An impressive roster of international artists will arrive in the seaside city next month, featuring music icons and award-winning performers.
Artists representing over 16 nations will converge on the 60th edition of the Brighton Festival, with Beninese five-time Grammy laureate Angélique Kidjo, Sampa the Great and American performer Patti Smith among those appearing during a two-night engagement.
Smith will appear at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange for a blend of spoken word and musical performance on Monday, May 13.
Before that, on May 12, she will grace Brighton Dome Concert Hall alongside her longtime musical partners as the Patti Smith Quartet.
This edition also showcases groundbreaking multimedia creator Laurie Anderson with an immersive solo showcase fusing melody, speech and visual elements in a UK-first event on May 6.
The musical lineup begins on Wednesday, May 1 with celebrated trans artist Beverly Glenn-Copeland performing selections from his latest record, Laughter in Summer.
The same venue hosts on Thursday, May 2 a refreshed live rendition of Bronski Beat’s seminal debut record, The Age of Consent.
That same location will welcome dynamic Zambian acts Sampa the Great and Zamrock pioneers W.I.T.C.H. for a night blending psychedelic rock, hip-hop and soul on Thursday, May 9.
To mark the cult favourite La Haine, Asian Dub Foundation will deliver two live interpretations of the movie score on Tuesday, May 7, at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, with the original film projected behind them.
Additional highlights include American Grammy-nominated jazz fusion ensemble KNEEBODY performing beloved classics on May 2 and a high-energy electronic music evening featuring AK/DK alongside synth expert Danalogue on May 3.
On Sunday, May 25, Create Music, Sussex’s music education organisation, presents Sounds Like Us: a youth-selected multidisciplinary event highlighting rising talent from across the county. Brighton’s Lighthouse gallery’s Future Creative Leaders programme offers live art, music and discussions that same day.
As an appetiser for certain music events, Brighton Dome’s entrance area will feature jazz performances in partnership with Brighton Jazz Co-operative, a local charitable organisation marking its 40th birthday this year.
Brighton Festival runs from May 1 to 25.