Alabaster dePlume

We are beside ourselves with excitement that a very special musician and soul, Alabaster dePlume, is joining us this year! Alabaster is a saxophonist and spoken word artist and will be collaborating with a fresh ensemble of musicians, as he does each month in his East London development residency ‘Peach’. Joining him at the festival is an overwhelming collection of people: Sarathy Korwar; Matthew Bourne, James Howard and others. To witness one of dePlume’s live sessions is to go on an adventure: described as “fluid sonic explorations”, Alabaster’s show delivers a distinct political philosophy which addresses greed, division and unity. There’s something about his music which makes you feel a little bit exposed, a little bit upended…but ultimately, “through hilarious and provocative honesty”, you are reassured: “you are doing very well.” dePlume creates a responsive and receptive atmosphere, where through instrumentals, songs and words there’s a real celebration of the individuality of all present.