[FA Worldmusic] NAWMC March/April 2007 Newletter

[Sabrina Sadeghi]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
North American World Music Coalition Newsletter
March/April 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INDEX
--COALITION NEWS
--CD RELEASES
--TOUR DATES WANTED
--SIGNINGS
--PEOPLE
--RETAIL NEWS
--VENUE/FESTIVAL NEWS
--MEDIA NEWS
--INDUSTRY EVENTS
--OFFER SERVICES
--WILD CARD - NEWS YOU CAN USE
--Join The World Music Coalition Today!

Greetings!

Welcome to the 8TH e-newsletter of the North
American World Music Coalition (NAWMC). Thank you
to all who have submitted items for this newsletter. We are
excited to introduce our new newsletter format;
please bear with us as we work out the details.

DON'T SEE YOUR INFO LISTED HERE? JOIN US!!!

To join NAWMC, please print, fill out, and mail in our
membership form at www.rockpaperscissors.biz. Basic membership is
more affordable than you might think! Encourage
your colleagues to join - the more people that join,
the more useful this tool will be for members. For
questions/comments about this newsletter, please
send them to: info at worldmusiccoalition.org

Happy Reading!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
COALITION NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DISCOUNTED WOMEX REGISTRATION FOR
NAWMC MEMBERS

The NAWMC and WOMEX are pleased to announce
that a limited number of Silver level NAWMC
members will be eligible for a significant discount
on their WOMEX delegate registration fees this year.
The first 20 Silver level members (in good standing),
who register through the Coalition, will qualify for a
fee of only 140 Euros. Additionally, a further 10
discounted registrations will be made available
exclusively for any members who will be attending
WOMEX for the first time this year.  First timers can
qualify for any of the 30 discounts available.

These discounts will be allotted on a first come first
served basis - your membership with the coalition
will have to be up to date and in good standing for
you to qualify. For confirmation of your current
membership status, please contact Sabrina at
info at worldmusiccoalition.org.

For anyone interested in joining the Coalition as a
new member and taking advantage of this offer, go to
the website and click the "Join Now" link for
instructions on how to proceed.

The start date/time for submitting requests to register
for the discount will be 12 noon PST on May 18th and
will close at 12 noon PST on June 1st.  Just send an
email to info at worldmusiccoalition.org any time after
12 noon PST, May 18th and requests will be
processed in the order they are received. We regret
that only credit card payments can be accepted for
this offer.



Delegates who register through this offer will receive
all the same benefits and services from WOMEX as
they would through normal registration channels -
including a separate entry in the WOMEX guide.

Direct all queries in advance of the start date to:
ian at meta4world.com.

SEED GRANTS

After far too long a delay, the NAWMC is finally able
to announce the three winning proposals for the
Seed Grant initiative that was launched by Dmitri
Vietze late last year. Congratulations go out to Mark
Gorney (Billboard Chart Lobbying initiative), Heather
Good and the Wisconsin Union Theatre (World Music
Student Leadership program) and Sabrina Sadeghi
(Peacebuilding through World Music Festivals:
Promising Practices). Details about each proposal
will be available to view on the website shortly. Look
for a call for proposals for the second round of
NAWMC Seed Grants coming soon.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CD RELEASES
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CALYPSO at DIRTY JIM'S, CD + DVD (Trinidad and Tobago)
Fifteen of best Calypso anthems of the fifties in
acoustic style - including "Jean & Dinah," "Mathlida,"
"Rum & Coca Cola," "Nora," "Shame & Scandal,"
"Ugly Woman," "Never Ever Worry," and "Memories" -
by the best-ever Calypsonians: Calypso Rose, the
Mighty Sparrow, Mighty Bomber, Mighty Terror, Lord
Superior and Relator.
Label: Seeking distribution in the US
Contact: Jean Michel Gibert, Maturity Music,
868-625-4829, F. 868-623-5669,
jmg at ritualsmusic.com, www.calypso-at-dirty-jims.com

ECCODEK, "Voices Have Eyes" (Canada)
The follow-up to their well received White Swan
Debut "More Africa In Us."
Label: White Swan
Contact: Joel Davis: info at whiteswan.com
US Street Date: April 24th, 2007

FRANCESCA ANCAROLA, "Lonquen" (Chile)
A tribute to Victor Jara, the iconoclastic folk singer
whose music helped organize the oppressed masses
and led to the election of Salvador Allende.  When
General Augusto Pinochet took over in a bloody coup
on September 11th, 1973, Jara was arrested, tortured
and murdered.  His music was banned in Chile until
1989 but lives on in Francesca's contemporary
renditions of these powerful songs.
Label: Petroglyph Records, Burnside Distribution Co.
& In Stone Music Distribution
Contact: Kelly Rudy, 505-776-2574,
kelly at petroglyphrecords.com,
www.petroglyphrecords.com
Release date: March 15th, 2007

MARCEL KHALIFE, "Taqasim" (Lebanon)
A composition for oud, double bass and Near
Eastern percussion.
Label, distributors: Nagam Records, Sterns Music
Contact: Mustafa Habib, 713-454-3838,
nagam at aol.com, www.marcelkhalife.com
Release date: January 2007

MARTA GOMEZ, "Entra Cada Palabra" (Colombia/South America)
Mostly original pieces featuring different rhythms from
nearly all South American countries.
Label: Chesky Records
Release date: Late 2006


THE MCDADES, "Bloom" (Canada)
Upstart Canadian Celtic group deliver their Juno Award-winning sophomore 
release.
Label: Free Radio
Contact: Shannon Johnson, info at freeradio.com

OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK, "The Patience Tree" (Turkey)
Assorted traditional, original, and contemporary pieces from the Middle 
East.
Label: White Swan Records
Contact: Joel Davis, 303-527-0770,
joel at whiteswanrecords.com
Release date: Late 2006

SANDY SCOFIELD, "Nikawiy Askiy" (Canada)
This First Nations singer, composer and musician
has previously won four Canadian Aboriginal Music
Awards, received two consecutive national Juno
nominations, and taken home regional awards. Her
fourth CD, "Nikaway Askiy," blends many musical
elements - traditional singing, blues, folk and hip-hop
- and is all held together by the recurring theme of
our mother, the earth.
Label: Arbor Records, EMI Canada distribution
Contact: Ellie O'Day, 604-731-3339, ellie at oday.org,
www.sandyscofield.com
Release date: April 19, 2007


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOUR DATES WANTED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ALTAN: Ireland, 5 Members
For over twenty years no Irish traditional band has
had a wider impact on audiences and music lovers
throughout the world than Altan. Their award winning
recordings and live performances bring the beauty of
traditional Celtic music, particularly that of Donegal
fiddlers and singers, to contemporary audiences.
Tour dates: Late February and March 2008
Seeking: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/altan

ANGILIQUE KIDJO: Benin/Africa, 7-9 Members
One of the world's most electrifying performers,
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angilique Kidjo has
garnered four Grammy nominations while cross-
pollinating the West African music of Benin with
elements of R&B, funk, jazz, and Latin. With her fun-
loving personality and on-stage charisma, Angilique
is one of the most popular artists on the current world
music scene.  Her new album, "Djin Djin" is set to be
released on May 1, 2007 via Razor & Tie and
Starbucks Entertainment, and features duets with
notables such as Josh Groban (who has tapped her
as sole support for his North America tour that kicks
off in February), Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel, Alicia
Keyes, Joss Stone and more.
Tour date: November 2007 and February through April 2008
Seeking these cities: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/angeliquekidjo

CALYPSO ALL STARS FEATURING CALYPSO ROSE AND MIGHTY SPARROW: Trinidad & 
Tobago, Old-style Calypso, 12 Members
A traditional fifties orchestra, including acoustic piano
and double bass, backing the biggest calypso stars,
sings the best known calypso anthems: "Jean &
Dinah," "Mathilda," "Rum & Coca Cola," "Nora,"
"Shame & Scandal" and more.
Tour dates begin:  November 9, 2007
Tour dates end:  November 15, 2007
Seeking all cities in the US (except Miami, as we will
perform at Carnival Center on Saturday 10th November 2007)
Contact: Jean Michel Gibert, Maturity Music, E.
jmg at ritualsmusic.com T. 868-625 4829, F. 868-623-5669

CiU: Brazil, 3 Members
"Bringing in elements of jazz, soul, samba, Musica
Popular Brasileira, electronica, reggae, hip-hop and
trip-hop, her relaxed tunes are packed with lovely
melodies and her colorful voice." (Billboard) Her self-
titled debut (released April 3, 2007) was co-released
by Starbucks Hear Music and Six Degrees Records.
In the first two weeks of the release, her album
peaked on Billboard's top 200 at #57.  In the first
three weeks of its release, the album has sold almost
30,000 copies in addition to knocking Celtic Woman
off the #1 spot (which had been holding on to it since
August of 2005) on Billboard's Top World Album chart.
Tour Dates: September through October 2007
Seeking: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/ceu

CHERISH THE LADIES: Ireland/USA, 9-11 Members
Celebrating two decades as the most successful and
sought-after Irish-American group in Celtic music
history, Cherish the Ladies share the timeless Irish
traditions passed down from fathers to their
daughters.  The all-female ensemble's spectacular
blend of virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals,
captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing
showcases all the facets of traditional Irish culture.
Tour dates: July/August 2007; October, Late
November and December 2007; March through April 2008
Seeking: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/cherishtheladies

