We're delighted to hear the news that Co. Down jazz percussionist and serial collaborator David Lyttle has today been unveiled as the inaugural curator of ‘Miscellany’ - a new series of unique, multi genre performances in support of Help Musicians UK.

The MOBO-nominated musician will bring a host of world famous artists to London’s legendary 100 Club for the first event. Amongst the stellar line-up will be Canadian tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, American bassist Michael Janisch and American sax player led Meilana Gillard Trio, with more special guests will be announced in the coming days.

Help Musicians UK (HMUK), the country’s leading independent music charity, has devised the ambitious ‘Miscellany’ format and will soon announce a string of inspiring, one-off ensemble shows featuring acclaimed curators from across the musical spectrum. This launch show will be the precursor to a series of high profile events in association with the ‘Miscellany’ series, which HMUK will speak more of anon.

Speaking about the 'Miscellany' series, David Lyttle said: “It’s a really exciting thing for me to curate the very first ‘Miscellany’ for Help Musicians and bring this truly world-class celebration of jazz to London’s 100 Club. It will be the first time I’ll have performed with Seamus Blake, a true contemporary jazz star and one of my heroes. Michael Janisch was the first person to introduce me to British audiences back in 2008 and this is our tenth year collaborating together. Meilana Gillard is a talent that deserves to be heard the world over, she cares so much about the music and the opportunity to present her to a London audience is in itself a beautiful one.
“Help Musicians UK is spearheading so many vital initiatives for the music industry – from its flagship Music Minds Matter mental health service, to bringing much-needed hearing protection to thousands of artists. I know many of my peers are keen to show their appreciation for HMUK and curating ‘Miscellany’ is an amazing opportunity for me to do just that.”

Chairman of Help Musicians UK, Graham Sheffield, added: “HMUK is heading towards its 100 years and I’m proud that it is hitting its creative peak over recent years. The ‘Miscellany’ series is the latest innovation from the charity in combining unique, curated performances with a string of the hottest names in music with a strong fundraising message.

“It is a real coup to have David Lyttle as our inaugural curator for ‘Miscellany’. Not only has David been a fantastic advocate for our work – he has also been a champion for Help Musicians Northern Ireland. So it is fitting that David Lyttle’s ‘Miscellany’ is the series opener and I’m sure it’ll be a format which will run and run.”

David recently embarked on a month-long, coast-to-coast U.S. residency, where he paid tribute to some of the jazz greats. Watch his tribute to Art Blakey here: