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The Rhythm of the Earth festival, "World Musiq & World BarBQ", returns to the plaza in front of CentralWorld tonight for its fourth edition and fans are expected to turn out in full despite the current economic crisis.

"We have lots of mindblowing music performances by artists from around the world like Esta from Israel and Sioux dancer Keven Locke, along with mouthwatering barbecue from 12 different countries," says Todd Thongdee Lavelle, managing director of Lavelle Entertainment, who's organised this borderless celebration for the last three years.

"This festival continues to grow steadily, which is a testa¬ment to its success. We are very grateful to Boonrawd Trading for their ongoing support."

Indigenous sounds

The festival features two stages - World Musiq and Global Village - and performances by more than 20 artists, among them Andes from Bolivia, Inka Marka from the Middle East and Ari Korean Fusion from South Korea. Local acts include Pee Saderd, Jintara Poonlap, Bangkok Xylophone, Tewan Sapsaenyakorn and Deep Khmer from Surin, plus Lisu and Puthai hilltribe groups, blind and deaf musicians from Srithanya Hospital, and children from Bangkok's Mercy Centre.

"The United States is very pleased to bring the indigenous Kevin Locke troupe to Bangkok. This native dancers reflect the great multicultural heritage of our country," says JP Schutte, cultural attache of the US Embassy in Bangkok.Tribal treats

>> World Musiq & World BarBQ which runs through Sunday from 5 to midnight at CentralWorld.

>> After Bangkok, some of the performers will be in Kalasin for the Isaan Music Festival from January 30 to February 1 and Udon Thani for the Ban Chiang World Heritage Festival from Febuary 11 to 15.

>> The show then moves to Khon Kaen for the Morlam Music Festival from March 4 to 8.

>> Call Singha at (02) 242 4499, Lavelle Entertainment at (02) 733 2709 or visit  www.ToddEastWest.com.