VIRTUOSO saxophonist Andy Sheppard heads this year's Turner Sims Concert Hall Artist Choice festival.
The world-famous instrumentalist has hand-picked all of the artists who will perform at the four-day festival, which starts on Thursday and includes a vibrant mix of world music.
The festival opens with the world premiere of Sheppard's latest project and a performance by BBC Radio 3 Awards nominees Amparanoia, who effortlessly mix flamenco, salsa and hip-hop with reggae and rock.
On Friday Sheppard joins one of the world's most sought-after contemporary pianists, Joanna MacGregor, for an evening that includes an unexpected and original take on a series of traditional gospel songs.
Saturday includes performances by the Southampton Youth Jazz Orchestra, American pianist Carla Bley, ace guitarist John Parricelli, double bassist Dudley Phillips, master Indian percussionist Kuljit Bhamra and, of course, Sheppard himself. The festival closes on Sunday with Sheppard and trumpeter Claude Deppa mixing riffs alongside DJs Max Reinhardt and Rita Ray in the Mwalimu Express Family Show.
Tickets are individually priced for each show and start from £8. Contact 023 8059 5151.
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