globalFEST's response to the U.S. presidential election

Dear friends,

Disappointment can be a gift that erases all illusions. We in the performing and cultural arts community know deeply that music has the power to break down cultural and social barriers, tear down walls and provide refuge for a battered people.

We know our community will amplify messages of hope through the arts, we will become stronger as a community, and we will stand with the artistic community and be a platform for change.

At globalFEST, we will take more risks than ever, and we will not allow fear to guide us. We will work harder than ever to ensure that artists have platforms that are are undistorted by politics. We will work tirelessly to unite our beautiful and diverse community of artists, agents, presenters, and partners so that together we can sharpen and hone what we know are humanity's greatest weapons: culture and love.

globalFEST believes music is a driving force toward a society that values cultural diversity as a source of unity rather than division. We have our work cut out for us.

"... to struggle honorably and fiercely in the name of American ideals-that is what is left to do. That is all there is to do." - David Remnick, New Yorker

In peace and music,

Bill, Isabel, Shanta, Nicole, Kaitlyn, and Stephanie (gF Team)

The Artists of globalFEST 2017

-Batida (Portugal/Angola): Booming Afro electronic dance party
-Betsayda Machado y La Parranda El Clavo (Venezuela): Powerhouse Afro-Venezuelan vocalist (US Debut)
-Jojo Abot (Ghana/Denmark/USA): Globetrotting experimental Afropolitan pop-soul
-L'Orchestre Afrisa International et M'bilia Bel (DRC/USA): Tabu Ley Rochereau’s Congolese rumba legends return 
-Maarja Nuut feat. Hendrik Kaljujärv (Estonia): Digital Estonian folk soundscapes
-Ranky Tanky (USA): Funky Gullah songs of the South Carolina Sea Islands
-Rare Essence (USA): DC’s pioneering polyrhythmic Go-Go superstars
-Rascasuelos (Argentina): Vanguard tango music and dance reimagined
-Rudresh Mahanthappa’s Indo-Pak Coalition (USA): Deeply rooted Indo-jazz
-Septeto Santiaguero (Cuba): Adventurous Grammy-winning son cubano stars 
-SsingSsing (Korea) Extravagant shamanistic Korean folk songs meet rock

Additional Artist TBA

Ticket and Venue info can be found here.