Base yourself at the Strand Cinema for a beautifully integrated Belfast-based music collective, all the way from São Paulo, Bangkok and Belfast. The core of the project is the Brazilian drummer and producer, Henrique ‘Blackjack’ Franco. Over the past decade, Blackjack has lived and performed in Madrid, Sydney, Dublin and São Paulo, playing alongside some of the best artists the music industry has to offer since his early twenties.
Shortly after moving to Belfast, he was awarded by the AVA festival for Best Emerging Producer for his track Bowl ft. Untitled in 2017 – released by the label Extended Play.
Blackjack is now joined by a team of groove-masters: Kyle McCann on guitar, Mark Hamilton on keys, guitar and backing vocals, Terry McHugh on bass and Moog.
Adding to the mix of Jazz-funk instrumental is the unique, soulful-toned singer and songwriter, Jai Sian. Born in Bangkok & raised in Belfast, Jai Sian represented Belfast when she appeared on BBC1’s Voice UK in 2014, making it through to a memorable first audition with all four coaches turning for her jazz- and soul-inspired tones, making it down to the final seven with Kylie Minogue as her mentor.
With this combination of great musical creative minds, expect an electrifying soundscape with influences such as Herbie Hancock, Erykah Badu, Tony Allen, Marku Ribas, Lauryn Hill & Portishead. All combined with an audiovisual experience in a cinematic atmosphere at one of Belfast’s most prestigious Art hubs, The Strand Cinema.
Support comes from HY:LY, multi-instrumentalist with serious production and vocal hops, her live sets are to be seen to be believed. With a love for creating mood and intensity through her music and live performances, HY:LY crafts a swirling mix of analogue electronica, alternative vocals, noises and rhythms to create a genuinely intense and hypnotic abstract melting pot of energy.
Since her debut, she has featured on BBC Radio1, BBC Introducing, and gained spots on the Main Stage of Celtronic & AVA Festival.
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of rhythms, soulful melodies and audiovisuals live!