Arts Centre to play host to top artists

Arts Centre to play host to top artists

8 October 2014

THERE is an international flavour to this weekend’s offerings at Down Arts Centre as well as a performance from local legends of Irish music.

On Friday at 8pm, the Janet Seidel Trio, all the way from Sydney, Australia, will deliver a night of sophisticated jazz.

Smooth and stylish, the Janet Seidel Trio has a uniquely warm and natural approach to sound, with 18 CDs of their work produced.

With a wealth of experience worldwide, from live radio performances (including ABC, BBC, Japan) concert halls and theatres, to jazz clubs, festivals and cabaret venues, Janet’s captivating voice paired with guitar and bass, wins over new audiences time and again.

Reviewers have compared Janet favourably with iconic artists including Peggy Lee, Doris Day, Julie London and Blossom Dearie, accurately noting their influences. Weekend Australian described Janet’s voice as ‘pure and warm as a soft summer breeze’, whilst UK Jazz Journal described her as singing with ‘seeming effortlessness and swinging grace’.  

The Trio uses the renowned Nat King Cole line up of piano/vocals, jazz guitar and double bass. Audiences should expect to hear a selection of jazz standards and ballads, Latin and French Chanson as well as some more quirky numbers. 

On Sunday at 8pm, Irish music and song favourites The Fureys come to Down Arts Centre. 

The Fureys have been entertaining audiences worldwide for 36 years — audiences that have included former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Former Irish President Mary McAleese and the late Pope John Paul, whilst Tony Blair has publicly stated his favourite peace song of all time is their song ‘The Green Fields of France’.  

Most recently, Irish President Michael D. Higgins attended their concert in Dublin’s National Concert Hall.

Their folk songs and music have received standing ovations in some of the biggest concert halls around the world.  Downpatrick audiences should expect to hear hit songs including, I will Love You, Sweet 16, The Green Fields of France, The Old Man, Red Rose Café, Steal Away and many more.   

To purchase tickets (Janet Seidel £12 / £10; The Fureys £20) and for further information on any Down Arts Centre events, contact the box office on 028 4461 0747 or visit our website www.downartscentre.com.