MUSIC lovers can get themselves Lost in Music this weekend (30 July) as disco divas Sister Sledge bring the curtain down on this year’s Sunday Concerts Series.
The legendary singing sisters will take to the stage in Bents Park, South Shields, in the last of this year’s South Tyneside Festival’s free open-air concerts.
Sunday’s show will be the climax to a busy month of performances, which has witnessed stars like KT Tunstall, Busted, Louisa Johnson, Matt Terry, Jedward and 5 After Midnight grace the stage to play in front of a packed park.
But this weekend it will draw to a close in style, as sisters Debbie and Kim bring the sound of the disco generation to the coast.
Formed at the height of the 1970s disco era, Sister Sledge was originally a four-piece group formed by sisters Debbie, Kim, Joni and Kathy Sledge.
Famed for hits like We Are Family, Frankie, He’s The Greatest Dancer and Lost in Music, the band enjoyed platinum-selling albums and many of their tracks continue to be remixed today.
With a career spanning four decades, the sisters have racked up a staggering 15,000,000 record sales as well as more than 100 awards and commendations.
They have performed all over the world, from The White House in front of President Clinton, to the famous Pyramid stage at Glastonbury and even for Pope Francis in 2015.
After becoming a three-piece when Kathy left in 1989, the band were this year rocked by the death of Joni, the lead singer on several of their biggest hits.
But Debbie and Kim continue to honour and remember their sisters as they head into South Tyneside as part of a busy summer on the road.
They will be joined on the day by local act The Shakes, who appeared in last year’s final concert alongside UB40 and won rave reviews from fans.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, believes the show will be the perfect way to end this year’s series.
“After what has been three fantastic weeks of live music, I believe we have definitely saved one of the best until last with Sister Sledge,” he said. “I think they are one of the most iconic acts from the last 40 years and their music appeals to everyone.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, I think everyone will be familiar with the band’s songs and I’m really looking forward to seeing them perform here in South Shields.
“With The Shakes also coming back for this gig, I believe this will be a brilliant afternoon, and I’m looking forward to see everyone up dancing and having a great time.”
The Sunday Concert series is sponsored by Port of Tyne, Colmans Seafood Temple, Town Centre Automobiles and Little Haven Hotel, and regularly attracts tens of thousands of visitors from across the region and further afield.
Entry on the day is free but is strictly on a first come first served basis. The gates will open at approximately 12.30pm. For more information visit the website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk