Shawn Conner lists the bands and events not to miss at the Vancouver World Music Festival.

1. Kick-off night.

Now in its fourth year, the Vancouver World Music Festival showcases (mostly) local bands with distinct sounds that cross international boundaries. The event kicks off with a three-band bill that includes Calle Verde (traditional flamenco with modern influences), MNGWA (Afro-Latin fusion) and GroundUp feat. Mazacote (world/ Latin). (April 26 at 7 p.m., Guilt and Co.)

2. Zimbamoto.

This high-energy outfit mixes Zimbabwean music rooted in the mbira (a metal-lined thumb piano) with what the band’s website calls “electric grooves and heavy beats.” They’re part of a bill that includes two other local acts: Bloco Energia (Brazilian dance music) and The Boom Booms (soul/funk). (April 27 at 8 p.m., Imperial)

3. Locarno.

Best known as frontman for Celtic-folk band The Paperboys, Tom Landa is also one of the organizers behind the World Music Festival. Locarno is his Latin project, and performs along with Las Cafeteras. (April 28 at 8 p.m., Imperial)

4. Las Cafeteras.

This Chicano band from East Los Angeles sing/ speak socially-conscious lyrics in compositions that combine Afro-Mexican, hip-hop, folk and other musical influences. They released their second studio album, Tastes Like L.A., in 2017.

5. Free afternoon show.

New this year is WorldBeat Sunday. This free family-friendly event includes performances by Kutapira, a marimba percussion act, as well as Los Tesoros, Zazu Collective, East Van Marimba AllStars. Percussion workshops are also offered. (April 29, from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Trout Lake Community Centre)

VANCOUVER WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL

When: April 26-29. Where: Imperial, Guilt and Co. and Trout Lake Community Centre. Tickets: $15-25 per night or $50 for a festival pass at worldmusicfest.ca, ticketweb. ca and Highlife, Zulu and Red Cat Records.