Bewildered: (adjective) 1. completely puzzled or confused; perplexed. It's not immediately clear how this definiton ties into the story but, as of this year, Bewildered is also the name of a new live music event that will be staging its first edition at the end of the month. The festival is the brainchild of Shawn James, who had previously also introduced the international Sofar Sounds concept to Malta. Spread over two evenings, Bewildered Music Festival has its roots in indie music and is being staged in collaboration with Valletta 2018 and Pjazza Teatru Rjal.
The line-up for the first edition will feature a mixture of local and foreign acts, each of them bringing a unique element to the programme. The local acts include China, Plato's Dream Machine and Fastidju, the latter two both fronting a new line-up and almost certainly, some new songs too. The international element is represented by Berlin-based Maltese-American artist Jim Hickey, alongside UK acts Big Deal and Leave the Planet.
Bewildered Music Festival is part of the Valletta 2018 cultural programme being developed in the run up to the European Capital of Culture year. This focuses among other, on the commitment to providing Maltese artists with a platform to perform and showcase their talents while simultaneously organising high quality cultural events in Valletta as part of the run up to 2018.Collaboration between the Valletta 2018 Foundation and Pjazza Teatru Rjal started earlier this year ahead of this first edition. Through this project, Valletta 2018 is bringing together upcoming European bands, Maltese musicians and young audiences in a much loved social atmosphere.
Bewildered Music Festival will be held on Friday, August 28 and Saturday 29 at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta. Doors open at 8pm. Advance tickets cost €10 (1 night/€15 at the door) or €18 (2 nights/€20 at the door) and can be purchased online either at www.showshappening.com or the official website, bewilderedmusicfestival.com.