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Ukraine band among 42 world music acts set for TD Sunfest

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A musical powerhouse from war-stricken Ukraine will be among the headliners at this year’s TD Sunfest.

DakhaBrakha  will make their fourth appearance at Sunfest in Victoria Park July 7-10, headlining on the main stage July 9 and on the beer garden stage on closing night, although schedules have not yet been confirmed.

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They will be among 22 international and 20 national musical groups performing on five stages during the four days, the line-up unveiled at a news conference Thursday.

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“We booked (DakhaBrakha) long before the conflict started and we didn’t know what would happen because they are based in Kyiv but they’ve confirmed,” said Alfredo Caxaj, Sunfest founder and co-artistic director with his daughter, Mercedes.

“It will definitely be a very meaningful performance because, when they’ve been here before, the whole community has embraced them so I expect it will be very special for everyone given the very unique circumstances. But this festival is all about the music which always brings people together.”

Among the national acts coming are Sunfest stalwarts Lazo, the reggae star from Toronto also known as Mr. Sunfest for having appeared at all but a couple of years since the festival began in 1994, Samba Squad, whose wildly entertaining and highly energetic Brazilian percussion-based music never fails to delight audiences. London’s own Eagle Flight Singers also will return. There are several Juno Award nominees and winners in the line-up, including Laila Biali, Ammoye, Djely Tapa, Lazo, and Zaki Ibrahim,

Noticeably absent from the line-up is Five Alarm Funk, the wacky, fun-loving Vancouver crew who have become a staple at Sunfest and one of the most popular world music bands in the country. But they will be coming to London July 29 for a show at London Music Hall.

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Another highlight this year, said Caxaj, is the showcase of four musical acts from Spain’s Canary Islands:

Alba Gil, described in promotional materials as “the rebellious saxophonist, flutist, vocalist and composer” who has drawn worldwide interest from festivals for his fusion of jazz, improvisation, electro, hip-hop punk rock and Canarian folk.

Yone Rodriguez, who plays the five-stringed timple and is considered a leading expert of the instrument.

Olga Cerpa Y Mestisay, considered the most important female vocalist from the islands and a two-time Latin Grammy nominee.

Hirahi Afonso, also a timple player and composer who explores a number of genres including jazz and pop blended with traditional Canarian music.

Co-artistic director Mercedes Caxaj noted the line-up, both national and international acts, is sprinkled with new, up-and-coming world music stars who should appeal to all audiences, but especially a younger crowd and those curious about the future.

Among the exciting new acts, said Mercedes Caxaj, are

Colombia’s Ghetto Kumbe, who bring their Afro-Caribbean rhythms mixed with sometimes haunting African house beats.

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Brazil’s Grammy-nominated Francisco El Hombre, whose activist sentiments ripple through their music to condemn economic and political oppression, especially in relation to the country’s LGBTQ2 community.

Quebec’s Funk Lion, featuring singer-songwriter Francis Brisebois whose music is described as “rock infused with Afrofuturism, Negro spiritual song and Voodoo Funk . . . best described as a psychedelic carnival.”

Sonido Pesao, a Montreal band “dedicated to original urban Latin music . . . a potent mix of styles and sounds encompassing cumbia nueva, reggaeton, hip-hop, electronic music and a touch of old school.”

“The younger crowd is going to enjoy these acts, which bring super high energy, new sounds and are creating new genres,” said Mercedes Caxaj, who described Funk Lion as “gritty and edgy” while noting Sonido Pesao “will really get the people jumping.”

Also unveiled Thursday was London Brewing Co-operative’s Sunfest beer, a hisbiscus lime gose-style beer, which will be available for sale at the end of June.

Visit the website sunfest.on.ca for a full description of the musical acts.

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Beyond the music, the festival will see more than 225 food, craft and visual art exhibitors spread throughout the park, with food including an array of ethnic delights to help celebrate the music that comes from Europe, Asia, South America, the Caribbean, Central America and points in between.

After two years of organizing virtual festivals, Alfredo Caxaj said it’s good to be back in the park.

“This festival is a celebration of life returning to normal after two-and-a-half years of pandemic,” said the elder Caxaj.

“We lost so many people, we need to celebrate that we’re alive and continuing with our love of music. Sunfest has always been a powerful vehicle to bring people together. Music heals the spirit.”

jbelanger@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/JoeBatLFPress


If you go

What: TD Sunfest, featuring 22 international and 20 national world music acts and 250 food, crafts and fine art exhibitors.

When: July 7-10.

Where: Victoria Park.

Tickets: Admission is free, although donations accepted.

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