By Rob Thomas

Whether it's the irresistible rhythms of Brazilian drums or the otherworldly vocals of African chants, the sounds of world music are nothing new to the Memorial Union.

The Wisconsin Union Theater has brought internationally known world musicians to Madison year-round through its World Stage Series. That commitment to bringing in global music has expanded into the Madison World Music Festival this Thursday through Saturday, featuring a dozen artists from places as far away as Mali, Brazil and Spain.

The free public concerts take place both on the Union Terrace and in the Wisconsin Union Theater, 800 Langdon St.

This year's schedule includes some world music heavyweights, including African bluesman Boubacar Traore and Brazilian musician and actor Seu Jorge, best known to American audiences for his acoustic covers of David Bowie songs in the film "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou."

All performances are on the Union Terrace unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit www.union.wisc.edu/worldmusicfest.

9:30 p.m.: Seu Jorge may be best known for his film work, as the deckhand who plays acoustic covers in Portuguese of David Bowie songs in the Wes Anderson film "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou," or as the young Rio de Janeiro street kid Knockout Ned in Fernando Meirelles' "City of God." The role of Ned came easily to Jorge, who himself grew up homeless on the streets of Rio. His music, such as on the new album "Cru," is stripped-down and raw, allowing his vocals to take center stage.