The month-long international music festival runs through October at venues in and around D.C. (Photo courtesy Multiflora Productions).

Last year, D.C. hosted the inaugural Multiflora Music Festival, a month-long, DIY global music festival designed to reflect the region’s multicultural flavor in an accessible and inclusive way. Jim Thomson, the head of the booking and promotions agency Multiflora Productions and the driving force behind the event, is bringing it back with a more ambitious schedule and a new name: The Flash of the Spirit Worldwide Sound Festival.

The festival takes place throughout October at ten venues in or near the District. Performers hail from Latin America, the Caribbean, North Africa, and as far away as China. Thomson is also adding a film component to this year’s event. Here are the shows that caught our eye from the program.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2

Fendika is a music and dance troupe based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and under the direction of dancer/choreographer Malaku Belay. The group specializes in Ethiopia’s traditional bardic style but also incorporates contemporary sound and movement. Fendika kicks off the festival with a performance at The Hill Center. 7 p.m., $15.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4

Mamdou Kelly is from Mali’s Niger River delta. A master guitarist who cut his teeth with two of the region’s greats, Ali Farka Toure and Afel Bocoum, he brings his encyclopedic knowledge of Malian music to Tropicalia. The opening act is The Tributary Project, a local band under the direction of Rob Coltun, who also co-owns the Bossa Bistro + Lounge in Adams Morgan. 8 p.m., $20.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5

Tropicalia hosts a pair of local bands that will supply a night of infectious rhythms. La Colombopercutiva blends cumbia with a variety of traditional Colombian rhythms while Kino Musica draws its influences from throughout the African diaspora. 8 p.m., FREE.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7

Casa de la Trova is a legendary club in Santiago de Cuba that gave birth to son, bolero, and a host of other Cuban musical styles. The hottest group playing the club today is Septeto Santiaguero, which comes to Tropicalia for a 7:30 p.m. performance. $25.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10

Tropicalia hosts the festival’s most unlikely pairing as Puerto Rican ensemble Orquesta el Macabeo shares the stage with the Zhou Family Band from Anhui Province, China. For seven generations, the Zhou family has preserved their folk traditions while Orquesta el Macabeo brings a modern edge to its folk influences. 7:30 p.m. $20.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12

1,001 Syrian Nights is an exhibition of images by photographer Jason Hamacher that the Library of Congress has recently acquired. Hamacher has chosen ten large format photographs that depict the ancient Syrian city of Aleppo before it was destroyed in the ongoing civil war. The prints will be on display at the Lost Origins Gallery, which is hosting a reception featuring traditional Syrian food. 7:30 p.m. $20. Prior to the reception, Talkht Al-Nagham, an ensemble that plays the region’s classical music, will play a concert on the Millennium Stage with guest artist Lubana Al Quntar. 6 p.m., FREE.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

Neguinho da Beija-Flor is among the most charismatic samba parade singers from Rio de Janeiro and is the official singer of one of Rio’s most popular samba associations, Beija-Flor de Nilópolis. Neguinho comes to MilkBoy ArtHouse for an 8 p.m. set. $35.

BURKINABÈ RISING – Official Trailer from Cultures of Resistance Films on Vimeo.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16

Burkina Faso is a small, landlocked country in West Africa. Burkinabè Rising is a new documentary that profiles a vibrant community of artists and engaged citizens who are trying to use creative, nonviolent means to bring about political change. There will be an 8 p.m. screening of the film at Suns Cinema followed by a Q&A with activist Paul Sankara. $10.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19

Turning Jewels Into Water is a collaboration between experimental percussionist Ravish Momin and Hatian electronic musician Val Jeanty. Through a blend of electronic and acoustic instruments, the two explore the ritual music of their respective backgrounds. The duo performs at Georgetown University’s McNeir Auditorium. 1 p.m. FREE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20

The Anacostia Arts Center hosts a matinee showcase of 8 festival performers. 2 p.m.-6:30 p.m. FREE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25

From the Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine, Kurbasy delivers folk-based multimedia performances that express the ensemble’s philosophy of viewing culture as a living, cosmic organism. Using visual elements and rich vocal harmonies, Kurbasy draws connections between the modern world and its ancient past. The ensemble performs at The Hill Center at 7 p.m. $15.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27

Rhizome hosts a showcase of acts that fuse traditional styles with modern technology and artistic streams. Rumput explores the sonic similarities between Indonesian music and American string bands. Falsa performs 14th century Sufi music but adds guitar and Indian violin. Kamyar Arsani has a contemporary take on Iranian folk music. 7:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation.

Visit the Flash of the Spirit Worldwide Sound Festival’s website for the full schedule. The festival has launched an Indiegogo campaign for those interested in supporting the event.