THE TOWN TRASCENDS BRAZIL’S BORDERS AND REACHES MORE COUNTRIES

International Tickets Now Available Less Than Two Months Before Festival Doors Open

Following the overwhelming success of The Town Festival in Brazil, with tickets on the verge of selling out, ticket sales are now open to other countries. The festival has teamed up with BeFly Travel agency to offer ticket packages that include travel and entry to The Town.

BeFly Travel Tickets International General Single-Day Tickets Moreover, individual tickets are now available for purchase from international countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, UK, Spain, USA, among others. All sales are conducted through the international Ticketmaster platform.

International VIP Tickets

From the creators of Rock in Rio comes The Town Festival, debuting on September 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 9th, and 10th at the Interlagos Circuit—an impressive 360,000 m2 space undergoing complete renovation.

This new festival has swiftly established itself as one of the most significant events not only in São Paulo but throughout Brazil. Currently, it boasts a staggering 535,000 followers on social media, with profiles launched just a few months ago.

With an expected audience of around 500,000 people enjoying 235 hours of live music, The Town Festival features six stages where attendees can immerse themselves in new and unforgettable experiences, alongside various recreational areas and diverse activities.

These stages will showcase different scenographies inspired by São Paulo’s architectural icons:

SKYLINE STAGE Inspired by the city’s buildings, this stage will host the headline acts, including artists like Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, Post Malone, and others.

THE ONE STAGE This stage transcends music, presenting great artists and an scenography inspired by São Paulo’s museums’ art.

The stage features over 30 LED screens that transform the setting into an immersive experience, promising a unique show for the audience.

On this stage, both national and international artists like Ne-yo, Wet Leg, Racionais & Heliopolis Symphony Orchestra, Seu Jorge, among others, will perform.

SAO PAULO SQUARE Inspired by the region where the city was founded, this stage gathers some of its main architectural icons. It will showcase the biggest names in Jazz, such as Richard Bonna and Esperanza Spalding.

FACTORY Dedicated to urban culture, this stage will host Street Dance performances and showcase trap, hip hop, and rap shows.

NEW DANCE ORDER This stage is dedicated to Dance music, featuring different genres like House, techno, trance, and bass. It will present exclusive lineups for the festival, including both national and international names, as well as independent scenes that characterize São Paulo’s grassroots.

ROUTE 85 As a tribute to the enchanting and popular attractions of 1985, the year Rock in Rio brought international shows to Brazil, “Route 85” becomes a space dedicated to that era, in total synergy with The Town Festival, which celebrates its inaugural edition this year.

MARKET SQUARE This area will be a gastronomic space encompassing the diversity of São Paulo’s cuisine, including the unmissable Market Square.

VIP AREA To complete the experience, the festival will offer a climate-controlled VIP Zone with a buffet by a renowned chef and an exclusive bar.

Additionally, the Festival will feature a special area for mechanical games, including attractions like a roller coaster, giant Ferris wheel, zip line, and megadrop.

The Town Festival boasts a wide variety of artists performing on different dates. One of the headline acts is Foo Fighters, who will top the bill on September 9th at the Skyline Stage, thrilling the Brazilian audience with their new drummer.

The band first performed in Brazil for Rock in Rio in 2001, and their last show in the country was at the same festival in 2019. Now, four years later, they return to Brazil for the inaugural edition of The Town, an eagerly awaited tour that will be filled with thousands of excited fans singing along to hits like “Medicine at Midnight” and, of course, their greatest hits.

Another headlining act is the American band Maroon 5, delivering an electrifying performance on September 7th at the Skyline Stage. Known for hits like “Girls Like You,” “Sugar,” “Animals,” “Payphone,” and “She Will Be Loved,” among many others, they promise an iconic show.

Furthermore, the talented singer Bruno Mars will perform not just one but two days at the festival. The 14-time Grammy winner and 30-time Grammy nominee will delight the Brazilian audience at the Skyline Stage on September 3rd and 10th with hits like “That’s What I Like” and “Uptown Funk.” Bruno Mars is the most desired artist by fans and the most requested on social media for both Rock in Rio and The Town festivals.

