Adelaide's weekend of world music

By Melanie Sjoberg

ADELAIDE -- “Three days and nights of musical bliss” proclaims the pamphlet promoting the WOMADELAIDE 93. “The world of music, arts and dance grabbed the hearts and minds of 30,000 ecstatic concert goers” last year, it points out, and the organisers are confident of equal success this time.

In this open air world music event, Adelaide now looks set to come alive on a regular basis to alternative music and dance.

The event is again being held at Botanic Park, February 19-21, and is coordinated by the Festival Centre Trust. The major sponsorship is by the National AIDS Campaign and the International Year of Indigenous People. Some funding has also been received from federal and state governments.

Executive producer Rob Brookman said that the program, which is dominated by indigenous musicians from around the globe, includes four leading Aboriginal groups -- Yothu Yindi, female vocal group Tiddas, rock reggae band Coloured Stone and the dance troupe Kunjal.

Other highlights include Peter Gabriel; west African Salif Keita, regarded as one of the world's greatest soul singers; the hot US blues and gospel band, the Holmes Brothers; Sheila Chandra, whose music is a blend of Indian heritage and folk influences; Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens; Galliano, described as cult heroes from the south-west of London; and Geoffrey Oryema from Uganda, who sings the politics of oppression.

The weekend promises to be a fantastic blend of haunting African sounds, rhythms from India to Hungary and songs of struggle from many different peoples. It offers the potential to combine the best of alternative culture with the politics of struggle. This is an event which attracts a wide audience -- from those converted to “music with roots” to families and people looking for something different.

Three day passes are priced at $98/$80 concession, with one person under 15 admitted free on each adult ticket. Daily tickets cost $25-$45. Bookings can be made by calling Bass Dial 'n' Charge (08) 231 4777 or 008 888 327 free call from anywhere in Australia.

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