18 August: Arena free concert at Rhyl Events Arena:
Following the success of Seaside Soul in 2016 the soul theme returns to Rhyl Events Arena on Sunday 18th August for the annual free arena concert.
This year’s event will feature live entertainment from Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, The Edwin Starr Band ‘The Team’ featuring Angelo Starr, Precious Wilson, Midnight Soul Supremes and guest DJ’s
Jimmy James started his musical career, composing and singing, at the early age of 16. In 1964 he was asked to join as the lead singer with one of Jamaica’s leading bands ‘The Vagabonds’ and together they left Jamaica for what was to be a six-month tour of the UK. In 1966, The Vagabonds recorded their now legendary album, ‘The New Religion’ which really established the outfit as the most sought after working band in the UK. Jimmy’s recording of Neil Diamond’s ‘Red Red wine’ in 1969, taken from the Vagabonds’ second album ‘Open up your soul’, gave them their first commercial hit record.
In 1970 he signed up to Biddu of the Subbidu Music Corporation and together they produced hits such as ‘Now is the Time’ and the timeless ‘I’ll Go Where the Music Takes Me’.
Angelo Starr is an American singer, musician and record producer. He is also the younger brother of the late soul singer Edwin Starr. The Team was Edwin Starr’s touring band and upon the death of his brother in 2003, he felt that he had reached an impasse and didn’t know if he still wanted to be involved with music Angelo eventually stepped in to front his brother’s touring band, The Team.
Precious Wilson started out as a backing singer for the all-male group Eruption and in 1977 while on the road touring Germany Eruption became the backing band of Boney M. It was their disco cover version of Ann Peebles’ “I Can’t Stand the Rain” that gave them a UK hit quickly followed by another hit with “One Way Ticket”.
This free event organised by the Council and supported by Rhyl Town Council celebrates the music of some iconic bands.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, who is Lead Member for the Economy, said: “We are delighted to be announcing this year’s Seaside Soul line- up. This is one of the summer’s headline events in Rhyl and music fans are in for a real treat.
“The summer programme of events attracts thousands of visitors to the town, making a significant contribution to the local economy and we are sure that Summer Soul will be a sensational show”.
Rhyl Mayor, Councillor Ellie Chard said: “Arena Fest will bring a bumper day of soul music to Rhyl. With another great line-up of bands and DJs, the event promises to have something for everyone and Rhyl’s seafront is definitely the place to be this summer with events galore. Rhyl Town Council is delighted to be supporting another soulful Sunday and we look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to the events’ arena.”
For further information, please contact Rhyl Tourist Information Centre, on 01745 355068.