Enjoy free live music at the Royal Albert Hall this autumn
25 July, 2011
Enjoy free live music at the Royal Albert Hall this autumn
25 July, 2011
THE POPULAR ignite SERIES RETURNS FOR ANOTHER SEASON
In the autumn of 2011, the Royal Albert Hall opens its doors to another free ignite series in the Café Consort. Encompassing, jazz, blues, swing, folk and world music, the Royal Albert Hall’s latest ignite season gives you the opportunity to hear outstanding live music for free in the relaxed atmosphere of the Café Consort.
The contemporary, brasserie-style Café Consort is the ideal location to escape the busy surroundings and enjoy a hot drink and some live music. The new menu, provided by “rhubarb” offers a wide selection of delicious dishes, where hearty meals are served alongside lighter options in this bright and welcoming space. With the walls adorned with canvas prints of iconic heroes that have recently performed at the Hall including Grace Jones, Noel Gallagher and Sir Simon Rattle, the Café Consort reaches out to a wider audience who seek the perfect chance to experience live music and an intimate ambience set in a world-class venue.
Full listings:
Southern Tennant Folk Union kick off the autumn ignite series on Friday 9 September. Now on their fourth album, this Edinburgh-based band are one of the highest rated folk and bluegrass outfits in the UK today.
The daring and electric Zenoria Trio take to the Café Consort stage on Friday 23 September. Playing a variety of music including tango, classical, Celtic folk and jazz, specially arranged for the unique combination of two violins and a double bass, they create performances filled with refreshing originality.
African musician Atongo Zimba performs on Friday 14 October. Growing up in the savannahs of northern Ghana, where his grandfather taught him to play the molo, a two stringed calabash lute, he has since performed at major festivals all over the world.
Friday 21 October sees young folk artist Ewan McLennan delight audiences with his combination of folk, Celtic and own self-penned songs. With unique and compelling guitar playing that has been described as ‘first class’ by Maverick Magazine, he has been making headlines over the past year.
Appearing next on Friday 28 October is Tumbao Tivoli, a London based Cuban quartet with their dynamic mix of Cuban beats and Cuban classics. With a set consisting of mostly punchy compositions on traditional Cuban instruments, they are guaranteed to fire up audiences with their compulsive beats and Latin steps.
On Friday 4 November we welcome Sona Jobarteh, the first female West African Kora virtuoso and new singing sensation to hit the stage in the UK. Captivating audiences with her warm silky voice, strong West African rhythms and infectious melodies, she brings an innovative and engaging show to the stage.
Swedish singer Emilia Martensson is up next on Thursday 17 November. Combining the influence of folk songs from her homeland with some of the greatest songs of the last century, she has managed to successfully forge a distinctive and unique niche for her vocal talents on the London jazz scene. Part of the London Jazz Festival in association with Radio 3.
The Duck Baker Trio play ignite on Friday 18 November. These talented jazz guitarists have a style that is both modern and edgy, owing to the long melodies and a tendency not to indulge in lengthy solos. Part of the London Jazz Festival in association with Radio 3.
Concluding this varied ignite Autumn series on Friday 25 November will be The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band. With a knowing nod to Britain and its eccentrics, this seven piece band perform with sophistication and high energy, drenched in mid-Century jazz and R&B.
Full dates & line up
Friday 9 September – Southern Tennant Folk
Friday 23 September – The Zenoria Trio
Friday 14 October- Atonga Zimba
Friday 21 October – Ewan McLennon
Friday 28 October – Tumbao Tivoli
Friday 4 November – Sona Jobarteh
Thursday 17 November- Emilia Martensson (part of the London jazz festival)
Friday 18 November – Duck Baker Trio (part of the London jazz festival)
Friday 25 November – Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band
www.royalalberthall.com
Listings Information:
Venue: Café Consort, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP (Door 12 - Grand Tier Level, 1st Floor)
Dates: 9 & 23 September; 14, 21 & 28 October; 4, 17, 18 & 25 November
Times: Music from 12 noon to 1.30pm
Tickets: Free Entry
Contact: www.royalalberthall.com or 0845 401 5005
For more information please contact:
Sean Carrigan:
seanc@royalalberthall.com or 020 7959 0531
Notes to Editors:
Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is one of the UK’s most treasured and magical buildings, recognisable the world over. It is a registered charity and operates without any public subsidy. Since opening in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall has had an unparalleled history of exceptional performances by the world’s leading artists. Today over 350 events are held in the Hall’s auditorium each year which include performances of jazz, world music, rock and pop, dance, comedy, film premières and award ceremonies. Audiences of well over a million are entertained at the Hall each year and many millions more around the world enjoy the Hall experience through broadcasts, recordings and new media channels.
The Royal Albert Hall co-promotes productions and showcases talented world music and jazz artists through its lively lunchtime music series, ignite in the Café Consort. It has a strong heritage in rock and has hosted a diverse range of legendary artists and bands over the years. It hosted the only gig in history where The Beatles and The Rolling Stones played on the same bill, and has also played host to such luminaries as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Oasis, Cream and Dame Shirley Bassey. It also offers tours of this iconic building, a free exhibition series entitled reflect and an extensive education programme for young people.
Café Consort
The contemporary, brasserie-style Café Consort offers a wide selection of delicious dishes provided by ‘rhubarb’. Hearty meals are served alongside lighter options in this bright and welcoming space. Café Consort also offers a children's menu. With a lively atmosphere and award winning interiors, the Café Consort is located just above Door 12 on the Grand Tier (Level 1).
The Café Consort is also a wireless hotspot and open during the day, serving delicious coffee and snacks.