Free Range 2022 to launch in Canterbury with double the number of acts

From a cyborg pianist to critically acclaimed jazz musicians, this year’s event promises the works

It’s one of Canterbury’s best kept secrets.

But we’re possibly about to ruin all that because this year’s line-up for Free Range 2022 is one that really needs to be shouted about.

There’s a cyborg pianist for one. You’ve also got a new project by Ruth Goller, a pivotal player when it comes to the UK’s jazz renaissance.

Then there’s Black Top, with their daring experimental free-jazz.

But that’s not all. In fact, arts charity Free Range, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, is bringing 17 free ‘adventurous’ music events to the city - twice as many as usual.

Supported by Arts Council England, the group will be putting on eight in the spring - from March 31st to May 19th - and nine in the autumn, from September 29th to November 24th.

They will primarily run from Fruitworks in Jewry Lane, but the cyborg pianist will be at the Old Synagogue in King Street.

Free Range launched in 2012 and has delivered 216 events and worked with more than 1,000 artists in that time, bringing music, film and dance events to the city.

Organisers say the purpose is to bring ‘adventurous culture’ to help us see and hear familiar things in a new light.

The first event on March 31st, will see cyborg pianist Zubin Kanga perform music combining the piano with sensor gloves, synthesisers, strobe lights and an instrument made of glass.

Ruth Goller, on April 28th, will bring bass guitar harmonics combined with three-part vocal harmonies, a stage show and costumes.

There will also be a screening of a rough cut of a new documentary about musician and inventor Henry Dagg, as well as an ambitious orchestral improvising project.

Events are free to enter. For the full spring line-up see freerangecanterbury.org.