GlobalFEST Brings Borderless Beats to the Heart of New York
globalFEST, one of the most dynamic platforms for international music, is back with its signature blend of tradition, innovation, and boundary-breaking energy.
On a crisp New York evening, the iconic David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center will come alive with the 2025 edition of globalFEST, a vibrant celebration of global sounds and stories. As one of the most dynamic platforms for international music, globalFEST returns with its signature fusion of tradition, innovation, and boundary-pushing energy.
What began as an acclaimed festival has evolved into a catalytic force—a non-profit service organization dedicated to curators, artists, and the performing arts field. With initiatives like its partnership with NPR Music’s Tiny Desk series and the Wavelengths industry conference, globalFEST has become more than just a stage; it’s a movement redefining how the world connects through music.
This year’s festival promises to be no exception, with its trademark full-theater takeover offering ten diverse performances in a single night. From Zar Electrik’s electrified Moroccan-French fusion to the Afro-Colombian beats of Rebolu, and the cross-cultural jazz experiments of Ghazi & Boom.Diwan x Arturo O’Farrill, the lineup is a vibrant testament to globalFEST’s mission: breaking down cultural and social boundaries by moving global music to the forefront of the performing arts field.
“globalFEST is more than a festival—it’s an ecosystem,” says a representative of the organization. “By creating opportunities for artists and curators alike, we’re not just building audiences for international music; we’re fostering a more inclusive, sustainable cultural sector.”
A Mission That Resonates Globally
At its core, globalFEST operates with a mission as expansive as its music. It’s about much more than performance—it’s about fostering empathy, breaking down divisions, and amplifying diverse voices. Through its flagship festival and other programs, globalFEST builds bridges between cultures, redefines American stages, and challenges audiences to expand their worldviews.
Its impact reverberates far beyond David Geffen Hall. globalFEST curates stages at other notable festivals, provides urgent grants for artists, and strengthens industry networks across North America. It inspires empathy and cultural understanding, ensuring that audiences across the United States and beyond experience the richness of global and American regional music traditions.
TMN Joins the Movement
For Teens Media Network (TMN), an international platform advocating for diverse voices in cultural expression, covering globalFEST is more than just an assignment—it’s a milestone. TMN reporters Micah Bierman and Henry Ortiz-Londono, alongside mentor and TMN’s Founder Pablo Herrera, will be front and center, capturing the night’s electric energy and the profound stories behind the performances.
“globalFEST mirrors everything TMN stands for,” says Herrera. “It’s about amplifying voices, building connections, and celebrating diversity. For our young reporters, it’s a chance to be part of a cultural moment that transcends borders.”
A Call to Action Through Music
globalFEST isn’t just about the music you hear; it’s about the conversations it starts, the understanding it fosters, and the opportunities it creates. Its mission—to move global music to the center of the cultural conversation—is more urgent than ever in a world that often feels divided.
For TMN, this event is a testament to the power of young voices in shaping a more inclusive cultural landscape. By covering globalFEST, TMN reinforces its role as a platform for connection and storytelling, proving that the next generation of journalists can be as impactful as the music they document.
As the lights dim and the first note rings out at David Geffen Hall, globalFEST will once again remind us of the power of music to unite, inspire, and transform. And TMN will be there to tell the story.
Tarta Relena: Tiny Desk x globalFEST.