DOBET GNAHORE: Ivory Coast, 5 Members
Introduced to North American audiences on
Putumayo's Acoustic Africa Tour, Ivory Coast vocalist
Dobet Gnahori has ignited stages in Africa and
Europe with her vibrant performances. As a child,
Dobet was trained in the music and dance traditions
of the Biti people by her father, a well-known
performer in West Africa. Dobet sings in various
African languages and her music reflects a variety of
influences from the Ivory Coast.
Tour dates: September 2007
Seeking these cities: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/dobetgnahore

GAL COSTA: Brazil, 6 Members
Unanimously regarded as one of Brazil's most
important musical exports alongside Gilberto Gil,
Caetano Veloso, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gal
Costa has released over 30 albums, sold millions of
records worldwide, and appeared in major motion
pictures. Known primarily as the Tropicalismo
movement's foremost female singer and guitarist of
the late 1960's, Gal now entrances audiences with
her intimate take on Bossa Nova.
Tour dates: late October and early November 2007
Seeking: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/galcosta

GENTICORUM: Quebec, Quebecois Traditional, Trio
Genticorum, an energetic and original French-
Canadian traditional music trio from Montreal, is
rooted in the music of its native province of Quebec
while also incorporating the dynamism of today's
North American and European folk cultures. Weaving
together wooden flute, fiddle, acoustic guitar, jaw
harp, bass, foot percussion and strong vocal
harmonies, the trio produces a tapestry of musical
textures. Genticorum are an incomparable group,
and their live performances are riveting. Do not miss
the opportunity to experience their boundless energy.
Tour dates begin: January 15, 2008
Tour dates end: January 30, 2008 *Other tours in the
works. Call for info.
Seeking: CA, NV, WA, OR, UT
Contact: Sandra Peevers, 607-547-9494,
sandy at OnQueueArtists.com,
www.OnQueueArtists.com

GOKH-BI SYSTEM: Dakar, Senegal
Gokh-Bi System has been invited to attend the Selam
African Festival in Oslo, Norway in November 2007
and is seeking more shows in Europe for the GBS
2007 Fall tour.  The band's EPK is available at
www.sonicbids.com/gokhbisystem and includes
sample tracks from our live show, review press and
the award-winning video "Mission of Music," which
appeared in the National Geographic All Roads Film
Festival.  You can also view the video on YouTube
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XgjlkmJ6D1Q
Tour dates: Fall 2007
Seeking: referrals to festivals/venues in Europe
Contact: Doug Deutsch, A ROUND WORLD Music/
AMU Music "Ancient Meets Urban (TM),"
917-885-7475, www.ancientmeetsurban.com,
www.gokhbisystem.com, www.aroundworld.net

IDAN RAICHEL PROJECT: Israel, 8 Members
Producer, keyboardist and composer Idan Raichel
joins forces with musicians from Israel's Ethiopian
community, reflecting the diversity of the
contemporary Israeli music scene. Raichel's
entrancing fusions, sung in Hebrew, Arabic and the
Ethiopian languages of Amharic and Tikrit, have
made him Israeli popular music's greatest recent
success story. Ancient tradition meets contemporary
technology in one of the most inspirational projects in
world music today.
Tour dates: November 2007
Seeking: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/idanraichel

KATE RUSBY: United Kingdom, 2-4 Members
Her dedication to the most pure version of English
folk music has transformed the genre. Because of
Kate, "English Folk Music" is no longer considered a
dirty phrase among fans and critics. She makes folk
music for people who never thought they would like
folk music. "The Girl Who Couldn't Fly," is a blend of
traditional folk tunes and new originals. The same
graceful, timeless feel of the songs Kate digs out of
dusty old books can be found in her own
compositions. A casual listener would be hard-
pressed to distinguish one from the other.
Tour dates: April through May 2008
Seeking these cities: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/katerusby

KIRAN AHLUWALIA: India, Ghazals and Punjabi Folk Songs
CD release tour (New CD to be released on Times Square in August 2007).
Looking for plays to pair with existing dates in these time frames:
West Coast USA between September 8 to 13, 2007
North East USA between September 19 to 30, 2007
South West USA between October 18 to 25, 2007
Pacific North West between November 18 to 26, 2007
Contact: Ian Menzies, Meta4 Music, ian at meta4world.com

