Kathryn Tickell and The Sage Gateshead’s Folkestra ensemble will be flying the flag for north east talent by performing together as JigHop during London 2012 Festival.
BT River of Music, part of the Festival, is a spectacular weekend of free music from across all the Olympic and Paralympic Nations, presented at iconic sites along the River Thames on July 21 and 22.
Running from June 21 until the September 9 it will bring together leading artists from across the world with the very best of the UK.
JigHop comprises of Kathryn Tickell, Folkestra (The Sage Gateshead’s young folk ensemble) and a selection of professional musicians and artists from the North East including Amy Thatcher, Brendan Murphy, Tom Besford, Robby Graham, Paul Kelly, Mariam Rezaei, Hannabiell Sanders and Kevin Lees.
BT River of Music will act as a curtain-raiser for the sporting celebrations to follow and will feature artists representing all Olympic and Paralympic nations.
Kathryn Tickell said: “It’s been really interesting watching connections being made through the development of this piece, seeing how traditional clog dancing and B-Boying actually have common ground and how instruments like Northumbrian pipes and melodeon can work collaborating with a scratch DJ.
“There are lots of unexpected collaborations in this project, but none that have felt forced to us as performers. Throughout the project we have worked only with material that we all feel excited about, and that doesn’t compromise the integrity of our individual traditions or genres, but actually informs and enhances them.”
Brendan Murphy added excitedly: “There’s a great combination of artists and something special is brewing.”
JigHop’s performance will take place on the Europe Stage at Trafalgar Square on Sunday 21 July. Other musicians joining them on the Europe Stage include Amira from Bosnia, The Brazz Brothers from Norway and French soul singer Ben l’Oncle Soul.
For those who can’t join in the fun in London, The Sage Gateshead’s JigHop will be performing on NewcastleGateshead’s quayside when the Torch Relay passes through Gateshead on Friday 15th June. Visit www.NorthEastfor2012Games.com for more details.
Access to BT River of Music is free but capacity is limited. To guarantee entry you will need to get tickets in advance. More details at www.btriverofmusic.com
