GLOBAL BEATS AND HARP AND FIDDLE PRESENT A WORLD CUP KICKOFF CELEBRATION

Global Beats and Harp and Fiddle have partnered during the World Cup 2010 to bring excitement and World Cup ambiance to Pittsburgh. On Friday and Saturday, June 11th and 12th, Harp and Fiddle in the Strip District kicks off a series of events to celebrate the biggest single sporting event in the world. With Global Beats as a partner, the Irish Pub is welcoming soccer and world music fans with its traditionally friendly Irish hospitality.
Pub Manager David Regan says the strategic partnership is fundamental in order to provide a multicultural and enthusiastic ambiance for World Cup fans. “In addition to live world music entertainment, we are broadcasting the opening ceremony and games on a big screen TV and on other TV’s throughout the venue.  We are challenging fans with trivia games, giving away prizes, offering drink specials and organizing several games to make the experience even more fun and unique.  We want Harp and Fiddle to be the home for football fans in Pittsburgh.”  The pub will open its doors at 10 am and activities will continue throughout the day with live music starting at 5 pm both days.
This year’s World Cup takes place in South Africa and is the first time the tournament takes place on African soil. The occasion brings together 32 nations to compete and millions of fans.  The opening ceremony is billed as the greatest entertainment show to date in Africa and counts on the presence of Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angélique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela who will take to the stage at Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg on the eve of the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
Carla Leininger of Global Beats couldn’t be more excited. “Soccer and music are incredible forces to unify people and create social changes. It’s a perfect fit for the mission of Global Beats. The formula is ideal: joyful Irish pub hospitality, soccer passion, multiple nations, great music, fun activities and a central location. I’m thrilled that this partnership is providing Pittsburgh with yet another opportunity to enjoy sports and unity of all people!”
On Friday, June 11th, the audience will get a chance to see the Tom Bachelor Band from Morgantown performing some reggae, calypso and rock. One of the surprises of the event is the premiere on Saturday, June 12th, of Pittsburgh’s World Beat Band, New World Ginga. Ginga is a Brazilian word used primarily to describe the fundamental movement in the Brazilian martial art of “Capoeira.”  In music, it describes when musicians and dancers unite in a soulful, swinging spirit of ecstasy and celebration.  Their songs will represent samples of popular songs and hit numbers.  However, the rhythms that will be explored are a conglomeration of Ska, Rock, Latin, Calypso, Samba/Reggae, Bossa Nova and other African based styles. But above all, the “New World Ginga” band represents a party that celebrates the unity of cultures.

About Global Beats:
Global Beats is a leading producer of global music events in Pittsburgh, PA.  It was created to foster multicultural exchanges and to be an agent of social change through the sounds and fusion of world music. Through strategic partnerships with PUMP (Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project) and GSFA (Guitar Society of Fine Arts), Global Beats has earned grants from the Heinz Endowments and the Multicultural Arts Initiative to present world music acts of great quality, which demonstrate how Pittsburgh is a cutting-edge hub of culture, creativity and collaboration. Regular Global Beats nights are on the last Saturday of the month at the AVA Lounge, 126 S. Highland Ave, in the growing East Liberty area. For details visit www.globalbeatspitt.com