Rye is in for a real treat this Christmas for not only is Curtis Stigers playing in St Mary’s church on Thursday December 12 at 8pm but the following evening, Friday December 13 none other than the sensational Kingdom Choir will be performing for us too, wow! And if that wasn’t enough, multi award winning recording artist, Barbara Dickson will be performing with Nick Holland on Saturday December 14! It doesn’t get much better than that, congratulations to the team at Rye Jazz & Blues Festival for making this happen.
Curtis Stigers has so far enjoyed a 23-year recording career with millions of records sold including hit singles, “I wonder why” and “You’re all that matters to me” as he continues to perform all over the world in concert halls, clubs and festivals often accompanied by his quartet, big band or orchestra. An all-round and seasoned performer, Curtis enjoys a commanding stage presence as he delivers a seemingly unending catalogue of songs of varying genres in his own unmistakable style, a true professional singer, songwriter and exceptional saxophonist.
Following its show-stopping performance of Stand By Me at the Royal Wedding on May 19 2018, The Kingdom Choir has signed a major record deal with Sony Music UK. Managed by Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE at InterTalent, the record label beat off stiff competition to sign the highly sought-after collective.
The Kingdom Choir released their debut album “Stand By Me” on October 26 2018. The album included the choir’s much-loved rendition of Stand By Me, which went straight in at Number 1 on the Billboard Gospel Songs Chart, and showcased the pure joy and spiritual essence that runs through all of their performances as well as becoming a viral internet sensation receiving over 10 million views on YouTube.
The choir was founded in 1994 by award-winning conductor Karen Gibson. The singers from in and around London draw from various Christian traditions, dedicated to creating a sound that demonstrates the community they share through their warm energy and enthusiastic performance. Prior to performing in front of nearly two billion people at the Royal Wedding, the largest audience The Kingdom Choir had performed to in recent years was just 200 people.
Barbara Dickson emerged from the Scottish folk scene of the late 1960’s and enjoyed mainstream chart success with hits including “Answer Me”, “Another Suitcase in Another Hall”, “Caravan” and the million-selling number one single, “I Know Him So Well”.
As Scotland’s best-selling female album artist she has earned six platinum, 11 gold and seven silver albums and cemented her status as one of the UK’s best-loved performers .
Her stage career has included the roles of the original Mrs Johnstone in Willy Russell’s musical, “Blood Brothers” and as Viv Nicholson in “Spend Spend Spend”, both of which have won her an Olivier award for Best Actress. Barbara was awarded an OBE in the 2002 New Year’s Honours for her services to music and drama and she continues to record and to play to sold-out audiences.
Nick Holland joined Barbara’s touring band in the mid 2000’s playing keyboards and adding vocals on her “Full Circle” album. Barbara and Nick recently started working as a duo where she plays guitar and piano, and Nick on keyboards and adding harmonies to Barbara’s own wonderful vocals.
They have performed in numerous venues including cathedrals, festivals and theatres and developed an intimate rapport with each other and the audience. “It’s a different experience to working with the bigger band” says Barbara, “but just as enjoyable and gives the music breathing space”.
All three concerts start at 8pm, doors open at 7pm, for tickets and further information visit www.ryejazz.com
Image Credits: Rye Jazz festival , Rye Jazz Festival .