World Music Café will present a dynamic ‘Dinner & Show’ at the City of Cockburn’s Makuru Festival featuring the Esfandiar Shahmir Ensemble, plus the La Pandilla Flamenca with the Danza Viva dancers, and Raices, at the Memorial Hall in Hamilton Hill on Friday 5 June 2026.

The Esfandiar Shahmir Ensemble is a cross-cultural chamber group where Iranian musical traditions meet contemporary Western instrumentation in an intimate, deeply expressive dialogue. At its heart, the ensemble explores a shared sonic language rooted in modality, improvisation, and emotional storytelling. The ensemble features Esfandiar Shahmir (daf, ney), with Steve Richter (percussion), Kira Gum (harp), Geoff Bourgault (clarinet), and Tom Berkmann (double bass). Each performer brings their own musical voice, shaped by distinct traditions and practices, unified through a shared commitment to listening and improvisation.

La Pandilla Flamenca, literally ‘The Flamenco Gang’ formed in 2018 and features Will Ditcham (guitarist) and Moira Desport (percussionist), who have joined forces with the dancers from Danza Viva Flamenco Academy. Their dynamic combination has received great acclaim and won a Fringe Festival award in 2025.

Raices is a new music project exploring Latin-language songs from around the world. Blending traditional roots with modern interpretations, the group brings together musicians from diverse backgrounds including Muriel Hillion (Réunion Island, vocals), Mar Mariposa (Spain, vocals), Josh De Silva (Sri Lanka, guitar), and Jeremy Goinden (Mauritian and South African heritage, percussion). The mix of influences shapes a unique sound that is authentic and global.

The World Music Café ‘Dinner & Show’ includes a delicious tapas menu by chef Tamara Rodriguez and her talented Casa Latina catering team that caters for all dietary requirements.

“We’re excited to present the popular World Music Café for the City of Cockburn’s Makuru Festival featuring many diverse local musicians and showcase the vibrancy of contemporary Australian culture,” said World Music Café producer, Jon Cope.

Described by the UWA Centre for Social Impact as ‘An Oasis of Integration in Our Country,’ World Music Café is a successful social enterprise established in 2019, that provides genuine economic and social inclusion for crew members of new migrant and refugee backgrounds. World Music Café was a national ‘Social Entrepreneur of the Year’ finalist in the Australian Third Sector Awards 2022.

Given shows often sell out, patrons are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Group Tables discounts are available, so book a group table together with friends or colleagues.

Contact the host of World Music Cafe at the Makura Festival