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO: South Africa, 10 Members
It is Ladysmith Black Mambazo who represents the
traditional culture of South Africa. They are regarded
as South Africa's cultural emissaries at home and
around the world.  "It isn't merely the grace and
power of their dancing or the beauty of their singing
that rivets the attention, but the sheer joy and love
that emanates from their being." - Paul Simon
Tour dates: January through March 2008
Seeking these cities: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/ladysmithblackmambazo

LE VENT DU NORD: Quebec, Quebecois Traditional, Quartet
In 2002, Le Vent du Nord exploded onto the folk
music scene. Their first recording, "Maudite Moisson!"
was awarded the Juno (Canadian Grammy
equivalent) for Traditional Album of the Year in 2004.
Their second album was Album of the Year at the
Canadian Folk Music Awards. In 2005 the band was
named North American Traditional Artist of the Year
by the North American Folk Music and Dance
Alliance. Crowds are dancing to the sound of fiddle
and hurdy-gurdy, featuring both traditional and
original repertoire. One of the group's many strengths
is their animated stage presence: dynamic,
generous, and in touch with the audience.
Tour dates begin: May 2008
Tour dates end: April 2008 *Other tours in the works. Call for info.
Seeking these cities: Mid-west, MN, IA, WI, etc.
Contact: Sandra Peevers, 607-547-9494,
sandy at OnQueueArtists.com,
www.OnQueueArtists.com

LENINE: Brazil, 4 Members
With his husky voice, unique style of guitar playing
and his irresistible blend of Brazilian Popular Music,
rock, and traditional music, Lenine is considered the
standard bearer of the Brazilian music scene for the
21st century. In the past year, Lenine has won two
Latin Grammy's and virtually swept Brazil's annual
music awards, winning "Best CD," "Best Male
Vocalist" and "Best Song."
Tour dates: April through May 2008
Seeking: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/lenine

MARCEL KHALIFE: Lebanon, 6 performers + sound engineer and manager
Recognized and celebrated as a cultural icon in the
Arab World and arguably its foremost composer and
oud master, Lebanese musician Marcel Khalife tours
the US and Canada in 2007, premiering his critically
acclaimed new work, "Taqasim," and performing
works from both his new and old lyrical repertoire.
Khalife was named UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2005.
Tour dates begin: September 26, 2007
Tour dates end: November 17, 2007
Seeking these cities: Portland, Sacramento- Davis,
Phoenix, Albuquerque or Santa Fe, Denver or
Boulder, Madison, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Birmingham,
Miami, Orlando and open to others not listed.
*P-3 visa available until 3/25/2008
Contact:  Mustafa Habib, 1-713-454-3838,
nagam at aol.com, www.marcelkhalife.com

MARY BLACK: Ireland, 6 Members
A living legend in her homeland of Ireland, Mary
Black has long held the attention of followers of Irish
music as one of the finest vocalists in the world.
"Blessed with a voice that is pure gold" (Los Angeles
Times), she has a proprietary way with material -
wearing it like a second skin, investing it with the
breath of life and total conviction.  Heartfelt and
uncalculated, Mary's work is grounded in passion
and respect.
Tour dates: October 2007
Seeking: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/maryblack

OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK: Turkey, Middle Eastern, Sextet
>From the southern Turkish city of Adana, multi-
instrumentalist Omar Faruk Tekbilek is a virtuoso on
several instruments, including the ney (bamboo
flute), zurna (double-reed oboe-like instrument),
baglama (long-necked lute), and percussion.  A
brilliant interpreter of Sufi, folk, and contemporary
music of the Middle East, he has recorded fourteen
critically-acclaimed CDs. Band includes kanun,
guitar, dumbek, keyboards, percussion.
Tour dates begin: September 15, 2007
Tour dates end: October 1, 2007 *Other tours in the works. Call for info.
Seeking these cities: Mid-west, Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, etc.
Contact: Sandra Peevers, 607-547-9494,
sandy at OnQueueArtists.com,
www.OnQueueArtists.com,
www.omarfaruktekbilek.com

OSCAR CASTRO-NEVES: Brazil, 5 Members
Renowned as a composer and arranger, Oscar
Castro-Neves is equally well-known for his distinctive
guitar style as for being an accomplished record
producer who has worked with dozens of major
artists in a wide range of jazz, popular, Brazilian and
classical idioms. Few musicians in the world today
can boast a career that reflects a lifetime of
accomplishments as diverse, rich and acclaimed as
guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves.
Tour dates: April 2008
Seeking: All Territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/oscarcastroneves

PLANET DRUM Featuring Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussain, Sikiru Adepoju, and 
Giovanni Hidalgo: USA, 6 Members
Planet Drum reunited in 2006 to celebrate the fifteen-
year anniversary of the critically acclaimed album of
the same name.  The first Grammy Award winner in
the World Music Category, this all-star global
percussion ensemble - featuring percussionists from
India, Africa, Cuba, and North America - defines the
term "world beat."
Tour dates: September and October 2007
Seeking: All Territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/mickeyhart

