Chugg, Brian Ritchie To Speak At World Music Expo

Chugg Entertainment boss Michael Chugg and Violent Femmes bassist/Mona Foma curator Brian Ritchie have been announced as keynote speakers for this year's Australasian World Music Expo conference.

The two big names will be joined by local and international industry professionals, with festival organisers saying today that they're expecting 500 delegates in total.

The conference's director Simon Rayner said, “This is the first year we've featured keynote speakers in the Conference Program and to have the likes of Brian Ritchie and Michael Chugg sharing their professional insights is quite a privilege.”

Chugg will be in conversation with The Australian's Iain Shedden, while Ritchie will be in an open conversation about his career from playing in the Femmes to his more recent festival curation. There will be a total of 28 panel sessions with delegates representing everything from Glastonbury, Fuji Rock and the BBC to APRA|AMCOS, Sounds Australia and some of the biggest local festivals.

The event will take place from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 November in Melbourne across the Arts Centre Melbourne, The Hi-Fi, Lounge, The Toff In Town and Ding Dong Lounge.

Musical showcases have been confirmed from Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Archie Roach's Into The Bloodstream, Clare Bowditch, The Bamboos and many more.

Delegates passes are available now, and early bird prices end Sunday 7 October.

Editor's note: Story amended to reflect correct amount of speakers.