Sacramento gets its musical groove on for the 5th Annual SacWorldFest in Old Sacramento coming October 6-7, 2012, with an impressive line-up of live musical performances, visually-exciting ethnic dance, engaging storytellers, a dynamic Global Village and much, much more. The annual SacWorldFest extravaganza is designed to celebrate and share the region’s rich and remarkable cultural diversity.  In fact, since the inaugural festival in 2008, SacWorldFest has hosted more than 120 performances from more than 500 performers reflecting more than 40 ethnicities, cultures and nations.

SacWorldFest 2012 kicks off the first Saturday evening in October with a very special international headliner performance by Band H'sao during a high-energy “Spotlight On: AFRICA!” outdoor event.   Band H’sao draws from gospel, traditional African music, as well as their Chadian roots for a unique sound that displays clear soul, pop, and R&B influences.

Then on Sunday, Old Sacramento is transformed into an elaborate and sprawling multi-cultural center complete with multiple stage areas offering free public shows by talented performers that include the following:

• Z’Amico -- Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean beats, soulful songwriting and inter-community action for social change;
• Halau 'o Keikiali'i of Sacramento & San Francisco -- Traditional Hawaiian hula kahiko (or ancient dance) performances with chants, songs, stories and more;
• Rasa Vitalia -- a powerful multi-disciplinary artist, professional music & dance performer focused on celebrating life through art;
• Charged Particles -- crosses stylistic boundaries and blends multiple traditions to create vital new sounds in the electric jazz arena;
• Jodama Drum & Dance -- extensive group of drummers and dancers with an electrifying delivery of incredible energy, stage presence and exquisite costuming; 
• URBANFIRE -- an accomplished California Reggae band with a unique style that plays a wide range of music and has a strong fan base in Northern California.

In addition to the energizing music and dance, there is a lot more to do at this family-friendly multi-cultural celebration all day Sunday such as watching free entertaining children’s theater performances, participating in hands-on activities, watching a fun fashion show and visiting a Global Village complete with entertaining cooking and dancing demonstrations.  A special highlight this year is a new “Instruments of the World: DRUMS!” area near Front and J Streets.  Plus, visitors of all ages will also enjoy visiting booths with innovative and interactive educational opportunities to learn about different cultures. 

The Saturday evening “Spotlight on: AFRICA!” opening performance runs 6 to 9 p.m. at Waterfront Park and there is a small admission fee.   Sunday’s free activities run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and happen in five performance areas in Old Sacramento, including Waterfront Park (Front and L Streets), Global Village (Near Front and J Streets), Passenger Station Stage (Front and I Streets), Old Eagle Theatre (Near Front and J Streets) and Fats City Performance Area (Front and J Streets). 

SacWorldFest 2012 is produced by a dedicated volunteer board of directors, collaborative local business owners and generous sponsors such as Wells Fargo. For updated performance schedules and more information about the SacWorldFest celebration, visit www.SacWorldFest.org.  For sponsorship inquiries or vendor participation information, please call 916-549-2749.

About the Sacramento World Music & Dance Festival (SacWorldFest)
The mission of the SacWorldFest is to showcase the cultural diversity of the Sacramento region through a spectacular annual presentation of an ethnic dance and music festival that offers an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. The annual event provides educational entertainment opportunities for the entire Sacramento region while recognizing, nurturing and honoring the region’s rich cultural diversity.  For more, call 916-549-2749 or visit www.SacWorldFest.org.