RAMIRO MUSOTTO: Brazil, 5 Members
Ramiro performs his trademark sound of avant-
garde, experimental Brazilian music playing a
traditional instrument called berimbau. The berimbau
is a large bow-shaped instrument that produces
mystical, hypnotic tones.  Visuals featuring images of
South America are projected onto a screen, which
are synchronized with the rhythms to make the show
even more dynamic. To listen to the music of Ramiro
Musotto is to hear a glimpse of the future sound of
South America.  Ramiro has been called a shaman of
the berimbau and a pioneering spirit in the current
Brazilian music scene. He is available for workshops
and clinics as well.  Ramiro's new CD, "Civilizagco &
Barbarye," will be released in the US on May 8th thru
Circular Moves.
Tour dates begin: September 7, 2007 (Brazilian Independence Day)
Tour dates end: open
Seeking these cities: open to ideas
Contact: Alexandra Casazza,
alex at troubleworldwide.com,
www.troubleworldwide.com, http://
www.ramiromusotto.com/index.htm, http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dcfFiwjCcw,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5h2i_NE5JQ,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN1vYJs211Q

ROKIA TRAORI: Mali
Mali's Rokia Traori is recognized as one of the
greatest voices in all of Africa today. Full of freshness
and verve, and with natural authority and great
integrity in her artistic choices, she has already
charmed many of the most influential musicians on
the African continent. She is perhaps most celebrated
for her live shows, which Time Out London says are
"arguably the most exciting, most thrilling live African
music show around."
Tour dates: February 2008
Seeking: All Territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/rokiatraore

SAMARABALOUF: France, Gypsy Jazz Swing, 3 Members
France-based trio playing original gypsy jazz music
inspired by Django Reinhardt, combining musical
influences as diverse as calypso, boogie-blues,
flamenco-rock, waltz and Eastern European themes.
Samarabalouf has played three successful North
American tours in Alaska, Northwest, California, New
Mexico, Mid-West, Louisiana, Kennedy Center, New
York City & Eastern Canada since Spring 2004.
"Brisk musical intensity, articulate playing and
infectious enthusiasm." -Los Angeles Times (March 2007)
Tour begins: April 14, 2008 (Mid-West)
Tour ends: May 11, 2008 (Alaska)
Seeking: dates in Washington, California, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri
Contact: Bernard Schmidt,  212-564-4443,
bschmidtpd at aol.com, www.bernardschmidtproductions.com

SLAVIC SOUL PARTY!: Brooklyn, NYC, Balkan Brass Band, 9 Members
Fiery Balkan brass, hip-grinding American grooves,
and ecstatic anthems both new and old: Slavic Soul
Party! is just what it says. Brash and strong as
slivovitz, these nine musicians have forged a
virtuosic new brass band music in the heart of New
York City - melding Gypsy, East European, Mexican,
and Asian immigrant backgrounds with American
jazz and soul - and "developed a reputation for
delivering a great time" (NY Times).  One of the
hardest-working bands in New York, SSP! plays
nearly 100 times a year in the US, Europe, and
beyond.  They have performed at Babylon (Istanbul)
with the Karandila Orkestar, at Irving Plaza (New
York City) with Gogol Bordello, on the Warped Tour
(US), and virtually in every major club. They are
touring the US to promote their new CD,
"Teknochekcollision."
Tour dates begin:  September/October 2007
Tour dates end:  Open
Seeking these cities:  Midwest and West Coast
Contact : Alexandra Casazza,
alex at troubleworldwide.com, http://
www.troubleworldwide.com, http://myspace.com/
slavicsoulparty, http://rockpaperscissors.biz/go/
slavicsoulparty

SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA: Spanish Harlem/New York, 13 Members
Grammy Award winning, Spanish Harlem Orchestra
has quickly established itself as the curators of the
tradition borne of the integral East Side community
known as "El Barrio."  Led by Oscar Hernandez, who
has enjoyed a prolific musical career as a pianist
performing, arranging and directing the groups of
Rubin Blades, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Julio
Iglesias, and Paul Simon, the Spanish Harlem
Orchestra is taking their appeal and rhythmic
seduction to the next level.  Six Degrees is slated to
release their next record due out in May 2007.
Tour dates: July 2007, September and November 2007 and March-April 2008
Seeking: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/spanishharlemorchestra

