For its 19th edition, the Barrière Enghien Jazz Festival returns with:
International artists, its magnificent floating stage on the lake and concerts in the city and on the stage of the Casino Theater!
A current and intergenerational festival open to all jazz and all the currents that come from it: reggae, funk, soul, blues … A festival of legends, gathering the biggest names that built the jazz of today. A festival that makes the city “sing”!
Giampiero Colli keeps his word and does it with a bang. Indeed, with three. Christopher Cross, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Earth Wind and Fire: this is the fabulous trio of stars that will be the protagonist of the second edition of WWWK on 6 October, When We Were Kids, the event that last year has inflamed the Riviera. In the Borgo Barusso, venue of the event, Colli worked in silence with Adriano Berrino and the two took another formidable gift for their Alassio from the cylinder.
“I was unbalanced – says Colli – ensuring that we would get over it, and I really believe I have kept my promise”. And that’s not all. In full WWWK style, in fact, there will be a top level food and wine: with another move that will not fail to amaze, this year the tasting of WWWK will be curated by Franciacorta, which with its famous cellars will offer the public the best of the Italian “bubbles”. “Franciacorta is today – continues Colli – an absolute excellence of drinking in the world: a true Italian pride: for us, having them at our side means the certainty of giving the city another manifestation of global stature”.
A rich menu curated by “Svizzera Ricevimenti”, a leader in luxury catering, will complete the charm of the special alassina night.
After Tony Hadley, the Boney M and the Village People, then, preparations for a new adventure start that promises to recreate and overcome the magical atmosphere of 2017. The stage will be set up in Piazza Pacini, suitable to accommodate the predictable “invasion” of fans and gourmets. Like last year the Borgo Barusso will be the scene of the food and beverage section, with Franciacorta and the buffet of Switzerland Ricevimenti.
The three groups are authentic legends of the ’70s and’ 80s, decades in which they expressed their best: Christopher Cross is among the few singer-songwriters able to boast at least four songs become in effect “evergreen”: the engaging “Run like the wind “, the dreamy” Sailing “, the serenade in New York City of” Arthur’s theme “, from the movie” Arturo “, (the title of the piece is” Best that you can do “) and the rhythm of” Never be the same “, Passing to other hits like” Minstrel Gigolo “and” Say you’ll be mine “. His voice is unmistakable, which in Alassio will resound with his particular and beloved tone.
Kid Creole and the Coconuts are and remain true disc icons: with their 1950s look and a very distinctive Caribbean-style salsa they dominated the tracks of those years for a long time. With a horny section of strong support and the great stage presence of their frontman, each of their live shows enthuses and engages audiences of all ages. In Alassio they will not spare their successes, like “Stool Pigeon”, Annie, I’m not your daddy “,” Endicott “and the immortal” Male Curiosity “, part of the soundtrack of the film” Against All Odds “.
Earth, Wind and Fire, to use an abused term, need no introduction. “Boogie Wonderland”, “September”, “Fantasy”, “After the love has gone”: dozens of Grammy Awards, endless platinum records, entire weeks at the top of the charts all over the world. The formation that will perform in Alassio is the one led by Al Mckay, who with the late Maurice White founded the group, writing most of the music. Sixteen artists of the highest level, true myths in their instruments, which make up the current formation, which gives the best of itself live.
For tickets and more info check the website again soon.
We are excited to announce Kid Creole and the Coconuts will be performing in Cavalaire Sur Mer at Les Rendez-vous l’ete.
Date: Wednesday July 25th, 2018 at 21.30
Venue: Esplanade Ste Estelle, Cavalaire Sur Mer, France
Who has not already hummed the melodies of this crazy band of the 80’s where salsa mixes with disco on jazzy influences… A very visual and rhythmic concert that will delight all generations. The evening commences at 8.30 pm.
We are excited to announce Kid Creole and the Coconuts will be performing in Marseille on June 7th at Château De La Buzine, Marseille, France.
Date: June 7th, 2018 Venue: Château De La Buzine, Marseille, France
Cost: Only €30 per person
MEDIACOM at 20 years old!!
Exceptional EVENT!!!
It is in the beautiful greenery of the Château de la BUZINE a few minutes from Marseille that MEDIACOM & Ulysses PRODUCTION have the pleasure to welcome you for an unforgettable evening!!
Thursday, June 07 from 7pm We expect very many for an unforgettable evening with the international Group Kid Creole and his stunning Coconuts!!!
* Reprise of legendary hits and new titles with 12 musicians on stage!!! Enjoy some of their greatest hits like Annie I’m Not Your Daddy, Stool Pigeon, I’m a Wonderful Thing Baby, Endicott, My Male Curiosity and more!
An exceptional evening with the contest of the magicians and lights of MEDIACOM for a mapping of the castle and the site!!
Many surprises are Réservès to you!!!
In the first part discovery of a new talent songwriter composer of Marseille with CEDRIC who accompanied by his musicians will open the evening!
