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THE farming town of Sa Pobla, famous for its potatoes, is now becoming known as a lively music centre.
Last weekend, it hosted an international Elvis impersonators competition, now it has just announced details of its 11th jazz festival from July 28 to August 31. More than 25 musicians will be taking part in the five concerts (one a week) which are free.
The opening concert will be given by New Yorker Marcus Miller in what organiser Pep Crespi said would be “a very powerful and direct show.” Skeeter Brandon and his group The Prime Rib Blues Band from North Carolina, considered one of the best sould-blues artists of the last decade, will also be taking part, while the closing concert will be given by the Uri Caine Bedrock band, which Crespí said was characterised by the combination of influences in its work, ranging from Jewish to classical. The home front will be represented by Majorcan guitarist Antoni Miranda and the show by Catalan saxophonist Llibert Fortuny and his band, who took part last year. In Palma, the Obra Cultural Balear, which defends the use of the Catalan language, has announced details of tis Mallorcamon concert. It will be held at the bullring at 8pm on July 25, and features Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour, Els Pets (Catalan pop folk) and Al-Mayurka (Majorcan folk). There will also be a parade featuring dozens of musicians, as well as “demons“ and carnival figures from Santa Maria and Sa Pobla.
Abdoulaye Konate, spokesman of the Senegalese Immigrants Association, said that the festival hoped to send a positive message to island society in favour of integration. Another example of integration can be found in Soller, where the 25th international folkdance festival is being held. The colourful groups taking part perform not only in Soller, but also in towns and villages all over the island, and in Palma (See What's On page).