Link: Espirito Brum Festival

Espirito Brum Festival – I’m pretty excited by this as it looks set to whip Digbeth up into a big Brazilian musical and cultural frenzy this coming September:

Espirito Brum is the UK edition of Espirito Mundo, a cross cultural celebration bringing together musicians from Brazil and Birmingham, in a three day festival that forms the first stage in a ongoing global exchange.

Other European partners include Celles Sur Belle and Aix en Provence (France), Madrid and Santiago de Compostela (Spain) and Vienna (Austria). Birmingham is the first and only UK city to partner in Espirito Mundo.

During Espirito Brum, which will run from September 14th- 18th 2011, creative collaborations in Birmingham between visiting and local artists will be in the form of concerts, workshops, recordings and interventions.

I had the chance for a quick chat with one of the festival organisers Tessa earlier in the week, who told me there’s ample opportunity for local people to get involved by volunteering to help the festival team, offering to host a friendly Brazilian artist during their stay or in another way that might spring to mind – email espiritobrum@gmail.com with your thoughts and ideas.

Tessa also told me that there’s plenty happening in the coming months as a build-up to the festival, starting tonight when Brazilian rapper and reggae singer Jota III will perform at Rebel Spirit as part of Bass Festival at PST, which will be hosting the September festival along with The Edge, The Spotted Dog and an as yet unnamed venue.

As well as launching PST as one of Espirito Brum’s host venues, Juggla (Overproof Soundsystem) will be celebrating his birthday at Rebel Spirit, along with some of the Midlands’ most vaunted DJs, including Aries (Lionfire Crew), Bongo Damo (Jam Jah) and Ash Vanguard (Biscuit Tin Soundsystem).

Join Jota III for this festival fundraiser gig tonight at Club PST, Lombard Street from 10pm. Tickets are £3 on the door.