On site bars, snack bar and food truck!
Evening and exceptional atmosphere not to be missed!
It is one of the best preserved of all Roman theatres, and served the Roman colony of Arausio (or, more specifically, Colonia Julia Firma Secundanorum Arausio: “the Julian colony of Arausio established by the soldiers of the second legion”) which was founded in 40 BC. Playing a major role in the life of the citizens, who spent a large part of their free time there, the theatre was seen by the Roman authorities not only as a means of spreading Roman culture to the colonies, but also as a way of distracting them from all political activities.
KID CREOLE AND THE COCONUTS has a new single. It’s about time. It’s called Do Yourself a Favor. Produced and written by August Darnell and PeterSchott (the same team who brought you I’m A Wonderful Thing, Baby: “Take a look at me, you know I couldn’t look no better!”). And it’s available on their own label, appropriately called 2c2c (too cool to conga music)!
However, you won’t hear The Kid’s voice on the single. He is so eager to retire and spend more time in his home in Bora Bora, that his latest album is featuring 7 different vocalists that he ‘discovered’ on his travels around the world.
This single features the vocals of Savanna, who just happens to be The Kid’s daughter!
The ReMix, which will be available in late April, was done by Youngr, who just happens to be The Kid’s son.
Nepotism Galore. Hey, that’s a good name for an album. Maybe next year.
This year the new album is called Port D’Arñelle. It was recorded in Copenhagen and it will be available in September.
Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy the single as much as it will enjoy you.
The song features a brand new artist, Savanna, who looks and sounds just gorgeous.
True fact: Savanna is the daughter of August Darnell! True fact!
A little bit a bout Savanna:
Savanna was born in Sheffield, England and is 22 years old. Savanna is a performer who loves music, specialising in R&B and pop. She is currently in the studio, writing and recording her first EP, which will be released this year!!
She says: “My family…. my Dad is an American musician, I’ve grown up watching him on the stage, watching him made me realise “This is what I want to do”. My Mum is a professional photographer and has stood by me from the beginning . I don’t know what I would of done without them”.
She attended the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama for 3 years, where she met many inspiring people and made some really good friends. Having graduated last year, went straight on tour throughout the U.K, Europe, China, Egypt + Israel in the stage production of Thriller Live! This was extremely exciting as a live performer and was a great way to start her career.
The single will be released worldwide on April 6th and will be available to download on iTunes and Apple Music and will also be on Spotify plus may other online outlets.
This 2 CD collection features Kid Creole And The Coconuts‘ two albums recorded and released by Columbia Records in 1990 and 1991 respectively.
CD 1 – features the 13 original album tracks of “Private Waters In The Great Divide” plus six related bonus tracks sourced from 7″ and 12″ singles derived from the 1990 release.
CD 2 – features the ten tracks from the 1991 album “You Shoulda Told Me You Were…”. Featured remixes include contributions from; ‘The Sex Of It‘ – House Version was remixed by Justin Strauss ‘The Sex Of It‘ – Extended Remix Version and ‘I Love Girls‘ – Femme Fatale Mix were both remixed by Richie Jones.
This 2 CD collection has been re-mastered using the original master tapes .The 20 page full colour booklet features a split image of the two front covers and an expanded design of the original artwork for each album. There are fascinating extensive personal sleeve notes written by August Darnell aka Kid Creole and a UK discography featuring some of the Coconuts unique front cover images.
This fantastic and nostalgic double album will be available on CD at all major online and retail stores.
Whoever came up with the idea of putting ABC and KID CREOLE on the same stage is a genius.
The ABC tour was a great success.
Returning to Manchester was a blast, since I used to live there 1000 years ago. And the same for Sheffield. I used to live there, too. And London … hey I used to live there, as well. Yes, I’m a New Yorker who has spent a lot of time in England. Hey, in the United Kingdom, to be sure.
The tour: Manchester, Liverpool, London, Birmingham, Bristol, York, Sheffield, Gateshead and Nottingham; All cities that Kid Creole has, at one time or another in a long and varied career, performed in before. But so very nice to revisit.
I’ve known Martin Fry since the glorious 80’s. A true gentleman and a true survivor, much like myself. And he still sounds as wonderful as he did in the beginning. ABC still rocks.
My longevity? Much of it is due to the guys and dolls who surround me on that stage.
This time around, for the ABC tour, we had Barnaby Dickinson on Trombone (he’s been with me for over 16 years), George Hogg on Trumpet (off and on for 5 years), Dave Imby on Drums (a 9 year veteran), Oroh Angiama on Bass (over 8 years), Lorne Ashley on Guitar (my son, who has just joined the band this year), Mike Gorman on Keys ( over 8 years), and …. the fabulous COCONUTS, of course.
