Hi this is Gemma Dempsey and this week the Global Gig Guide goes to Australia for the Sydney Festival and to Canada for Toronto’s WinterCity event – although thanks to global warming it may be winter down under and summer in Canada!
Leaving that political hot potato aside for now, lets head off to Sydney for a festival which floats rather than kicks off with 7 hot air balloons gliding over the City with speakers attached to each one.
With over 250 events, this festival has something for everyone – Lou Reed performs the first major live performance of his album ‘Berlin’ at the iconic Sydney Opera House, directed by Julian Schnabel and featuring the unique voice of Antony of Antony and the Johnsons. Other musical offerings include Sweden’s progressive jazz trio E.S.T, Germany’s Jazzanova , the UK’s Crazy Penis and a band dubbed as ‘The Gaudis of Electronica’ the Pinker Tones from Spain. If you were a fan of Stomp, its creators have a new show called ‘Lost and Found Orchestra’ – described as ‘a celebration of found sound’ – expect everything from saws to the kitchen sink!
Swopping your cossie for your winter woolies, we make our way To Toronto for a 14 day event that celebrates the city’s diversity – from great culinary experiences to music to theatre. The list of musical performers includes Canadian artists Sloan, the New Pornographers and Oh Susanna. If theatre is more your thing, WinterFest hosts the North American premiere of Italy’s Kitonb’s production of the aerial and acrobatic spectacular ‘Carillon’ – its described as a 360 degree experience – rather like the Global Gig Guide!
That’s it for this weeks Global Gig Guide – check back with us next week for more information on global gigging.
KCRW
