The sixth edition of the Beirut Jazz Festival, organized by Solidere, will take place at Beirut Souks on Sept. 5-6, and will feature a lineup of local and international artists. Lebanese singer and songwriter Tania Saleh will open the festivities. Seen as an important figure on the Lebanese underground scene, Saleh has always attracted her listeners with her engaging lyrics and her interesting blend of Middle Eastern rhythms with a Western twist.
Saleh has collaborated with renowned musical figures such as Ziad Rahbani and Issam Hajj Ali, to name a few. She has also performed in such venues as the DRM, Cairo’s Al-Genaina Theater and in Washington, showing that her success is not only limited to the Arab region.
On Sept. 6, Beirut Blues Band will be the opening act for Belgian singer and songwriter Selah Sue. Comprised of keyboard player Bruno Paoli, guitarists Tony Rizkallah and Kamal Badaro, and drummer Fayez Rizkallah, the BBB will play some classic blues tunes by BB King, Elmore James and Big Bill Bronzie.
Sue, 24, is part of the new European musical talents. The Belgian artist’s eponymous debut album sold over 700,000 copies in Europe.
Those Lebanese curious to discover new music will surely enjoy Sue’s combination of jazz, soul and reggae beats. She has toured all over Belgium, as well as in France and the Netherlands, and is now ready to take over the Lebanese stage for the first time.
The Beirut Jazz Festival runs Sept. 5-6 at Beirut Souks. For more information, please visit www.beirutsouks.com.lb or call 01-999-666 for ticketing.
