VIRTUOSO vocalist, actor and composer Cleveland Watkiss has performed with a host of diverse artists from around the world, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder and the BBC Orchestra.

Now this spring, Cleveland will perform his acclaimed show VocalSuite at two rural venues in Dorset through Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.

Using a breathtaking vocal range that makes seamless links between musical cultures, three times Wire/Guardian award-winning vocalist Cleveland Watkiss blends improvisation and counterpoint harmony, electronics, breakbeat loops and basslines, all live and from his mouth, to stunning effect, creating a unique orchestral vocal soundscape.

VocalSuite is an elusive a capella vocal improvisation performance that uses the atmosphere of venue, mood and interactivity of audience to present a performance of the moment; seamless links between musical cultures from Africa to Europe go together to create human vocal soundscapes.

Fusing voice and technology, using real-time looping to create live compositions, no two performances are ever the same. The collaborations he has created reflect the diversity of the musical styles in the pieces, ranging from classical to African rhythm, to jazz and choral. Expect a musical journey like no other with this acclaimed vocalist.

Cleveland will also be running a vocal workshop in Wootton Fitzpazine ahead of his concert on Saturday 18 March. Songerama Drama is where singing, drama, performing and confidence building meet up, and are unlocked through Cleveland's special gift skill with improvisation. Rhythm's of the world, melodies, text, movement and stories are created spontaneously, in the moment, and interwoven in a friendly and encouraging environment. Call 01297 560948 to book.

*Cleveland will be at Tarrant Gunville Village Hall on Friday March 17 at 7.30pm. Call 01258 830361 for tickets. He will then take VocalSuite to Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall on Saturday March 18 at 7.30pm. Call 01297 560948 for tickets.

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