VUSI MAHLASELA: South Africa, 4 Members
Vusi Mahlasela is an accomplished singer, guitarist,
and bandleader.  His music was recently featured in
the Oscar-winning South African film "Tsotsi."  A
superstar in his native South Africa and a goodwill
ambassador to Nelson Mandela's 46664 Foundation,
Vusi now enjoys an ever-growing worldwide
following. "He was a voice during the revolution, a
voice of hope, like a Woody Guthrie or a Bob Dylan of
South Africa, and he still is," says  Dave Matthews.
His new recording, "Guiding Star," was released on
ATO Records in March 2007.
Tour dates: February and March 2008
Seeking: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/vusimahlasela

VDSEN: Sweden, Swedish Traditional, Trio
Vdsen plays heavenly music based in the rural
Swedish tradition with a contemporary flavor. They
carry brilliant acoustic ensemble interplay to new
levels with an energy and attitude that is rarely found
in acoustic bands. Nyckelharpa (keyed fiddle) and
viola melodies are propelled by twelve-stringed
guitar. Their music can connote classical string
quartets at one moment and upbeat folk/pop another.
Vdsen is a unique ensemble whose telepathic
intensity makes their music transcendent. Sublime,
dark, ecstatic, lush - usually all at the same time.
Vdsen plays traditional music with a modern attitude;
acoustic instruments with power and emotion.
Tour dates begin: April 10, 2008
Tour dates end: April 30, 2008 *Other tours in the works. Call for info.
Seeking these cities: PA, NY, OH, New England, Mid-Atlantic
Contact: Sandra Peevers, 607-547-9494,
sandy at OnQueueArtists.com,
www.OnQueueArtists.com

YOUSSOU N'DOUR: Senegal, 10-15 Members
Grammy Award-winning Senegalese singer Youssou
N'Dour is one of the world's most important artists.
Known for breaking down linguistic and cultural
barriers, his thoroughly modern African pop style has
influenced artists as diverse as Peter Gabriel and
Paul Simon. "If any third world performer has a real
shot at the universal popularity enjoyed by Bob
Marley, it's Youssou." -Rolling Stone
Tour dates: November through December 2007
Seeking: All territories
Contact: holly at imnworld.com, www.imnworld.com/youssoundour


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SIGNINGS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MARTA GOMEZ: Colombia
Signed to: On Queue Performing Artists
Starting date: April 1, 2007
Territories: US, Canada
Graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Berklee
College of Music, Marta has developed an extensive
music career in the US as one of the most interesting
singer songwriters on the world music scene today.
Marta mixes the joy of the Caribbean with the
nostalgia of the Andes, adding jazz and pop
elements. She takes the authenticity of South
American indigenous folk music into a hip new realm.
With more than 70 composed songs, Marta not only
traverses a whole range of Colombian cumbias and
bambucos, Argentine zambas, Cuban sones and
Peruvian landos, but also writes melodies and
refrains that translate across any language.
Contact: Sandra Peevers, 607-547-9494, sandy at OnQueueArtists.com

OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK: Turkey
Signed to: On Queue Performing Artists
Starting date: March 1, 2007
Territories: US, Canada
Honored as a peacemaker and virtuoso, Omar Faruk
Tekbilek's work transcends political boundaries while
maintaining traditional sensibilities. Born in Adana,
Turkey, he was a prodigy as a child and developed
proficiency on the kaval, a small diatonic flute. Omar
Faruk eventually mastered several other instruments;
ney, zurna, baglama, oud and percussion.   Omar
Faruk studied religion with thoughts of becoming a
cleric, or imam. In Istanbul, he became a studio
musician, and blossomed into playing with leading
Turkish musicians of the day. He moved to the US in
1976. He has contributed to numerous film and TV
scores and to many recordings including world
sacred music albums, and has toured extensively
throughout the world.
Contact: Sandra Peevers, 607-547-9494,
sandy at OnQueueArtists.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PEOPLE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LE VENT DU NORD
Rejean Brunet (of The Brunet Brothers) has joined
the band in the place of Benoit Bourque. Rejean is a
consummate musician, and plays accordion, bass,
piano and sings. The band has a new album coming
out in October, and we have a pre-release available
for anyone who wants to hear Rejean.
Contact: Rejean Brunet, rejean at leventdunord.com

MARTA GOMEZ
Emilio Teubal has joined Marta's band. Born in
Madrid and raised in Argentina, he studied piano at
the National Conservatory of Buenos Aires.  He was
a very active performer in the tango and jazz scene of
Buenos Aires until 1999, when he moved to New
York City to continue his musical studies. In the
United States, Emilio graduated magna cum laude
from City College of New York.
Contact: Emilio Teubal, emilio at martagomez.com

