World On the Beat - July, 2008

May might have been gorgeous, and June had its moments, but what can be hotter than July? Stevie Wonder perhaps, but since his September shows in the UK are already sold out, then maybe you’d like to know about what things are sizzlin’ north o’ the border.

If you're inclined towards the dub side of the globe (er... New Zealand), check out Kora’s psychedlic dub-rock (21st July, 8pm, Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, £9). Also check out The Black Seeds' rockin’ roots dub (5th August, Liquid Rooms, £12.50, 7pm). Monthly night Ndaje will feature the earthy afro-reggae of Louis-Jean and the Irie Rainbow, a band from Berlin with roots in Senegal (17th July, 10pm-3am, The Bongo Club, £5).

For a mashed-up package, check out Headspin at the Bongo Club for a residents-only stint of four-deck madness (12th July, 11-3, £5/6). Packing a whopping hillbilly pow-wow, The Punch Brothers are coming from America to showcase some impressive fingerpickin’ bluegrass (17th July, 7pm, Oran Mor, Glasgow, £16). Moving south of Florida, The Cuban Brothers will be dishing out their brand of no-holds-barred, sexy cubano funk (26th July, The Wickerman Festival). However, if you prefer your salsa on a ship, then check out The Salsa Cruise: it departs from South Queensferry on July 4th and 18th to carry you into the sunset on a floating cuban carnival. There will be teachers there to show you the moves, and music and cocktails to give you the groove. A bus service picks up from central Edinburgh (www.forthtours.com/salsa.asp / www.latinexplosion.co.uk). Although somewhat south o’ the border, if you have a passion for beats from the furthest reaches of the four corners, get down to WOMAD festival (25th – 27th July). [Josh Coppersmith-Heaven]