Rise 2008 - bringing people together, with live music from around the world - details of festival stages
There are around 50 acts performing across five stages throughout the day, which kicks off at midday and runs until 8:30pm. Between them, the stages offer an eclectic and lively mix of music and performance drawn from around the world, which can also be heard every day in the capital.
(Media-Newswire.com) - This year's Rise festival takes place in Finsbury Park on Sunday 13 July, with live music from around the world that reflects London's diversity and highlights this year's theme of bringing people together.
There are around 50 acts performing across five stages throughout the day, which kicks off at midday and runs until 8:30pm. Between them, the stages offer an eclectic and lively mix of music and performance drawn from around the world, which can also be heard every day in the capital.
London Mayor Boris Johnson is keen to stress the significance of the festival: 'Rise is still an anti-racist event. But I see Rise as a celebration of what unites the diverse communities of London, not a negative event highlighting differences and focusing on grievances. A music festival allows us to rejoice in the origins, roots and cultures that make London the greatest city on earth.'
Already announced have been details of the main Rise Stage, which features CSS, Jimmy Cliff, The Aliens, Dub Pistols featuring Terry Hall and Rodney P, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, TY, Bashy & No.lay, Beardyman and Kitty, Daisy and Lewis. Also added to the Rise stage are rising star Zarif, whose debut single 'Let Me Back' is due out shortly, and Sarah-Jayne Crawford, who people will have caught presenting on E4. Soul Jazz Records Soundsystem are also spinning on the main stage.
DETAILS OF THE OTHER STAGES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
AFRICAN VILLAGE Rwandan born Karengera Eric Soul and Kenyan born DJ Edu, presenter of DestiNation Africa on BBC Radio 1Xtra, are hosts and DJs for a very mixed programme:
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni ba - Mali’s superstar, virtuoso ngoni player, who were one of the highlights of the recent Africa Day event in Trafalgar Square. Emmanuel Jal, whose life as a child soldier inspired his radically conscious hip-hop album 'War Child'. Gambian kora jali ( meaning bard or musician ) Tata Din Din Jobarteh is bringing the sensational Afrika! Afrika! house band to fire up the festival. Grupo Lokito, featuring Cuban taught pianist Sara McGuiness and Congolese singer José Hendrix Ndelo with their exuberant fusion of Congolese and Latin rhythms. Zimbabwean artist Mashasha; Yaaba Funk and their addictive celebration of the 1970s Ghanaian Hi-Life. Massukos from Mozambique, who bring messages about humanitarianism and health. Bigga Fish's Route to Roots will include musicians and rappers from Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, The Gambia and Mali, linking up with London talent, including Kele Le Roc, Bashy, Durrty Goodz, Lady Likez, Silvastone and Ignorants.
DJ STAGE Musical heroes bringing a selection of some of their favourite tunes:
Trojan Sound System Ashley Beedle, dance music pioneer, not least as part of X-Press 2, is bringing his reggae inspired project Warbox and a live collaboration with Beardyman and Trojan Sound System. Alex Paterson, most famous for his work as one half of The Orb, is playing tracks from his recently released album of his favourite reggae tracks. Jerry Dammers, founder of the Specials and a continuing influence on today's musicians Count Skylarkin, the "King of Rum and Bass".
UNDERGROUND LONDON Established and breaking artists on the underground circuit and UK urban talent coming out of inspirational youth projects:
Tawiah, the 21 year-old South Londoner who has just won the Gilles Peterson Worldwide Award for Best Newcomer Kele le Roc and Bashy join the Bigga Fish presentation, which also includes Durrty Goodz, Lady Likez, Silvastone, Ignorants & African musicians. BrazenBunch collaboration involving spoken word artists, violinists and singers. Rising Tide, showcasing Nu-Skool Soca and Rap artists. Urban Development, hosted by Twin B, including dancehall/funk fusioneer Aynzli Jones, while CD-R DJs Nwachuku and Gavin Alexander play unreleased mixes, mashups and edits.
DESERT REMIX Hosted by DJ Ritu & DJ Tofustan, with a showcase of music programmed by Continental Drifts that includes Turkish, Kurdish, Berber, Sephardic, Middle East pop, desert music and dance:
U-Cef & Michaella Belly Dancing All Stars, a fusion of classical Egyptian bellydance styles performed to the hottest mixes of Arab, UK and US dance music. Algerian-born Cheb Nacim combines exotic rhythms such as Flamenco, Salsa and Rumba. Los Desterrados – "The Exiles" - with their radical take on the ancient folk music of the Sephardic Jews, mixed with the music of their youth – rock 'n' roll, jazz, folk, flamenco, funk and soul. Alcazaba, one of the best Flamenco-Andaluz London-based live acts. Nensimilia - using the veil, sagat and stick, this dancer takes in Egyptian folklore, Balkan and Turkish Gypsy dance, fused with underground vibes. Silk Road Anatolian Dancers present traditional children folk dancers in full costume. Mecca2Medina aim to educate, entertain and enlighten through the music of conscious hip-hop Lines of Faith ft. Poetic Pilgrimage Muslim and Jewish performers, rap and Arabic rock.
BIG DANCE On the final day of Big Dance 2008 ( www.visitlondon.com/bigdance ), the citywide celebration of dance, people attending Rise can take part in a lively programme of demonstrations and workshops. All ages and abilities welcome, no experience or previous skill necessary. Featured styles: African; Streetdance; Flamenco; Bellydancing; Salsa.
The Rise festival is a free event celebrating diversity, organised by the Greater London Authority and supported by Canary Wharf, Transport for London, British Transport Police and Kato Enterprises. Additional sponsorship is being sought; organisations wishing to find out more about sponsorship opportunities should email lucinda.mee@london.gov.uk.
LISTINGS INFORMATION ( subject to change )
Event: Rise Location: Finsbury Park, London N4 Date: Sunday 13 July 2008 Time: 12pm – 8:30pm Entry: FREE EVENT Public information: www.risefestival.org / 020 7983 6554
MEDIA ACCREDITATION Journalists, photographers and film crews wishing to cover Rise need to apply for accreditation by 5pm WEDNESDAY 9 JULY. Please email communitydesk@london.gov.uk. Full NUJ or other press cards are required. For additional information, or if you do not have a press card, please email communitydesk@london.gov.uk as soon as possible, or call 020 7983 4071 / 4599.
Notes to Editors
Rise is a free, one-day festival celebrating diversity, organised by the Greater London Authority and supported by Canary Wharf, Transport for London, British Transport Police and Kato Enterprises. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lucinda Mee, Partnership Sales Manager on 020 7983 6517; email lucinda.mee@london.gov.uk. For general information, including how to get involved, go to www.risefestival.org; email info@risefestival.org or call: 020 7983 6554.
Release Date
This story was released on 2008-07-01. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.
