Singer to record Christmas TV special at hotel
HE’S the multi-million-selling Brooklyn-based soul and jazz singer who packs out concerts all around the world.
And, later this month, Gregory Porter will record a special performance in Cardiff Bay for a TV special due to screen on Christmas Day.
The star, known for his silky smooth voice and distinctive headwear, will film Merry Christmas Baby – With Gregory Porter & Friends in front of an intimate invited audience at The Exchange hotel in Mount Stuart Square.
Porter will be joined by singer Corinne Bailey Rae and saxophonist Courtney Pine among others, for an evening of traditional Christmas classics and jazz standards, with the results being broadcast on BBC Two on December 25.
The show is being made by the same team that brought you the festive gospel team-up between Sir Tom Jones and Beverly Knight last December – which was also filmed at the hotel.
The Exchange hotel was formerly known as the Coal Exchange, the 128-year-old historic building which was once the headquarters of the coal industry in Wales.
It was later used as a concert and events venue until it was closed without notice in June 2013 for safety reasons.
The much-loved landmark is now a luxury hotel, conference and wedding facility.
■ Merry Christmas Baby – With Gregory Porter & Friends will be shown on BBC Two on Christmas Day at 9pm.