Traveling the world via Seattle’s stages and screens.

Never before have we felt more urgency to break down walls and build bridges between cultures around the world. The arts offer the perfect vehicle for doing just that. Here in our own city, we’re proud to announce an amazing lineup of inspiring May events.

Tonight, Malian superstar Vieux Farka Touré (son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Touré)  plays with Clinton Fearon at Nectar Lounge.

From May 18 to June 11, the 43rd Annual Seattle International Film Festival (or SIFF) transports audience members around the globe with 400 films from 80 countries (including 161 features and 58 documentaries). SIFF organizers take their role as an international film festival very seriously, emphasizing the “importance of movies in breaking down the barriers that threaten to divide us.”

The event is all about “discovery,” they explain, as the roster shines the spotlight on those who might otherwise not be given a voice. The lineup includes: 70% films without U.S. distribution, 50% created by first-and second-time filmmakers and 30% made by women. The “Films of the Middle East” category highlights two countries affected by the recent travel ban (Syria and Iran), and nine films by indigenous talents cover topics from Inuit sealing culture to prejudices faced by members of Sweden’s Sami community. Get your tickets to this incredible festival starting tomorrow, May 4.

Saturday, May 27, the phenomenally talented Afro-folk singer/songwriter Naomi Wachira takes over the stage at The Triple Door. Her unique sound and onstage presence are captivating; she has released three beautiful recordings to date–“African Girl” (2012), “Naomi Wachira” (2014) and “I am Because You Are” (2015) Her fourth album, “Song of Lament,” comes out this June.

And of course, keep on your radar: next week’s launch of the brand-new Upstream Music Fest + Summit (tickets on sale here!) and the Northwest Folklife Fest (May 26-29), which just released its lineup for this year’s free Seattle Center-based event.

Also, if you’re looking for a mellow concert environment in which to experience Lea Michele’s sophomore album “Places,” check out her show next Monday, May 8, at The Moore.