Highlights include:
- The timeless tunes of The Overtones, in their ever-popular Christmas show
- The longest-running singing group in pop history, The Drifters, performing all their classic hits
- One of the most celebrated folk voices to have come out of Ireland, Cara Dillon, returns for the fourth year with Upon a Winter’s Night
Richard Bona and Alfredo Rodriguez
Monday 14 October, 8pm
Richard Bona could fill every stage with his presence, his effortless mix of voice and lighting speed bass. Following collaborations with Pat Metheny and Joe Zawinul, he forged his own path and discovered Afro-Cuban music.
Currently he forms a duo with Cuban piano wonder boy, Alfredo Rodriguez who was discovered by Quincy Jones and with breath-taking virtuosity the two of them reveal the close relations between African and Cuban music.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/richard-bona-and-alfredo-rodriguez/
Double Bill by Eliot Smith Dance
Tuesday 26 November, 8pm
Eliot Smith Dance returns to Sage Gateshead with two exciting new contemporary dance works in a double bill, accompanied by live music.
From award-winning South Asian choreographer Balbir Singh comes I am not an Indian Dancer, a two-way exchange of powerful rhythmic footwork, inspired by Kathak, fused with spellbinding contemporary movement.
On Red Kites is the result of Eliot Smith’s observations and creative interpretation of one of Britain’s rarest and most spectacular birds, – the red kite. The work is set to Brahms Violin Sonata No 3 in D minor played by Kyra Humphreys of the Royal Northern Sinfonia.
Experience the power and passion of one of the region’s leading contemporary dance companies on your own doorstep this November.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/eliot-smith-dance-2019/
The Overtones Xmas 2019
Monday 2 December, 7pm
Multi-platinum-selling vocal harmony group The Overtones are delighted to announce that Welsh singer and songwriter Jay James has joined the band. The announcement heralds the start of an exciting new era for a group that has had five top 10 albums and nine sold out UK tours.
With their innate charm and adherence to vintage-modernist style, and a devotion to the timeless appeal of male vocal harmonies, The Overtones are a bridge between pre-rock’n’roll classicism and lively 21st Century entertainment. They’ve sold more than a million albums, made countless TV appearances and filled venues to capacity on tour after tour, all the while building a relationship with their fans that has real depth and devotion.
The Overtones return to Sage Gateshead this December with their annual Christmas tour. “We will be performing classic songs from yesteryear, favourites from our albums and plenty of surprises” says Mike Crawshaw. “Over the last 10 years we’ve learnt a thing or two about throwing a Christmas party! People come to our shows to let their hair down, get their spirits up and dance their hearts out. We want everyone to leave an Overtones concert with a huge smile on their face and a spring in their step. This year will be our best tour yet!”
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/the-overtones-xmas-2019/
The Drifters
Monday 9 December, 7.30pm
The Drifters are the longest running singing group in pop history still performing live, having enjoyed more than 50 hits worldwide.
Performing all the hits, including Saturday Night At the Movies, You’re More Than a Number, Come on Over to My Place, Up On the Roof, Under the Board Walk, Kissin in the Back Row, Save the Last Dance for Me, Down on the Beach, Stand By Me, Like Sister and Brother and many more.
The legendary group have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, performed for the President of The United States, and are listed among the greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.
No other vocal group has achieved as much success artistically or commercially as The Drifters and they remain among the bestselling acts of all time.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/the-drifters-2019/
Cara Dillon – Upon A Winter’s Night
Monday 16 December, 8pm
Cara Dillon, one of the most celebrated folk voices to have come out of Ireland, will be touring her Christmas show, Upon A Winter’s Night, for a fourth year running this December. The overwhelming success of previous tours cementing this magical and memorable festive experience as a firm tradition for many years to come.
Cara and her band will once again capture the mystery of Christmas with a collection of songs ancient and modern providing a welcome reminder that the festive season can be about more than just commercialism. Cara will be joined by her wonderful band who weave Celtic and folksy rhythms alongside reverent and atmospheric carols, while Cara holds the darkness at bay with the purity of her voice.
Throughout an enviable career which has seen her explore opportunities to tread many different paths – from releasing folk crossover albums to working on Disney soundtracks to collaborations with leading UK dance DJ/producers – Cara has continuously chosen to firmly plant herself within the landscape of her cultural heritage. She occupies a position at the very top of the Irish Folk genre. This extraordinary singer has been captivating audiences, winning awards and achieving exceptional acclaim for more than 20 years.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/cara-dillon-upon-a-winters-night/
Brand new Riverside Ragas Series:
Presented with GemArts
Riverside Ragas: Sanjay Subrahmanyan
Saturday 21 September, 7.45pm
GemArts Riverside Ragas series returns with internationally renowned Indian Carnatic vocalist Sanjay Subrahmanyan.
Sanjay began learning music at the age of seven, and has spent many years refining his vocal talent, bringing classical traditions to contemporary music. Having studied under highly influential gurus, performed widely in India and overseas and won many awards for his work, Sanjay is himself an iconic inspiration to younger generations, and his fans are spread all over the globe.
His music mixes the high authority and purity of tradition, with the creativity of an exceptionally gifted artist, and Sanjay’s concerts delight audiences with the unpredictability and newness of each performance. Sanjay’s intensive and exhaustive elaboration of unconventional ragas is a unique feature of his work.
Sanjay Subrahmanyan manages to harmonise the wisdom and stabilizing influences of Carnatic music’s past with his own artistic and intellectual creativity.
Accompanying musicians: S. Varadarajan on Violin and Neyveli Venkatesh on Mridangam.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/ragas-sanjay-subrahmanyan-2019/
Presented by GemArts
Riverside Ragas: Rahul Sharma & Shahbaz Hussain
Thursday 10 October, 8pm
Sit back and enjoy the sublime, meditative sounds of santoor played by the virtuoso talent of Rahul Sharma, son of the legendary Pandit Shivkumar Sharma.
Rahul, who has performed worldwide, was first signed on by Peter Gabriel in England for his hugely successful album Music of the Himalayas. He continues to appear at leading festivals including Womad, celebrating the classical and folk music of India.
He is accompanied by the dynamic Shahbaz Hussain, one of UK’s finest tabla maestros.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/riverside-ragas-rahul-sharma/
Presented by Gem Arts
Riverside Ragas: Music from courts of Kings and Saints
Friday 8 November, 7.45pm
Featuring:
- Qais Essar rabab
- Kirpal Singh Panesar tar shehnai and vocals
- Sunny Channa tabla and pakawaj
We invite you to step back in time and experience a new music commission that explores 15th century sounds from Afghanistan and Punjab – the land of five rivers – in this special double bill.
In the first half, immerse yourself in the ancient melodies, moods and rhythms of the Rabab, a 2500-year-old instrument from Afghanistan, by award-winning musician and composer Qais Essar. Joining Qais on stage to explore these sounds will be Sunny Channa, a rising star on tabla and pakawaj.
Completing the line-up in the second half of this double bill will be eminent musician Sri Kirpal Singh on the tar shehnai, who will join forces with Qais and Sunny to present series of Shabads (sacred songs from Sikh scriptures) synonymous with the great court of Guru Nanak Dev and his minstrels.
Don’t miss this special double bill in what is truly ancient music.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/riverside-ragas-music-from-courts/