Get ready for another unforgettable musical experience presented by the Clevedon Live Music team! On Sunday, June 9th, from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 pm, the iconic Victorian bandstand on Clevedon seafront will come alive with a vibrant mix of sounds.
This exciting concert, funded by Clevedon Litfest marks the end of their Summer Festival 2024, and features an eclectic lineup that reflects the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse and exceptional talent. Local legend Jonah Hitchens will share his soulful vocals and guitar prowess, while multi-instrumentalist and kora master Suntou Susso will transport you to West Africa with his mesmerising melodies. The night will culminate in a high-energy Afro-jazz dance party led by Alphonse Touna and his band, Hélélé.
The calibre of the musicians mirrors the quality of the presenters at the festival. For a full programme and details of how to book, check out the Clevedon Litfest website https://www.clevedonliteraryfestival.uk/
Food and drink traders will open from 2.00 p.m. Look out for The Clevedon Distillery with gin, cocktails and soft drinks, Feral Folk Coffee selling ethically sourced coffee and cakes, cider makers extraordinaire Ganley and Naish and Tuoyo aka The Cake Engineer who featured in my latest Humans of Clevedon feature.
Kicking off the festival at 4:00 p.m., the Year 5 students at St. Nicholas Chantry School will ignite the Bandstand with an energetic percussion performance that’s sure to get your toes tapping and your head bobbing. This talented young ensemble, under the guidance of renowned percussionist and headliner Alphonse Touna, will showcase the rhythmic skills they’ve developed in a special workshop funded by DAN Diverse Artists Network Their performance, a vibrant fusion of traditional and contemporary rhythms, will set the stage for an unforgettable afternoon of music that celebrates the power of community and the joy of artistic expression. So come on down, bring your friends and family, and let the infectious beats of these young musicians transport you to a world of pure musical delight.
Following St Nick’s is Jonah Hitchens and his five-piece band. Jonah is a guitar virtuoso and gifted singer-songwriter who honed his musical talents at the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London following his initial training at South West Music School. Walking in the footsteps of luminaries like Fela Kuti, Joe Armon-Jones, and Moses Boyd, Jonah thrived in Trinity Laban’s vibrant musical environment, which broadened his artistic horizons and ignited his passion for exploring diverse genres.
During his time in London, Jonah not only refined his skills as a musician but also immersed himself in the city’s rich music scene, taking every opportunity to perform and witness a wide array of musical styles. It was in this fertile ground that he formed his band, a tight-knit ensemble that has been making music together for over a decade. With Jonah at the helm, the band has released a string of acclaimed albums, including “Sugarcoated Sugarcane” (2015), “A Little Dedication” (2015), “The Feeling” (2016), “Floating” (2018), and “A Drive to Devon” (2020).
Their unique sound, described by Happening Next as a “single exhilarating mash-up” of soul, funk, psychedelia, and jazz, has captivated audiences and drawn comparisons to legendary artists like Curtis Mayfield and Jimi Hendrix. Jonah’s diverse influences, ranging from Bill Withers and Parliament to Gil Scott Heron and Pink Floyd, are evident in his music, creating a captivating tapestry of sounds and emotions. (Photo credit: The Candlelight Club)
In September 2022, Jonah unveiled his latest album, “Sunset Circus,” a nostalgic journey filled with retro sounds and influences. We eagerly anticipate hearing tracks from this album at his upcoming performance, especially the uplifting anthem “Why Can’t The World Just Keep It Funky,” a reminder that love and positivity are the keys to a better world. So let’s all embrace the groove and keep it funky, not just at the festival, but always!
If you’re new to Jonah and his music, check him out here. He’s also on Facebook and Instagram.
Multi-instrumentalist and Kora master Suntou Susso, takes to the stage at 6.00 p.m. Hailing from The Gambia, Suntou is a true embodiment of the rich West African Griot tradition. As a master of the kora, a 22-stringed harp-lute unique to the Mandinka people, Suntou carries on a 700-year legacy of oral history, transmitting culture through song, music, and poetry.
Born into a family of esteemed musicians, Suntou’s extraordinary talent has garnered him widespread recognition. His captivating performances and undeniable charisma have enchanted audiences since his arrival on the UK music scene.
