In addition to the headline artists, guests at this year’s 15th edition of the Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival will be treated to performances from a number of supporting acts who have all proved their musical merit.
 
New York City-based blues musicians, The Rad Trads have rapidly gained a reputation as one of the city’s most charismatic live acts and will be gracing the stage on February 22 and supporting headline act Sir Tom Jones.

Featuring four captivating lead musicians – Alden Harris-McCoy (vocals and guitar), Johnny Fatum (vocals and percussion), Michael Fatum (trumpet), Michael “Big Red” Harlen (vocals and bass), Patrick Sargent (vocals and saxophone) and “Tall” Sam Crittenden (trombone) – The Rad Trads’ success story is an interesting one of four close friends who studied at NYU and began playing for drinks at their favourite Brooklyn bars. Their music also features powerful horns and a driving rhythm section. They cite influences ranging from The E Street band and Mad Dogs and Englishmen to the Beatles and Taj Mahal as having shaped their music.

The Rad Trads have opened for Charles Bradley, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Con Brio and The Lonely Bellow. They have also held their own and headlined the Atlanta, Rochester, Columbus and Russian River Jazz and Blues Festivals and toured Europe, Malaysia and the United States.

Having been dubbed “a one-man band who turns a guitar into an orchestra and his voice into a chorus,” by The New York Times, Raul Midón is no stranger to fame. The singer-songwriter and guitarist who has earned acclaim as one of music’s most distinctive voices, is set to charm audiences by lending his musical chops and being the supporting act to Mariah Carey who will be performing on February 23. Midón has collaborated with heroes such as Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder, and has also contributed to recordings by Jason Mraz, Queen Latifah and Snoop Dogg.

Blind from birth, the New Mexico native has released seven albums since 1999 including the hit studio productions, State of Mind, A World Within a World and Synthesis. His most recent release is the captivating CD/DVD Invisible Chains – Live from NYC. Seasoned listeners will be able to pick out the influences of Donny Hathaway and Richie Havens as well as Sting and Paul Simon.

His most noteworthy recent achievement is undoubtedly his forthcoming album, which sees the singer-guitarist adding the title of producer-engineer to his portfolio of talents with special computer software for the blind.

Former band member of The Wanted, Nathan Sykes will be setting the stage on fire by performing as the supporting act to Enrique Iglesias on February 24. Although he became a household name as a member of the multi-platinum-selling band, he is well on the way to having established himself as a solo artist. Having released two of his own tracks in 2015, Skyes has already topped the US Billboard Dance chart with his debut single Kiss Me Quick. He then embarked on a sell out headline UK tour and became a Celebrity Ambassador for the Prince’s Trust. He performed his first live US solo performance on Good Morning America and headlined his show at the Gramercy theatre in New York City, which sold out in under 10 minutes.

Skyes’ biggest accomplishment in 2015 was having his self-written track Over and Over Again, shoot straight into the top 10 after just one charismatic X Factor performance. Following hot in the footsteps of this success, were his tracks ‘Give it Up’ ft. G-Eazy and ‘Famous’, which were released in 2016. His highly anticipated debut album ‘Unfinished Business’ was released in November 2016.

“With a line-up that features such heavyweights such as Sir Tom Jones, Mariah Carey and Enrique Iglesias we needed an equally compelling line-up of support acts to celebrate our 15th anniversary. We are looking forward to welcoming The Rad Trads, Raul Midón and Nathan Sykes to the Emirates Airlines Dubai Jazz Festival 2017. Our goal is to provide memorable and unique experiences for music fans all over the world and our full Festival line-up certainly delivers that,” shared Anthony Younes, CEO of Chillout Productions, founders and organisers of the Dubai Jazz Festival.

The line-up for supporting acts is as follows:
1. February 22 – The Rad Trads
2. February 23 - Raul Midón
3. February 24 – Nathan Sykes

The timings for all supporting acts will be from 8:30pm-9:30pm

With previous artists including the likes of Santana, Sting, John Legend, The Script, Deep Purple, Jason Mraz, Jamie Cullum, James Morrison, James Blunt, Christina Perri and more, The Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival has been one of Dubai’s staples for outstanding performances. It is also the most recognised music event in the UAE and the region receiving more than 20 awards and nominations since its launch in 2003. - TradeArabia News Service