globalFEST (www.globalfest-ny.org), the preeminent springboard for global music in North America, has been exploring and presenting a deeply rooted, sonically diverse world to influential  North American arts professionals and avid music fans for eight years. Keen to find global performers—both veterans and newcomers—perfectly poised for wider notoriety, globalFEST throws one of the year’s best international music parties while expanding the horizons of musicians and audiences alike.

This year’s globalFEST comes to New York City’s Webster Hall (125 E. 11^th St.) on January 9, 2011 at 7pm. The one-night festival includes two U.S. debuts and one New York debut. Tickets are $40. ($35 for members of World Music Institute) (www.ticketmaster.com or by phone through World Music Institute box office: 212-545-7536).

This year’s festival line-up & set t imes:

Rhythm of Rajasthan – (India) 7:00-7:45
Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole – (Hawai’i) 7:15-8:15
Creole Choir of Cuba – (Cuba) 7:30-8:20
Orquestra Contemporânea de Olinda – (Brazil) 8:05-8:50
Pedrito Martinez Group – (NY/Cuba) 8:35-9:35
Chamber Music: Ballaké Sissoko & Vincent Segal – (Mali/France) 8:40-9:30
RAM – (Haiti) 9:10-9:55
Yoro Ndiaye – (Senegal) 9:50-10:40
Zikrayat – (Egypt/NY) 9:55-10:55
La-33 – (Colombia) 10:15-11:00
Diblo Dibala – (The Congo) 11:00-11:50
Novalima – (Peru) 11:20-12:05
Red Baraat – (NY/India) 11:15-12:15

Though globalFEST often highlights hip and vibrant hybrids emerging from music hotspots—represented this year by Novalima’s Afro-Peruvian electronica, RAM’s interweaving of Haitian vodou spiritual song with rock sensibilities, and Red Baraat’s funky brass band-does-Bollywood extravaganza—this year, organizers Isabel Soffer of World Music Institute, Bill Bragin of Acidophilus: Live and Active Cultures, and Shanta Thake of Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, noticed something new in the air: a passion for tradition.

“I recently met a presenter who specializes in experimental music,” recounts Bragin. “And even he was more and more interested in traditional music. He said that he was finding a freshness in tradition that felt less homogenized than many of the so-called musical ‘experiments’ he encountered. We’ve seen a similar response to previous globalFEST performers who represented lesser-known musical traditions from global ethnic minorities.”

This freshness pops out of performances by the Creole Choir of Cuba (who have toured previously in the U.S. as Desandann), who for generations have passed down songs in Cuba’s Haitian community with roots going back to the turn of the 19^th century. Or in the stunning songs of youthful native Hawaiian artist Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole (NY solo debut), whose family has carefully tended the spiritual and sonic heritage of the islands for more than a century.

You are invited to Haiti Week 2010!

The Global Syndicate’s Haiti Project will host Haiti Week, a series of dynamic and festive events taking place every evening during the week of December 6^th. All of the proceeds from Haiti Week will go to one of their beneficiaries, Hollywood Unites for Haiti, to help the organization complete building a school for the children of a small town called, Cadet.   This will be an opportunity for NYC to once again show its continued support for the challenges currently facing Haiti and more specifically, the kids of Cadet.

Monday @ Libertine
Address: Gild Hall- A Thompson Hotel, 15 Gold Street, New York, NY 10038
Time: 7p-11p
Concept:Holiday celebration catering to influential members of The Global Syndicate’s network.  Attendees will range across industries, but will generally have attained some level of notoriety in their field.  Dinner and drink specials will be available.  Attire is business.  Fifteen minute program starts at 8p.

Tuesday @ La Merde
Address: THE PARLOUR -  247 W. 30TH(7TH & 8TH) CLOSER TO 8TH AVE. Time: 7p-11p
Concept:Holiday celebration catering to the next generation of business leaders from across finance, legal, marketing, politics, and other disciplines.  Dinner and drink specials will be available.  Attire is business casual.  Fifteen minute Program starts at 8p

Wednesday @ TBD
Time: 7p-11p
Concept:Entertainment industry focused holiday celebration.  Dinner and drink specials will be available.  Attire is trend setter chique.  Fifteen minute program starts at 8p.

Thursday @ Brooklyn Bowl
Address: 61 Wythe Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11211   (718)963-3369 |
Time: 7p-12am
Concept:Eclectic downtown Brooklyn crowd place their stamp on Haiti Week.  This event will tie in with Quest Love’s weekly event and guarantees to be special.  Dinner and drink specials will be available.  Attire is Brooklyn eclectic.  Fifteen minute program starts at 8p.

Friday @ The Freedom Party
Address: Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleeker Street, New York, NY, 10012, Phone: 212-505-FISH (3474) 
Time: 10p-4am (To be confirmed) Guest list closes at 12am
Concept:We will end Haiti Week properly with “off the wall” dancing at The Freedom Party hosted by DJs Herbert, Cosi, and Marc Smooth!  After 7 years, this party is still rated the best dance party in NYC by party aficionados and the press;  and on December 10^th special guest DJ Rich Medina will be on the turn tables ensuring the GET DOWN!  Attire is Freedom—be yourself because we like you as you are.

Suggested contribution for all events are $25, $50, $75, $100, $250, and other.  Register at: www.theglobalsyndicate.org