globalFEST

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globalfest.org globalFEST, Inc. Follow us

is a non-profit venture which is produced on a volunteer basis by Bill Bragin (of Acidophilus: Live and Active Cultures), Isabel Soffer (of Live Sounds) and Shanta Thake (of Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater.) the annual festival at Webster Hall, featuring a dozen artists on three stages, adds to the vibrancy of NYC's cultural life each winter, and helps stimulate more world music touring throughout the United States. globalFEST has showcased over 100 bands, and 1,000 musicians over the past 10 festivals, plus presented performances at Bonnaroo, SXSW, Festival d'Ile de'France and more. With support from the Ford Foundation, globalFEST has also runs the globalFEST Touring Fund (gFTF) which supports performers from previous editions who need financial support to help bring them to new communities.

10/09/2026

Today’s the last day for past gF artists to apply for the globalFEST Touring Fund!

The touring fund was developed to help past gF artists to connect with new audiences and regions here in the US. Grants from this application window are for tours happening between January 1-December 31, 2027.

Who can apply:
- Artists who have appeared at globalFEST’s NYC flagship January festival/showcase (2004-2026)
- Artists who have appeared at a NYC gF summer festival (including 2026)
- Note: Non-US citizens must have valid O or P visas or permanent resident status in order to apply

(Many thanks to generous support from The Mellon Foundation.)

✍️✍️ globalFEST.org/apply/touring-fund

10/08/2026

Meet El Laberinto del Coco, a past gF artist currently on tour in the US thanks in part to being one of our globalFEST Touring Fund recipients!

El Laberinto del Coco is a dynamic and vibrant Bomba Fusion band hailing from Puerto Rico. Combining traditional Afro-Puerto Rican rhythms with contemporary musical elements, they have become a prominent force in the global music scene. With their electrifying performances and innovative approach, El Laberinto del Coco has captivated audiences worldwide. El Laberinto del Coco

The fund, which has been revived with support from The Mellon Foundation, is designed to help artists cover expenses including travel, visas, accommodation and equipment rental.

It’s open ONLY to globalFEST alumni and aims to address rising touring costs while supporting international and regional American artists performing in the US.

Past globalFEST artists can apply for the current Touring Fund, but only until October 9!

Don’t wait until deadline day!

More info at globalFEST.org

[vids: HOBBY LENSES LLC]

10/06/2026

Save the date!
globalFEST at Lincoln Center: January 17, 2027
Lincoln Center

Our flagship festival at the core of the globalFEST organization gives audiences the opportunity to experience extraordinary artists from all over the world, all in one night.

👉 Remember: Members get access to an exclusive presale (along with other incentives), all while supporting our mission!
Join today: Visit globalfest.org/support

10/02/2026

Every contribution helps amplify the power of music to build a better world. ❤️

globalFEST has been at the forefront of envisioning an arts sector that is united in our diversity.

While the arts are under attack, globalFEST understands the radical power of cultural exchange and was founded to create bridges through music.

Our work catalyzes creative networks and helps move global and regional American music into the center of the performing fields.

We aim to model the world we want to live in, which celebrates our multiple heritages as a source of strength.

We hope you will join us in our work!

👉 Donate Today: Your membership directly supports globalFEST’s year-round operations that includes:

◾️the beloved, world-class namesake festival
◾️the gF Touring Fund
◾️the Wavelengths Conference - a central convening for colleagues in the field to discuss the most urgent issues of the day
◾️and our other initiatives

Visit globalFEST.org or link in IG bio

Thank you!!

09/28/2026

Just a reminder that the globalFEST awards nominations close this week - Sept. 30 ‼️

Each year globalFEST recognizes arts professionals, organizations, and artists with awards that celebrate the underrecognized but crucial global music field in the United States.

Nominate those you believe should be recognized for their significant, long-standing contributions to the performing arts field.

—
Past recipients include:

Amy Davidman
Amy Davidman is a partner, agent and co-founder of the esteemed TBA Agency based in the Bay Area. Davidman’s leadership extends well beyond TBA into education, mentorship, social justice, industry issues, and myriad panel discussions and appearances.

Emel Mathlouthi
Emel is a Tunisian-American singer-songwriter, composer, performer, and producer; a politically and socially engaged artist who uses her platform to promote themes of justice, female empowerment, and breaking down cultural boundaries. Her inspiring story runs deep.