Global music sensation Post Malone, known for hits like “Rockstar,” “Congratulations,” “Sunflower,” “Circles,” and “White Iverson,” will return to Brazil on September 2nd for another iconic performance at the Skyline Stage, offering the audience another show full of charisma, just like his memorable appearance in Rio de Janeiro.

Other confirmed talents for the festival’s lineup include Demi Lovato, Iggy Azalea, MC Cabelinho, Hariel, MC Ryan SP, Bebe Rexha, Alok, Luísa Sonza, The Chainsmokers, Liam Payne, Ludmilla, and Queens Of The Stone Age, among many others.

 

DAVID KAWOOQ, ASUNTOS PENDIENTES, AND MORE ARTISTS IN EXPOARTESANO’S CULTURAL PROGRAMMING

Expoartesano is one of the country’s most important commercial showcases for artisans. The 2023 edition begins on July 7th and will run until the 16th at Plaza Mayor in Medellín.

This fair brings together artisans from all corners of the country to offer visitors a representative sample of the highest quality artisanal production and to facilitate business opportunities and expansion, as well as visibility for the sector.

This year, the cultural offering will include the participation of multicultural artists from different regions of the country.

MUSICAL PROGRAMMING

The Yellow Pavilion, called “Language of Music,” will host the artists at Expo Artesano.

The shows will be led by Colombian musician and activist David Kawooq, who is recognized for being part of the band Doctor Krápula. Also included in the programming are Asuntos Pendientes, Chalupa Travel, and the Filarmónica Joven de Colombia, among others.

CONCERT SCHEDULE:

Friday, July 7th: Santy Clap (3:30 pm) and Alto Grado (5:30 pm). Saturday, July 8th – Official Opening Day: Grupo llanero (12:00 pm), David Kawooq (1:30 pm), and La Tifa (5:30 pm). Sunday, July 9th: Filarmónica Embera Chamí (1:30 pm) Monday, July 10th: Chirimía Cumbé y Son (5:00 pm) Tuesday, July 11th: Papayera la Jeringoza (5:00 pm) Wednesday, July 12th: Red de escuelas de música (5:30 pm) and Bamba Circo (6:00 pm). Thursday, July 13th: Sol Resonante (2:00 pm and 4:00 pm) Friday, July 14th: Sol Resonante (2:00 pm) and Chalupa Travel (5:30 pm). Saturday, July 15th: Trova con Caballo Loco (2:00 pm) and Asuntos Pendientes (5:30 pm) Sunday, July 16th: Filarmónica Joven de Colombia (12:00 pm) and Caballo Loco (4:00 pm).

Expoartesano is the fair where you can immerse yourself in the culture, music, tradition, and gastronomy of different regions of the country. It allows you to discover the story behind each craft and delve into the connection of centuries-old threads reflected in the handicrafts and the memories of their creators. This fair is a tribute to the essence, the artisanal tradition, the customs, the daily life, and the knowledge of each of these men and women who hold the creative DNA of Colombians in their hands.

 

 

 

                                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Villa de Leyva Moves to the Rhythm of Jazz: The VillaJazz Festival Returns

For thirteen years, the municipality of Villa de Leyva has been hosting a jazz festival. During the San Pedro and San Pablo holiday weekend, the town welcomes renowned artists from both the national and international jazz scenes. This year, the event will take place from June 30th to July 2nd, featuring two stages: the San Francisco Cloister and the Main Square of Villa de Leyva. In this edition, the festival pays tribute to the late Wayne Shorter, who passed away on March 2nd, 2023, leaving behind a significant legacy for Colombian jazz musicians. The festival will kick off on Friday, June 30th, at 7:00 pm at the San Francisco Cloister with a solo piano concert by the renowned Chilean artist Orion Lion. Lion has performed in America and Europe, released 18 albums with original material that showcases traditional Chilean music and jazz, and serves as the artistic director of the Chile Jazz for Peace Festival sponsored by UNESCO-Santiago and the ChilEUropa Festival organized by European embassies in Chile. Tickets for this event can be purchased by calling +57 310 322 7072.

