So you enjoyed the World Cup. You loved the international flavor, all those countries and cultures mixing right here at home. You like music too, right? Great. Keep the international groove going at the Lowell Folk Festival.
This weekend, the 39th edition of the free fest will take over downtown Lowell, packing the streets with stages, food, family fun, and lots more. With an increasingly expansive view of folk, the event will show off sounds and styles from the World Cup countries and cultures.
Elida Almeida, Cabo Verdean funaná and batuque
Cape Verde has got a lot of moxie — the men's team nearly took down Argentina a few weeks ago. That bold spirit can be heard in the country's musical mix of African rhythms, Latin instruments, and stunning vocals. Elida Almeida is a wonderful example of that mix. For a decade, the rising star has been proudly pushing forward the styles of funaná and batuque. If you're a fan of Portuguese soaps you may have caught her breakthrough hit, “Nta Konsiqui,†which went viral after appearing in a hit TV show.
Peniel Guerrier, Haitian dance
The fest champions dance alongside music. And maybe the best example of that comes in the Astoria-based Peniel Guerrier. The Haitian dancer, choreographer, drummer, and educator connects heritage to art. Through color, movement, and rhythm, he brings to life the magic of Haitian Vodou.
Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie, zydeco
French like a baguette? Well, no, but even tastier. If you really want to hear some cultures come together, there is nothing like zydeco. Geno Delafose, the “Creole Cowboy,†plays a mean accordion over top a gumbo of r&b, soul, blues, and creole music. It's music that demands you dance, holler, and have a good time.
Melissa Carper & Emily Gimble, classic country
How about some American music? But what is American music? Well, it's definitely what Melissa Carper & Emily Gimble got cookin'. The pairs' Texas twang pulls in bits of bluegrass, western swing, and every kind of wonderful Americana detour.
The Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers, Wampanoag social songs and dance
What else is American music? The Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers from Cape Cod, Aquinnah, and Herring Pond regions pull from native traditions that date back not decades but centuries. The members see their music and dancing as a way to teach others about the values, perspectives, and culture unique to “the people of the first light.â€
For details on these artists and a dozen more acts that run from Delta blues to Sicilian traditional music to South Indian santoor and tabla, visit lowellfolkfestival.org
