Starting in May and continuing through September, Sheffield’s Leopold Square will be host to exceptional performances for the 15th year of its Summer of Live Music festival.
The live music programme at Leopold Square started in 2009 with Ryan Taylor performing with his band under a gazebo and has since grown over the past decade and a half, establishing itself as one of the go-to destinations in Yorkshire for music enthusiasts. This year promises to be no exception.
The live music will play every Saturday and Sunday afternoon free of charge for all to enjoy, with all performances taking place between 2pm and 4.30pm. There is also a return of the hugely enjoyable evening Salsa in the Square events.
Kicking off the the Summer of Live Music with a swing
Sam Rice, site manager at Leopold Square, said:
“Our Summer of Live Music event has become a tradition at Leopold Square, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the 15th anniversary. The vibrant atmosphere and exceptional talent create an extremely fun experience for all who visit.
“We’re kicking off the season with a Bank Holiday special. Montuno will be getting the live music started on Saturday 4May. On Sunday 5 May, we’ll be holding a Big Swing event where visitors will be able to take part in free dance lessons while enjoying the glorious sounds of Leopold Square favourite Nicola Farnon.”
This is followed by the always popular Salsa in the Square event, featuring Raices Cubana, the highly anticipated six-piece band led by the one and only Omar Puente. Also on the programme is a Samba Show led by Larissa Lazzarini’s colourful Samba Dance Troupe, as well as Latin rhythms to dance to from DJ Anna de Orte.
To bring the weekend to a close on Monday 6 May, stalwarts of the local music scene Dizzy Club, headed by Mr John Naylor, will be performing a lively programme of jazz and swing. Sheffield’s very own King of Swing promises to get everyone on their feet!
What’s coming next?
The live music continues over summer weekends.
On Saturday 11 May, Carioca Soul, a seven-piece band delivering a melting pot of bossa nova, samba, Latin funk and soul as well as contemporary Brazilian music, and gypsy jazz group La Pompe will take the stage.
The 1940s sounds of The Honeybirds and the true blues brother of Sheffield Jack T Harper will be performing on May 18 and 19, bringing their respective unique style and intensity to The Square.
This is all in the run up to Bex Pizzata performing on Saturday May 25 with a four-piece band covering blues, soul and country classics. Bex is one to watch, having worked with major artists Muse and Josh Groban as well as having performed at The Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, and on TV with Jools Holland.
The next Salsa in the Square event will be on May 26, with great bands performing from 5pm before the party continues in Cubana until two in the morning, keeping everyone dancing the night away.
Dancing shoes recommended!
Leopold Square has become one of the Fringe at Tramlines stages, hosting a wide range of soul, funk, jazz and blues performers over the festival weekend.
The Summer of Live Music events at Leopold Square are held outside but if the weather is poor, a performance may be moved to one of the indoor venues or may be cancelled. Leopold Square’s Facebook page will be updated with any changes to the schedule.
For more information visit the Leopold Square website. Then – put on your dancing shoes!
