The last night of the festival, Sunday, July 19, is all about hybrid sounds. It all launches with the Vancouver debut of Barcelona’s Maruja Limón whose music blends Catalan traditions with influences drawn from flamenco, pop, and Cuban son. Then it’s time for Valerie June’s unique mixture of Americana, folk, gospel, soul, and blues. She calls it “organic moonshine roots music”, and that’s good enough for us. Then BIM (Benin International Musical) will close the festivities by welding rock and rap to traditional voodoo rhythms. There’s a ceremonial element to this Beninese collective’s music, which makes each performance part dance party and part ritual.
