Internationally acclaimed American singer, saxophonist, producer and songwriter Curtis Stigers is coming to Co Antrim for the first time ever!
Hosted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Curtis Stigers will headline Friends Goodwill Music Festival on Saturday, 20 May at the historic Market Yard in Larne. Joining him on the bill is Ireland’s greatest female blues and jazz songstress Mary Coughlan and multi-platinum recording artist Brian Kennedy. This is Stigers only Irish tour date for 2023.
Curtis Stigers first appeared on the scene in the early 90s with hit songs ‘You’re All That Matters To Me’ and ‘I Wonder Why,’ which have become top 10, soul classics over the years. His rendition of Nick Lowe’s ‘What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding’ was included in the massively successful soundtrack of ‘The Bodyguard’ movie (Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner) selling over 45 million copies. His festival gig in Larne will include his classic material, hits and songs from his latest album.
Stigers has played for presidents and princes, has performed and recorded with Eric Clapton, Elton John, Prince and Rod Stewart, has written songs with Carole King and duetted with Al Green, Tom Jones, Shawn Colvin and Northern Ireland’s favourite son, Brian Kennedy.
Curtis Stigers and Brian Kennedy first met in 1991 when they performed together on stage at The City Hall, Belfast with Van Morrison for President Clinton’s historic first visit to Belfast. They immediately became great friends and Kennedy, who headlined Friends Goodwill Festival in 2019, is excited to perform alongside Stigers on stage again after 32 years. He says;
“I’m so excited to be returning to Larne to sing for you all with my old friend and collaborator Curtis Stigers. I have such brilliant memories of how appreciative the local audiences are and it’s hard to believe that it’s a quarter of a century since the Good Friday agreement where our voices rang in the air in harmony with Van Morrison at the City hall. This will be a night to remember for a very long time. Can’t wait to see you all.”
Mayor Alderman Noel Williams of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council commented,
“It is a huge coup for the Council and a treat for the people of Larne to have someone of Curtis Stigers’ calibre and fame headline our festival. We have never had an American icon perform at the festival before. Now in its fifth year, the two-day long event has grown from strength to strength. With Mary Coughlan, Brian Kennedy and local music tutors, Coach, sharing the same bill, I am confident that this is going to be the best Friends Goodwill Music Festival to date. This line-up will undoubtedly attract tourists to travel to the Festivaland stay at one of our idyllic coastal villages, which is great for our local economy. There will be plenty of activities on offer the following day in Larne to keep everyone entertained.”
Tickets are at a special advance price of £18 plus booking fee for a limited time and can be purchased at FriendsGoodwill.eventbrite.co.uk
For event updates and ticket details visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/FriendsGoodwill
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