The Music Of Cat Stevens

Presents an honest and timely reflection of Yusuf- Cat Stevens and his insightful music.

When singer songwriter Keith James happened upon the heart breaking sight of Syrian refugee families huddled and bewildered on the port at Piraeus, Athens in September 2016 he was moved to try and help in any small way possible to ease their plight.

By supporting the UNICEF Syrian Children's Appeal Keith hopes to both raise awareness and be able to raise much needed funds for a cause close to his heart.

The story of how this concert tour was born, and the personal journey that led Cat Stevens to produce a body of work that still resonates with us today are woven through the songs. 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the remarkable album "Tea for the Tillerman" which together with "Teaser and the Firecat” have become 'must have' albums for a whole generation. Songs such as Wild World, Father and Son, Moonshadow and Where do the Children Play?" have been covered by hundreds of musicians worldwide and need no prompting for an audience to join in with enthusiasm.

Keith brings far more to the evening than his own renditions and interpretations of our favourite Yusuf songs. His exhaustive research is rooted in a genuine love of the material and a shared belief that people can be united through music. By giving his audience insight into the stories behind the songs with humility and understanding, he brings a warmth that is palpable amongst those who are fortunate enough to be part of an evening with Keith James.

Audience members have often been heard to say "Listening to Keith sing always takes me to a place of serenity and calm" or "This evening I have smiled at poignant memories, laughed, cried and enjoyed every moment".

Cat Stevens’ songs appeal on many levels. His early pop career was halted in 1969 when a serious bout of tuberculosis almost ended his life. A long spell in hospital, and time to reflect led to a new direction for his Songwriting and resurrected Cat Stevens as a fresh self-penned acoustic artist. This new phase of existential, spiritually enlightened work speaks to us all with its sense of vision, truth and thoughtful reflection on human fragility, whilst uplifting our hearts with joy and hope.

More recently, Yusuf has campaigned on many educational and humanitarian issues. He was awarded the "Man of Peace" award by the Nobel Peace Laureates, a lifetime achievement award from BBC radio 2 and the Ivor Novello award for an outstanding song collection. He has received two honorary doctorates and awards for promoting peace.

This concert will give you far more than the music itself.

Keith James is a long standing, well respected and inventive concert performer who specialises in playing intimate, carefully researched biographic style concerts. His authenticity and humanity shine out and connect with the audience who come together as one voice, sharing hope for a better world that is as relevant today as it was when these songs were first written.

Having initially envisaged a tour of 50 concerts to raise awareness for the Syrian Children's Appeal, Autumn 2021 sees the number performed so far at 88 and counting.

Interest in how individuals can unite to bring about change for the better has re-ignited the demand for intelligent Songwriting, and bookings for Keith's new tour "A concert for a Changing World" are very healthy.

For more information visit The Wyvern Theatre HERE!