We are thrilled to be sponsoring a live music pop-up programme on the King’s Road, alongside Cadogan.
Starting on Thursday 10th August 2023, enjoy live music from the 606 Club’s world-renowned performers on Thursday evenings throughout August as part of the Kensington and Chelsea Festival.
From Blues to Brazilian, get ready to groove to the rhythm of talented trumpeters and sensational singers at various locations along the King’s Road.
Bring your friends, family and dancing shoes, and create magical memories with us this summer!
Scroll down to view the full programme and musician biographies:
LIVE MUSIC POP-UP PROGRAMME:
THURSDAY 10TH AUGUST
Royal Avenue: Bruce Adams – 5:45pm – 6:45pm
Sloane Square: Shireen Francis – 5:00pm – 6:30pm
THURSDAY 17TH AUGUST
Dovehouse Green: Lily Dior – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Duke of York Square: Quentin Collins – 5:00pm – 6:30pm
THURSDAY 24TH AUGUST
Royal Avenue: Carolina Lelis – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Sloane Square: Louise Balkwill – 5:00pm – 6:30pm
THURSDAY 31ST AUGUST
Dovehouse Green: Dino Baptiste – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Duke of York Square: Jo Harrop – 5:00pm – 6:30pm
BIOGRAPHIES:
Bruce Adams
Bruce Adams has been a stalwart of the UK jazz scene for almost 50 years, performing with the likes of Harry Sweets Edison, Buddy Tate, Al Cohn and Benny Waters and is widely regarded as one of the finest mainstream cornet/trumpet players in Europe. Bruce has recently been seen at the 606 along with pianist Craig Milverton, as well as performing alongside renowned UK sax giant Alan Barnes.
“Bruce Adams…there is as much delicacy as power in his playing” Guardian
Shireen Francis
Born in London of Jamaican and Goan heritage Shireen Francis grew up surrounded by Afro-Caribbean music. However, inspired by artists such as Marlena Shaw, Dianne Reeves and Nancy Wilson, she soon moved seamlessly into a much more jazz-oriented repertoire. These days her performances are rich and varied, including her own jazz and Caribbean-influenced originals. As Shireen says “Expect an immersive and heartfelt journey of jazz, blues and gospel with a touch of the Caribbean”!
“Quite simply Shireen is one of the best British Jazz vocalists of this generation” BBC Radio; “A brilliant vocalist whose beguiling performance left me wanting more” Jazzwise
Lily Dior
An expat Australian singer now settled in London, Lily Dior comes with an impressive and extensive cv. In what is now an extensive and highly respected career Lily is recognized as one of Australia’s foremost vocalists, performing at major festivals and venues around the world, and sharing the stage with a who’s who of world-class musicians including Oscar Castro Neves, Dale Barlow and James Morrison. Performing a mix of jazz and soul standards, Lily is a superb performer.
“Jazz and soul coexist in Lily Dior’s repertoire, and in her vocal style… sassy, soulful, passionate and strong.” Rhythms Magazine; “Dior’s voice has the depth, control and clarity of Gregory Porter” KindofJazz
Quentin Collins
Quentin Collins has an enviable reputation as a lyrical and melodic trumpet player with a powerful sound and approach. With an impressive reputation on the UK scene, his recent projects include a collaboration with Omar and saxophonist Brandon Allen, while his new Quintet, Five-Way Split, has released their debut album on the Ubuntu label. Also known for his work with the internationally acclaimed Kyle Eastwood Band, he includes the likes of Jeff Beck, Jason Rebello, Basement Jaxx, Prince and Roy Ayres on a lengthy and impressive CV.
“Collins…sizzling” MOJO Magazine; “Collins…impressively intense” Jazzwise; “Collins…England’s top…trumpet master…breathtaking” HMV Magazine
Carolina Lelis
Brazilian singer/songwriter Carolina Lelis is best known at the 606 as the charismatic vocalist with the Club “house” Latin band Samara. She relocated to the UK in 2019 from Brasil, where she had worked and recorded with musicians Cuca Teixeira, Djalma Lima and Itamar Collaço (Zimbo Trio) among others. Recently a member of the UK Brasilian Trio Sambossa, the programme will be a mix of original material along with classic Jazz & Brazilian standards, performed in English and Portuguese.
Louise Balkwill
The 2022 winner of the Riga Jazz Stage international jazz voice competition, Louise Balkwill has been hailed as one of the UK’s finest vocal improvisers and storytellers, with fans including jazz cream-of-the-crop Liane Carroll, Ian Shaw, Claire Martin and Leroy Jones. Her repertoire consists of hidden gems from The Great American Songbook, original vocalese and burning scat-breathing new life into repertoire from the golden age of jazz and beyond!
“Totally bowled over by Louise Balkwill’s incredible vocals and engaging stage presence” Jazzwise
Dino Baptiste
Dino Baptiste has been an outstanding pianist working with an array of local and internationally recognised artists for over two decades. Best known at the 606 as the pianist with the iconic Blues singer Dana Gillespie, he first started performing in the mid 70’s, influenced by the likes of Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Louis Prima. A busy and successful musician Dino also includes work with the likes of Donald Fagen, Lulu, Leo Sayer, Jeff Beck and Paul Jones, plus numerous gigs with his own band at Clubs and Blues festivals around the UK and Europe. Anyone who’s seen Dino knows how entertaining his Blues and Boogie Woogie playing really is!
“Dino Baptiste…so highly regarded by the British blues press…impressive…among the best of the current crop of British blues keyboard players” Blues on Stage
Jo Harrop
A talented singer inspired by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Anita O’Day and Billie Holiday, Jo Harropis a rising star on the UK Jazz scene. Her last album ‘The Heart Wants’ received glowing 4 and 5 star reviews in The Guardian and Jazzwise, and was called 2022’s best jazz record by the Daily Express & the Mirror. Frequently featured as Jo Whiley’s ‘infatuation’ on her BBC Radio 2 show, Jo’s music has also been heard on Jazz FM, BBC Radio London & more and to top it off, she’s just won a Parliamentary Jazz Award. Hip, swinging and heartfelt!
“This girl was born to sing jazz!” Blues & Soul; “A singing sensation… her voice is amazing…a class act” BeBop Spoken Here; “A rare mix of delicacy and boldness, sheer perfection” The Guardian
