Globe trot with music and more at the 12th annual Chicago World Music Festival from September 21-30. Listen to rhythms from all over the world while also browsing art, dance and films at 28 venues around the city. Over 75 artists representing countries including Brazil, India, Kenya, Senegal, Madagascar, Haiti, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Mali, Romania, Japan and Korea will unveil the music that moves the world.
Kicking off on September 21 with “India Calling,” a three day mini festival at the Chicago Cultural Center that features music, art, cooking demonstrations, yoga and meditation classes and a handicraft village that showcases Indian culture, the festival continues through the rest of the month with concerts and performances, many of them free. Highlights include Brazilian singer/songwriter Pedro Moraes, Mahala Rai Banda, a high energy gypsy ensemble from Romania and Razia Said, a singer from Madagascar who blends afropop with contemporary R&B. Don’t miss the World Music Artists Documentary Film Screening Marathon on September 25, at the Cultural Center, with movies from Spain, Dominican Republic and Haiti. All events are family friendly and low-cost or free. Continue your culture sampling with a visit to the city’s notable Persian restaurant, Reza’s. Enjoy authentic specialties like kabobs, hummus and herb-roasted feta cheese with red peppers, black olives and tomatoes.