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In one of the Full Moon videos, Peter asked if anyone had any ideas or suggestions for WOMAD. For the moment there is only one I can think of myself and that is perhaps putting a bit more distance between the drum workshop, and the dance workshop. Recently they have been next to one another. The workshops are staggered so they don't clash, (noise wise) but if you want a drum at a drum workshop you have to get there early. And like all keen to learn wannabee drummers it is hard to contain yourself when you have the opportunity to "have a go" on various drums. Last year, on at least one occasion the drum workshop were asked to "hold fire" (fair enough) as the dance workshop could not hear their music. Rather than ban people from entering early or hiding the drums from people ( which would be unfair ), please, can we have a bit of distance between the two workshops?! Maybe you could have a do your own soundproofing workshop in between the two!? (sorry I jest) And yes I am a wannabee drummer. :-] Anyone got any more ideas for WOMAD ? :-] :-]

Somebody should post Sesmo`s thread to the WOMAD-people! Another thing : I do not understand discussions about "popular acts" performing at WOMAD-festivals - like "Boy George" for example (or was it just a rumour?) - if "popular" acts are listed as performers for a WOMAD-festival, it`s just simply good. Everybody that supports WOMAD (and Gabriel) is always welcome !

You are right Cimber, I just sent them an email. Last year there was Eddy Grant, Chick and Squeeze, and all were fantastic, and a real blast from the past, as well as world music and other art forms. The programme is so packed full of acts/ artists that it is quite a feat to see all the people you want to see anyway, and often we found ourselves listening to the first half of one gig then legging it accross the site to watch the second half of another! But that is part of the fun. I just think myself privilaged to see so many varied people, cultures, music and art forms I love it, and thankfully so does the hubby. And the local real ale is pretty good too!! :-] :-]

I'd like to see "Those Darn Accordians" play WOMAD. Hilarious. :-]

To my knowledge, there is a WOMAD forum here, in the WOMAD section, at least I saw I there lately I personally would be very interested, if the asian culture is not only represented by occasional musicians, but also by basic exercises, be it calligraphy or use of certain brushes for kids, as we had for schoolprojects, with great success, actually! This could also go for other cultures and teachings of their basic skills. Singing or painting in other culture's techniques for kids for example, is highly appreciated hereabout, and does not need much time to switch on the interest. Same for comparing fairytales or so. I may be mistaken, but so far I only heard about brief or showy according basic introductions over there. I lost interest then. Correct me, please, if I am wrong.

It could be nice to do a Festival where every country in the world interprets a song of Gabriel with dance, choreography,each according to their culture of origin. You could see many interpretations and differents colours,fantasy and more . . . For example: Italy chooses "Moribund the B"? Ok,in this case famous italian choreographers will make a ballet,trying to interpret the spirit of the best Peter. . . .and so for all other countries of the world Ok,it's a crazy and funny idea,ha ha yes . . . :-]

I wouldn't mind (which is just me), if on the same festival another singer of another country would be handled equally in return. . .and also some, who are not yet known. (It sounds more like doing a special project for a video to me. . .why not?In general an idea, that I like, youtube would be happy too :-] ) Since representing them their own way with their own stuff to give them more acceptance was more the original idea. Not so much, supporting Peter, it would support him anyhow, if he helps them, I personally think.

Hope the WOMAD line-up will be a good one this year - I bet the English fans will get to see Simon Emmerson`s project "The Imagined Village". It would be just simply cool also to reactivate his band "The Afrocelt Soundsystem" again - why not ? This would be a BIG surprise - even without a performance by the Gabriel-band. Release(ACSS)

Nice Synnie! To help unknown artists! And make the Festival with some sections,for example: - Section Ballet - Section Live Band - Painting Section - Section Music video or Cinema . . .each according to his inspiration,his culture of origin,his sensibility . .wonderful !

As one way, why not? But it would also be good, for example, to dance a song, a painting, to paint a song, a dance, to sing a painting, a dance, etc. We did this a lot in several places, it was the best fun we had! Let it flow, let it be. The multimedia idea is the mother of all this. And it still must be somewhere in Peter's mind, every guess. Particularly the sponaneity about it! Remember his joy about the spontateity in the origianl first phase in the making the BBB? I heard him talking about this in Aachen, surrounded by visual art and a few dancers before he spoke. He was all cheered up about it. All else he needed for BBB maybe was a painter and a dancer around, or what not. . . I know, what he is up to, remember the artists on US. . .ah well, his boys might teach him. . .again

Synnie, You have perfectly understood my idea! I have seen here in Italy the interview of Peter in Aachen for B.B.B and there was a beautiful choreography with female dancers, I liked very much! I totaly agree with you,Synnie,I have read a lot about "US",the artists,Peter and more. . . I think the spontaneity is the beginning of Art. . .(in my simple opinion. . ) Love Your expression "let it flow,let it be". .

How about a "Global Jam" tent. I dont mean the sort you put on a cream tea! A tent where anyone wishing to take their instruments (whether they are accoustic or plugged in will be a matter for discussion, it may be best to keep it accoustic?) and jam the night/ day away if they wish. This would be a chance for folks to maybe create new music thrugh meeting new people from around the world with different ideas, and learn from each other. Kind of how BBB came about but in miniature. A chance for people to just play along, try out the new instruments they have bought on the site maybe, or whatever. The possibilitys are endless. Just turn up play along, or dance along, sing maybe, and have a good time. :-] :-] :-] So if anyone is peeking in, how about it? The Global Jam Tent.

WOW, Sesmo, thats a VERY fine idea!! I LOVE it! I hope, they will pick it up, I really do! Anywhere, not only on the WOMAD even. . . And its so easy (as the best things always are)! (And exactly, DolceVita, if only people would listen to Peter much much more. . .)

How about a WOMAD in the USA? Somewhere in the Northeast. . .perhaps? Feel like we're missing out here! Sound like a great time!

What, does that mean, they have not yet???

I agree! Sesmo it's a wonderful idea! Everything is possible?? Yessss,if we not lose the ability to dream. . !!

100% agreed!

Synnie. . .if you were talking to me. . .to my knowledge there has not been a WOMAD in the USA. Does anyone know something that I don't. . .perhaps there may have been a WOMAD here in the USA that I was unaware of?

MAK - I remember not long ago (1993 ) - there was the 1st WOMAD-festival in the USA. The last one I remember was in Seattle in 2001. Peter and his band, many others of course AND Iarla O`Lionaird with his band "Afrocelt Soundsystem". . . Peter joined Iarla and ACSS on the song : - "When You`re Falling" - and Iarla ("Altus Silva"-Big Blue Ball ; "Low Light"-Ovo) also performed "Signal to Noise" with Peter(. . .would LOVE to hear this one) So. . .MAK - you seem to have missed my last reply on Your PG-covers-thread ("Africa). . . Now I hope You won`t miss THIS reply here - Beside "Africa" - try to find : "peter gabriel when you`re falling letterman". . . . (surprise. . .) :-]

As usual Cimber. . .thanks for the info! Well, Seattle is too far away. . .do you know where the 1993 WOMAD was? Sorry I missed your other reply. . .a woman's work is never done! :-] I'll see what I can find.