You want to know how to keep a festival fresh? Find a new curator every year, which is exactly what London’s annual Meltdown Festival has done for the past 18 years. Previous curators have included such diverse icons as Ornette Coleman, Jarvis Cocker, Morrisey, David Bowie, John Peel, and many more, each producing an eclectic lineup that highlights that curator’s influences, devotees, and other wild cards on the their radar. For 2011, Ray Davies will take the reigns of the festival, and chances are we’re going to see some pretty stellar acts (via eFestivals).
“My wish for Meltdown 2011 is that it will be a creative celebration through the decades,” said Davies. “A bridge between the past present and future. I am thrilled to be asked to suggest what I hope will be a diverse program, particularly as it marks the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain.”
There’s nothing stodgy about the former Kinks frontman and guitarist. Just take one look at the roster of his latest album of collaborations, See My Friends, and you’ll know he’s down with Metallica, The Pixies, Spoon, Mumford and Sons, The Boss, et al. Though I’m sure he’ll be digging deeper than those artists for the festival, which is set to take place June 10th through Sunday the 19th over all 21 acres of the Southbank Centre, including The Riverside, Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall 2011. The full line-up will be announced early in 2011.
