Organisers hail success of ‘wonderful’ festival run
American singer Chuck Prophet says he’s looking forward to bringing a taste of California to Perth this summer.
Chuck Prophet’s show on Saturday, July 29 at Perth’s Southern Fried Festival is already sold out, and the American singer says it will feature his best work and be his “most epic rock and roll show over 30 years”.
Prophet promises to bring a slice of his home state to Perth this summer. He said: “The state has always represented the Golden Dream, and it’s the tension between romance and reality that lurks underneath the surface in all noir films and paperbacks, and that connects these songs. Doomed love, inconsolable loneliness, rags to riches to rags again, and fast-paced violence are always on the menu on the Left Coast.”
His gig at the Salutation Hotel will feature songs from his new album, ‘Bobby Fuller Died For Your Sins’, which recounts the story of Bobby Fuller, who moved to Los Angeles from Texas, and is described as the ultimate rock and roll feel-bad story.
Details of the Southern Fried Festival programme are at www. horsecross.co.uk More than 11,000 people visited events for this year’s Perth Festival of the Arts, organisers have confirmed.
The annual festival was staged over 12 days and nights, saw 28 concerts, and an art exhibition - all of which was in five venues.
Festival administrator Sandra Ralston said:“Having Nicola Benedetti perform on the opening night has to be a great start to any festival.
“Her recital of Brahms’ 3 violin sonatas was outstanding. A born educator, she communicated especially to the young people in the audience and will have inspired many in their pursuit of music.
“Dundee rock outfit The View played to a packed (and lively) pit and brought in a very different audience.
“Justin Currie, of Del Amitri fame, and Jools Holland with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra had the Concert Hall rocking.
“Also, seven lunchtime concerts in St John’s Kirk showcased the best young musical talent from schools across Perth and Kinross. It was truly heartwarming to see the virtuosity and depth of young talent on our doorstep.
“For the classical fans there was also Nigel Kennedy, the best selling classical violinist in the world playing Perth and Kinross Schools piano ensemble during the lunchtime concert in St John’s Kirk his Dedications, plus some Bach and then a bit of Jimi Hendrix. Tenebrae, one of the top acapella choirs in the world performed their Russian Treasures immaculately.
“The opera lovers also had their night, with English Touring Opera’s
Chuck Prophet’s gig is already sold out excellent performance of Tosca and we finished with a rousing performance from The Moscow Philharmonic.
“For jazz buffs, Martin Taylor and Alison Burns played their Ella Fitzgerald tribute to a sell-out crowd, and The Cotton Club were great fun, recreating the music and dance of the famous 1920s New York club.
“We also love to present top Scottish talent. In a three-part bill we were treated to Rachel Sermanni’s beautifully soulful singing, followed by top songsmith Adam Holmes, both with their bands.
“Finally, The Treacherous orchestra, led by local lads Ali Hutton and Ross Ainslie, well and truly blew the concert hall roof off.”
The chairman of Perth Festival, Peter Rutterford, summed it up well, saying:“We have had a tremendous festival. We have achieved what we set out to do, which was to make the festival available for all tastes and ages.
“We have had a wonderful two weeks and we hope that our audience has too.”