WobeonFest: An Austin World Music Festival

WOBEONFEST returns to Ironwood Hall in Downtown Austin this September, marking the third year of this international festival. Highlights include an expanded program featuring a brand new Jazz Fusion Festival in addition to the World Music festival.

Drum legend Billy Cobham of Mahavishnu Orchestra fame headlines the inaugural Austin Jazz Fusion Festival. Cobham brings his Spectrum 40 quartet comprising jazz greats Gary Husband, Dean Brown and Ric Fierabracci.  The band celebrates the music of Cobham’s first album and performs in the spirit of the rich 1970’s Fusion era.  Also featured at the festival is guitar great Scott Henderson with his new trio with Travis Carlton and Alan Hertz.  Henderson is best known for his groundbreaking work with fusion band Tribal Tech, and for his role with Joe Zawinul and The Zawinul Syndicate.

Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Toure and his quintet headline the 3rd annual Austin World Music Festival.  The son of the legendary Ali Farka Toure, Vieux brings a fiery electric rock and blues edge to his melodic dexterity, prompting fans to fondly refer to him as the “Hendrix of the Sahara.”

Both festivals will showcase other touring artists, plus local Austin favorites. Confirmed thus far are local Afrobeat favorite Hard Proof, Eastern Soul diva Naga Valli, Jazz Fusion stalwart Glenn Rexach, and rising fusion stars Curious Android.  Other artists will be added to the lineup over the course of the summer.

Festival tickets are available for advance purchase at http://wobeonfest.com/tickets. Media inquiries can be directed to press@wobeonfest.com. For all other inquiries and sponsorship information, please visit the WobeonFest website, or email info@wobeonfest.com.

This festival is made possible in part by the generosity and support of organizations such as KUTX Austin, the City of Austin Cultural Affairs Department of the Economic Development Department, Texas Folklife, and others.