ON QUEUE PERFORMING ARTISTS: Cooperstown, NY, USA
Megan Romer has joined us as agent for CO, NV, AZ,
NM, GA, FL, TX, OK, LA, SC, TN, MS, KS, AL, MO,
NE, and AR. Megan writes the World Music section of
About.com, and is a veritable Who's Who of the music
scene.
Contact: Megan Romer, 337-412-0524,
megan at OnQueueArtists.com,
www.OnQueueArtists.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RETAIL NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IN STONE MUSIC DISTRIBUTION: Taos, NM, USA
In Stone Music is an alternative distribution company
adapting Starbucks' proven formula: selling music in
independent coffee shops and other non-traditional
retail outlets.  People have to hear music in order to
want to buy it so we place music into retail shops that
play music to set the ambiance for their customers.
They get enough exposure to want to purchase it.
We expect sales of up to 20,000 CDs next month and
desperately need to expand out catalog, particularly
with great world music.  Please send us your
submissions!
Contact: Kelly Rudy, PO Box 2040, El Prado, NM
87529, 505-776-2574,
kelly at petroglyphrecords.com,
www.instonemusic.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VENUE/FESTIVAL NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CONCERT OF COLORS: ACCESS/Arab American National Museum, Dearborn, MI, USA
Date: July 19-22, 2007
Venue: Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3663 Woodward
Ave., Detroit, MI
The 15th annual Concert of Colors free world music
festival expands to four days and 30 acts. Headliners
include the Neville Brothers and Hugh Masakela; the
program also includes a public forum on Community,
Culture & Race as well as family activities. Event
partners are New Detroit, Inc. and the Detroit
Symphony Orchestra. Celebrate diversity in metro
Detroit with music!
Contact: Ralph Valdez, 313-624-0204,
rvaldez at accesscommunity.org;
www.concertofcolors.com or
www.arabamericanmuseum.org

GLOBAL GROOVE MUSIC FESTIVAL: Innovation Entertainment Group, Venice, CA, 
USA
Date: April 27, 2007
Venue: The Knitting Factory, Hollywood
The second annual Global Groove Music Festival will
feature three eclectic bands that incorporate afro
beats, Latin rhythms and Middle Eastern-Asian
fusion. Designed to enhance and celebrate the
different cultures in our community, Innovation
Entertainment Group strives to strengthen and
establish a presence in the world community by
collaborating artists and organizing events such as
these.
Contact: Delton Henderson, 310-396-0710,
delton at innovationentertainment.com, http://
www.globalgroovemusicfestival.com/, http://
www.innovationentertainment.com

UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL SHOWS at S.O.B.'s:: Sounds Of Brazil
Venue: 204 Varick St., New York, NY 10014
Tuesday May 1: Tribeca Film Festival Rwandan Fest
Rwandan National Ballet: Urukerereza; Special guest from the Congo: Diblo 
Dibala
Sunday May 6: Haitian Jazz with Jowee Omicil & Chardavoine
Monday May 7: Kreyol Hip Hop Summit With Mecca
Aka Grimo & The Hip Hop Kreyol Movement Black
Alex, Sesa Consa, Mr. Reo, DJ Mad Sol & Dj Bobby Jamz
Wednesday May 9: Vusi Mahlasela
Wednesday May 23: Lucky Dube at the Fillmore New York (Irving Plaza)
Thursday May 24: Erol Josue (The Prince Of Haitian Roots Music)
Friday June 1: Ferro Gaita (The Best Funana from Cape Verde)
Friday June 8: T-Vice
Saturday June 30: DJ Delores (from Brazil)
Sunday July 1: Seun Kuti
Every Friday: Salsa Groove (Live Salsa)
Every Saturday: Samba Soul
Contact: Alex Damashek, 212-243-4940,
publicity at sobs.com, www.sobs.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MEDIA NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CBC RADIO: across Canada and on the Sirius Satellite Network
CBC have launched major changes to its Radio Two
broadcast schedule recently, with more to come
soon. There have also been changes at Radio One.
Many of the changes present new opportunities for
folk and world music artists to gain exposure.
See the website for the new program schedules:
http://origin.www.cbc.ca/programguide/radio/

TRINIDAD TUNES
The first ever legal downloading website with the
whole range of Trinidad and Tobago music, from
Calypso to Soca, including steelband, Reggae,
Ragga, Rapso, Chutney, Gospel and more, 100%
Trinidad and Tobago.
www.trinidadtunes.com
Launch date: May 8, 2007
Contact: Jean Michel Gibert, Maturity Music,
868-625-4829, F. 868-623-5669,
jmg at ritualsmusic.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INDUSTRY EVENTS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
None.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OFFER SERVICES
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WORLD MUSIC AGENCY: On Queue Performing Artists, Cooperstown, NY, USA
Artists from Sweden, Quebec, South and Latin Americas, France, etc.
Contact: Sandra Peevers, 607-547-9494,
sandy at OnQueueArtists.com,
www.OnQueueArtists.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WILD CARD - NEWS YOU CAN USE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RHYTHM ROAD: AMERICAN MUSIC ABROAD
PROGRAM
Thursday, December 14, 2006 - By Donald A. Griesmann, Esq.

