World famous rockabilly band Stray Cats will tour in Europe next summer, and the group will be performing at Pori Jazz on Thursday, July 18th. Other new additions to the festival program include Melody Gardot, Snarky Puppy, and José James. Festival tickets are available for a special price until December 31st.
Stray Cats was founded in Long Island, New York back in 1979, but the band made its international breakthrough in the early 80s after relocating to London. Their hit roster includes “Runaway Boys”, “Rock This Town” and “Stray Cat Strut” just to mention a few. Finnish fans have always been very devoted to singer-guitarist Brian Setzer, bassist Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom who managed to create a proper mass hysteria in Finland. Stray Cats got its first gold record here in 1981. The band broke up in 1984.
It’s been some ten years since their last concert, but now Stray Cats has reunited to celebrate its four decades in music business both by working in the studio and touring. First reunion concerts happened in the US last spring, and Europe’s turn will come next summer. It’s been over 25 years since their last album release, but Stray Cat promises that their upcoming album will offer first-class rockabilly with some fresh influences thrown in.
American singer Melody Gardot will also perform at Pori Jazz on Thursday, July 18th. This stunning and charismatic American singer combining elements of jazz, blues, chanson and Americana, made her international breakthrough some ten years ago and has since been charming audiences worldwide. Her debut in Finland was at Pori Jazz 2010. Last February, she released her Live in Europe album – a fine example of the unique atmosphere the artist is able to create every time she takes the stage.
Snarky Puppy and José James to perform on Saturday, July 20th
American band Snarky Puppy is one of the biggest success stories in the jazz circles within the past five years. Lead by bassist-composer Michael League, the collective consists of over 30 musicians of which the performing touring party is usually 8-12 persons. Their modern touch of fusion jazz has impressed both audiences and critics. They’ve gathered a vast and enthusiastic fan base on YouTube and other social mediums. Snarky Puppy has performed at Pori Jazz back in 2014 and 2016. They’re releasing a new album in spring, so one can expect both old and new music at their concert next July.
José James will be celebrating soul legend Bill Withers’ career with his most recent project. James has been performing famous songs by Withers already for several years, but as the legend turned 80 years this year, James asked his blessing for a proper tribute project. After receiving it José James has been performing the undying hits of Bill Withers and the audiences have been quite ecstatic. The tribute album was released in fall by Blue Note. Instead of re-arranging the songs, José James has decided to honor the original versions and as his voice is somewhat similar to Withers’ he’s truly the right man to honor the living legend.
Tickets available for a special price until the end of 2018
Tickets for the Pori Jazz main concerts are available at Ticketmaster Finland. Previously announced artists include Toto (20.7.), Ville Valo & Agents (20.7.), Angélique Kidjo (19.7.) and J. Karjalainen (18.7.).
Traditional Free-of-Choice ticket entitles entrance to one of the main concerts on July 18th, 19th, and 20th. The price of the ticket is starting at 72 Euros (incl. Ticketmaster’s service fee). Free-of-Choice ticket is available only until December 31st, 2018.
Daily tickets to the main concerts entitling entrance on the specific date of the purchased ticket are available starting from 69 Euros (incl. Ticketmaster’s service fee) until December 31st, 2018.
Three-Day Ticket entitles entrance to all the main concerts and is available starting from 169 Euros (incl. Ticketmaster’s service fee) until December 31st, 2018.
For upgraded festival experience please check out our daily Pori Jazz VIP and Lounge tickets for the main concerts.
