Wobeonfest 2015: World Music and Jazz Fusion Festival and World Cultures Conference
WOBEONFEST returns to Ironwood Hall in Downtown Austin this September, marking the third year of this international festival. Highlights include an expanded 3-day program featuring a brand new Jazz Fusion Festival and a World Cultures Conference, in addition to the Austin World Music Festival.
Drum legend BILLY COBHAM of Mahavishnu Orchestra fame headlines the inaugural Austin Jazz Fusion Festival. Cobham brings his Spectrum 40 quartet comprising jazz greats Gary Husband, Dean Brown and Ric Fierabracci. The band celebrates the music of Cobham’s first album and performs in the spirit of the rich 1970’s Fusion era. Also featured at the festival is guitar great SCOTT HENDERSON with his new trio comprising Travis Carlton and Alan Hertz. Henderson is best known for his pioneering work with the bands Tribal Tech and The Zawinul Syndicate.
Malian guitarist VIEUX FARKA TOURE and his quintet headline the 3rd annual Austin World Music Festival. The son of the legendary Ali Farka Toure, Vieux brings a fiery electric rock and blues edge to his melodic dexterity, prompting fans to fondly refer to him as the “Jimi Hendrix of the Sahara.”
Both festivals include other touring artists, plus local Austin favorites. Confirmed thus far are Afrobeat sensation Hard Proof, Eastern Soul diva Naga Valli, Jazz Fusion stalwart Glenn Rexach, and rising stars Curious Android. More artists will be added throughout the summer.
Aside from the music, WobeonFest is introducing a 2-day World Cultures Conference that seeks to promote a deeper discussion and understanding of socio-economic issues of global importance at local Austin, Texas, national and international levels.
Festival tickets are available for advance purchase at http://wobeonfest.com/tickets. Media inquires can be directed to press@wobeonfest.com. For all other inquiries and sponsorship information, please visit the WobeonFest website, or email info@wobeonfest.com.
This festival is made possible in part by the generosity and support of sponsors and organizations such as KUTX Austin, Ironwood Hall, the City of Austin Cultural Affairs Department of the Economic Development Department, Texas Folklife and others.
