Hal Willner: Freedom RidesAntony announced as special guest to join Billy Bragg, Martin and Eliza Carthy, Tim Robbins, Peggy Seeger, and more
12th August Royal Festival Hall  

The maverick music producer Hal Willner brings his singular genius for curating multi-artist concept shows to the music of the civil rights movement.

An all-star cast including many surprise guests joins a mind-blowing band and choir to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides, which integrated the interstate bus system and helped bring America's and the world's attention to the deprivations of the segregated South.
In what promises to be an unforgettable event, Willner will convene his usual surprising and eclectic array of musicians, actors and other artists - established and emerging, famous and infamous - to perform songs that inspired, illuminated and sprang from the tumultuous aftermath of the movement.

The first guests for this show have been announced. They include Meltdown’s director Antony, father and daughter folk stars Martin and Eliza Carthy, Canadian garage-rock musician King Khan, actor and musician Tim Robbins, American singer-songwriter Peggy Seeger, the original glam rock space age diva of Labelle and 'Lady Marmalade' fame Nona Hendryx, powerhouse singer and poet Eric Mingus (son of Charles), iconic jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph, sax titan James Carter, and trumpeter Steven Bernstein. Bernstein is the veteran music director of many Hal Willner events including the 'Disney Songbook - The Forest of No Return' from the Jarvis Cocker-curated Meltdown 2010 and the legendary 'Came So Far for Beauty: An Evening of Leonard Cohen Songs' (Brighton Festival 2004).

The choir is led by theatre and opera star Helga Davis and features the voices of Carla Cook, James Staten, Jason Walker, and Josette Newsam. The band also features all-star NYC and UK musicians including Brad Jones, James Carter, Chris Spedding, Kate St. John, Alison MIller and J.D. Parran.

Ticket Prices: £40 £32.50 £25.00 Concession/Group Prices: 50% off (limited availability)
http://meltdown.southbankcentre.co.uk/2012/events/hal-willner-freedom-rides
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