Among the international guest bands in this edition is Chaivers from Peru, a project that blends festejo, hauyano, vals, and landó with the sounds of rock, jazz, and funk. On the national front, La Burning Caravan will be performing. This band is highly influenced by genres such as jazz and blues, but above all by Gypsy rhythms, giving their music a pioneering flair. Additionally, the festival will feature the Big Band of Teatro Colsubsidio – EMMAT, a project that seeks to showcase young talents involved in jazz education. Moreover, in the ninth edition of the VillaJazz Fest’s musical group call, 41 groups from different parts of the country participated, with a total of 150 musicians competing. Four winners were selected: Cuántica Látin Jazz, led by Pablo Marriaga from Barranquilla, representing young talent; Groovato, led by Camila Ortiz from Medellín; De Chonta from El Retiro Antioquia, led by Alejandro Jaramillo; and the duet of Gabriel Galvis and Felipe Rey from Bogotá. The panel of judges for this occasion consisted of Edmar Castañeda, Orion Lion, and Paola Vargas. As part of the academic activities, the festival will offer a master class on composition by Orion Lion and a panel discussion on the experience of festival management, featuring Paola Vargas, Director of the VillaJazz Festival, and Orion Lion, Director of the Chile Jazz for Peace and ChilEUropa festivals. “This time, the festival has broadened its horizons. It is an enormous joy to be able to welcome three guest countries: Peru, Uruguay, and Chile, as well as three regions of our country: Bogotá, Atlántico, and Antioquia, all coming together in our beloved Villa de Leyva during this holiday weekend. This allows our dream called VillaJazz to continue growing and consolidating,” said Arian Cuervo, Producer of the Villa de Leyva International Jazz Festival.

This event is supported by the Ministry of Culture of Colombia through the national cultural concertation program, the Government of Boyacá through the Secretary of Culture and Heritage, and the Municipality of Villa de Leyva. It also receives support from Villa del Cine Festival, the Cultural Center of Banco de la Republica in Tunja, as well as tourism entrepreneurs in Villa de Leyva, including Hospedería Duruelo, Hotel Plaza Mayor, Restaurant Los Quioscos del Cacique y La Real Puerta de San Pedro.

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Bogotá Pride Fest: Celebrating Freedom and Diversity in the Heart of the Capital

In its third edition, the Bogotá Pride Fest is set to transform the capital into a vibrant celebration of love, freedom, and inclusivity. This eagerly awaited event will take place on July 1, 2023, at Pradera Box, starting at 12:00 p.m., offering 15 hours of urban, pop, and electronic music, as well as showcasing new artistic talents from the city.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable party brought to you by ‘Alístate Que Estoy Suelta Como Gabete’ and ‘El Mozo Colombia,’ who will ensure an electric atmosphere to commemorate LGBTQI+ Pride Month. The festivities will include live performances, a vibrant dance floor, an entrepreneurship fair, and a diverse culinary experience.

The festival’s main stage will feature an awe-inspiring show by Ru Paul’s Drag Race superstar, Kameron Michaels, leaving attendees breathless. Additionally, the temperature will rise to a scorching 200 degrees with Sir Philis, the Escuadrón Caliente, and the intense rhythms of Suelta Como Gabete.

The Bogotá Pride Fest boasts three distinct areas: the Main Stage, the Latin Stage, and the Electro Stage, curated by the renowned Grood Taste collective from Medellín.

Highlighting the lineup are Latenaz, paying tribute to Chavela Vargas, and Diego Barros, the world’s most successful OnlyFans model, with a captivating performance. You won’t want to miss the sets by Dani Brasil and Ben Bakson, delivering unforgettable musical experiences.

For pop music enthusiasts, Cecille will grace the stage all the way from Mexico, enchanting the audience with her spectacular Beyoncé and Rihanna tribute show.