The COCONUTS = Sarah McGrath (who we met in Bosnia in 1998), Roos Van Awesome (over 3 years) and Charlotte De Graaf (the newcomer, who joined the band last year). Charlotte replaced the longest standing Coconut in the history of the band, Eva Tudor-Jones (who took a leave of absence to have a Coconut baby). We all miss Eva’s presence on stage. But she is still very involved in the business end of things.
Trivia: Charlotte celebrated her 27th birthday while on the road, in York. Who said “youth is wasted on the young”? I disagree, vehemently.
I mention these names because the KCC SHOW would not be as magnificent as it is without these talented musicians and singers and dancers. Every true bandleader knows that the secret to greatness depends on the simple act of assembling the correct players. I have been constantly blessed with the correct players.
stone images rocks
One should also note, that besides the players on stage there are a whole lot of other people involved in a tour. My sincere gratitude goes out to the ABC staff, who made the whole thing enjoyable from start to finish. Their monitor man made each show a breeze for me. I could hear every instrument and every voice, including my own. That’s no joke. Every lead singer will tell you that the greatest danger on tour is the possibility of straining your voice. But from the first show I knew I was in good hands. You see, I am still old-school. I use stage monitors, not the in-ear gadgets that shut out the universe. And that means I need a sound man who knows what he is doing at the helm. I got that.
My 2 KCC guys who travelled with us were perfect also: Andy and Eric. Andy, our backline tech guy, made sure the stage was always ready for the groove. And Eric, our house engineer, made sure that what the audience heard was what I wanted them to hear – the goodness!
Our set was only 45 minutes in length but those 45 minutes were filled with magical grooves and banter and joyful appreciation from fans, old and new. We played CAROLINE WAS A DROP-OUT, DON’T TAKE MY COCONUTS, STOOL PIGEON, NO FISH TODAY and ANNIE, I’M NOT YOUR DADDY which, on some nights, got audience members up and dancing the conga. I consider this a major feat, because the venues were all sit-down affairs.
All in all, we had a funky good time.
Another great memory is born in the eternal legend of Kid Creole and the Coconuts.
August Darnell
Here’s a link to a wonderful write up from Graham Clark for the Yorkshire Times
Following an incredible 12 months including a critically acclaimed new album and nationwide sell out shows, ABC have announced a brand new UK tour for November performing all their greatest hits. This new full band show will also see them being joined by non-other than Kid Creole and The Coconuts.
Of the new tour Martin Fry said: “ Here’s an opportunity to open up the ABC songbook and journey through all the hits. Lexicon to Lexicon. ABC to XYZ. See you there. ”
ABC were formed in Sheffield in the 1980’s when they decided they wanted fuse the world of disco funk with their own unique post punk vision. ABC’s debut album ‘The Lexicon Of Love’ (‘82) went to No 1 and sold over a million records. To date ABC have released 8 studio albums: ‘The Lexicon Of Love’ (’82), ‘Beauty Stab’ (’83), ‘How To Be A Zillionaire’ (’85), ‘Alphabet City’ (’87), ‘Up’ (’89), ‘Abracadabra’ (’91), ‘Skyscraping’ (’97) and ‘Traffic’ (’08). A mere 34 years since the release of their landmark debut album ABC returned with their resounding triumph “The Lexicon Of Love II’ which immediately entered into the top 5.
Joining the tour as special guests Kid Creole and The Coconuts who for over 35 years has been entertaining music lovers around the world. Kid Creole And The Coconuts was born out of the burning embers of the brilliant and trailblazing Dr Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band.
Born in the Bronx (New York), August Darnell (the Kid) is a man of multiple cultures, inclinations and personalities. His love of the big band tradition is evident: he travels with 10 musicians who all share his love of the ultimate musical tapestry. Their live shows have become the stuff of legend. ‘Annie I’m not your Daddy’, ‘Stool Pigeon’, ‘I’m a Wonderful thing, Baby’, ‘Endicott’, ‘My Male Curiosity’ and many more memorable tunes are guaranteed to make you shake your body. On joining the tour Kid Creole said:
“When I listen to the music of ABC, I am reminded of good times and delicious poison arrows. It is an honor to share the stage with Martin Fry. Music lovers, get ready for a funky good time! Hachachacha!”
Kid Creole and the Coconuts is the band around August Darnell. They look forward to playing the cool venue Paradiso in Amsterdam on October 11th, 2017.
He took the name Kid Creole in 1980, inspired by Elvis’s same-name film. The Coconuts is a trio of background singers that have changed many times over the years. The current composition consists of British Sarah McGrath, and Dutch coconuts Roos van Rossum and Charlotte De Graaf. Together they make a mix of disco and Latin American music with jazz influences from the 30’s. The band performed many successful albums in the 1980s. In the Netherlands, the song ‘Annie, I’m Your Daddy’ is the best in the Top 2000.
The Kid, his Coconuts and his funky band look forward to returning to the fabulous city of Amsterdam to play this wonderful prestigious venue Paradiso.
