The UK’s only jazz industry conference heads to London this month
Mike Flynn
Friday, November 5, 2021
‘A New Perspective’, the 2021 Jazz Promotion Network Conference, is coming to London this month on the 19-20 November with a heavyweight line-up of speakers set to appear
The Blue Note artist and educator Orphy Robinson MBE, journalist Kevin Le Gendre (pictured below), industry changemaker Paulette Long OBE and Europe Jazz Network president Wim Wabbes are all part of the jazz conference’s programme. Representatives from the likes of Black Lives In Music, Music Venue Trust and the disability-led charity, Attitude is Everything will also be part of the conversation.
The hybrid event will kick off with an online-only programme on the 19 November followed by an in-person event at the Southbank Centre on 20 November as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival.
Since hosting its first event in 2014, the annual conference has brought people together from across the jazz sector, from grassroots venues and musicians to major concert halls and label owners.
For its first in-person gathering since the pandemic, the conference will explore topics such as the post-Covid economy, climate change, international touring and diversity and inclusion in the jazz community.
“With this year’s hybrid conference we can’t wait to connect UK-wide through our online programme while also having the exciting opportunity to come face-to-face for the first time in almost two years,” Ros Rigby, vice-chair at JPN, said.
“We’ve all missed the opportunity to be with peers and share experiences during one of the most difficult periods that our sector has faced. This conference is all about coming back together and embracing the challenges ahead as we eagerly look towards the future.”
The conference will conclude with two artist showcases from Take Five, an artist development scheme from the live music production company, Serious. The concerts will feature new and emerging talent such as Romarna Campbell, J Frisco and John Pope.
Tickets for ‘A New Perspective’ are on sale now via Eventbrite and are priced at £55 for full access or £20 for access to all online events. Under 30s and musicians are eligible for reduced tickets priced at £30 for full access and £10 for online access