Harrogate International Festival’s most flamboyant event returns as the magical Spiegeltent is resurrected in Crescent Gardens.
The bohemian mirrored walls, wooden floors, stained glass, red velvet booths, and lamped lighting will feature live music, burlesque, and a Silent Disco throughout the week from Saturday September 10.
Kicking off the Festival’s 50th celebratory programme is the Parisian vintage dance ensemble, Benoit Viellefon and His Orchestra. Considered one of the finest entertainers of his generation, Benoit will direct internationally acclaimed musicians reminiscent of Duke Ellington.
Music highlights also feature Guest Curator, Jay Phelps, the top Canadian trumpeter and Ronnie Scott’s regular, leads his fiery swinging quartet. As well as exclusive tracks from Phelps new album, he’ll premiere a piece commissioned by the Festival, Amphitrite’s Bounty.
There’ll be a celebration of Miles Davis’ life and work from Projection of Miles, featuring Jay Phelps with a rhythm section and the American tenor saxophonist, Brandon Allen.
Marc Dunleavy, Music Manager at Harrogate International Festivals, said: “The programme really is remarkable this year, featuring some of the most sought after musicians, cabaret acts and DJs. We’ll be introducing new music in this alternative, accessible venue as part of our remit to reach new audiences with a number of free lunchtime sessions, thanks to the generous support of the Arts Council. If you haven’t yet experienced the Spiegeltent, I urge you to come along for some incredible, uplifting entertainment.”
Folk singer Eska, championed by Jamie Cullum, also features following her nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2015. The folk singer has been compared to Joni Mitchell, garnered rave reviews and has collaborated with Grace Jones.
Free lunchtime sessions include the acoustic Sandrani Duo, world-music from Manjula, and 19 year-old saxophonist, pianist and composer, Alexander Bone, winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year- Jazz award, who has worked with Nile Rodgers and Rudimental.
Coronation Street actor, DJ and presenter, Craig Charles will DJ a dance event with his Funk ‘n’ Soul Show, and 2014’s sell out House of Burlesque returns with showgirl superstar Miss Tempest Rose.
Concluding the week will be My Darling Clementine, a homage to classic country duets. Michael Weston King and Lou Dalgeish have performed over 300 shows and three highly acclaimed albums on both sides of the Atlantic.
Spiegeltents are from an ancient theatrical tradition, which took entertainers and shows on the road across Europe. September will also see a Children’s Festival hosted in the Spiegeltent – the programme will be announced shortly.
For full listings or to book, visit www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com Box Office: 01423 562 303.
