National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Now entering its sixth year, New York City's annual GlobalFEST event recently announced the lineup for its 2009 season. On January 11th, 2009, twelve diverse acts from around the globe will grace three seperate stages of New York's Webster Hall for the all-night concert.

This year's offerings include sets from:

Calypso Rose (Trinidad & Tobado/U.S.)
Chicha Libre (U.S.A.)
Femi Kuti & the Positive Force (Nigeria)
Hot 8 Brass Band (U.S.A.)
Kailash Kher\'s Kailasa (India)
L&O (France)
La Troba Kung-fu (Spain/Catalunya)
Marcio Local (Brazil)
Occidental Brothers Dance Band International (Ghana/U.S.A.)
Shanbehzadeh Ensemble (Iran/France)
Tanya Tagaq (Canada/Nunavut)
Watcha Clan (France)

As always, GloblFEST is s timed to coincide with the annual Association for Performing Arts Presenters conference (APAP), when thousands of concert presenters are in town to program their upcoming seasons. The event is designed to spotlight international artists for presenters and fans alike.

GlobalFest co-producer Isabel Soffer explains: "The groups we have chosen this year reflect the climate we believe arts presenters, artists, agents, and audiences will be experiencing in the near future. We have taken into consideration groups that we feel will succeed artistically and economically in a variety of venue types, keeping in mind ticket sales, originality, and ease of touring. We have included five North American-based groups, smaller ensembles and some major draws, as well as groups completely new to the market that we think will create a big impact."

GlobalFest is produced by Bill Bragin of Acidophilus: Live & Active Cultures and Isabel Soffer of World Music Institute, and Shanta Thake of Joe's Pub at The Public Theater. Tickets can be purchased with no service charges, cash only, at the Mercury Lounge 217 East Houston Street, Manhattan, Mondays – Saturdays, 12 noon – 7pm. For additional information, contact the World Music Institute box office at 212-545-7536. The artist line up is subject to change.

Update:

Since the original publication of this article, Nigerian artist Femi Kuti has dropped out, due to illness. Brooklyn Qawwali Party has been added to the lineup in Femi's place.

According to the GlobalFest press release, "Brooklyn Qawwali Party formed to honor the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, reworking his thunderous songs for an eclectic, eleven-piece orchestra comprised of groundbreaking jazz musicians. Funky, smart, and loving, BQP captures the joyful spirit of this Pakistani folk music in a unique instrumental blend of jazz and Qawwali. With five horns, guitar, bass, harmonium, and three percussionists, this band's buoyant rhythm will be sure to get you on your feet and clapping."