The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has announced that Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Mary J. Blige is the final act in the Kew the Music series.
Kew the Music is a glorious week-long festival of summer picnic concerts set within the stunning grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This year has a fantastic line up with something for everyone, Kew the Music is well known for its magical setting, don’t forget the open-air bars and high quality street food stalls handpicked to ensure that you soak up the relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a sensational summer’s evening.
Passenger - Tuesday 11 July
His 2012 hit single Let Her Go reached a staggering one billion You Tube views and launched UK based singer songwriter Mike Rosenberg (aka Passenger) as a global phenomenon. This year’s Kew the Music opens with a new departure for Rosenberg, for this concert he will perform not as a solo troubadour, but backed by a five-piece band showcasing songs from his latest album as well as breathing new life into many Passenger cult classics.
Razorlight – Wednesday 12 July
Formed in 2002 around lead singer Johnny Borrell, Razorlight quickly became one of the key bands of the new millennia, selling 4 million albums, winning the 2005 NME New Band Award, nominated for two BRIT Awards and two NME Awards ‘Best Band’ and ‘Best Album’ in 2007. Earlier this year Johnny began trying songs with guitarist David Ellis, formerly of Babeshadow, and with a new line-up the reinvigorated Razorlight are set to confirm their place as one of the most compelling, maverick guitar bands to have emerged out of the UK.
Supported by indie heroes The Bluetones, dynamic and engaging, with an impressive run of hit singles Bluetonic, Slight Return, If and Keep the Fires Burning to name a few.
Opening the concert is Reef. Frontman Gary Stringer has one of the most distinctive voices of the nineties and this Britpop band is best known for the million selling No1 album Glow.
All Saints – Thursday 13 July
At the turn of the new Millennia, All Saints were the irrepressible girl-band touched by sharply honed influences from The Shirelles through to 90s hip hop, disco and slouchy club electronica – 12 million+ record sales, five number one singles, two multi-platinum albums, a string of impeccable street-pop hits and double Brit award-winning generational anthem Never Ever behind them. The newly ignited, reinvigorated, unbreakable All Saints recently returned, back on top, with their new album Red Flag.
Supported by the incomparable Melanie C, pushing the boundaries by shaking up her sound, Melanie’s latest lushly-atmospheric album Version of Me reveals a reinvention. It’s Melanie as you have always known her – adventurous, honest, infectious pop – but as you’ve never heard her before.
Haçienda Classiçal - Friday 14 July
Having sold out two dates at the Royal Albert Hall, Haçienda Classiçal returns to London for its third ever concert with the new set updated for 2017 as the DJ's who shaped The Haçienda's sound, Mike Pickering and Graeme Park perform with Manchester Camerata orchestra for a night of iconic dance music and club anthems played by a full orchestra.
"A night of soaring synth riffs, euphoric drops and massive tunes" (NME), the records that shaped a generation are renewed, adapted and arranged for the orchestra, AMC Choir and special guests. The run of classical-meets-club concerts so far have been widely praised with a five star review from The Times "The atmosphere was incredible."
James – Saturday 15 July
One of the most influential British indie bands, propelled from the musical tinderbox of early 80s Manchester and the “Madchester” movement of the 90s into an enduring global career spanning over 30 years with hit after hit including Sit Down, She’s A Star, Laid, and Getting Away With It and over 20 UK Top 40 singles and selling millions of albums worldwide. On top at the midway stage of the chart week, their latest studio album Girl at the End of the World recently came close to knocking Adele’s 25 off the prized number 1 spot of the UK album chart.
Mary J. Blige – 16 July
Iconic Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter Mary J. Blige is one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards and 32 nominations, a 2012 Golden Globe nomination and five American Music Awards, she is a global superstar. Influenced by the music of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight, Blige has her own gritty, urban-rooted style – fusing hip-hop, soul and honest lyrics. Loved for her string of passionate chart-topping hits including Be Without You, No More Drama, Just Fine, Love Is All We Need, Real Love and Family Affair, Mary J. Blige has reinvented R&B along the way.
Tickets and booking information: Go to kewthemusic.org for full event and ticket information.
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