Hemispheres festival

Hemispheres festival

Global Diva announced for Hemispheres festival

28 July 2000

The sensational international performer, Angelique Kidjo is set to join the line-up of Hemispheres, the Sydney 2000 Olympic Arts Festival's two-day celebration of music from around the globe at Centennial Park on Saturday 9 and Sydney 10 September, Festival Artistic Director, Leo Schofield announced today.
An international phenomenon known for her unforgettable live performances, Angelique Kidjo and her band, with their distinctive blend of Afro-American rhythms, moves and grooves, will headline the bill on Saturday September 9. Having performed many sell out tours here, the most recent to promote the release of her fifth album to date 'Oremi', Angelique Kidjo is well known to Australian audiences.
Mr Schofield also announced the addition of two impressive local acts — David Bridie and iOTA to the Hemispheres line-up.
After 15 years in the business David Bridie's recent debut album Act Of Free Choice received critical acclaim. Bridie, is renowned as a producer, soundtrack composer and central figure in local Melbourne acts Not Drowning Waving and My Friend The Chocolate Cake.
"An intoxicating sensory experience that transcends music. To call it a concert hardly seems adequate... The world is ready for you now Mr. Bridie."(The Australian — 26/6/00)
iOTA rose to prominence last year with Triple J airplay of Change the lead track from his eclectic debut album The Hip Bone Connection. iOTA has performed two sell out tours of the country and is a rising star in the local music scene.
"Sydney's iOTA has created one of the most assured, eclectic and unusual debut albums of the year...cross reference: Lenny Kravitz, Dave Matthews Band, Tom Jones, The Truth." 8/10 (Sun Herald 8/8/99)
Hemispheres will be staged at the beautiful Mackay and Mission Fields areas of Centennial Park on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September, the weekend prior to the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Sensational international line-up for Arts Festival's Hemispheres

16 June 2000

Juan de Marcos' Afro-Cuban All Stars, Natacha Atlas and Transglobal Underground to head all-star line-up at festival's biggest event.
Sydney 2000 Olympic Arts Festival Artistic Director Leo Schofield has announced details of Hemispheres, the festival's two-day celebration of music from around the globe.
The event, the biggest in the festival program, will be staged at the beautiful Mackay and Mission Fields areas of Centennial Park on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September, the weekend prior to the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Click here to buy Hemispheres tickets.
Sixty thousand people are expected to attend this landmark concert event which will star more than 40 contemporary, Latin, world, funk, dance and blues acts from Australia and overseas performing simultaneously on two stages, with some of the world's best-known DJs and dance acts appearing under a huge big top.
Included in the extraordinary line-up of talent from around the world are Juan de Marcos' Afro-Cuban All Stars, featuring members of the band from the Oscar-nominated film and record Buena Vista Social Club. This extraordinary gathering of some of Cuba's most brilliant musicians appears in Australia for the first time for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Arts Festival.
Their Hemispheres appearance kicks off an Australian tour presented by Andrew McKinnon which includes Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and a return to Sydney to perform at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on 18 September.
"Hemispheres once again demonstrates that the Olympic Games are a magnificent draw-card, a unique and potent magnet for performers", Mr Schofield said. "Hemispheres superbly complements and further strengthens our entire festival program and reflects the truly international nature of this once-in-a-lifetime global celebration".
The full Hemispheres line-up:
Juan de Marcos' Afro-Cuban Allstars
Ali Farka Toure
Asian Dub Foudation
Natacha Atlas
The Creatures
Transglobal Underground
Dimitri from Paris
Shooglenifty
Paul Kelly
Alex Lloyd
Christine Anu
Telek
Samullori
Endorphin
Jimmy Little
Nokturnl
Karma County
Wicked Beat Sound System
Mara ! & Martensia Choir
Gondwana
Friendly
Soma Rasa
Full Fathom Five
Passi Jo, Tchico Tchicaya & Warako Musica
Systa BB & Sam G
Cafe of the Gate of Salvation
Stiff Gins
Stella One Eleven
Epizo Bangoura & African Express
DJ Akaash
Psycho Zydeco
Dwight "Chocolate" Escobar
Kaha
Kavisha Mazzella