THE RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL BEGINS!!!!     (中文)

Date: 07 July 2006
Written By: Yeoh Jun-Lin

And so a full year has gone past. Kuching is trembling with so many musicians gathered at the Santubong area for the 9th Rainforest World Music Festival.

Sixteen bands on stage, twenty-seven workshops – all to be held over the 3-day weekend,  beginning today.

The workshops will start at 2.00 pm. These are a varied mix of mini concerts, demonstrations, mini lectures and interactive sessions.

Today’s workshops are titled : Of Drums & Gongs – a look at traditional Malay percussion, Deep Throat – the art of Mongolian throat singing, Lips & Teeth – instruments that need some skilful mouth technique, Stories from the Steppes – a nostalgic epic recitation from Kyrgyzstan, Stomp! – interactive Quebecois foot tapping and set dance, Strumming Along – a look at guitars, Music Of Madagascar – customs and traditions from another rainforest, The Black-Eyed Faeries – musical confrontation of two bands, and Longhouse Games – interactive Bidayuh entertainment.

The night’s show will begin at 7.30 just after sunset. As a set tradition, the festival will start with the iconic sape from Sarawak played by 2 brothers – Henry and Joseph.

This will be followed by the samul nori CHUNGMYUNG ART TROUPE from Korea. On second stage will then be the boys from Canada – GENTICORUM. Then dance music from Austria with HOTEL PALINDRONE. The quartet CALLE SUR will play Latin American music and NAHAWA DOUMBIA from Mali will finish the evening.

The Sarawak Tourism Board is the organizer for the event and it is also supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia. They also have on board with them, Malaysia Airlines who is Official Airlines 9th year running as well as fROOTS magazine as Media Sponsor. DIGI is the official telco while supporting sponsors like Heineken and Water Genesis are also adding their support to the festival.

Tickets are priced at RM60 and RM30 for children aged 3 – 12 years. Tickets might still be available at the gate. Ring the Sarawak Tourism Board for more information at 082-423600. Or call the Sarawak Cultural Village where the festival is held – 082 846411.

In the last few days, musicians, media people and lots of television crews have been streaming into Kuching airport.

The Rainforest World Music Festival will be THE place to be.

Yeoh Jun-Lin
Artistic Director
Rainforest World Music Festival