Music

Preview: Summer Series at Somerset House with American Express

Where else can you see the likes of Adele, Basement Jaxx, Blondie, Florence + The Machine, Sam Smith, The Prodigy and Underworld in such an intimate setting?

Or be part of magical moments including Grace Jones with a costume change for each song, Amy Winehouse performing on stage the week she received her second Mercury Music Prize nomination and PJ Harvey drop to her knees and scream “take me”? Or witness surprise guests including part of The Specials with Lily Allen, Dizzee Rascal with Basement Jaxx and legendary Mary J Blige with Sam Smith – all on a summers evening surrounded by spectacular 18th century architecture?

Summer Series at Somerset House prides itself on being London’s most intimate live music festival – set in the courtyard of one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Watching the summer sun set over the iconic building, while 3,000 revellers experience this one-of-a-kind, open-air concert is like nothing else.

The bands and singers that perform are a mix of well-known artists who are used to selling out large venues and arenas, along with up-and-coming stars of the future. Careful programming of the diverse and impressive line-up ensures that Summer Series stands out from other festivals and has people returning year after year. Read on to discover the line-up for the 15th edition taking place in July including Belle and Sebastian, Jessie J, Chronixx and Kwabs.

Somerset House Summer Series

Somerset House has a history of showcasing premier emerging acts in the highly coveted support slots. Artists like Jack Penate, Chet Faker and Patrick Wolf are among those who have opened the gigs in the past and have since gone on to enjoy widespread critical and commercial success. Alt-J, The Temper Trap, Jess Glynne, Clean Bandit, Jessie Ware and Paloma Faith are among the stars to have performed at Summer Series previously.

2015 is no exception, Summer Series returns 9 – 19 July with an impressive line-up of headliners and not-to-be-missed support acts. Many nights are already sold out including Ivor Novello Award-winning Passenger, George Ezra, who had the third biggest selling album of 2014, current BRIT Critics’ Choice James Bay, indie stalwarts Belle and Sebastian, and multi-platinum artist Jessie J.

Nights not to be missed include the courtyard transforming into a reggae summer paradise on 12 July for a special night of Jamaican-roots music and food. Dre Island, lauded as one of the most interesting and intelligent young musicians to emerge from the Kingston scene, will take to the stage to support new reggae royalty, Chronixx, while Jamaican food vendors fill the courtyard with the aromas of sizzling jerk chicken. Urban soul singer, and fast becoming one of 2015’s breakout acts, Kwabs, will also be in good company come 17 July with Raleigh Ritchie and Zak Abel providing the perfect introduction to the evening.

What magical moments will unfold at this year’s Summer Series at Somerset House with American Express? Find out between 9 – 19 July. For full details and tickets, head to www.somersethouse.org.uk/summerseries.