Music Without Borders 2011 schedule announced.

 

A few weeks ago, TOC sounded some alarm bells about the future of our free summer festivals. Some, at least, seem to be emerging with healthy schedules. World music fans can breathe a sigh of relief, at the very least. Earlier today, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture announced the schedule for Music Without Borders, which hits Millennium Park June 9-July 21. The series will feature seven double-bill concerts with six acts making Chicago debuts. Here's a quick run-down on the schedule with some shorthand genre info in the parens.

Thursday, June 9 at 6:30pm
Hanggai + Aurelio Martinez 
(Mongolian folk music + Honduran playing Garifuna music)

Thursday, June 16 at 6:30pm
Dandana: A Celebration of Muslim Voices featuring Hakim + Alim Qasimov Ensemble
(Egyptian sha'bi + Azerbaijan song)

Thursday, June 23 at 6:30pm
RAM + Sexteto Tabala   (Chicago debuts)                
(Haitian mizik rasin Voodoo rock + Colombian Afrobeat)

Thursday, June 30 at 6:30pm
Diogo Nogueira + Freshlyground  (Chicago debuts)       
(Brazilian samba + African folk/jazz/blues)

Thursday, July 7 at 6:30pm
Caravan Palace + Baloji   (Chicago debuts)    
(Gypsy electronic dance + Belgian/Congolese rap)

Thursday, July 14 at 6:30pm
Sierra Maestra + Susheela Raman
(Cuban son + Brit/Indian jazz/pop)

Thursday, July 21 at 6:30pm
Yemen Blues + Etran Finatawa
(Yemenite blues +  Nigerian chant/guitars)