Are you ready for a free trip around the world? A musical one, that is.

World Music Festival Chicago 2013, organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, has returned with more than 70 performances by a variety of musicians and singers performing in venues around the city. Here are a few picks — and to make the evening even more culturally defined, we offer dinner suggestions from Chicago’s equally diverse lineup of restaurants.

Mamadou Kelly

7 p.m. Sept. 14 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4545 N. Lincoln Ave., followed by Sidi Toure with Leila Gobi at 8:30 p.m. Mali’s annual Festival au Desert was canceled in 2013 due to the country’s political instability. So the artists bring their music to the world. Check the schedule for more by Malian artists. For dinner try: Yassa African Restaurant, 716 E. 79th St. (773) 488-5599.