Celebrating the diversity of music and art in Hull, the festival launches with acclaimed singer/songwriter and guitarist Nick Harper promoting his new album, 'Treasure Island'. Son of folk legend Roy Harper, Nick is a dazzling live performer and widely regarded as being at the cutting edge of this country's resurgent acoustic scene.
Festival organiser Lou Duffy-Howard said: "We're very lucky to have Nick Harper launching his new album at our festival. "His new album, Treasure Island, is really about the treasures that this island has produced. One of those treasures is William Wilberforce, who features on the cover of the album, so that's very fitting." "We've got the launch of two exhibitions. One of them is the Rock Against Racism screen printed posters from 1979 to 1982 and all those that have had a sneak preview of it, every one of them have been fascinated by the social history that they bring to light." Also on the bill are: international outfit Zagros Band performing a synthesis of jazz with eastern and western classical music; a DJ set from the ex-Specials Jerry Dammers; folk group The Jim Eldon Band; Hull bands Mr Beasley, D/Con and Red Guitars reunite for a one-off gig at the Adelphi.
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