A magical concert with world-class musicians from Palestine and Britain.

The Friends of Askar Camp (Sussex) is proud to host a concert of folk and Palestinian music with five superb musicians, to raise funds for PalMusic UK - supporting music education in Palestine - and the Askar Refugee Camp in the occupied West Bank. Funds will be split equally between the two beneficiaries.

Nicola Woodward studied flute and piano at the Royal College of Music and won exhibition scholarships on both instruments. She has given recitals at the Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room and worked with the London Philharmonic and Bournemouth Orchestras and toured for the British Council. She has taught young Palestinian flute players and is a PalMusic UK Committee member.

Mohammed Shoman is a musician and guitarist from Gaza. With a collection of awards in guitar, Mohammed has worked extensively as a music producer and arranger. He has led and performed in countless live events as a band leader, vocalist, guitarist, and pianist. One of his most notable contributions includes leading musical celebrations over four consecutive years in Gaza, with audiences exceeding 10,000 attendees.

Rebecca Hollweg is a singer-songwriter and jazz session singer. She has released 3 albums of original songs and one album of classic favourites called Other People’s Songs. Rebecca has played everywhere from Ronnie Scott’s and the South Bank Centre to Latitude Festival and the Green Note, and at venues and festivals across Europe, Australia and America. She supported Roger McGuinn of The Byrds on two of his UK theatre tours, and similarly Paul Carrack of Squeeze and Mike & the Mechanics touring major UK venues. She has appeared on many national BBC radio shows including Loose Ends and Woman’s Hour, and values legendary BBC Radio 2 presenters amongst her loyal fans: ‘A singer I love very much’ Jamie Cullum‘Just a great vibe, beautiful sound - I love her talent’, the much-missed Janice Long

Belal Saleh is a Palestinian oud player and vocalist from Gaza, currently based in Glasgow, Scotland. He has experience in performing, teaching music, and leading choirs. Through his performances, Belal celebrates and shares the richness of Palestinian and Arabic musical heritage, bringing together traditional and contemporary musical pieces.

Andy Hamill likes songs & has had the pleasure of playing his double bass and bass guitar with Natacha Atlas, Laura Mvula, Eska, Annie Lennox, Kylie Minogue, Rumer, Tanya Tagaq, Vieux Farka Toure, Nitin Sawhney, Annie Ross, Tracey Thorn, Lou Rhodes, Cara Dillon, Martin & Eliza Carthy, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, John Hegley & 4 Hero. Andy has produced several albums for his wife, singer songwriter Rebecca Hollweg. Andy's own album ‘Bee For Bass’ features singers Mark Murphy, Anita Wardell, Omar & Carleen Anderson. andyhamill.com (http://andyhamill.com/)

What to expect

Doors open at 6:30pm, and the music runs from 7pm to 9pm. There will be a bazaar and food on the night.

Tickets

General admission: £20

Concession: £10 (students, unwaged or on a low income)

Donation: £30

Accessibility

The Friends Meeting House has automated doors into the building and the main room, step-free access to all ground floor rooms, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. There are two Blue Badge parking bays on Ship Street, about 50m away. If you have any access requirements, please contact friendsofaskarcamp@gmail.com.

Description supplied by the event organiser.