AVALON, CATALINA ISLAND - Presented by the Catalina Island Performing Arts Foundation, the festival will feature an eclectic mix of musical styles and genres from around the globe.

"If Los Angeles is the proverbial melting pot of culture in Southern California, Catalina Island is the backyard barbecue where that melting pot is dished out for everyone to enjoy," said event organizer Aaron Pitts. "With this concept in mind the Catalina Island Performing Arts Foundation is launching the Catalina Island Festival of World Music.

Pitts, who also serves as the program director of community radio station KISL 88.7FM, has orchestrated the festival, utilizing his knowledge and wide ranging musical interests to sculpt a line-up that ranges geographically from Brazil to Ireland and musically from Zydeco to reggae.

"I don't know which band I'm more excited to see at the festival," he said. "Every one of these bands are brilliant masters of their own style."

The festival line-up includes:

• Blackjack: Local Bluegrass favorites
• Johnny Cruzial and the Renounz: Reggae
• Benny and the Swamp Gators: Bayou zydeco
• Skelpin: classic Irish with a Mediterranean groove
• Fishtank Ensemble: Italian, Russian and Balkan gypsy jazz
• Gtonic: Afro-Latin funk
• Delta Nove: Brazilian rock reggae

While music will be the main attraction at the Festival of World Music, it won't be the only attraction. Crafts, kids' games, art and food will fill the festival with multi-cultural excitement and Angel City Brewery will add an Octoberfest flair to the event. Tickets for the full day of fun are only $26 when purchased in advance or $30 at the door.

Festival goers who just can't get enough will also be able to enjoy a pre-party with Johnny Cruzial on Friday, Oct 24, at the Catherine Hotel and a World Beat Brunch from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Oct. 26, at The Landing Bar and Grill.

Formed in 1996, the Catalina Island Performing Arts Foundation is dedicated to bringing the arts to Catalina residents. Trips to mainland performances, sponsorship of local programs and Catalina's community radio station, KISL, 88.7FM are just some of the ways the foundation serves its community.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce at (310) 510-1520 or visit our website below.

For more information visit CIPAF