Saturday 10 May, Zara McFarlane is coming to Rotterdam. She is a versatile British artist, singer, songwriter, composer, vocal coach, and playwright from East London. Her sound is influenced by greats such as Nina Simone, but also by the spiritual seventies jazz of Pharoah Sanders.

Born in Dagenham, England, to Jamaican parents, McFarlane grew up with reggae and R&B. At the age of 14, she first appeared on television performing a song by Lauryn Hill on the show Stars in Their Eyes. Saturday 10 May, Zara McFarlane will be on stage at LantarenVenster. Zara's music seamlessly blends soul, jazz, dub, and afro-funk. The London-born and bred vocalist is often mentioned in the same breath as artists like Erykah Badu and Cassandra Wilson.

On her fifth studio album Sweet Whispers: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan, McFarlane honours the jazz legend Sarah Vaughan, who inspired her. Vaughan was known for her expressive voice, unique vibrato, and wide vocal range. Together with Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, the American is counted among the greatest in the jazz genre. It is no coincidence that this award-winning British singer is regarded by jazz connoisseurs as one of the most impressive talents of her generation.

Lineup:
Zara McFarlane – Vocals
Alex Ho – Keys
Rio Kai – Bass
Jake Long – Drums

This concert is organised by BIRD and LantarenVenster. This is a seated concert with free seat choice. Venue: LantarenVenster.