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad Program,
co-produced by the United States Department of
State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and
Jazz at Lincoln Center, sends six selected quartets of
professional American jazz musicians and three
urban music quartets on tours to increase exposure
to American culture in various countries. Regions
include Latin America, Africa, the Middle East,
Europe, and Asia.

Each applicant must be at least 21 years of age, a
U.S. citizen, and hold a valid U.S. passport. (For
audition information or to apply click here.)
Successful applicants must demonstrate outstanding
artistic integrity, distinguished musical abilities, and
extensive knowledge of American culture. As touring
regions may be challenging, applicants must be
amenable to rigorous traveling and performance
conditions. In addition to concert performances,
selected groups will host educational activities that
include, but are not limited to workshops, master
classes and outreach activities. Each quartet may
apply in only one category: jazz or urban music.

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad Program
tours are under the official auspices of the U.S.
Department of State. These activities are assisted
financially by its Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs which funds international travel, hotels, &
meals, and awards a modest honorarium to each of
the selected groups. Jazz at Lincoln Center
organizes the tours and coordinates the auditions,
which are judged by professional musicians.
Selected quartets will perform in two concerts free to
the public, one at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's
Club Coca-Cola and one in Washington DC, prior to
their overseas departure. These performances and
all events abroad may be recorded and broadcast
non-commercially.
http://www.jalc.org/TheRoad_noFl/thetour.html

ADDRESSES FOR FILING ARTIST VISA PETITIONS TO CHANGE ON APRIL 2
The locations for filing visa petitions with USCIS will
soon change. Petitions filed on or after April 2 should
be mailed to either the California Service Center or
the Vermont Service Center, depending on the
location of the petitioner. Presently, all I-129 and
I-539 visa petitions are mailed directly to the
California Service Center for processing. There will
be a short grace period during which petitions filed to
the wrong USCIS location will be forwarded to the
appropriate service center. However, after April 17 petitions sent to the 
incorrect address will be
rejected and returned to the petitioner. For USCIS
Service Center Tips and Contact Information visit the
Artists From Abroad website (www.artistsfromabroad.com).

California Service Center (CSC)
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii,
Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada,
North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah,
Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Vermont Service Center (VSC)
Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District
of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York,
North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto
Rico, Rhode Island, South  Carolina, Tennessee,
Texas, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, West
Virginia


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Join The World Music Coalition Today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connections to the world around us are increasing
every day, opening up a vast global cultural
interchange for those who are willing to embrace it.
Music is on the leading edge of this trend, bringing
with it sounds and styles from around the planet. Like
never before, new sounds are finding their way into
our heads and our hearts, opening new routes to the
discovery and deeper understanding of the world
around us.

The North American World Music Coalition (NAWMC)
is made up of professionals and organizations from
all areas of the North American world music
community including; agents, artists, concert and
festival presenters, managers, media, recording arts,
retailers and fans. We are committed to advocating
for and promoting international music and artists -and
we encourage you to get involved on the ground floor
of this new organization. The NAWMC is a member
driven organization so whether you are an artist, an
industry professional or a devoted fan - we welcome
you to become part of our growing community of
diverse supporters of world music in North
America.

Act now. New members will receive a free 3-issue subscription to Global 
Rhythm magazine.

BRONZE MEMBERSHIP
Dues: $35/year
Benefits:
- one vote in annual Board election
- ability to be nominated or make nominations to Board
- receive e-newsletter
- get listed in our membership directory and on the website
- submit up to three items to e-newsletter annually

SILVER MEMBERSHIP
Dues: $100/year
Benefits: all of the Bronze membership benefits plus ...
- digital copy of membership directory
- submit up to 10 items to e-newsletter every year
- utilize Coalition exhibit space at industry conferences for placing print 
materials
- obtain industry conference discounts by registering as a Coalition member

GOLD MEMBERSHIP
- For contributions of $500 you or your organization can become a Gold 
Patron Member
**please contact the NAWMC to discuss the list of benefits for this level of 
membership**

Join now at www.worldmusiccoalition.org!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact Us
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
email: info at worldmusiccoalition.org
web: http://www.worldmusiccoalition.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

World Music Coalition | PO Box 1788 | Bloomington | IN | 47402-1788