From World Music to World Peace - Andy Kershaw

An evening in the company of a man who has lived a thousand lives is surely not to be missed. It is fair to assume that Andy Kershaw has appeared on many an “ideal dinner party” guest list. This is your chance to hear a wealth of anecdotes from his extraordinary life- without the washing up! “The Adventures of Andy Kershaw” sounds more like a blockbuster action movie than a civilised evening at Dorchester Corn Exchange - but if it’s a jam packed evening of escapades and entertainment you’re after, then here it is - all in the relaxing setting of the Corn Exchange, complete with cool beverage!

Tickets for this knock out event on June 3 are available from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre 01305 267992 - or online.

Andy Kershaw is perhaps best known for his promotion of world music in the UK . Tired of the Anglo-American rock monopoly on popular radio, Kershaw’s shows became known for his eclectic compilations of world music with particular influences from Africa. It was this ground breaking approach which won Kershaw his first Sony Award in 1987.

Kershaw’s globetrotting lifestyle has allowed him to blend two passions- music and politics. He has acted as correspondent for the BBC from such diverse locations as Angola, Sierra Leone and Rwanda- demonstrating the plight of these war torn nations to the world. True to form though, Kershaw has been keen to present a different perspective- along this vein, he completed a tour of the so called “axis of evil”: Iran, Iraq and North Korea, but focussed his attention on musical tradition, reminding us of the rich culture of this region that is so often forgotten.

Other Dorchester Festival 2012 highlights include: an evening of comedy and curry with Hardeep Singh, cricket legend Henry Olonga, and co-creator of the soundtrack for Hollywood blockbuster Blood Diamond Modou N’Diaye.