The popular summertime festival championing soul, funk and jazz sounds, Cross the Tracks, is returning this year for its fourth edition. Each year, it brings together some of the most talented names in the scene, and is where many music lovers will be celebrating the May bank holiday.
Over the years, the festival has seen the likes of Mereba, Jaz Karis, Pip Millet, and Greentea Peng. We can expect to see many popular names gracing the stage, including the headline act NxWorries - the American superduo made up of Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge, who recently reunited after a five-year-long hiatus.
Touring alongside Anderson .Paak will be jazz prodigies DOMi & JD Beck, who he recently signed to his label Apeshit. The French born instrumental duo have gained global recognition for creating a hyperactive, future-shock blend of progressive jazz, hip-hop, and R&B sounds. Their unique sound has taken the world by a storm, with their viral videos catching the attention of big names like hip hop luminary Thundercat. Closer to home, some other names representing the new era of jazz will be the Ezra Collective and producer, songwriter and MC – Alfa Mist.
Singer and saxophonist Masego will be performing some of his sultry smooth hits, and after a very well-received European tour and the release of his self titled album, we know he will be gladly welcomed onto the London stage. Having released album ‘HYPNOS’ last year, indie R&B artist, Ravyn Lenae will be captivating audiences with her dreamy melodies and honey-sweet vocals. Nigerian-American singer, songwriter and multi media artist Annahstasia, will be marking a milestone with Cross the Tracks being her festival debut.
Beyond the music, there will also be a creative market. This will allow guests to attend talks, panels, and workshops run by the festival’s charity markets. In addition, the festival is collaborating with over 40 breweries and 40 restaurants from across South London providing food and refreshments.
The festival will be held at Brockwell Park - which has been the festival's home for the last few years. It is a rolling green space with ornamental ponds, formal flower beds and a wall garden, lakes and plenty of sloping grounds to explore and relax in. The aim of Cross The Tracks is to be more than a festival, the founders want attendees to leave with a nourished mind, body and soul.
After three much-talked-about editions, we expect nothing but the best again this year. As described by the organisers: ‘It’s a party of your own making that is a carefully curated mix of style, substance and heritage, where the hottest new names, most enduring legends and plenty in between all come and serve up their own unique sounds to take attendees on a journey from the past to present of soul, jazz and funk.’
If you haven’t already, make sure to cop your tickets here.