Shabaka Hutchings shapes North-South OneFest programme
Kevin Whitlock
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
The ubiquitous Comet is Coming/Sons of Kemet saxophonist is hoping to bridge the ‘North-South divide’ and bring music business education to young people with a ‘twin city’ festival in London and Sheffield this month
Working with award-winning festival and non-profit talent development organisation, OneFest, Hutchings has gathered together some of the leading lights in the UK jazz scene for concerts at the Leadmill, Sheffield (7 March) and EartH, London (14 March).
Each OneFest venue will host a daytime programme of talks and workshops, chaired by journalist and author John Robb and musicians such as SK Shlomo, Ross Gautreau and Skinny Pelembe, aimed at educating aspiring young music industry professionals, partnered by Ivors Academy, one of the largest professional associations for music writers in Europe.
Covering topics such the North-South divide, access to funding, mental health, female entrepreneurs, and pitching ideas to the film and TV industries, the daytime sessions also include a workshop and Q&A with Hutchings, business advice drop-in surgeries and an emerging talent showcase with six Shabaka-selected acts: Linda Sikhakhane, Mark Hanslip, Join the Din, Jelly Cleaver, Mansion of Snakes and LIO. Both venues will also host an evening programme of music, with unique one-off collaborations across the generations of British jazz, including: Steam Down; Steve Williamson; Leafcutter John and the String Ting (Tomorrow’s Warriors); Maisha with Nat Birchall and the Okumu, Herbert, plus Skinner Trio with Byron Wallen.
A special discount code, OF20, is available to young people and students who can get tickets for both events for £10 (reduced from the normal asking price of £15-£20).
For more info visit www.onefestuk.com