Gala Night Show: Ray Gelato & The Giants, supported by Xantoné Blacq

Join us for a feel-good jazz party as we kick-off 4 days of amazing live jazz across Watford, with the world famous Ray Gelato & The Giants, supported by a special solo performance from Xantoné Blacq.

Tickets for this show (only) are sold through the Watford Palace Theatre Box Office www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk or call 01923 225 671.

Ray Gelato & the Giants

The Godfather of Swing Mr Ray Gelato has been taking his special brand of swing, jazz and R&B music all over the world since 1988. And this will be first time they've ever come to Watford.

This multi-talented singer, saxman, songwriter and band leader has appeared at festivals, clubs and concert stages from Brazil to New York City. Ray and his world class band The Giants deliver a high energy show that never fails to get a crowd on its feet. The band perform with the highest level of musicianship with The Giants horn section being acclaimed as one of the finest in the business.

The legendary Ray Gelato and his band have had an illustrious and very successful career, including a long-established residency at London’s world-famous Ronnie Scott’s, where the band appears every Christmas. This must-see event is always a sell-out. He has also performed for the late HM The Queen (twice), opened for Robbie Williams at the Albert Hall, and was chosen to play at Sir Paul McCartney’s wedding.

In addition the band have played most of the top jazz festivals including Montreal, San Sebastián, The Lincoln Centre in New York and numerous appearances at Umbria Jazz in Italy. Ray has also played some of the most prestigious clubs in the world including Birdland in New York and The Blue Note in Milan. Ray’s original song Ding Ding has been featured in the movie Lamborghini and the TV series The Godfather of Harlem. For more info visit www.raygelato.com.

Xantoné Blacq

With a career so far spanning a quarter of a century, singer & pianist Xantoné Blacq has worked with Amy Winehouse, Emeli Sandé, Earth Wind & Fire, Mark Ronson, and Nigel Kennedy. His original music has received praise from acclaimed artists, broadcasters, press and music lovers alike.

This solo performance sees Xan performing a special 30-minute set, featuring his originals as well as songs by others who have inspired him. This is a rare & intimate opportunity to hear an artist who you might previously only have seen at Glastonbury, The Grammys, Lollapalooza, and on the BBC.