A celebration of African heritage (From Bucks Free Press)

A celebration of African heritage

10:00am Saturday 23rd June 2012 in Freetime By Rebecca Cain

A SPECIAL performance celebrating African heritage is coming to the Wycombe Swan next month.

The money raised from the show will go towards helping with the famine relief in East Africa, which is experiencing the worst drought in 60 years.

AMRA Productions based in High Wycombe, has assembled a world-renowned roster of international artists to perform at its Routes and Rhythm Benefit Concert on July 15.

Some of the main artists include Dr Gary Hines, the musical director of the Grammy Award winning The Sounds of Blackness, Janet Kay (Queen of Lover's Rock), Victor Romeo Evans aka SupaVic, Pinese Saul (South African songstress), Johnny Amobi (singer/actor) alongside a host of drummers and dancers.

Angie Anderson, artistic director for AMRA, said: "The famine is worse than ever before and innumerable people are suffering. Anything we can do to contribute will help. The lineup we have assembled is nothing short of world class and I am certain the event will be a first class, powerful and memorable event."

AMRA has also been working with schools and after a series of workshops pupils will perform in a special matinee performance at 2pm at the Swan (tickets £5) There is also the chance to attend a master classes with Dr Gary Hines on July 13 and 14, who has worked with Prince, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Usher, amongst others. Participants can then audition for the SE Mass Choir Competition 2012. Routes and Rhythm is at 7.30pm on July 15 at the Wycombe Swan. Tickets are £20 and £5 off for concessions. To book go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk or call 01494 512000.