Interest area: Music

The soulful sounds of the sarod return to Liverpool in November with the world renowned Dr. Rajeeb Chakraborty. A celebrated musician, composer, and educator, Rajeeb’s mastery over the instrument is unparalleled.

His performances are renowned for their emotional depth and technical brilliance, effortlessly transporting listeners to the heart of Indian classical music.

Joining Rajeeb is highly acclaimed tabla maestro, Kousic Sen, whose intricate beats and dynamic range perfectly complement Chakraborty’s sarod, making their collaboration a true musical journey which leaves a lasting impression, celebrating the timeless beauty and rich traditions of Indian culture.

The second evening concert of the season features the world-renowned Indian classical musician Rajhesh Vaidhya. Rajhesh, a maestro of the veena – a traditional South Indian stringed instrument – is set to captivate audiences with a specially curated set of ragas chosen for the evening.

Rajhesh’s unique style, characterized by exhilarating speed and the use of electric and amplified strings, has earned him critical acclaim. He has collaborated with illustrious musicians and film composers, including Sir Elton John. Joining Rajhesh on stage are two powerhouse Indian percussionists: Sai Giridhar on mridangam and Kousic Sen on tabla, both known and admired for their ability to elevate any musical performance to new heights.

Milap collaborate with Future Yard for the first time, to present virtuoso British-Asian bass player Shez Raja. Voted one of the ‘Hottest Bass Players in the World’ by readers of Bass Player magazine, Shez Raja is renowned for his high energy live shows, unique Indo-jazz-funk sound and global star collaborations with Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Trilok Gurtu and Wayne Krantz.

Shez will lead a stunning line-up that features sax sensation Vasilis Xenopoulos, Chris Jerome (Courtney Pine) on keys and rising drum star Jamie ‘Drumcat’ Murray. Expect exciting music that’s full of surprises – a sonic kaleidoscope of euphoric jazz, thundering funk, tuneful ragas and intoxicating grooves.

“Vivid and highly engaging” – BBC Music Magazine ★★★★★

Born and raised in Parkgate, Wirral, Raja was hugely active in the local music scene throughout the 1990s, before moving to London where he became a prominent session musician and later started his own band.

“I’m so excited to be performing in Liverpool, where my music career began. I have incredible memories from those early shows, the vibrant music scene and amazing audiences. It’s where I developed my passion for music and my unique voice as a musician. It’s where I drew my inspiration. I used to deliver the Wirral Globe as a boy and that’s how I earned the money to buy my first bass, so I can’t wait to return to Birkenhead for what will be a truly special and heartfelt performance”

“A tailor-made festival band with a unique identity” – The Guardian ★★★★

“The hip-shaking mix of Eastern song lines and funky Western dance-beats never wavers” – Evening Standard ★★★★

More about Shez Raja: https://shezraja.com/biog

Keeping the faith to the original sounds of the underground movement that started on the dance floors in the North and eventually swept the nation.

This spectacular show includes an 11-piece band with 4 lead vocalists performing over 30 original hits!

Expect to hear:

Dobie Gray Out On The Floor, R Dean Taylor There’s A Ghost In My House, Frank Wilson Do I love You – Indeed I Do, Gloria Jones Tainted Love, Al Wilson The Snake, Yvonne Baker You Didn’t Say A Word, Jimmy Radcliffe Long After Tonight Is Over, Garnet Mimms Looking For You, Dean Parrish I’m On My Way, and many, many more.