Friday 17 February 7.30 pm (10pm end)
L T Beauchamp
L T Beauchamp aka Chicago Beau a contributor to the band and album Certain Blacks after which the organisation is named. Chicago Beau (L Beauchamp) was born on the southside of Chicago on 13 February 1949, into a house of music. The recordings of Dinah Washington, Coleman Hawkins, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Ivory Joe Hunter, Ruth Brown, and others were a part of his childhood world from the beginning.

From the age of 10 until 15, Beau studied tap dancing with the great Afro-Cuban dancer and choreographer, Jimmy Payne. He participated in many Cabaret-type shows that were popular during that era. A show could consist of performances by Afro-Cuban dancers, magicians, tap dancers, Jazz and Blues performers, and drill teams. These shows gave young people the opportunity to participate with professionals in a community setting. There was little distinction in the taste of the audience, people of all ages appreciated the same talent.

Beau will be backed by a band of leading UK musicians led by bass player Miles Danso and the evening will include a blues performance from Beau, readings from his work and a Q and A opportunity to discover more about his work with Art Ensemble of Chicago and the making of the seminal recording Certain Blacks.