 |
In July, BRASS - Durham International
Festival will brace itself for an extra special whirlwind visit by US
jet setting trumpet player Kiku Collins. The stunning musician will play
an array of tracks during a showcase concert on Wednesday 4th July at
Elvet Methodist Church in Durham City (ticket details are listed below).
The former "Jersey Girl" is currently in Europe promoting her flugelhorn
instrumental album entitled "Here With Me" as well as being superstar
diva Beyonce Knowles's number one horn player. Kiku has been a major
musical force as part of Beyonce's recent studio and touring programme.
BRASS - Durham International Festival is a Durham Brass Initiative event
that promises to deliver the ultimate 'global' music experience, as the
frenetic fortnight of fun intends to take people on a cultural journey
by sampling music from various countries around the world.
Kiku talks about her passion for music and why she's attracted to the
sound of Brass. She said: "I'm always drawn to instruments with an
organic sound, which definitely includes brass instruments. I do
appreciate all styles of music, but I have always loved the many sounds
and styles that brass can adapt to."
Kiku is in good company on the bill of this year's BRASS - Durham
International Festival, with acts coming to the UK from all over the
world; other star-studded names include: The Boban i Marko Markovic
Orkestar (from Serbia); Bellowhead - (UK - BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2007
winners of Best Group, Best Album and Best Live Act); Jack Brass Band
(from USA); Oren Marshall - (from UK - described as the "Jimi Hendrix"
of the tuba); The Brazz Brothers (from Norway - they are recognised as
one of Europe's premier ensembles); Jaipur Kawa Brass Band (from India
who will be marching in this year's Durham Miners' Gala); YBS Brass Band
conducted by Ray Farr (from UK - one of the world's leading Brass
bands); Dennis Rollins & Badbone (UK) and Mnozil Brass (from Austria -
they played in 2006 to rave reviews and a packed house at the Royal
Albert Hall).
Kiku Collins is a multi-talented performer
who can play the trumpet, flugelhorn, cornet, pocket trumpet and valve
trombone... she also finds time to be a vocalist and aspiring actress.
Kiku is a proud mother to a beautiful daughter - who also plays the
trumpet. Kiku's 4th July concert will be made extra special, as she'll
be joined on stage by a selection of the Northeast's top Brass-based
musicians. Kiku talks of how flattered she is to have been asked to
perform at BRASS - Durham International Festival. She says: "I think
it's a wonderful opportunity to showcase the love of brass sounds and
sensibility. I know the line-up will be an eclectic collection of styles
and sounds. I am excited to bring my music to a new group of ears, and
to share with musicians who I am sure will be wonderful to work with!"
Kiku also describes the feeling of when all of the creative pieces fit
into place when she's on stage or in the studio. Kiku adds: "I
absolutely love the feeling when things 'click' live, or in the studio.
It makes me smile inside and out, and reassures me that while the music
business can be difficult at times, it's all worth it... because it
makes me happy and keeps me challenged! It's amazing when you're in the
studio and you realise you've got 'the take', or when you're on stage
and your instrument sings effortlessly - it feels magical!"
Neil Hillier, Arts Development Manager for
Durham County Council, said: "Having Kiku Collins performing in the
region symbolises the ambition of BRASS - Durham International Festival.
We are wanting people to realise just how serious we are about putting
the festival well and truly on the world music map and hopefully Kiku
and her music counterparts can do this for us."
Kiku Collins will be performing at Elvet Methodist Church in Durham City
on Wednesday 4th July commencing at 20:00 - tickets are priced £8.50 /
£7 (purchasing details listed below).
BRASS - Durham International Festival commences on Sunday 1st July and
runs through until Sunday 15 July - for further information [dates,
times and ticket prices] please visit the official website:
www.brassfestival.co.uk
People can purchase tickets for all of the events by calling the
ticket-line on 0191 332 4041 or by visiting the Gala Theatre, Durham box
office, alternatively you can book online via
www.galadurham.co.uk
|
