The Ghaxaq Music Festival 2015

St Mary’s Band Club of Ghaxaq is striving to become one of the most outstanding references in celebrating events which are increasing in popularity each and every year.

The Ghaxaq Music Festival is taking place thanks to an overwhelming number of sponsors. The festival will be spread over three days, from the 5 to the 7 August and will feature some of the best vocal talent and bands that the country has to offer and also foreign bands and singers that makes this festival so special.

5 August  - The Rifffs & The Nakara Project

The Rifffs

Every band has a story to tell and legendary cult band ‘The Rifffs’ are definitely a band worthy of that story. From landing a record deal with Alternative music distributed by Pinnacle, to having their debut single ‘ Dance music for the 80’s depression’ played by the world’s famous DJ John Peel which also hit in the British Alternative charts, this band has more than a story to tell.

With their first official album ‘Moonstomp’ under their belt, The Rifffs have released their second album Can’t Stop The People, Summer 2014. With a legacy that stretches back over three decades, The Rifffs are undoubtedly one of Malta’s national treasures when it comes to music. Regarded as one of the top 5 Ska Bands in the World, the Rifffs will give a full concert at this year’s Edition of The Ghaxaq Music Festival.

The Nakara Project

The Nakara Project, A brand new act founded in 2015 by dance music pioneer DJ Ruby.

The Nakara Project is an amalgamation of 5 notorious independent artists coming together to stage a series of selected exclusive shows emanating a distinctive electronic world music sound, whilst featuring art and stunning original live visuals production in each performance.

The group consists of proficient drummer Melchior Busuttil, producing live percussion on a full drum kit layered over electronic sound sequences and re-edited tracks mixed by DJ Ruby, while renowned bassist Liam Spiteri brings the act’s electronic sound to a whole new level with live bass grooves. All vocal tracks of a Nakara set, including original material and cover versions are performed live by established singer Odessa Green. Also part of the act is inspiring internationally accomplished artist Mark Mallia, who creates a fresh canvas art work from start to finish on stage throughout each gig.

The Nakara Project also features different guests varying from session musicians to alternative performing artists for each ensemble, ensuring no two shows are ever the same, whilst constantly evolving with each newly introduced influence. This is an opportunity that all Maltese surely cannot miss.

One of Malta’s best upcoming Band INFINITE Loop will open up this year’s Edition of the Ghaxaq Music  Festival

6 August - Versatile Brass

The Versatile Brass, an ensemble of top notch professional musicians have played in many prestigious concerts both in Malta as well as in other foreign countries. As from the incredible experience of the Expo 2000 in Germany, they have then been asked to represent the Maltese Islands on several occasions,  leaving a great positive impact on all of their crowds. They are the hosting band on special occasions put up by His Excellency the President of Malta, Dr. George Abela. They have also performed with the world renowned Tenor, Joseph Calleja and the Italian artist Mro. Riccardo Cocciante.

The Versatile Brass were also the band chosen by the state to perform for His Holiness Pope Benedictus XIV during his pastoral visit to Malta in April 2010. Infact, they have then been cordially invited by the Vatican City to once again perform for His Holiness and his audience in Rome in November 2011. All the music arrangements are done by the same members within the same band, mainly by Paul Borg, the founder and director of the Versatile Brass.The very vast repertoire ranges from Classic to  Pop,  Jazz,  Swing,  Blues,  Latin,  Funk,  Standards,  Rockn Roll and their unique and innovative   DJ Brass .Their capability of ranging from the subtle to the powerful,  their effective use of contrasts in dynamics and textures,  and their capability to change from one mood or style to another, makes this band truly outstanding .

At the Ghaxaq Music Festival the Versatile Brass will give a full power 180mins show including top local artists and also the most awaited Dj Fusion. This is where  the entire Brass Band, in its own dynamic style, interacts with the latest remixes of Pitbull, Neyo, LMFAO, Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta to name a few.

Maltese upcoming band Eversity will be warming up the crowd before the Versatile Brass Concert

Top Local Presentor Clint Bajjada (Clint on One) will host the show.

7 August – The World’s Best Dire Straits Tribute Show

For the first time in Malta, the World’s Best Dire Straits Tribute show , endorsed by Mark Knopfler himself will be playing at the Ghaxaq Music Festival 2015. The Italian Dire Straits have played in every kind of venue, in many different countries, at every level; from clubs, to theatres, to festivals and stadiums.  You're looking at years of professional world touring experience by six of the most accomplished musicians you're likely to find in any band; tribute or original.

It's easy to understand the band's simple yet bold mission statement; to play the Dire Straits' music better than anybody, anywhere. Second only to the Dire Straits themselves.

The Italian Dires Straits which boosts over 20K facebook members and played infront of crowds up to 30000 , will give a full live show of over 2hrs of Dire Straits top classic songs such as Brothers in Arms, Sultans of Swings, So Far Away, Money for Nothing, Romeo and Juliet and much much more.

The Italian Dire Straits  will be coming to Malta in full gear , a host of award winning musicisians. The crew will include light and sound engineers, front of house, technical engineers and road crew.

The Band

Alfredo Delmonaco (lead guitar)

Massimiliano Lisa (vocals and rhythm guitar)

Marco Casaletta (bass and backing vocals)

Alessio Corona (keyboards)

Alberto Vai (drums)

Gianni Penzo, Terence Demilito, Sonny Buyo (saxophone)

This is an opportunity that all Maltese surely cannot miss.  Malta’s best acoustic duo Xarulu will open up the night with a 40 minute gig which will surely bring the vibe in full swing.

Again, entrance for the Ghaxaq Music Festival is free and the public will be free to give a donation for the support of future festivals. Also, the Ghaxaq Music Festival team are happy to announce that this year's edition will be in aid of Inspire. Several members and volunteers from Inspire will collect donations on the three days of the festival.

Further to this an SMS number will be available and shared on screens for the public to donate.

We would like to thank all those involved and especially all you people who will visit us on the 5, 6 and 7 of August at Ghaxaq square.

Give  a helping hand to Inspire  and prepare yourself for a memorable night

Info Hotline: 7945 0855 / 9944 8918 / 9944 1161