Sting sets Jazz in Marciac ablaze: 12,000 spectators sing along to his legendary hits under a sizzling big top on the festival's opening night...
The highlights: The Jazz in Marciac festival kicked off in spectacular fashion with Sting’s return after a seven-year absence. Performing for 12,000 spectators this Monday, July 20, the British singer and musician launched two weeks of concerts under the Gers region's famous big top.
It is 9:55PM, and the lights go down inside the tent. Guitar in hand, Sting steps onto the Jazz in Marciac stage before an audience already fired up by the duo Dea Matrona and the sweltering outdoor temperatures. Seven years after his last visit to the Gers region, the former lead singer of The Police opens the festival's 48th edition this Monday, July 20.
From the very first chords, the 12,000 spectators recognise "Message in a Bottle" and sing along to the British band's hit. The trio - comprising Sting (bass), Dominic Miller (guitar), and Chris Maas (drums) - rolls out a string of hits: "Englishman in New York," "Fields of Gold," and "Every Breath You Take" echo through the "bastide" town. After a concert lasting nearly an hour and a half, Sting is called back by the crowd; he returns for two more songs, including "Roxanne," before finally leaving the stage to the cheers of a captivated audience.
The tone is set for more than two weeks of concerts under the Gers big top. Tuesday, July 21, features the Fred Hersch Trio and Samara Joy. Next up are Émile Parisien, Yaron Herman, Prabhu Edouard, and Linda May Han Oh, followed by Cécile McLorin Salvant on July 22; Vincen Garcia and Keziah Jones on July 23; and the Bill Charlap Trio and Pat Metheny on July 24. ...and Imany, Selah Sue, and the Gallands on July 25. Kenny Garrett and the Avishai Cohen Trio will wrap up this first week of JIM this Sunday, July 26.
(c) La Dépêche du Midi by Lucie Lespinasse
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