THE Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is all set for next week from July 10-12 at the Sarawak Cultural Village's site in Santubong – and with one of its strongest and most diverse line-ups yet.

But for those in the Klang Valley who can't make it there, here is a chance to listen to some of the top groups taking part in the festival courtesy of Heineken who are partners in the event.

Heineken has organised an exclusive preview event at the Laundry Bar at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara tomorrow from 7pm.

This action-filled preview will feature RWMF stars including Red Chamber, with members from both Canada and China, and the upbeat Indian percussion fuelled fusion of the highly popular Malaysian outfit Akasha.

The night, billed as Heineken presents Rainforest World Music Gathering, will also see energetic acrobatics courtesy of The Bantus Capoeira as well as renowned local musicians the Diplomats of Drums whose infectious tabla-powered grooves are impossible to resist.

Continuing the pounding percussive theme is Tugu Drum Circle, which brings together drummers from numerous styles and disciplines in an explosive fusion mix, not to mention the urban dance/percussion hybrid of KL Stompers and the laidback grooves of 40 Winks.

Akasha was initially formed to perform at the 2008 Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF). It's a combination of two local bands that have been dabbling with Indian classical music.

The band explores the possibility of using traditional instruments to play modern music and also have Western Zainits inspiration from the traditional Chinese "Plucked String" repertoire that is seldom if ever heard in the west. Featuring only plucked strings.

Red Chamber creates a unique sound while performing a repertoire that spans centuries, including transcriptions from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), to modern compositions.

Rainforest World Music Gathering @ Laundry supported by Heineken
Date: Friday July 3
Venue: Laundry Bar, The Curve, Mutiara Damansara
Time: 7pm onwards
Tickets: Free Entry
Featuring: Red Chamber (Canada/China) and Akasha (Malaysia)
With: The Bantus Capoeira, Diplomats of Drums, Tugu Drum Circle, KL Stompers, 40 Winks.