Feb 28, Colombo: Jaffna Musical Festival showcasing Sri Lanka's traditional musical heritage will open tomorrow with the participation of hundreds of Sri Lankan and international folk artists.

The two-day event that will take place at the Jaffna Town Municipal Grounds on March 1 and 2 will provide a unique forum for the folk musicians to exchange traditions with other performers and participants from across Sri Lanka.

The organizers promise to bring forth an eclectic musical selection ranging from classical to folk, contemporary to fusion giving prominence to groups representing all ethnic communities across all regions of the island. The festival will also feature international artists from various countries.

Over 19 folk, contemporary and classical groups from cities and villages across Sri Lanka and seven international groups from India, Brazil, Palestine, Bangladesh and Norway will perform at the festival.

In addition, there will be Music Workshops, Sound Engineering Workshops, Pre-Festival Group Empowerment Programmes and Traditional Arts and Crafts both in the lead-up to, and at the festival, according to the organizers.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the development arm of the U.S. Government, funds the collaborative effort initiated through the Norway-Sri Lanka Music Cooperation agreement.

Sewalanka Foundation is organizing the event, with the guidance of Aru Sri Theatre and support from Norwegian Embassy.

Both local and international artists will have simultaneous performances from Friday to Saturday 9: 00 a.m. - 12:00noon while main stage performances will be held daily from 5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. daily and admission is free.