Suntou’s collaborative spirit has led him to work with a diverse range of artists, including celebrated jazz singer Sarah-Jane Morris, renowned guitarist Tony Remy, and the innovative Indian-Welsh fusion project Ghazalaw, featured on BBC Radio 2, 3, and 6. He has also shared the stage with esteemed figures like bass player Davide Mantovani and modern jazz fusion opera singer Pumeza Matshikiza, even gracing the screen on ITV’s This Morning.
A testament to his musical prowess, Suntou co-composed and recorded a successful album as a key member of the Norway-based ‘Kristin Asbjornsen Trio,’ enchanting audiences at jazz festivals across Europe. His mastery of the kora even led to a prestigious invitation to perform alongside the legendary Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour at the O2 Arena in 2018.
Suntou’s dazzling performances extend beyond collaborations, as he graces stages across the UK as a solo artist, delighting audiences with the traditional sounds of the kora in renowned theaters and orchestral productions. He is also a regular fixture at major festivals like WOMAD, Hay Festival, and Beyond the Border.
Suntou’s popularity extends to his home country, The Gambia, where he boasts a devoted fan base and has released several successful singles and music videos that continue to receive daily airplay on national TV and radio.
Passionate about preserving and sharing his cultural heritage, Suntou actively leads drumming and kora workshops in schools, colleges, and universities. Through initiatives like Project African Experience for Black History Month, he ensures that the rich traditions of his ancestors are passed on to future generations.
Suntou’s music brings only good vibes, combining the rich, traditional sound of his West African Mandinka culture with Afro-jazz and soul.
2022 saw the release of Suntou’s debut album, KANÉFONYO (Never Give Up), entirely self-written, composed, and arranged.
If you’d like to know more about Suntou, here’s the link to his website. He’s also on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
Expect an intimate, energetic and life-affirming show as Suntou and his band take you on multiple journeys: to the sunshine of Africa, his culture, and through the album’s messages of love, peace, equality and persistence in the face of adversity.
Hailing from the vibrant heart of Cameroon, Alphonse Daudet Touna takes to the stage at 7.30 p.m. Alphonse is a musical force of nature who has devoted his life to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of his homeland. As the founder and driving spirit behind Hélélé, he has created a musical ensemble that is not only a celebration of West African rhythms but also a testament to his extraordinary talent and passion.
Alphonse’s musical journey began in the villages of Cameroon, where the rhythmic pulse of traditional ceremonies ignited his passion for music. From those early days playing drums, he embarked on a lifelong quest to master his craft, developing into a skilled composer, performer, and instrument maker. He is particularly renowned for his haunting vocals, sung in his native Bassa language, and his virtuosity on the balafon, a traditional African marimba that he often crafts himself.
Hélélé, the fruit of Alphonse’s creative vision, is a sonic tapestry woven from the rich threads of West African musical traditions. The band’s sound is an intoxicating blend of ancient rhythms infused with the energetic spirit of Makossa and Bikutsi, creating a unique and unforgettable musical experience. Touna’s powerful vocals, filled with messages of peace and hope, intertwine with the mesmerising melodies of the balafon, transporting listeners to the heart of the Bantu Forest. Listen to Alphonse presenting himself and the band here:
With a lineup of some of Bristol’s finest musicians, Hélélé has quickly risen to prominence, captivating audiences across the UK and beyond. Their electrifying performances have graced the stages of prestigious venues and festivals, including Glastonbury’s Jazz Lounge, Shambala, Marlborough Jazz Festival, and London’s South Bank Centre. Their music has resonated with audiences from all walks of life, even earning them the opportunity to share the stage with legends like Hugh Masekela and Eliades Ochoa of the Buena Vista Social Club.
Alphonse’s Hélélé is not merely a band; it is a cultural bridge, connecting the ancient traditions of West Africa with the modern world. Through their infectious grooves, passionate performances, and unwavering dedication to their craft, they continue to spread the joy and richness of West African music, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who encounter them.
The musicians playing with Alphonse are incredibly talented. Their skill with traditional African instruments blends perfectly with modern sounds to create beautiful and powerful music.
