Best live venue for world music

Festivals and fairs
http://features.cityguide.aol.com/indianapolis/annualcalendar
The best place to see world bands is at Indianapolis’ cultural festivals and art fairs. This summer’s lineup boasts Irish Fest, the Penrod Art Fair, the Italian Festival, the French Market, the Broad Ripple Art Fair and the International Festival. Check for coverage in NUVO.

1. il Troubadore
Indy’s 16th century rock band plays music from over 20 countries and sings in 13 languages. It has a strong Middle Eastern influence and is often accompanied by belly dancers.

2. Dog Talk
www.dogtalk.net
Dog Talk has been playing a funky blend of reggae, calypso, mambo, ska and Afro-Cuban music since 1993. Singer Cliff White was sidelined with a stroke in 2004. Since then, the band has grown to include vocalist (and occasional cage dancer) LuAnn Lancton.

3. Hogeye Navvy
www.hogeyenavvy.com
Hogeye Navvy plays acoustic traditional Irish, Scottish and English music. The shanty-singing band has acquired a large following of “Hog Heads.”

4. Ipanema
www.ipanemamusic.net
Elizabeth Souza is Brazilian-born and the daughter of a musician. Her band performs authentic sambas, bossas and Latin jazz.

5. Mariachi Zelaya
The first mariachi band to be established in Indianapolis is multinational. Band members include musicians from Nicaragua, Mexico, Colombia and Puerto Rico.