February 21, 2023
Hot 8 Brass Band revealed in first Hidden Door 2023 announcement
We’re excited to reveal the first of our 2023 music acts…
The legendary Grammy-winning Hot 8 Brass Band will be coming all the way from New Orleans to bring us their unique sound, drawing on the traditional jazz heritage of New Orleans alongside more modern elements of funk and hip hop.
Heading up our Thursday night programme on 1 June 2023, expect a riotous mix of high profile covers and critically acclaimed originals from this iconic outfit.
Each of the five nights at Hidden Door 2023 will offer a totally unique experience, inviting audiences to delve deep into ‘The Complex’, the former Scottish Widows Headquarters completely transformed from a vast office space into a series of immersive environments, where audiences can discover theatre, dance and spoken word performances alongside stunning visual art installations.
Every night will offer a different line-up of the best Scottish and UK music acts, culminating with five headline acts all tasked with getting the office party started. With over 200 artists and performers set to take part, we will truly have something for everyone to discover.
Tickets are on sale now, with full details of the Hidden Door 2023 programme coming in March.
Transcending genres and trends, Hot 8 have performed and collaborated with artists from George Ezra, Lauryn Hill and Alice Russell to Mos Def, The Roots and Blind Boys of Alabama. Honoring their city’s musical traditions while forging their own powerful legacy, their story continues with each new and exciting release.
Their 2023 UK tour follows the success of sell-out dates in 2019 and 2020 at venues including London’s Roundhouse and the Dome in Brighton. The tour will pay tribute to Bennie Pete, the beloved co-founder and sousaphone player for the outfit. The dates will celebrate the late Bennie’s greatest wish… “that New Orleans culture lives on for future generations”.
“Brimming with raucous, sharp-edged attitude” The Guardian
“Hot 8 Brass Band know what it takes to get the party started and keep it going until the break of dawn” – The Irish Times
“A feast for the senses that leaves the crowd with flushed cheeks, jumpers tied around their waists, ringing ears and happy faces” – The Skinny
Hidden Door opens up forgotten urban spaces for the public to explore and discover incredible music, art, theatre, film, dance, spoken word and more. Through our festivals we reveal hidden parts of the city and showcase new and emerging artists, musicians, theatre and film makers.
From 31 May – 4 June 2023, we’ll be transforming the former Scottish Widows office complex on Dalkeith Road in Edinburgh for a five-day spectacular event set to be more immersive and atmospheric than any Hidden Door so far.
Hidden Door is a volunteer-run charity, with our work funded through ticket sales, sponsorship and fundraising. All money goes straight back into the festival and paying our creative contributors.
