Sounds Showcase Friday April 29, 8pm -  1am Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Dr.) Presented by Havana Restaurant in collaboration with Latin Summer Fest Featuring 3 high-energy innovative Latin bands: Santa Lucia, Myles Bigelow Trio, and Adonis Puentes Ticketmaster (604) 280-3311 or Zulu and Highlife Records $15 advance / $18 at the door (Children 12 and under $5) Santa Lucia - 7-piece band bringing a contemporary sound to traditional Latin dance music, blending elements of funk, rock, and Nuyorican bugaloo.  Their music is backed by polyrhythmic Cuban grooves and monstrous horns. Get ready to have lots of Fun! Myles Bigelow Trio - Myles leads a group of high-energy adventurous musicians, fusing Latin rhythms with electronic music and jazz elements.  Myles leads the group with his masterful playing on the congas and electronic programming. Joining him are Rahim Gaidar on Drums and Davidian Charley on sax, flute, and laptop. Adonis Puentes (of the Puentes Brothers) - Venturing into a solo career, Adonis has recently released his first recording, Vida, which embodies a contemporary vision of authentic Cuban Sonora. Adonis' crisp and compelling tenor soars above masterful instrumentation with heartfelt confidence. He is accompanied by a top-notch 6-piece band. Sounds from Around the Globe Showcase Vancouver East Cultural Centre (1895 Venables Street) Saturday, April 30, 1pm  5pm By Donation (Suggested $5-$10) The program will include: Nada Brahma - South Indian (Carnatic) traditional music fused with western influences featuring vocalists Vidyasagar Vankayala and Sheinagh Anderson, percussionist Sri Prabakhar Sarma, and multi-instrumentalist Patrick Pennefather. Ivan Tucakov and Tambura Rasa  Ivan, of Serbian origin, brings together influences of Afro-Latin, Middle-Eastern, Indian, Balkan, and jazz music.  A delicious recipe! Alladin and the Sudanaires  Fronted by the charismatic Ala'aEldin Abdalla on vocals and oud, the group performs traditional songs from various regions of Sudan, including ancient songs from the Darfour region. Satya  Electronic-World Music and Dance Fusion group A unique collective of young artists, integrating live world music, electronica, contact dance, and fire arts. Together they create a darkly evocative mythological experience for listeners and dancers alike. Myles Bigelow (See Bio in Latin Showcase). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Global Discoveries Lecture-Demonstrations RIME CAFE (1130 Commercial Drive) By donation Learn about the world's musical traditions! Join us at the Rime Café for interactive talks led by some of Vancouver's most knowledgeable world music artists. Tuesday, April 26, 78 pm Latin and African Music Traditions, with Hector Navarro Hector is an experienced Latin percussionist and educator, playing in a number of local bands, including Spacious Couch. He will demonstrate through words and sounds the evolution of Latin music and its relationship to its African roots. Wednesday, April 27, 7-8pm Persian Sufi and Folk Music and Poetry, with Amir Hagighi and members of the Honari Family Persian music has a rich and long history, spanning three thousand years, and has been deeply influenced by Sufi mysticism and poetry. Singer Amir will demystify this rich history, and sing a few songs with accompaniment by Hidayat on Tar (Persian lute). Thursday, April 28, 7-8pm South Indian Music and Spirituality with members of Nada Brahma While most people are familiar with the North Indian music tradition (tablas, sitar), the South Indian (Carnatic) tradition is equally as rich in history and development. The similarities and differences between these traditions will be explored by vocalist Vidyasagar Vankayala, with accompaniment on percussion. Sunday, May 1, 23pm Zen and the Art of the Shakuhachi Flute, with Alcvin Ramos Alcvin is one of Canada's most accomplished Japanese shakuhachi flute players. He was also the organizer for the Vancouver Shakuhachi Festival and Symposium in 2004. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Professional Development Workshops Britannia Community Centre - Family Activity Room (FREE) Sunday, May 1, 12:30pm - 5pm These workshops are intended for emerging world music artists to learn more about the music profession. Experienced industry people will be speaking about the following topics: how to get booked at festivals, publicity and self-promotion, CD distribution and Internet marketing, electronic-world music collaboration, and other topics. Space is limited. Please call 604-813-7907 to confirm your participation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FESTIVAL STAFF Artistic Managing Director - Robert Benaroya, Caravan World Rhythms Publicist & Venue Supervisor - Jodi Smith, JLS Entertainment Venue & Volunteer Coordinator - Gracie Aylward Production Manager - Tom Fijal Britannia Centre Liaison - Brenda Racanelli

KEY DATES April 22, 8:00pm Croatian Centre >>Pre-Festival Launch Concert April 26, 27, 28 & May 1 Rime Cafe >>Lecture-Demos April 29, 30 & May 1- various venues >>Festival Concerts April 30, 12:00 NOON! >>Percussion Procession along Commercial Drive MEETING PLACE FOR PROCESSION: 11:30AM AT Britannia Courtyard - Napier St., just off of Commercial Drive. April 30, May 1, 12:00 - 6:00pm >>Family Days in Grandview Park