Global Beat Festival explores music from around the world befitting the stunning acoustics of the magnificent glass-vaulted Winter Garden. Each night pairs two groups from different traditions for an unforgettable 3-day experience.
Niyaz
The Fourth Light CD release show
Described by the Huffington Post as “an evolutionary force in contemporary Middle Eastern music,” Niyaz first stepped onto the world stage in 2005 with their infectious self-titled debut album, appearing at #1 on iTunes. They continue to explore the music of regions around Azam and Loga’s native Iran, to shed light onto the plight of immigrants and minority ethnic and religious groups who struggle to maintain their identities. Hear the global trance pioneers seamlessly blend medieval Sufi poetry and folk songs, along with a guest whirling Dervish dancer.
Emel Mathlouthi
Hailed by The Guardian for her “astonishing range and sensuousness,” Tunisian singer, songwriter, and composer Emel Mathlouthi moves between rock, trip-hop, and electronica to create an arresting cross between Tricky, Joan Baez, and Björk. She gained attention when her protest song “Kelmti Horra (My Word is Free)” was adopted by the Arab Spring revolutionaries in 2010 and soon became an anthem throughout the region.