"Orientoccidente" music festival brings Patti Smith to Arezzo

A blending of cultures and kinds of music have been at the heart of the Orientoccidente Festival for the 7 years it has been held. This year the 8th festival will take place from 10 July-24 August in Valdarno, in Arezzo and in Val di Chiana. It will be dedicated to Woody Guthrie, musician and poet, father of the modern folk song and protest song. "The idea is a journey through the west in its crisis, in the hopes that men and women an overcome it and find work." 

Patti Smith will perform on July 26 with Casa del Vento, who worked with her on her new album. There will be original events and concerts such as that of Raiz, and Fauso Mesolella, The Gang, Alabastro Euforico and Tomviolence. 

The Festival is organized by Materiali Sonori e Officine della Cultura and is promoted by the Region of Tuscany, Arezzo, and the towns hosting the events. Check the website for an updated program of events: www.orientoccidente.net