Of course, no Pride Fest would be complete without the dazzling performances of Colombia’s most recognized Drag Queens: Miss Lesley Wolf, Venus, Scarlett Santino, and the legendary artist, La Lupe, bidding her official farewell at this edition of the festival.

To attend this exclusive event for adults, tickets can be purchased at allticketscol.com. General admission tickets are priced at $60,000 COP plus a $5,000 COP service fee, while VIP tickets are available for $80,000 COP with a $87,000 COP service fee. For an extraordinary experience, consider the VIP + Meet & Greet package with Kameron Michaels, priced at $250,000 COP plus a $21,000 COP service fee.

Transportation services, including buses and vans, will be provided from 12:00 p.m. If you prefer to drive, you can also hire a designated driver service to ensure a safe journey. Simply call 316 438 6808 to make arrangements.

The Bogotá Pride Fest has relocated to Pradera Box, a mere 15-minute drive from Calle 170, offering a more accessible location for attendees.

Mark your calendars for July 1, 2023, and get ready to immerse yourself in a colorful and joyous celebration of diversity at the Bogotá Pride Fest. Join thousands of like-minded individuals as you embrace love, freedom, and equality.

 

 

 

SoAlive Music Conference: Boosting the Music Industry in Bulgaria and the Balkans

The SoAlive Music Conference is an annual Bulgarian music event sponsored by Mrs. Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Culture, Innovation, and Youth. Its main objective is to accelerate the music industry in Bulgaria and the Balkan region.

Objectives and Goals

The SoAlive Conference is an annual music event that aims to accelerate the music industry in Bulgaria and the Balkan region.

It seeks to promote the teaching and learning of music, creativity and musical expression, research and dialogue, diversity, exchange of practices, and opportunities for the Balkan region. With a program packed with panels, seminars, parties, events, and performances, this conference provides a unique opportunity for artists, music industry professionals, and fans to meet, network, and advance in their careers. From emerging artists to music industry veterans, everyone has the chance to make lasting impressions and establish meaningful connections through group discussions and individual mentorship.

While many of SoAlive’s goals are mentioned here and are publicly available, more specific objectives may be defined during the development and production of this conference.

Conference Location and Dates

The conference will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, on October 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2023.

Locations: National Palace of Culture – Hall 2 / Sofia Live Club / Mixtape 5

Scope

The conference is primarily aimed at participants from Bulgaria and the broader Balkan region, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia, as well as Greece and Turkey. However, panelists and speakers from both the Balkan region and the global music industry are expected to participate in the conference.

Target Audience

The conference focuses on music professionals, musicians, creatives, tech industry specialists, students, and independent music professionals who share a common interest and dedication to improving music and musician relations in countries throughout the Balkan region. The conference aims to expand opportunities, both nationally and internationally, for these music and industry professionals, as well as potentially for trade bodies and policy makers.

The primary working language of the conference will be English, given its focus on an international audience and panels. Bulgarian will be used when appropriate.

Conference Structure

The conference is planned as a three-day event primarily centered around music showcases and discussions. Each day of the conference will have a specific theme, for example: Industry Day, Next Generation Day, etc.

Panel discussions will have a standard duration of approximately one hour. Each panel will feature two to five speakers and a moderator, for example.

Some sessions will take the form of interviews, such as interviewing an independent artist and/or their representative.

The main focus of the SoAlive Music Conference 2023 is Music Sync and Supervision

Highlighted Topics:

  • SAMC 23′ Focus: SYNC and music supervision
  • Developing the regional markets
  • Labels, recording, publishing (RUNDA)
  • Advocacy, activism & rights (GLAS foundation)
  • Live production, touring & festivals
  • Insights into funding & financing
  • New technology & digital developments (How AI is changing music)
  • Sustainability in the music industry
  • Education, next generations
  • Indigenous culture & music
  • LGBTQ+ & minorities diversity and inclusion
  • Artistic development
  • Music & film
  • PR & media
  • Folklore and new genres coming from traditions
  • Success stories from the Balkans
  • NFT and metaverse innovations
  • International opportunities for Balkan repertoire
  • Understanding useful digital marketing tools and services
  • International marketing for Balkan artists
  • Music and gaming – what are the real opportunities?
  • The benefits of high-quality audio
  • Podcasts as Artists’ Promotion Tools
  • IMPALA presentation
  • LIVEUROPE presentation

