The Roots, Buddy Guy, Simply Red to headline North Sea Jazz Fest

Blues and Jazz pioneers including The Roots, Buddy Guy and the Branford Marsalis Quartet featuring Kurt Elling are among the first group of musicians confirmed for the 2016 edition of the North Sea Jazz Festival, organizers announced on Wednesday. The annual three-day event will also feature fusion jazz keyboardist Chick Corea, who plans to celebrate his 75th birthday with his performance. The event kicks off on July 8, with performances by young New Orleans-based trumpeter Antonio Sanchez, Snarky Puppy, Guy and Roots. An extended performance by Diana Krall is also planned. In addition to Marsalis, British eighties group Level 42 will play a day later. Shows that day include the reunion tour of fusion group Steps Ahead, California rapper Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals, and Surinamese-born, Rotterdam-based soul musician Sabrina Starke. The show’s final day is headlined by eighties British pop band Simply Red, with R&B singer Jill Scott also promoted. Grammy winner Gregory Porter will take the stage, as well as Corea, former Canned Heat guitarist Walter Trout, Scofield Mehldau Guiliana, Colin Stetson and Sarah Neufeld. The 41st annual North Sea Jazz Festival takes place in Rotterdam.