Online world music festival could set the stage for Sunfest’s live comeback

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The London Sunfest has once again collaborated with music festivals around the world for a two-day online festival.

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Culturas 360 – a free virtual world music festival hosted by 14 festivals and led by TD Sunfest founder Alfredo Caxaj – took place for the first time in March. It’s back Saturday and Sunday, this time with five Canadian and 14 world artists.

“I am extremely happy to bring the whole world together again,” said Caxaj, who said the initiative has received support from the Canada Council for the Arts.

“We hope that at least seven of these artists will come to Sunfest this year, but we don’t know who yet. But they are all acclaimed artists from their country and Canadian artists are all award winning performers. “

The March edition of Culturas 360 involved nine music festivals and attracted around 100,000 views from around the world, inspiring organizers to take the event to 14 festivals. A third edition is already scheduled for March 2022.

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The Canadian contingent is led by Le Vent du Nord du Québec, a Sunfest favorite who won two Junos for the roots and traditional album of the year.

“They are one of the most active Canadian groups on the international scene,” said Caxaj. “They are constantly on tour around the world, but they take the time every two years to come to Sunfest and they are loved by our audience because they are a very energetic band.”

Culturas 360 starts at 8 p.m. on both days with concerts of around 2.5 hours.

The performers for Saturday are, in order of appearance, Virgem Suta (Portugal), Inga (Republic of Buryatia, Russia), Caamaño e Ameixeiras (Galicia, Spain), Naked (Serbia), Lenna Buhale (Mozambique), Nadir Omowale ( United States), Duo Miter (Brazil), Fehti Nadjem (Canada), Chéjere (Mexico) and Okavango African Orchestra (Canada).

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Sunday, in order of appearance, will be Maria and The Band (Canada), Imran Khan (India), Pañuelo Rojo (Mexico), Namgar (Republic of Buryatia), Reptila (Chile), Ceuzani (Cabo Verde), Michel Herrera ( Cuba), Le Vent Du Nord (Canada) and Vox Sambou (Canada).

Sunfest organizers, led by Caxaj, traveled to Portugal last month for the annual World Music Expo, the world’s largest music showcase and conference where many artists have been recruited.

“Each night is going to present different sounds from around the world,” Caxaj said.

“From the ancestral sounds of Inga (Republic of Buryatia, Russia), to the traditional sounds of Galicia, Spain, Brazil and Mozambique to the more contemporary sounds of funk, rock and jazz and, of course, the sounds of Africa. There’s even Detroit’s Omowale whose music is steeped in funk, soul, Motown and R&B. So there will be a bit of everything, much like what you would hear at Sunfest. It’s gonna be something special.

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Caxaj urged Sunfest fans to see the festival and gather friends for a night out.

And he urged them to donate. Musicians who perform during Culturas 360 are paid the same as if they were performing live.

He said uncertainty remains in parts of the world still deep in the battle against COVID-19, which means it is still too early to say how many international acts will be available for the TD Sunfest at Victoria. Park in July.

“Here in Canada we are slowly coming back to live music, but we must remember that the pandemic is still there and difficult in many parts of the world and bringing music to the world digitally is still very important and essential to support these. artists who still face very serious challenges, ”said Caxaj.

“It gives these artists a chance to work and reach new, larger audiences. I believe some of these international artists will be able to come in July, and we have such incredible talent here in Canada that we can put on a wonderful Sunfest.

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WATCH BOX

What : Culturas 360, presented by TD Sunfest

When : Saturday and Sunday, 8 p.m.

Or : Search for Culturas 360 on Facebook or YouTube

Tickets : Free, but donations are welcome