Pipestem, WV - Where can you find Afro-Columian Funk, New Mexican Space Music, Experiential Spiritual Folk, Indie Rock, Bluegrass, Blues, Gypsy Americana Fire Dance, healing arts, a parade for kids led by a man on stilts, hoop dancing workshops and a whole lot more? That's right- you find it at the 9th annual Culturefest World Music & Arts Festival in the scenic mountain setting of the Appalachian South Folklife Center in Pipestem, WV. Organizers say the line-up for this "creative oasis" in Southern WV is the best they've had yet. With a slew of artists from WV, several from KY and NC and some from Berkeley, CA and NYC, the performances feature eclectic sounds drawing on Appalachian traditions and ethnic flavors as well. Workshops include Indian dance, yoga, and world percussion, and the kids village will include a variety of creative activities including special open mic sessions. The goal of the festival is to promote unity and respect for diversity through music and the arts.
The performance lineup includes:
-- New York City's My Pet Dragon. Recently featured in Filter Magazine's 'Discover The Undiscovered' and as Deli Magazine's Best of NYC 2012 Emerging Artists, My Pet Dragon's anthemic songs & powerful live show has drawn comparisons to Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Smashing Pumpkins, and the Flaming Lips. MPD is led by singer/guitarist Todd Michaelsen & actress/dancer Reena Shah, who will also lead a workshop in Indian dance.
--North Carolina's Songs of Water has been creating music together since 2002, yet their distinct and evocative sound carries roots from the most ancient of cultures. This seven-piece ensemble delicately blends instrumentation from across the globe in a uniquely American context. The uncommon use of the hammered dulcimer melodically leads many of the group's instrumental pieces, followed by the resonance of various acoustic instruments and a brooding foundation of heavy percussion.
--Boston- based Spiritual Rez reggae funk dance experience is an unabashed display of musical virtuosity. When paired with a deep, sub-sonic groove and powerful heart felt vocalization; crowds are left dancing and screaming for more. They were the winners of the 2007 Boston Music Award for Best World Music Act and Alumni of the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
--Birthed in Colombia and bred in the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland-based Antioquia makes music that inspires raucous dancing and deep listening. With influences ranging from Mahavishnu Orchestra to Primus, Antioquia's primary mission is to unite humans in the healing act of dance through a genre that they have dubbed, "Afro-Colombian Psychedelic Lovefunk."
--The Soil & The Sun describe themselves as corn-fed, Michigan-made New Mexican Space Music, or Experiential Spiritual Folk. Originating in 2008 as two-piece from Grand Rapids, the band has grown and matured into an eight-piece community of friends and musicians. Oboe, violin, cello, guitars, accordion, percussion, piano, and vocals, cooperate to create complex harmonies, layered melodies, and driving rhythms.
--Louisville, KY's Appalatin formed through band members' mutual love of the folk music sounds of Latin America and the Caribbean. Their original music is a fusion of Latin and Appalachian folk music from the band member's homelands in Central America, the Andes and Appalachia. Instrumentation features the guitar, charango, mandolin, Andean flutes, bongos, congas, and cajon. Their songs reflect messages of freedom, community, empowerment, human rights, spirituality, and environmental stewardship.
Several popular West Virginia acts are featured in the line- up as well: Option 22 (world folk), Qiet (Indie / Rock), Cari Cohen (Fire & Light Dance), Kathleen Coffee (folk/singer-songwriter), Melissa McKinney (blues/rock), The Captain Lazerblast Band (techno-folk), Chally Erb (movement theatre/comedy), Margo & The Bluegills (Rock/Folk/Blues), Miss Behavin' (rock), The Brother-Sisters (theatrical/art-folk-rock), Speakeasy (Rock, Blues, Soul), Po' Folks Cabaret (Fire performance / Gypsy Americana), Liberty High School World Percussion Ensemble, Briddy Morris (alternative/lyrical), and Cassie Raye Ponton (Folk).
Other out-of-state acts include Asheville's Brushfire Stankgrass (Bluegrass / Stankgrass / Acoustic Rock) and A Ghost Like Me (Rock / Instrumental / Experimental), and Kirbie (Pop/Reggae/Ska) of Baltimore, MD. There will also be an After Hours Cabaret each night featuring a variety of artists, nightly drum circles and impromptu jams throughout the site.
Tickets are available on the website and at the gate. Advance tickets are recommended. A full weekend pass costs $30 and includes all four days plus camping. Day passes are $15 (price does not include camping) on Friday and Saturday. A Thursday only pass is $7 and a Sunday only pass is $12. Children's tickets are discounted; see the website for those prices. Kids 5 & under are free.
The event is presented by LLyniuM entertainment and The RiffRaff Arts Collective with assistance from these sponsors: East River Arts, WVVA, Suddenlink, Princeton Health & Fitness Center, Coal River Mountain Watch, Ramey Row, Cole Kia, Star 95, Adventure Radio, Little Buddy Radio, Radio am1380, and a host of advertisers.
Additional information can be found online at culturefestwv.com and by calling 304-425-6425.
WHAT: Culturefest World Music & Arts Festival
WHEN: September 6-9
WHERE: Appalachian South Folklife Center - Pipestem, WV
TICKETS: $30 full weekend pass including camping / $15 day pass Fri. & Sat. , $7 Thurs. only, $12 Sun. only. / Discount rates for kids- check website for pricing. Kids 5& under are free.
Purchase online at culturefestwv.com or at the gate.
INFO: www.culturefestwv.com / 304-425-6425