A non-exhaustive list of the topics of discussion relevant to the Bulgarian and wider Balkan market includes:

  • Growing the music industry in the wider Balkan region

  • What is and is not working in the Balkan music industry

  • Breaking down stereotypes and barriers for Balkan artists, e.g. when it comes to lack of representation in music charts, bookings at major events and festivals, label rosters, etc.

  • Putting Sofia and other cities in the Balkan region on the global (music) map

  • Best practices from around the world, e.g. when it comes to the cities or nighttime economy element, in talks with Sound Diplomacy / Music Cities Events

  • Challenges and opportunities, e.g. when it comes to bringing major world or European tours to Bulgaria and the region, placing Balkan artists as support acts, etc.

  • Where are all the women on festival line-ups / behind the scenes in the music industry? Similarly, where are all the Bulgarian or Balkan artists in music charts, festival line-ups, industry showcases, etc. I.e. How can Balkan artists break in 2023?

  • How can artists master the (pesky!) social media or streaming algorithms

  • Self-management or can an artist manager change the game for a Balkan artist?

  • Self-made / DIY stories from the Balkans – Andreea Gleeson, Ivo Dimchev, Dua Lipa, Kink.

WHY THE BALKANS ARE THE NEW VIBRANT LANDSCAPE FOR MUSIC!

The Balkans are becoming an increasingly important market for the music industry, with rapid economic growth and a hunger for new talent and interesting acts. Touring in the region is also easier and more affordable than in Western Europe, making it a good opportunity for emerging artists. Read on to find out how you can get involved!

For a long time, the Balkans have been moving away from their communist influence, which ended 33 years ago. The region is developing at a rapid pace, with major festivals and events taking place for more than 25 years, and since 2016, when streaming services were introduced, fans have been able to immerse themselves in a vast sea of previously unheard music from countless genres. As Spotify and Apple Music’s listenership grew, alternative and indie artists slowly began to gain popularity in the Balkans. The streaming services have not only changed the musical taste in the Balkans. They also changed the music created in the Balkans.

The Balkans peninsula has a population of over 65 million people which is almost the population of the United Kingdom. To dismiss the Balkans as important territory would be a huge mistake. Each country on the Balkans is defying trends in the business and becoming a vital element for global music companies.

SoAlive Music Conference is your gateway to the Balkans’ music industry

SoAlive Music Conference is the newest and most exciting Bulgarian music conference.

SoAlive Music Conference focuses on the historical significance of the Balkans, the transition from different political regimes, the current technological advantages and finding mutual benefits for the development of our musical relationships, the exchange of knowledge, business practices and innovations in our region and beyond. We are dedicated to working towards a wider inclusion of SEE music professionals and artists in the EU ecosystem.

SAMC promotes teaching and learning, creativity and expression, research and dialogue, diversity, exchange of practices and opportunities in the Balkan region. We focus on what the region has to offer, not only our wonderful musical artists from different genres, but also our thriving IT sector, new technologies, funding opportunities, block tours across the Balkans, accessible high quality creative and visual services, the film industry and more.
 

The event is designed for all creative professionals, musicians, tech industry professionals, students, independent music professionals who share a common interest and dedication to improving music and musician relations in countries across the SEE region, which is currently proving to be the fastest growing region in Europe.

The SoAlive Music Conference, featuring a programme packed with panels, workshops, parties, events and performances, provides a unique opportunity for artists, music industry professionals and fans to meet, network and develop their careers – from the aspiring artist to the seasoned music industry veteran. From group panel discussions to direct one-on-one mentoring, artists have abundant opportunities to make lasting impressions and connections.