Richard Bona, Patti Austin, Freddy Cole, Yellowjackets are just few of the names, featured as performers at Rīgas Ritmi festival. Although not exactly so grand as its world counterparts, it is still a wonderful opportunity for Riga citizens and guest of the city to hear the world music legends, Grammy prize-winners, as well as up-and-coming musicians who are not as famous yet. Victor Wooten Band and Portuguese singer Lura can be mentioned among the new names of the festival in 2008, while a singer and contrabass player Esperenza Spaldin and Brazilian musician, 7-string guitar virtuoso, Yamandu Costa can be expected in 2009. World beat, Afro-Cuban, funk and Brazilian jazz concerts take place at the Riga Congress Centre and the concert hall of Big Guild. These are comparatively small venues, yet they offer warm and intimate atmosphere. And those, who cannot bear listening to music sitting down, usually get up and dance between the rows of chairs or even on the stairs.