World music in the Netherlands is coming of age and beginning to occupy an increasingly important place as a Dutch export product. There is a great diversity of bands and venues, festivals, press, educational institutions and policy makers involved in the sector. High time for a collective presentation of world music in the Netherlands; the two day festival Dutch Blend Meeting on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 May 2008 in the Concert- en congresgebouw de Doelen and WMDC in Rotterdam. Dutch Blend is the first meeting in the Netherlands that brings together all the people involved “in the trade” both at home and abroad.

World Blend Café in WMDC on Thursday 22nd of May!
On Thursday the 22nd of May Dutch Blend Meeting will start with an informal kick-off at the World Blend Café, the monthly open-source network for world-music professionals in the Netherlands. At this network-meeting national and international guests will be given a short introduction to the lively Dutch world music-scene. There will be presentations, elevator pitches, live music, dj and a buffet. A great opportunity to meet and greet in an informal setting. See you there!
 
Thursday 22nd May : welcome -18.00; 18.30-22.00 hrs. programme
World Music and Dance Centre (WMDC), Pieter de Hoochweg 125, 3024 BG Rotterdam
 
RSVP: Café and buffet! (for all non-invitees)
E: info@wmdc.nl or T: 010 2444516
Reservations for World Blend Café (free entry) & dinerbuffet (€ 16,- pp incl. consumptie) before May 21st, 17.00 hrs.! please note clearly!
More information: www.worldmusicforum.nl

Concert programme
Besides the trade fair for professionals there are concerts open to the general public in the evening on  Friday 23 and Saturday 24 May in De Doelen. No less than 20 prominent Dutch world music formations will be giving short showcase performances. A unique opportunity to see ‘the best of’ Dutch world music in one place. Both evenings the bands will be playing in a truly festival atmosphere in three concert halls in the Doelen.

Music Trade Fair
Dutch Blend Meeting is the first professional world music meeting where world music ensembles based in the Netherlands are presented to international and national venues, festivals, press, policy makers, musicians and other interested parties.

The trade fair will take place during the day on Friday the 23rd of May in de Doelen. There is a market where approximately 100 bands will present themselves and there are showcases, workshops and lectures. On Saturday there will also be showcases in the WMDC that include performances by Tarhana and Barana Quintet.

Available for everyone is the Dutch Blend World Music Guide, the guide with all the information about the Dutch world music sector. This guide will also be available online via www.dutchblendworldmusicguide.com.