Partnership Announces Presenting Sponsor, First Round Of Headlining Music Acts For The 2023 World Food & Music Festival
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (May 17, 2023) – The World Food & Music Festival has announced that Veridian Credit Union will be the presenting sponsor for the 2023 Festival. The Festival will make its return on Friday, Aug. 25 – Sunday, Aug. 27 at Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). The Festival features food vendors representing countries and culinary regions from around the world as well as a wide range of musicians, activities, cooking demonstrations, merchants, nonprofits and more.
“Every year, the World Food & Music Festival gives central Iowans a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the diversity in cultures around the world,” said Shelly McGill, Veridian’s Central Iowa Regional Manager. “We're grateful for the chance to be the Festival's presenting sponsor.”
The first two headlining music acts have also been announced for the 2023 World Food & Music Festival. Musical acts were booked in partnership with the 80/35 Music Festival.
The first headlining group for the 2023 Festival is Flor de Toloache, a Latin-Grammy nominated, all-women mariachi group. Founded in 2008, Flor de Toloache is led by singers Mireya I. Ramos and Shae Fiol. Today, Flor De Toloache’s members hail from diverse cultural backgrounds such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Italy and the United States.
The second headlining group is Chicago Afrobeat Project, described as an “ever-evolving musical experiment.” With founding members Kevin Ford on keyboards and David Glines on guitar, many shows also feature male emcee Legit and female vocalist Rhea the Second. Legit pops his hip-hop verses across Chicago Afrobeat Project’s bubbling afrobeat rhythms, while Rhea’s soaring vocal melodies intersect with the horn section.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these two fantastic acts to the World Food & Music Festival,” said Amelia Klatt, Director of Events for The Partnership. “The Festival aims to introduce attendees to music from all over the world, which Chicago Afrobeat Project and Flor de Toloache will do.”
Learn more as additional details are announced in coming weeks at worldfoodandmusicfestival.com.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.
About Downtown, DSM, Inc.
Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes a strong Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking.