UK-based world music supergroup Afro Celt Sound System have announced three more Australian dates today in addition to their headline billing for WOMADelaide 2011 with performances scheduled for Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
The eclectic award winning ensemble return to Australia for its third visit – and first in a decade after wowing Australian audiences in 2001.
Vocalist Iarla O'Lionaird said Australian fans have always held a special place in the band’s heart.
“What always strikes me about Australian audiences is the great sense of openness and fun that they bring to a show. From the very first WOMADelaide I performed at, I noticed a positivity that is catching and deeply affecting” he said .
Afro Celt Sound System are one of the world’s most celebrated innovators in music, merging West African rhythms, Irish melodies, Indian bhangra, Arabic influences, dub reggae and more. Their seven albums have featured cross-cultural contributions from a range of diverse artists including Robert Plant, Sinead O’Connor, Peter Gabriel, Johnny Kalsi (of the Dhol Foundation, Transglobal Underground), Emer Mayock, N’Faly Kouyate, Davy Spillane and Liam O’Flynn.
Formed in 1995 with the aim of exploring the links between Irish and African musical traditions, they have since achieved over two million album sales, Grammy nominations, provided soundtracks for academy award winning films and gained a reputation for moving world music into new territory by forging a deep, mystic groove.
After a three year absence from the world stage Afro Celts triumphantly returned to wow European audiences this year. In March 2011 it’s Australia’s chance to experience still one of the most thrilling and pulsating live shows on the planet on stages in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEM NATIONAL TOUR
Fri 11-14 March WOMADelaide – Botanic Park, Adelaide SA
Mon 14 March SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE CONCERT HALL Sydney NSW
Tues 15 March BRISBANE HI FI BAR Brisbane QLD
Wed 16 March MELBOURNE HI FI BAR Melbourne VIC
