The 14th Annual Small World Festival enters its final leg with a run of four compelling evenings. Tonight, we welcome back one of our favourites as Malian guitar hero Vieux Farka Touré returns to play Revival. Although his collaborator on the tour, Julia Easterlin, was forced to return home due to family circumstances, VFT will no doubt demonstrate why he continues to be one of Africa’s most remarkable musicians. See you on the dance floor!

Friday, we’re back at the Small World Centre for a modern take on old traditions. Estonia’s Maarja Nuut‘s Toronto debut has been greatly anticipated and the event is almost sold-out. This great fiddler and singer uses technology to reinterpret folk tunes in a unique and captivating way. On Saturday, for those not Nuit Blanching early on, you can take in another Toronto Debut with EviscerArt‘s fiery flamenco. Jazz meets Spanish roots on the stage of the Aga Khan Museum.

Finally, the 2015 edition of the fest wraps up on Sunday at Lula Lounge with – you guessed it – another Toronto first-play. We’ve been angling to get Krar Collective here from London for some years and it’s finally come together. Rocking out with Ethiopian grooves, this trio has won a following across Europe and it’s time we got in on it! You can join us for FREE, as we have a pair of tickets to give away to the first people to respond to laura@smallworldmusic.com

Thanks to all who helped make this year’s festival such a great one! Our government funders, our media partners – CBC & NOW Magazine; our community and presenting partners, from Batuki and Koffler, to Reel Asian and Toronto Palestine Film Festivals; our friends at Fort York, Koerner Hall, Lula & Revival; our wonderful volunteers, and all who came out to play and enjoy. On behalf of the Small World team – Kayla, Laura, Jeff, Reza, Rodrigo & Giselle – muchas gracias!

Blessed by the weather and graced by some of Toronto’s finest musicians in a location that’s a jewel in the heart of the city, our Small World on Common Ground weekend at Fort York was a splendid affair. Thanks to all who attended, helped, played and supported. The weekend started with a storming global groove party at Studio Bar and ended last night with what’s got to be one of the shows of the year – Ester Rada and her furiously funky band absolutely blew the crowd away at Revival. No wonder everyone’s talking about her being a coming star. There were even rumours of folks who scooped tickets to Buena Vista Social Club at Koerner Hall and made it out for some of Ester’s set – now that’s dedication!

The 14th Annual Small World Festival picks up tomorrow with a beautiful, intimate affair at the Small World Centre. SUM take Korean traditional music into the 21st Century creating meditative soundtracks for modern life. Their Canadian debut promises to be fascinating. From there it’s off to Lula Lounge and a evening of pan-Latin sounds with Spain’s Picadillo and locals Santerias, who impressed at Fort York on Sunday. We’ve got two pairs of FREE tickets for this one, to the first folks who share the show on Twitter. Be sure to use hashtag #SWMF15.  

On Thursday, Revival‘s the place to be as the one and only Vieux Farka Touré returns to town after several years. One of the most captivating African artists of his generation, we’re thrilled to have him back. The week wraps up at the Centre with the Canadian debut of Estonia’s Maarja Nuut, whose voice and fiddle create poetic soundscapes that have impressed audiences across Europe. The journey continues and we’ll tell you more soon!

The weather gods continue to grace Toronto with an exceptional late summer / early fall, just as Small World on Common Ground, our partnership with Fort York, prepares to launch this Saturday and Sunday, starting at 1:00pm each day. We’re looking forward to two free days of top notch international sounds on the lawns of the beautiful historic site, with a program that roams the globe while showcasing some of the city’s finest talent. From Turkish roots to full-on funk with names like Jane Bunnett, KC Roberts, eccodek and many more, it should a a great weekend. We’re also delighted to welcome CBC television’s Dwight Drummond to host activities on Saturday afternoon. Thanks, as always, to our media partners!

Meanwhile tonight, there’s some serious groovage in store as we present a trio of highly influential DJs who really know how to throw a party! Nickodemus and the Spy from Cairo have established international followings for their unique blends of beats and Middle Eastern flare and their role in Manhattan’s renowned Turntables on the Hudson event. Toronto’s DJ medicineman has also won fans over his years of dedicated global groove promotion. Rounding out an already great night, there will be belly dancers and decor by Calabra to enhance the sense of occasion at Studio Bar.

The weekend rounds out on Sunday evening at Revival with an amazing performer, who’s set to really blow up in the coming years. Ester Rada‘s combination of cool Ethiopian jazz, funky R&B and sensational singing has already made her a go-to on the international festival scene. This is a chance to experience her in an intimate club setting and get in on the ground floor! And congratulations to our ticket giveaway winner Kirra Dack, who will be joining us at the show!

Given that it’s festival time, at the risk of wearing out our welcome in your inbox, we’re doubling down on the Small World newsletter this week and next as there’s so much good stuff to talk about.

First off, thanks to everyone who helped make last Thursday’s launch party at the Small World Centre such a blast. A full room of folks dancing to Fanfarai. Great stuff! The festival proper launches Thursday alongside the Toronto Palestine Film Festival with 47Soul. Rockin’ Middle Eastern beats will raise the roof of Lula Lounge. The dancing continues on Friday at Studio Bar when two of New York’s premier DJs – Nickodemus and the Spy from Cairo bring their deep global grooves alongside DJ medicineman. That all leads into our free weekend of music outdoors – Small World On Common Ground brings two full days of great sounds to Fort York. We’re giving away a pair of tickets for Ester Rada at Revival Bar this Sunday too! To enter, post on our Ester Rada event page on Facebook or tweet about how much you’d like to see her during our festival, for a chance to win. Be sure to use our fest hashtag #SWMF15!

And just prior to the whole thing getting underway, a beautiful concert Wednesday at the Centre in tribute to Jeff Bien. The internationally acclaimed poet, musician and highly regarded meditation and spiritual practitioner will be celebrated by a who’s who of Canadian literary and musical talent. Mercan Dede, George Koller, Rick Lazar, Ravi Naimpally and many more will contribute.