Bohemia is a celebration of World Music culture right in the heart of Melbourne.
The inaugural 2017 event will be staged at Collingwood Town Hall on Saturday 4 March and will feature headline performances by celebrated musicians from their respective nations, Australia’s Archie Roach and Istanbul’s Mercan Dede.
These two cultural icons have inspired generations of fellow musicians and audiences with their unique ability to tap into the heart and soul of their times, to create a universal language capable of uniting old and young, ancient and modern, East and West, black and white.
Both as Mercan Dede with his Secret Tribe and his alter ego DJ Arkin Allen he has performed at diverse events in almost every corner of the world. In 2005 he became the first Turkish artist to reach #1 of the world music charts. Under 9 different names he has released more than 100 singles worldwide. Mercan Dede, Arkin Allen, Blueman and Poundmaker aside, he still keeps 5 other names secret even from his own management and family; believing that nothing should stand between sound and the ear, include the artist himself.
Mercan Dede is rightly recognized as one of the most creative and unique artists in the electronic and world music scenes today. Uniting people from different backgrounds regardless of their age, cultural background or personal differences, Mercan Dede never fails to impress with the captivating sounds and explosive energy he creates on stage. mercandede.com Ross Daly’s musical language encompasses traditions from the East, from India through Persia to Turkey and Greece, and champions the Cretan lyra. His quartet comprises fello Cretan lyra player Kelly Thoma, and Australian musicians Matt Stonehouse and Paddy Montgomery. globalmusicagency.com/ross-daly
Vila Navio is the artistic project of Andre Coelho Rodriguez, accompanied by musicians including Claudio Silva on trumpet and flugelhorn and Eduardo Soares on Portuguese guitar. Musically, the group offer a modernization of Portuguese traditional music, incorporating elements of popular music, contemporary jazz and electronic samples that has led them to be described as “Portuguese traditionalists unafraid of mixing it up”. vilanavio.com
Bashka’s live performances are energized with a truly Melbourne sound combined with the delicacy of traditional Turkish instruments and master players. Live samples and loops merge seamlessly with ancient acoustic and modern western instruments to create music which brings to life old folk songs, gypsy ballads and dance music from the dirt streets of old Turkey. bashka.com.au
Bohemia
Saturday 4 March | From 6pm
Collingwood Town Hall
140 Hoddle St, Abbotsford, Victoria
Tickets | Facebook