News

London Jazz Festival

• 6th Nov 2009

BEYOND CONCERTS BRINGING JAZZ TO YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS THE CAPITAL

Friday 13 November – Sunday 22 November 2009

For the majority of people, the London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3 presents a wealth of opportunities to see world class music in a range of venues throughout the capital. But there’s more to the Festival than that – with talks, master-classes and music-making for young people that go well beyond concerts.

The Festival’s learning programme aims to inspire musicians of the future and give young people the opportunity to explore jazz and music in a variety of creative ways. Programmes such as Returning with Cleveland Watkiss, The Write Stuff, Music Depot Sounds of the World – Samay and Young & Serious are just some of the activities taking place. For full details go to link

Sounds of the World – Samay, in partnership with THAMES (Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service) is a participatory project inspiring young people to develop their musical talents through jazz and world music. Hosted by diverse ensemble Samay this exciting journey into genres and styles incorporates percussion, voice and instruments from around the world.

As part of his 50th birthday celebrations Cleveland Watkiss returns to Rushmore Primary School in Hackney where he was once a pupil, to run vocal workshops. The pupils will then join him on stage as part of his birthday concert Cleveland Watkiss at 50, which takes place on 19th November at Queen Elizabeth Hall.

For some teenagers in Barnet, North London, the Festival started in October with a week of music workshops at the artsdepot with US rapper and beatboxer, Napoleon Maddox. Participants raved about the project and the fun they had learning to make new styles of music. For everyone else who missed out on this music-making treat, you can still hear Napoleon in concert at the artsdepot in a free performance suitable for family audiences on Sunday 22nd November.

On the other side of town, Greenwich school students will be making music with Brass Jaw – four of Scotland’s most exciting young brass players.

Young & Serious offers 17-25-year olds the opportunity to learn about the music industry, meet musicians and share ideas and views. Throughout the Festival they will be blogging, as well as being involved behind the scenes.

For budding jazz journalists of all ages The Write Stuff, in partnership with Jazzwise and now in its 7th year offers fantastic opportunities for people interested in writing about this musical genre.

For general enthusiasts and those who want to find out more about the music and the musicians, Hear Me Talkin’ To Ya is a series of informal but informative interviews with some of the stars of the Festival