Three international acts to take to the stage at the Apex

There’s a trio of top class acts from around the world coming to the Apex, in Bury St Edmunds, over the coming weeks.

It starts on Monday, July 18, with New Orleans music from the “Jimi Hendrix Of The Banjo”.

Considered to be one of the best banjoists in the history of New Orleans, Don Vappie embodies the city’s unique melting pot of cultures.

He has headlined at festivals and concert halls around the world and worked with the likes of Eric Clapton and Peggy Lee.

He was winner of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize in 2021 and inducted into the Banjo Hall of Fame in 2022. His band Jazz Créole includes members of The Dime Notes, Chris Barber Band and Django a la Creole. The quartet celebrate the evolution of New Orleans music by combining traditional jazz and modern funk, with the early tradition of a string band.

Recently celebrating their 50th anniversary, one of Africa’s greatest dance bands Orchestra Baobab bring their timeless set of Afro-Cuban rhythms to the town centre venue, on Wednesday, July 27.

Adored both at home in Senegal and across the world, Baobab occupy a special place in the history of African music. Their story began in the heart of Dakar’s Medina in the 1960s where they formed a multi-ethnic club collective, which adapted Cuban music into West African musical traditions.

They play a unique blend of Afro-Latin styles and international pop, creating a West African nightclub ambience of classic swaying tunes and lilting rhythms in their own trademark style.

Finally Black Umfolosi take to the stage on Friday, August 26.

Inspired by the traditional song and dance of their native Southern Africa, their live shows mix beautiful songs with gloriously exuberant dance.

Often compared to the likes of Lady Smith Black Mambazo, Black Umfolosi are a great favourite at festivals; their dynamic live performances are energy driven and completely engaging.

Their trademark harmonies, mixed with intricate rhythms, clicking and clapping are complemented by brilliantly choreographed shows, with movements ranging from subtle to vibrant stomping and leaping.

Their famous Gumboot Dances showcase the traditional rituals of the South African mining regions and are a particular crowd pleaser.

See www.theapex.co.uk or ring 01284 758000 for more information or to book tickets.