Neil Smith, a seasoned and versatile musician, Neil has been an integral part of the vibrant Bristol music scene since the mid-eighties. His musical journey, however, extends far beyond the UK, drawing inspiration from his deep-rooted passion for African music and jazz. This eclectic influence is evident in his diverse musical projects, ranging from the psychedelic folk stylings of This Is The Kit to the avant-garde rock explorations of The Brackish.
In 1990, Smith’s fascination with African rhythms led him to join the renowned Zairean master drummer Kanyinda Mukala’s band Magoma. This collaboration provided him with invaluable opportunities to perform at various Womad festivals across the UK, further solidifying his connection to the rich musical traditions of Africa.
Neil’s enduring presence in the Bristol music scene and his dedication to pushing creative boundaries have earned him a reputation as a respected and innovative artist. Whether he’s crafting intricate guitar lines for This Is The Kit or experimenting with sonic textures in The Brackish, his musical contributions continue to captivate and inspire audiences.
Greg White, a French-born drummer of exceptional versatility and dynamism, has become an integral part of Bristol’s vibrant jazz scene over the past two decades. After honing his musical skills in London through dedicated study, Greg relocated to Bristol, where he has established himself as a sought-after performer and collaborator.
Greg’s diverse musical talents extend beyond the stage, as he is also a dedicated educator and accomplished composer, with his co-written music gracing numerous television productions. Throughout his illustrious career, Greg has had the privilege of recording in renowned studios such as Abbey Road, Air, and Strongroom. He has also graced the stages of major festivals and venues, including Glastonbury, Womad, O2 Academy, and Shambala, leaving audiences captivated by his rhythmic prowess and infectious energy.
Greg’s passion for jazz is evident in every beat he plays, and his deep understanding of the genre allows him to seamlessly blend traditional elements with innovative approaches. Whether performing in intimate jazz clubs or larger concert halls, his captivating stage presence and impeccable technique consistently leave a lasting impression.
Dino Christodoulou, a Bristol-based saxophonist, is a true musical chameleon, seamlessly navigating diverse genres while leaving his distinct Coltrane-inspired mark. Equally adept at wielding the tenor and soprano saxophone, Dino’s expressive playing and technical prowess have solidified his reputation as a sought-after collaborator and performer.
His diverse musical portfolio is a testament to his versatility and openness to experimentation. Dino’s contributions to the funk-infused sounds of Errol’s Kitchen showcase his ability to groove and improvise with infectious energy. With Milon, a band that draws inspiration from Middle Eastern and Cypriot traditions, he delves into a rich tapestry of melodies and rhythms, adding his unique saxophonic voice to their cross-cultural sonic landscape.
Most recently, Dino has joined forces with the progressive rock outfit Schnauser, bringing his jazz-inflected improvisations and soaring solos to their dynamic sound. This collaboration further demonstrates his ability to adapt and thrive in diverse musical contexts.
Whether exploring the funky grooves of Errol’s Kitchen, the exotic sounds of Milon, or the adventurous landscapes of progressive rock with Schnauser, Dino’s music consistently resonates with passion, technical brilliance, and a deep reverence for the legacy of John Coltrane. His fabulous performances are a testament to his enduring commitment to pushing musical boundaries and exploring new sonic territories.
Ron Phelan is a talented bassist who began his musical journey in Dublin, Ireland. His travels across Europe exposed him to various music styles, enriching his approach to music. He later settled in South West England, where he collaborated with some of the region’s finest musicians across genres such as jazz, latin, flamenco, folk, and West African music. In addition to his international performances, Ron is also a skilled composer and arranger, adding another dimension to his musical contributions. His diverse experiences and skills make him a notable figure in the music world.
If you’d like to know more about Hélélé. before the day, here’s the link to their website. They are also on Facebook.
And there you have it! This free concert promises a vibrant fusion of musical genres, a true testament to Clevedon’s thriving arts scene, and the perfect exclamation point on the Clevedon Litfest Summer Festival 2024. So bring your dancing shoes, your smiles, and your love for music that connects us all. It’s going to be a celebration you won’t want to miss!