Howard Leu
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Global Union 2013

Artists from Sierra Leone, Pakistan, Canada and Milwaukee itself provided the soundtrack to Alverno Presents' annual world music fest.

By - Sep 22nd, 2013 06:22 pm

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Global Union wrapped up its eighth year with much fanfare and as usual, world-class music. This year, four music acts hit the stage with high energy, spirituality and deep history.

Janka Nabay and the Bubu Gang started things off for the day with their modern take on Sierra Leone’s century-old music tradition called “bubu.” Pakistan’s Qawal Najmuddin Saifuddin and Brothers followed with high energy, hypnotic qawwali. Milwaukee natives Masonic Wonders, the longest continuing black gospel quartet, brought their uplifting gospel and blues. Montreal’s Nomadic Massive, a multilingual, multicultural hip-hop group, closed out the festival with adrenaline-inducing rhythm and beats.

Global Union is held yearly by Alverno Presents on the grassy hill and bandshell of Humboldt Park. People camped out on the field with their family, friends and dogs. The atmosphere was relaxing, with many eyes shut, feeling the late summer air and enthralled in the music. The outstanding music itself makes the case as to why Global Union is one of the most popular music festivals in the city.

0 thoughts on “Photo Gallery: Global Union 2013”

  1. Anonymous says:

    I was there, and it’s great to see people at this free music festival every year, rejoicing in that all they have to do is come and enjoy the music (without paying a fee), and the entire family can come! I saw you taking photographs, Howard Leu, when I went up closer to dance, and thanks for your article and photos, showing those who couldn’t come what it was like to be there!

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