The Chic co-founder promises that “London will be dancing” as he commandeers Southbank Centre venues in August.
Nile Rodgers of Chic has been revealed as the curator of this year’s Meltdown Festival.
The London-based event – which will take place at Southbank Centre venues between August 3-11th – has previously featured curation from such musical luminaries as David Bowie, Patti Smith, Ornette Coleman, David Byrne and M.I.A.
Previous performers at the festival include Lou Reed, Yoko Ono, Sonic Youth, Van Dyke Parks, Elliot Smith, Max Roach, The Sun Ra Arkestra, Iggy & The Stooges, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Television, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Deerhoof and The Roots.
In a press release for the forthcoming event Rodgers said the following,
“Anyone who knows my career knows that Funk, Disco, Jazz, Soul, Classical, POP, New Wave, R&B, Fusion, Punk Rock, Afrobeat, Electronic and Dance music all play a role and you can expect that to be reflected in the performances we are planning. It’s all about the groove and this August everyone in London will be dancing to incredible live performances!”
Southbank Centre’s senior contemporary music programmer Bengi Unsal said of the venue’s collaboration with Rodgers,
“It’s hard to overstate the impact that this year’s curator has had both as part of Chic and as a solo producer on what we call popular music today. He is constantly creating and collaborating, and I can’t wait to see what he will create across our venues. One thing is for certain: this will be the funkiest Meltdown yet.”
Details of the festival’s full lineup will arrive in Spring, whilst tickets for all events go on sale to Southbank Centre members on April 9th with a general release following on April 11th.
Follow Meltdown on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated as Rodgers’ plans unravel in the coming months.
Words by Sam Wilkinson.
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Fruit and Grooves Collective 