What’s On has Blended Festival line-up news after Maverick Sabre was added alongside Xavier Rudd, Aloe Blacc, Joss Stone, Elvis Costello and Diana Krall.

London-born star Maverick Sabre has been added to the Blendid Festival line-up, which takes place at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on May 1 and 2.

The singer-songwriter-rapper has a unique sound that has seen him appear in collaboration with a number os artists across several genres, including soul and dubstep.

The 23-year-old, whose real name is Michael Stafford, is best known for tracks from his first album ‘Lonely Are The Brave’, such as ‘I Need’ and ‘Let Me Go’. This will be his first appearance in the Middle East.

Thomas Ovesen, Chief Operating Officer at Done Events said “Announcing the exciting new talent and mesmerizing voice that is Maverick Sabre as part of the Blended 2014 line up we have an exciting, diverse and yes, well mixed  “blend” of music styles. As with other artists on this year’s line up you might not have heard of before Blended, expect to come away a fan! The best ticket to Blended is a weekend pass – don’t miss out on any of the performances!”

Maverick Sabre joins Xavier Rudd, Aloe Blacc, Joss Stone, and husband and wife duo Elvis Costello and Diana Krall at the festival, which combines blues, jazz, soul and folk to deliver a two-day event that appeals to all ages.

Costello is a veteran singer/songwriter who blasted into the spotlight in the mid 1970s with his band The Attractions. He led the punk and New Wave scene with hits such as Oliver’s Army, Watching The Detectives, Alison and Everyday I Write The Book. He enjoyed new recognition with a cover version of She, which featured on the soundtrack to Notting Hill.

Xavier Rudd plays multiple instruments in his sets and is considered one of the most original artists making music today, blending the sounds of his Australian homeland with reggae and folk. “Playing live is everything,” he says. “Sometimes being on the road is hard and it’s a lot of work, and tiring. From a musical point of view, you improve all the time.” Joining him is British soul singer Joss Stone. Completing the trio on opening night is Aloe Blacc, whose voice was heard on I Need A Dollar and Wake Me Up that he co-wrote with Avicii.

Diana Krall is a multi award-winning Canadian jazz singer and pianist. She and Costello married in 2003 and have two sons, Dexter and Frank. Costello says his wife is good for his health. “My wife is ten years younger than me, so I look after myself. I don’t want her to be dragging me round in a wheelbarrow.”

 

May 1 and 2
Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai, Thur 6pm, Fri 4pm, Dhs350. Tel: (04) 4390900. Metro: Nakheel. blended.ae