Last
night, Wednesday 22 October, at the Grand Hall in Parliament, it was announced
that, once again, the world was coming to Taranaki in 2015. Supported by speeches from sponsors, Arts
Minister Maggie Barrie and their local MP Jonathan Young the Taranaki Arts
Festival unveiled the line up for the 11th iteration of this immensely popular
all ages festival. Director Emere Wano referred to her bill as "a box of
chocolates", quoting Forest Gump gleefully. As always the 3 day festival had a mix of
classical, jazz pop, blues ethnic variance and performance art. Headlining will be three acts exclusive to
WOMAD – Irish pop diva Sinead O'Connor, West African Music legend Youssou
N'Dour and Folk/Blues Pioneer Richard Thompson.
In the mix were also a Balkan beat band, Spanish soul singers,
innovative newsreel mash-up crew Public Broadcasting Service, traditional Mali
troubadours and a band who make all their instruments from rubbish. Kiwi artists included rising Country star Mel
Parsons, legendary reggae band Trinity Roots and Wellington based meteoric
risier Estere who performed her funky single "Charlie" with Lola (her
MPC) at the launch. Early bird tickets are
already on the festival website, where you can find the full line up and while
you’re there, don’t for get to vote for your favourite local act. The winner will take out wildcard stage spot
for next year’s WOMAD.
