Put on your Rasta beanies and dancing feet  – the Australasian World Music Expo hits Melbourne this week. Dubbed Down Under’s version of South by Southwest (only the biggest music festival in the US), it not only showcases indigenous and world music from November 17 to 20, but, like SXSW, also features a full-scale roster of industry sessions that range from the technical to the political.

Over three days, local and international performers are commandeering Melbourne’s best music venues: The Arts Centre, The Toff in Town, The HiFi and Melbourne Recital Centre. The line-up itself is enough to get your head bopping.

Agenda’s top picks include 30-piece ensemble The Melbourne Ska Orchestra with Nicky Bomba and special guest Stranger Cole from Jamaica (ya mon), 17-piece African funk group The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, and Queensland based Bobby Alu with his chill-out ukulele melodies, contagious smile and Polynesian ’fro. For something a bit different, check out The Barons of Tang with their gypsy-meets-rockabilly tunes.

Australian indie-pop fans will be familiar with local acts such as Eagle and the Worm, Tinpan Orange and Skipping Girl Vinegar, while those loyal to roots will scramble to see Blue King Brown for some Afro-groove.

But it’s not all about the music. There are conferences on touring, the evolution of music and skill development and films that range from the rise of indigenous hip hop to archives and documentaries, not to mention invaluable networking opportunities.

Buy an individual ticket to one of the music showcases, invest in a daytime conference pass or see the lot with an all-inclusive delegate pass.

After all, music makes the world go ’round.

Where: Various venues across Melbourne
When: 17-20 Nov
Bookings: Online here
Details: awme.com.au

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