While protesters rallied against ICE not far away, Lincoln Center welcomed artists from around the globe for an international music festival celebrating diversity from nearby nations and those thousands of miles away.
Performers from four continents joined under one roof and three stages on Sunday for globalFEST, as Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts united musicians from Ukraine to the United States.
Crowds circulated through David Geffen Hall, where lobbies were turned into stages as well as the traditional stage, and performers sang in more languages than you’ll find anywhere other than the United Nations – and a typical New York City street.
The 23rd year for this event, now finding its home at Lincoln Center, globalFEST seemed even more meaningful amid policies aggressively targeting undocumented immigrants.
“At a time when it feels like borders are closing, globalFEST shines a light on the importance of artist mobility, cross-cultural solidarity, and celebrating the diversity and commonality of the human spirit,” as Lincoln Center puts it.
Performers from Armenia, Ukraine, Korea, Pakistan, Colombia, Texas, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and more each took a turn bringing their own brand of music to the stage. Audiences included people from their country, cheering them on.
Co-directors Bill Bragin, Isabel Soffer, and Shanta Thake, Lincoln Center’s Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer, plus guest curator Lia Camille Crockett picked the performers.
“It’s about bringing diverse communities together for a celebration of creativity, resilience, and stories from around the world,” the curators said in a joint statement. “At a time when connection across borders feels more important than ever, this year’s lineup reflects the joy and binding power of our distinct musical heritage and experiences.”
Vopli Vidopliassova from Ukraine got audiences hopping with their brand of rock meeting punk and folk, with guitars and now and then an accordion and brass.
The Saami Brothers with Ustad Naseeruddin Saami performed Pakistani music while the Naghash Ensemble presented music form Armenia, inspired by an Armenian poet.
Meanwhile, Maria Mazzotta brought Southern Italian music to life in the Karen and Richard LeFrak lobby, where Insun Park & Generals went on to perform Korean rock with colorful costumes, and Nour Harkati performed music with some Tunisian grooves.
Music closer to home didn’t get short shrift, as David Rivera and La Bambula brought their sounds from Puerto Rico, while Dale Watson and his Long Stars and special guest Celine Lee played classical country from Texas, and Raiatea Helm brought Hawaiian music to Manhattan on a winter day.
