Havens headlines Womad

Folk singer Richie Havens did a three-hour set at Woodstock in 1969 and it made him famous.

Next March he headlines the three-day world music festival Womad, at New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands.

The 63-year-old from Brooklyn, New York, has continued to perform and release albums since his early career highlights, 1967's Mixed Bag and 1970's Stonehenge. His latest album, Grace of the Sun, came out in July.

Other acts performing at Womad (World of Music, Arts and Dance) on March 11-13 include Grammy Award-winning classical group Kronos Quartet, reggae artist Alpha Blondy and his 16-piece band the Solar System, Senegalese hip-hopper Daara J, and Indian vocalist Rashid Khan.

Also on stage will be Jim Moray (England), Capercaillie (Scotland), Les Yeux Noirs (France), Lo' Jo (France), Yair Dalal (Israel), Zap Mama (Congo/Belgium), Gyuto Monks (Tibet/Australia), Drum Drum (Papua New Guinea), and New Zealand's Mahinarangi Tocker.

More local and international performers are yet to be announced.

Over the three days, the Bowl of Brooklands and the adjacent racecourse area turns into a global village reminiscent of Woodstock.

Camping is permitted at the racecourse and concert goers can also stay marae-style at the TSB Stadium.

Womad is an international festival created by former Genesis frontman and world music enthusiast, Peter Gabriel, 20 years ago.

Tickets go on sale today.