John Schaefer
John Schaefer has hosted and produced WNYC’s New Sounds since 1982 and has written extensively about music; chaired the jury for the Pulitzer Prize in Music; and hosted lectures and panels for Lincoln Center, BAM, and The World Science Festival, among many other accolades.

‍Josh Kohn
Josh Kohn is the Assoc. Director of the Center for Cultural Vibrancy (CCV), which champions traditional arts while fostering cultural exchange and education around the world. CCV has made a real impact at home and abroad, supporting traditional artists in direct and meaningful ways.

👉 Learn more about our past awardees and NOMINATE for this year at
globalFEST.org

09/24/2026

Past globalFEST performers - don’t miss the chance to apply for our Touring Fund!

The gF Touring Fund was developed to help past gF artists to connect with new audiences and regions here in the US.

Grants from this application window (which ends Oct. 9) are for tours happening between January 1-December 31, 2027.

Who can apply:

▪️Artists who have appeared at globalFEST’s NYC flagship January festival/showcase (2004-2026)

▪️Artists who have appeared at a NYC gF summer festival (including 2026)

▪️Note: Non-US citizens must have valid O or P visas or permanent resident status in order to apply

🔗 Link in bio, or go to globalFEST.org to apply

(Many thanks to generous support from The Mellon Foundation!)

09/20/2026

Our annual fundraiser is on - and we need your support!

globalFEST’s 24th flagship festival returns to NYC at Lincoln Center’s Geffen Hall on January 17, 2027 for another full building takeover on three stages with artists from around the world and around the corner.

By donating to our fundraising campaign, you can guarantee your spot at gF 2027 and support our coalition-building work that highlights music as a powerful antidote to the forces that seek to divide us!!

This annual event sells out every year – and we are continuing with Choose-What-You-Pay tickets, virtually eliminating financial barriers to entry, but we need your support.

Even more reasons to support:
🙌 Early access to purchase “Choose-What-You-Pay (CWYP)” tickets
🧢 Exclusive globalFEST merch
🍷 VIP Bar access and seating at events
🤩 Be the first to know this year’s artist lineup
🎶 Attend soundchecks at Lincoln Center
+ more!

Find the fundraiser link in our IG bio or visit us directly at globalFEST.org

09/15/2026

Nominations for the globalFEST Awards are open through Sept. 30!

Our annual awards celebrate those who excel in the underrecognized but crucial global music field in the USA.

The awards are presented to artists, professionals, and organizations who have been instrumental in making significant, long-standing contributions to the field through risk-taking; addressing cultural diversity and diplomacy; activism; helping to keep, transmit, and extend the world’s ancient traditions; commitment to working with local communities; and making a difference to the greater American performing arts landscape.

The awards aim to promote the global music field as a whole, and to highlight the significance of extraordinary work being done each and every day, season by season, show by show.

It also hopes to encourage future generations of artists and arts leaders who will improve upon, develop, and grow cultural programming in the United States and beyond!

Visit: globalFEST.org/apply/awards

09/10/2026

Calling all past gF artists!! The next Touring Fund application window is now open!

Apply today at Globalfest.org!!

The touring fund was developed to help past gF artists to connect with new audiences and regions here in the US. Grants from this application window are for tours happening between January 1-December 31, 2027.

Although the deadline to apply is October 9, we highly recommend getting started with your application as soon as possible so that you can take your time with it.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

Who can apply:

▪️Artists who have appeared at globalFEST’s NYC flagship January festival/showcase (2004-2026)

▪️Artists who have appeared at a NYC gF summer festival (including 2026)

▪️Note: Non-US citizens must have valid O or P visas or permanent resident status in order to apply

(Many thanks to generous support from The Mellon Foundation!)

09/08/2026

Our next Touring Fund application period starts September 10!

What’s the Touring Fund?

Touring is an expensive, yet necessary investment for artists, and on Sept. 10 we’ll open the window for past gF artists to apply for grants that provide necessary funds to support touring and growth in the US.

Mark your calendar; more details soon!

(Many thanks to generous support from The Mellon Foundation.)

Address

Brooklyn, NY
11201

Website

http://globalfest.org/

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