Putting the soul into SummerTyne

Singers and would-be singers across the North East are invited to channel their Aretha Franklin or Percy Sledge and prepare to raise the roof in the SummerTyne Southern Soul Choir.  Convened especially for SummerTyne Americana Festival which this year has a rich seam of Southern Soul running through it, choir members will be led by Sage Gateshead’s inspirational choir leader Sharon Durant. The repertoire will take inspiration from the back catalogue of legendary Muscle Shoals song-writing partners Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham who penned and/or played on hits such Dark End of The Street, Do Right Woman and When a Man Loves a Woman to name just a few.  Penn and Oldham, two of the most important song-writers to emerge from the deep South during the boom of 60’s souls music, the duo are also performing in an incredibly rare concert at SummerTyne on Friday 17 July. During rehearsals, the choir will learn to belt out southern soul classics in perfect harmony before they take to the stage for a special performance on the Concourse in Sage Gateshead on Friday evening.  Even more special will be the opportunity to sing one of the duo’s songs alongside them during their concert in Hall Two. Sharon Durant Choir leader said: “We always have such a fun time singing as  the SummerTyne Choir and performing with such legendary artists is something singers will remember for a long time.  This experience is accessible to everyone – whether you’ve sung before or not. You are guided through the songs and resources are available to help you feel confident about performing.” The annual SummerTyne Choir performances are always one of the highlights of the festival for both audiences and participants who relish the exciting opportunity to learn with Sharon Durant and also perform alongside musicians of such a high calibre.  Rehearsals take place on Sunday 31 May and Sunday 5 July. The £40 joining fee covers the rehearsals, public performance and entry into the Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham concert. For more information on the SummerTyne Soul Choir, to book tickets and to see the full line-up for SummerTyne Americana Festival 2015 at Sage Gateshead, please visit: www.summertyne.com