houston international festival

It's been a big week for festival line-up announcements, both inside of our fair town and out. Hell, just scroll down on the front page to see what I'm talking about. This time around it's another Houston event, actually, one of my favorite annual festivals – the Houston International Festival, better know simply as iFest. The four-day multi-stage arts and music festival is set to take place the weekends of April 17-18 and 24-25 with a focus on the island nations of The Caribbean. Never failing to provide entertainment over the course of the event, this years music line-up is topped by funk pioneers George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic who will be gracing the World stage for the second time, as well as LA Latin-based hip-hop, funk and soul group Ozomatli who will be returning to Houston for the first time in a few years. Many of BOT's favorites, both local and international, will also be making it to Houston over the course of the four days including King Sunny Ade & His African Beats, Easy Star All-Stars, Steel Pulse, Rebirth Brass Band, D.R.U.M., Sideshow Tramps and The Wild Moccasins. Once again, iFest has pulled in a nice sampling of local, regional, national and international talent – there's a little bit of something for everyone.

Check out the full iFest schedule after the jump!

I spent last Sunday in downtown Houston for the first full day (Saturday was rained out) of the Houston International Festival. With Ireland as the festival's theme this year, Guinness and green were abundant as a decent-sized crowd gathered to check out the music program, stage shows, shopping, international food choices and a host of other activities during the all-day event. Mavis Staples topped the bill, and New Orleans was well-represented – unfortunately at the same time – by Marc Broussard and Big Sam's Funky Nation. I also had the chance to catch a few different artists with more of an international flair, when Mariachi Los Arrieros, The Kildares, Celtic Menagerie and more performed throughout the early evening. It was a great day, full of unique and satisfying musical performances around every corner. On top of the perfect weather after a few days of hell-rain, it was a great way to finish the weekend.

Houston's International Festival, or iFest, continues next weekend with a line-up that features Los Lobos, Hugh Masakela, Rootz Underground and a whole bunch more. For now, though, check out a bunch of photos and videos from Sunday, April 19 at iFest after the jump.

Since I wasn't at Coachella last Saturday, I hopped on the train and headed downtown to spend some time taking in the scene at the third installment of the 2008 Houston International Festival. It was a bit hotter than it was last Saturday and Sunday, but still a gorgeous day, topped off by great music.

Photos and recap after the jump

Where were you on 4/20? We spent the day at the Houston International Festival with the Wailers and a whole grab bag full of other sights and sounds.

Read the recap and check out our photos after the jump

The 2008 edition of the Houston International Festival started on Saturday, April 19th with headliner Buddy Guy, and other intriguing acts like "The Great Lady of Soul" Bettye Lavette, Houston's own D.R.U.M., and Austinites/Prince collaborators Grupo Fantasma.

Read more about the first day of iFest after the jump

One of the events I look forward to most in Houston every year is the International Festival. This year's iFest (the 37th edition) aims the spotlight on Africa, and it's scheduled to take place April 19-20 and April 25-27 in downtown Houston. Rather than focusing on one country this year (as is typically the case), diverse performances and activities are planned to highlight the "three journeys of Africans: original human migration out of Africa, the tragedy of forced migration out of Africa, and the cultural journey back to Africa and globalization." This year's performance schedule was released today and includes the likes of The Wailers, Trombone Shorty, and Bettye LaVette, as well as cultural events such as Ethiopian and Kenyan fashion shows.

More iFest info after the jump