KCRW World Festival Lineup Announced

LA-based radio station KCRW 89.9 will continue its tradition of hosting the KCRW World Festival for its 13th year running. The festival will run for six Sundays, starting June 26th.

6/26/2011 – Big in Japan
Electro-pop group Yellow Magic Orchestra, with original members Ryuichi Sakamoto, Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi perform their first LA show since 1979.
Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori reunite Cibo Matto for this special night, which will also feature rare appearances from Tokyo’s Buffalo Daughter and Deee-Lite DJ Towa Tei, plus traditional taiko drumming, kabuki-style dance, experimental contemporary visuals and more for an unforgettable evening celebrating Japan.

7/10/2011 – Journey to India with A.R. Rahman and the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Indian movie composer, five-time Oscar nominee A.R. Rahman will see his film scores performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic while scenes from the films are screened. Traditional Indian music and some of Rahman’s Bollywood hits will also be performed with dancers.

7/14/2011 – Global Soul with Rickey Minor, Stevie Wonder, and Friends
Special guests Janelle Monáe, Grace Potter, Rocky Dawuni, Sharon Jones,
Ceci Bastida, Mia Doi Todd, Bombino, The Soul
Explore soul sounds across cultures, genres, and generations with musical director Rickey Minor of American Idol fame. The evening will include a 30th anniversary tribute to Marvin Gaye’s record, “What’s Going On.”

7/31/2011 – Reggae Night X – Tuff Going Worldwide & Ziggy Marley Salute
Special guests I-Threes featuring Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, Toots Hibbert, Mighty Diamonds, and Ras Michael.

8/28/2011 – Serge Gainsbourg Tribute with Jean Claude Vannier
Special guests Beck, Ed Droste (Grizzly Bear), Victoria Legrand (Beach House), Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl (The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger), China Forbes (Pink Martini), Mike Patton (Faith No More), Nika Roza Danilova (Zola Jesus), and additional special guests to be announced.
The legendary concept album Histoire de Melody Nelson will be performed in full with orchestra and guests, plus more Gainsbourg classics throughout the evening.

9/11/11 – The National, Neko Case and Sharon Van Etten
Three American artists celebrate the collective spirit and resolve of the nation under the stars of the summer sky.