When the world comes to town... Annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival

By Haripriya Jalluri hjalluri@iu.edu

The 30th annual 2023 Lotus World Music & Arts Festival returns to Bloomington this fall. From Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, downtown Bloomington will be filled with the bustle of crowds and the sounds of sweet harmonies from all around the world.

For international students, the Lotus Festival can serve as a taste of home. And, for four days, Bloomington’s downtown area is taken over by local and global artists. 2023’s lineup of global artists features Dominican Republic’s

Dream Bachata Academy, Malawi’s Madalitso Band and India’s Sonny Singh. The full lineup, featuring 22 artists and groups, can be viewed online on the Lotus Festival’s website, www.lotusfest.org

Not only does the festival feature global musicians, but it also includes creative workshops, local beers and food trucks. Additionally, some of the festival’s events are free to the public (like Lotus in the Park on Sept. 30, the weekend long Lotus Local Stage and workshops), while some concerts are ticketed. Tickets can be purchased in person or online at the BCT Box Office.

Bloomington’s 2022 Lotus Festival invited select performers to show support for Ukraine; including Lemon Bucket Orkestra, a Torontobased folk-punk group with Ukrainian Roots. Alongside inviting Ukrainian musicians, the annual shirt and glow bands handed out at concerts also showed support for Ukraine through the design and colors.

During an IDS interview with leader and co-founder of Lemon Bucket Orkestra during the 2022 festival, Mark Marczyk said, “We know that no matter who the audience is, people come to listen to good music and be moved. You come with an open heart, so it’s bound to be a good experience.”

While there is no theme confirmed for the 2023 festival, Marczyk’s words stand true: it is a good experience. So, whether you come to support local or global bands, reminisce about home or find your next travel destination based on music — the Lotus Festival is one to attend.

1. Salaam band founder Dena El Saffar plays the oud, a traditional Iraqi instrument, Sept. 23, 2022, during the 29th annual Lotus World Music and Arts Festival. El Saffar founded the band while studying at the Jacobs School of Music.

2. Members of the Volo Bogtrotters perform Sept. 23, 2022, at First Christian Church during the 29th annual Lotus World Music and Arts Festival. The ensemble played old-time fiddle music from the American midwest.

3. Emmy award-winner Van-Ahn Vo smiles at the audience after her set Sept. 23, 2022, at Trinity Episcopal Church. Vo weaved her personal experiences into her music and told stories of her life in Vietnam between songs.

4. A member of the Nyansapo Highlife Band smiles at the crowd during an energetic set Sept. 23, 2022, at the 29th annual Lotus World Music and Arts Festival. The Chicago-based African band brought high energy and a variety of instruments to its performance.

5. A member of Flying Balkan Laikas plays the guitar Sept. 24, 2022, at the 29th annunal Lotus World Music and Arts Festival. The festival began Thursday evening and ran through Sunday.

6. Amman & Ayaan Ali Bangash perform as part of the 29th annual Lotus World Music and Arts Festival on Sept. 24, 2022. They both play the sarod — a staple in Indian music.