Multicultural Arts Victoria in association with the Victorian Multicultural Commission presents

Viva Victoria @ Federation Square

Sunday 27 March 12-6pm
Federation Square, Melbourne

Vulgergrad

With two stages of performances, kids' activities, a youth stage, and much, much more - Viva Victoria promises to entertain and amaze as Cultural Diversity Week kicks off on 27March.

This year's festival features three stages and a stellar line up of some of Australia’s finest multicultural acts.

In The Press

Preview (The Age) Reawakening of an old soul, 19 MArch 2011

Program

Download Program

Enjoy a performance of Ethiopian funk from Dereb The Ambassadors (NSW) plus sets from popular local acts including Bombay Royale, VulgerGrad, Lady Lash, and Afro Mandinko.

There will be spectacular dance performances, extravagant costumes and energetic drumming. Don't forget to head to the youth stage, Ubuntu, and hear comedy, spoken word poetry, and so much more.

Come along to Fed Square and join the fun as we celebrate our state's wonderful cultural diversity at Viva Victoria.

Enjoy a range of dynamic and unique musical and dance performances from some of Victoria’s finest multicultural acts across two stages.

Afro Mandinko

You will also have an opportunity to sample cuisines from around the globe in the food area along River Terrace.

While youire there, relax with more music in the Beer DeLuxe International Beer Garden.

In the main plaza you can wander the market place, featuring fine traditional and contemporary arts and crafts products, enjoy entertainment from roving performers, or indulge in a Thai massage.

There are also plenty of activities for kids in the children’s activity tents, including puppet-making, story telling sessions and face painting.

Deline Briscoe

Viva Stage

Grab a spot close to the stage for a massive and divers line up of some of Australia's finest multicultural performers

12:00pm - Welcome to Country (Wurundjeri Council)

12:10pm - OROMO COMMUNITY - Striking costumes, infectious beats and graceful dancing.

12:30pm - FILHOS DA BAHIA CAPOEIRA - Gravity-defying moves on show in a display of this unique Brazilian art-form.

12:50pm - AFRO MANDINKO - High-energy grooves and funky afro moves from one of Australia’s top Afrobeat bands.

1:30pm - MADRE MONTE - Cumbia, reggae and traditional Colombian music come together in a rhythmic fusion.

2:10pm - DANCERS FOR PEACE- traditional and modern variations of the ‘Dabke’ folk dance, performed by dancers from Lebanon, Palestine and beyond.

2:30pm - VULGARGRAD - Old songs of the Russian thieves, punk classics of the Perestroika era, and a strong dose of contemporary St. Petersburg ska. High-energy and lots of fun!

3:10pm - SABRINA DANCE TROUPE - A vibrant dance performance, showcasing talents from Taiwan, China, Singapore and Vietnam.

3:50pm - BOMBAY ROYALE - Play a unique brand of slammin' surf, disco and funk tunes from 1960's and 1970's Bollywood. Guaranteed to getting you dancing.

4:30pm - KOLO SERBIAN FOLK DANCE COMPANY - Traditional song and dance from the villages of Serbia.

5:00pm - DEREB THE AMBASSADOR - Celebrated Ethiopian singer Dereb Desalegn is joined by a 7-piece band of some of Australia's finest musicians to bring you vintage Ethiopian soul masterpieces from the 1960’s and 1970's. With big horn sounds and funky rhythms this is a performance you won't want to miss!

Beer Deluxe Stage

Check our some exciting emerging talents and unique cultural performances, on the Beer DeLuxe Stage, down by the banks of the Yarra.

12:30pm - NOUGAT - music from around the world, particularly from Spain and South America, highlighting the beauty of guitar and mandolin.

1:30pm - DALRIADA - Traditional rock instruments combine with haunting bagpipes, Celtic bouzouki, flute, tin whistles and amazing vocals.

2:30pm - DELINE BRISCOE - Indigenous Australian singer delivers a delightful mix of roots, soul, gospel and tear- jerking ballads.

3:30pm - LA RUMBA - Exciting five-piece Gypsy Flamenco band play everything from high energy rumbas to heart-felt ballads.

4:30pm - ALEXIOU BROTHERS offer up a unique cultural fusion with a traditional pop sound, and vocals sung in English, Greek and Chinese.

5:30pm - BLAK ROOTS - feel-good African reggae infused with jazz, afrobeat, latin flavours and the smoothest gospel harmonies.

While you are enjoying the sounds from the stage, why not relax in the Beer DeLuxe International Beer Garden? There are a range of beverages from around the world on offer, so try something new!

Cultural Diversity Week

For the program and a complete list of the day's activities, visit www.culturaldiversity.vic.gov.au

More Information

For more information on Viva Victoria please contact Andrea Makris, at events@multiculturalarts.com.au or call Multicultural Arts Victoria on (03) 9417 6777.

For more information on Viva Victoria at the Victorian Multicultural Commissions web site for the event, see here

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