WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL REIMAGINED

Imagine if you asked every one of your musical heroes to please play a short set for you from their home.

Now imagine they all said, “Sure!” and agreed to play something no one else has ever seen.

The founders of NYC’s Ragas Live Festival knew they couldn’t have a 24-hour live festival this year. They decided to live stream the festival, and quickly realized the extent that the internet could break down the barriers of festival logistics.

With artistes like Terry Riley, Zakir Hussein, Toumani Diabate, Andy Statman and Betsayda Machado sidelined by the pandemic, they saw an opportunity and November 21-22, 7pm EST to 7pm EST, Ragas Live Festival will feature legends of global music from 13 cities around the world for a truly once-in-a-lifetime event.

Ragas Live Festival has grown to become a vital element in the cultural landscape of New York City. Since its inception in 2012 when 50 musicians broadcast the theme of Community, Unity, and Harmony from WKCR, the festival has expanded to become a popular event at locations including The Rubin Museum of Art and Pioneer Works.

Check out the list of performers here.