Catalina Island will once again welcome the world, Sat Oct. 24th at the 2nd Annual Catalina Island Festival Of World Music. Presented by the Catalina Island Performing Arts Foundation, the festival will feature an eclectic mix of musical styles and genres from around the globe.

"Southern California is one of the most culturally diverse regions of our country, though typically separated into different neighborhoods. What we're trying to do here is to pick an artistic piece out of each of these various backgrounds and create a multicultural event with sounds, smells, and flavors not typically found in the same spot," said event organizer Aaron Pitts, "with the momentum of last years success, this years event has already got people sizzling with excitement."

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 Bluegrass to Reggae. "This years lineup is certainly something that's got me excited" he said. "Every one of these bands are brilliant masters of their own style, and something not to be missed"

The festival line-up includes:

• Tomorrows Bad Seeds: (headliner) Reggae 
• Skelpin: classic Irish with a Spanish/Mediterranean groove
• Lula Alemeida & Afro-Brazil: Brazilian Samba-Reggae, Axe, Candomble'
• Amercian Primitive: Bluegrassy-Funky-Jazz.... Groovegrass
• Jessica Fichot: French Chanson, Gypsy Jazz
• Blackjack: Local Bluegrass Legends

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 $25 for adults, and children (ages 3-11) will be $5. Festival goers who just can't get enough will also be able to enjoy a World Beat Brunch from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Oct. 25.

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