Two critically acclaimed and exciting artists have been secured for WOMAD New Zealand 2018.
Los Angeles saxophonist, composer and jazz superstar KAMASI WASHINGTON and Indian classical and progressive sitar virtuoso ANOUSHKA SHANKAR have signed on to be two of the headlining acts for the popular three day international music and dance festival.
Multi-award winning Washington is a jazz giant who has played alongside Lauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg, John Legend and most recently, Kendrick Lamar. Kamasi’s contemporary take on jazz have been compared to John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis, and he has wowed crowds and critics at both Coachella and Glastonbury.
Hailed as one of the hottest young jazz acts in the world, Washington will perform exclusively at WOMAD New Zealand, alongside his impressive full band.
Grammy nominated sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar will also be one of the headlining acts. The 36-year- old is the half-sister of American singer songwriter Norah Jones and is one of the leading figures in World Music today.
Named as one of Time magazine’s Asian Heroes, Anoushka Shankar is a much lauded musician, author and columnist, as well as a strong advocate for women’s rights. Taught to play the sitar by her father, the famous Ravi Shankar, Anoushka Shankar has performed with a wide range of artists, including Sting, Eric Clapton, Lenny Kravitz, and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
“These two critically acclaimed artists are leaders in their respective genres and both artists reflect the strength and diversity that WOMAD New Zealand has become recognised for” says NZ Programme Manager; Emere Wano. “World Music is still our core and every year we present acts from many corners of the world, including New Zealand and Australia. We aren’t just about being outward looking at what the World can bring to us, but inclusive and showing the World what we have here at home too.”
They join the already announced classic Kiwi band DRAGON.
The full line-up will be announced on the evening of October 18.
WOMAD New Zealand is on March 16 to 18, 2018 at Brooklands Park in New Plymouth. Tickets are on sale now from womad.co.nz.
Press Release:
WOMAD NZ 2018 will see the festival celebrate its 14th anniversary in the stunning 55-acre Brooklands Park and the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth 16-18 March 2018.
Over the years, WOMAD NZ, has rightfully gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful outdoor festivals in the world and after going on sale with early-bird tickets on July 10th, 2017 WOMAD made a new record, with early-bird tickets selling out in record time!
Festival tickets are on sale now – for all ticketing info please go to www.womad.co.nz
The main stage is set at the base of a natural amphitheatre and not only provides a stunning setting, but an acoustic experience second to none. The other three stages are located throughout Brooklands Park, with every square inch oozing the vibrancy of WOMAD. The maximum capacity for WOMAD is 15,000 ticket holders per day so you’ll never feel like you are in a mosh pit – in fact bring a blanket and enjoy refreshments in stylish chill out areas, watch a cooking demonstration or explore the stalls and workshops. The kids will be entertained at Kidzone with workshops especially for them spread over the weekend. WOMAD is not just music! There’s plenty of other things on site to discover, come along and soak up the warmth of the WOMAD vibe.
The WOMAD campsite is situated next to the festival within the New Plymouth Racecourse and TSB Stadium. The festival site is also located a short distance from New Plymouth’s centre, if you book early you could even get a motel or hotel or house close enough to walk.