Hopeful moments with Corinne Bailey Rae
Courtesy: Somerset House
An evening at the Somerset House Summer Series, featuring Corinne Bailey Rae and the Euro ‘24 Finals, embodied the epitome of a British summer celebration. The warm summer energy was palpable; even before the central doors opened to the public, the atmosphere buzzed with joy, with staff on-hand adding to the night’s welcoming charm.
Delicious food and drink options were available, including well made vegan choices that catered to all. Somerset House provided an exquisite setting - its historic grandeur set an iconic scene for an evening of soul music, street food, drinks, and, to top it all off, an awaited football match, as the English national men’s team had courageously made it to the Euro Finals. The event drew a wonderfully diverse crowd, from experienced soul music aficionados to younger enthusiasts of alternative cultures.
The evening kicked off with an opening set by Ivor Novello Rising Star Nominee Ashaine White, who teased music from her upcoming EP. Her unique style, which she’s named "grunge-soul", was a captivating fusion of jazz-inspired vocals with unapologetic rock - think Lianne La Havas fused with Radiohead. After her performance, Ashaine mingled with the audience, greeting fans with warmth and enthusiasm, making her presence felt both on and off the stage.
After a short break to enjoy the American Express Lounge, the star of the night, Corinne Bailey Rae, took to the stage for her headlining set as part of her ‘Plum Red Lipstick Tour’. The crowd greeted the Grammy Award Winning artist with enthusiastic applause. From the very first number, it was evident that we were spellbound and in for a treat. Rae’s performance was effortless. A standout moment was her dynamic rendition of ‘Put it Down’, a record from her latest project ‘Black Rainbows’ which had everyone on their feet: entranced, dancing and swaying. A sharp departure from her 2006 hit ‘Put Your Records On’, ‘Put It Down’ was an experimental re-introduction to an artist evolved. With transcendental synth layers slowly pacing towards a house-influenced beat, Ms Rae led us to let go of our worries and dared us all to start again.
The evening concluded with a thrilling screening of the Euro 2024 finals between England and Spain. Despite England putting up a strong fight and posing a significant threat, Gareth Southgate's squad ultimately fell short. However, the loss was met with a positive spirit. The sense of camaraderie and hope for the future lingered, making it a memorable end to an already fantastic day.
The Somerset House Summer Series was a delightful blend of music, fulfilling food, and sport, set against an iconic backdrop imbued with a vibrant British summertime energy. It was a lovely way to lead into a renewed week, reminding us that while we may win some and lose some, the joy is found in playing to win and sharing these experiences together.
Courtesy: Somerset House
