Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Where are the World Music Festivals?!

Every year the big music festivals come around, and while they all seem to advertise having a full gamut of musical styles, it always seems to be the same bands every year. Now, of course I am generalizing a bit here, but bear with me. Lets take the High Sierra Music Festival that just happened over the weekend. Hmmm, surprise, surprise, its the usual mix of jam bands tossed in with a taste of reggae and a "bluegrass" band or two, maybe a singer songwriter. Not a sitar, doumbek, djembe, bagpipe, or the like in sight! (or earshot). Nothing against Tea Leaf Green, ALO, Umphries McGee and the like, I love you guys! But I've seen you at every one of these cookie cutter festivals. The same smelly burn-out kids, various Phish heads, and the ever present dead head. I love you too! But...will someone please turn me/us onto some festivals with a real variety of music, including ethnic, world, non-western music?
They have got to be out there. Right?
PS- There is one smaller music festival that has been going on for a few years now that always provides a great line-up of music and musical styles, many from other countries. This is the Joshua Tree Music Festival, in Joshua Tree, California. Definitely worth checking out:

www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com

Music will save the World!

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